Since the time I posted this (Feb 10, 2011), someone asked me the question "How do I get the Holy Ghost in my life?" I have since, thought that I should add that answer to this post. And so, I am finally doing just that. All info at the end of this post (after the video and the closing signiture) has been added today - April 9, 2011. I pray that those who are seeking these answers will find them. Corine :D
Today I had activities which kept me out of the house most of the day. When I finally made my way back home and walked in the door I was surprised to see the time - 9:30 PM. Oh crud! The kids weren't in bed, and since neither their father or I were home after dinner (or during for that matter tonight - for the first time that I can recall this happening in a very long time), we hadn't read the scriptures together as a family.
I cringed inside to think about it. But the boys needed to get up at 5:30 in the morning to be able to shower and get to Seminary (teens studying the scriptures together) on time (6:30). So I gathered them into the living room to kneel together and pray, then sent them to bed. I cringed some more... I knew we should have read!
After a few minutes my 19 year old daughter came to me and asked, "Mom, will you read the scriptures with me?" I was stunned. Was this the lord's way of saying... "I thought you decided never again to miss scripture study with your family; that was a really good decision that you should stick with!"
"Yeah... Of course I will." The words spilled out of my mouth as I considered the reasons why this 19 year old didn't just go read by herself. And then I knew...No matter how late it was, I just needed to do it! So I told my daughter of my plan, opened the boys bedroom door and sat on a chair in the hall. Mindy was excited and said she was going to open her door and lay in her bed while I read, too (their doors are right next to each other).
Is this a result of reading the scriptures to my kids?
To witness my daughter listening to the prompting of the Holy Ghost - to come to me, her mother - and ask me to read the scriptures with her?
And then to witness that (just turned) 19 year old daughter excited to lay in bed and hear me read the scriptures to her?... It probably sounds strange to many; but I think it is extremely cool! :D
By the way, ironically, tonight we read about The Holy Ghost and Revelation from the November 2010 Ensign. We are starting the Bible from the beginning again soon, but I wanted to take a little time to first focus on some modern scriptures about the Holy Ghost to encourage the kids to develop a strong relationship with Him, (not only their Savior Jesus Christ and Father in Heaven). I don't want them to take Him (Holy Ghost) for granted; who can afford to any more? I am determined to teach them to get to know Him.
The moment of decision to continue reading... to keep being consistent in following the Lord...
...is a tiny moment worthy of BIG Celebration! :D
Good night. :)
Corine :D
April 9, 2011
~ Part of the purpose of baptism is often forgotten; and that part is TO RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST.
I found a fabulous talk given by President Boyd K. Packer titled, The Gift of the Holy Ghost: What Every Member Should Know. I would like to quote a small part of it here:
IF YOU WANT TO HEAR AND FEEL THE HOLY GHOST MORE IN YOUR LIFE - Here are a few suggestions.
*Learn to recognize the Holy Ghost. Realize that when the Holy Ghost speaks to a person, he speaks with a still small voice, in BOTH words, AND with a feeling in your heart.
*Have faith in God. Believe that He is watching over you, and has the power and the desire to help you to live a good and happy life. Believe that you can trust Him to give you only the BEST of advice; you can always trust Him; He will never ask you to do anything that will not lead to greater joy. Serve Him; the more you serve Him, the more your faith in Him will grow.
*Pray to hear and feel the Holy Ghost. And be sure that your desires for the Holy Ghost are for pure and good reasons, not for selfish reasons. Seek to
*Pray daily, upon waking, before retiring to bed, and throughout the day. Speak to Heavenly Father the way you would to the most loving and caring father immaginable - for that is what and who He is. Tell Him of your concerns, your challenges, etc. He will listen to you, and answer your concerns. Be specific with the Lord about what you need to know, be, do, etc. And He will answer your prayers - in large part, through the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.
*Listen to the Holy Ghost, and heed the promptings that He gives. The more you follow His guidance, the more you will continue to feel and hear him in your life; your capacity to recognize the spirit will grow as you heed his words.
*Really study the scriptures, and do it daily. The Holy Ghost will help you to understand His words, if you ask Him to. And He will bring them to your remembrance when you need them most.
*Repent of your sins, constantly, and be clean in both body and mind; the Holy Ghost will not dwell in an unclean place. Really, truly, strive to be obedient to the Lord... to be clean. The more you obey the commandments, the cleaner you and your life will be, and the greater capacity you will have to hear the whisperings of the Holy Ghost in your heart.
Here is a link to a great talk titled Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times By Elder Henry B. Eyring. It is about what to do so you can have the Holy Ghost to be with you... to answer your prayers and help you during hard times.
How to know if something you are thinking about (information you "receive")is right or true...
1. Study it out in your mind. Think things through and come to the best decision or conclusion that you can come to.
2. Ask God if what you have concluded is right.
3. If it is right, the Holy Ghost will cause you to have a "burning in your boosom" a really good feeling of peace - telling you that it is right.
4. If it is not right, you will not have any such feeling. If no good reasurring feeling of peace comes, then go back to the drawing board, and rethink things. Come up with another decision or conclusion, and take that one to the Lord. Keep doing this until the spirit comes to you and testifies to you that you are on the right path. Once you get this confirmation from the spirit - it is your job to remember it and follow through with it.
Above all else - Love the Lord with all your might, mind and strength. Serve Him. Pray to Him constantly. Read and study His words daily. Seek to obey all His commandments, live a clean life, and to do His will... And you will be filled with His spirit.
I hope and pray that you will receive answers to your prayers, and that those of you who are seeking to, will feel His spirit in your life.
Corine :D
Today I had activities which kept me out of the house most of the day. When I finally made my way back home and walked in the door I was surprised to see the time - 9:30 PM. Oh crud! The kids weren't in bed, and since neither their father or I were home after dinner (or during for that matter tonight - for the first time that I can recall this happening in a very long time), we hadn't read the scriptures together as a family.
I cringed inside to think about it. But the boys needed to get up at 5:30 in the morning to be able to shower and get to Seminary (teens studying the scriptures together) on time (6:30). So I gathered them into the living room to kneel together and pray, then sent them to bed. I cringed some more... I knew we should have read!
After a few minutes my 19 year old daughter came to me and asked, "Mom, will you read the scriptures with me?" I was stunned. Was this the lord's way of saying... "I thought you decided never again to miss scripture study with your family; that was a really good decision that you should stick with!"
"Yeah... Of course I will." The words spilled out of my mouth as I considered the reasons why this 19 year old didn't just go read by herself. And then I knew...No matter how late it was, I just needed to do it! So I told my daughter of my plan, opened the boys bedroom door and sat on a chair in the hall. Mindy was excited and said she was going to open her door and lay in her bed while I read, too (their doors are right next to each other).
Is this a result of reading the scriptures to my kids?
To witness my daughter listening to the prompting of the Holy Ghost - to come to me, her mother - and ask me to read the scriptures with her?
And then to witness that (just turned) 19 year old daughter excited to lay in bed and hear me read the scriptures to her?... It probably sounds strange to many; but I think it is extremely cool! :D
By the way, ironically, tonight we read about The Holy Ghost and Revelation from the November 2010 Ensign. We are starting the Bible from the beginning again soon, but I wanted to take a little time to first focus on some modern scriptures about the Holy Ghost to encourage the kids to develop a strong relationship with Him, (not only their Savior Jesus Christ and Father in Heaven). I don't want them to take Him (Holy Ghost) for granted; who can afford to any more? I am determined to teach them to get to know Him.
I'm still not sure how much my boys feel and recognize His presence in their lives. I'm praying for help to teach them to recognize the spirit and to really develop a relationship with Him. If you don't mind, could you say a little prayer for these boys of mine to feel the spirit in their lives? I would really appreciate that! :)
PS. Reading to my kids even though it was late may seem crazy to you, but my children are old enough to handle staying up a little late now and then, and this is a critical transitional time for our family; we are transitioning from reading semi consistently... to reading CONSISTENTLY. My children need this; and the Lord knows it, so He is encouraging us to succeed in making this positive change. I think consistent study of the scriptures as a family is one of the best things I can do to help my family to feel the spirit and really have Him in their lives. I wish I had always read to them consistently!
You may be wondering WHY I'm posting this experience. I'll tell you why...
PS. Reading to my kids even though it was late may seem crazy to you, but my children are old enough to handle staying up a little late now and then, and this is a critical transitional time for our family; we are transitioning from reading semi consistently... to reading CONSISTENTLY. My children need this; and the Lord knows it, so He is encouraging us to succeed in making this positive change. I think consistent study of the scriptures as a family is one of the best things I can do to help my family to feel the spirit and really have Him in their lives. I wish I had always read to them consistently!
You may be wondering WHY I'm posting this experience. I'll tell you why...
The moment of decision to continue reading... to keep being consistent in following the Lord...
PPS You can read The Holy Ghost and Revelation at his link if you want to. Or you can view a short video (below) of part of it if you like. :)
Enjoy! :D
Good night. :)
Corine :D
April 9, 2011
~ Part of the purpose of baptism is often forgotten; and that part is TO RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST.
I found a fabulous talk given by President Boyd K. Packer titled, The Gift of the Holy Ghost: What Every Member Should Know. I would like to quote a small part of it here:
When Paul went to Ephesus he found 12 men who had been baptized, but they had not yet received the Holy Ghost. They said to Paul, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost” (Acts 19:2).Baptism is not complete without afterwards receiving the Holy Ghost - We need the Holy Ghost, and baptism is our way of showing that we are committed to following Christ, and are therefore ready to receive the Holy Ghost to be our guide and constant companion.
What happened next is significant. Paul had them baptized again. Then he conferred upon them, by the laying on of hands, the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Acts 19:2–7).I consider the gift of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion to be my greatest source of strength, motivation, comfort and peace. I rely upon it daily.
IF YOU WANT TO HEAR AND FEEL THE HOLY GHOST MORE IN YOUR LIFE - Here are a few suggestions.
*Learn to recognize the Holy Ghost. Realize that when the Holy Ghost speaks to a person, he speaks with a still small voice, in BOTH words, AND with a feeling in your heart.
*Have faith in God. Believe that He is watching over you, and has the power and the desire to help you to live a good and happy life. Believe that you can trust Him to give you only the BEST of advice; you can always trust Him; He will never ask you to do anything that will not lead to greater joy. Serve Him; the more you serve Him, the more your faith in Him will grow.
*Pray to hear and feel the Holy Ghost. And be sure that your desires for the Holy Ghost are for pure and good reasons, not for selfish reasons. Seek to
*Pray daily, upon waking, before retiring to bed, and throughout the day. Speak to Heavenly Father the way you would to the most loving and caring father immaginable - for that is what and who He is. Tell Him of your concerns, your challenges, etc. He will listen to you, and answer your concerns. Be specific with the Lord about what you need to know, be, do, etc. And He will answer your prayers - in large part, through the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.
*Listen to the Holy Ghost, and heed the promptings that He gives. The more you follow His guidance, the more you will continue to feel and hear him in your life; your capacity to recognize the spirit will grow as you heed his words.
*Really study the scriptures, and do it daily. The Holy Ghost will help you to understand His words, if you ask Him to. And He will bring them to your remembrance when you need them most.
*Repent of your sins, constantly, and be clean in both body and mind; the Holy Ghost will not dwell in an unclean place. Really, truly, strive to be obedient to the Lord... to be clean. The more you obey the commandments, the cleaner you and your life will be, and the greater capacity you will have to hear the whisperings of the Holy Ghost in your heart.
Here is a link to a great talk titled Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times By Elder Henry B. Eyring. It is about what to do so you can have the Holy Ghost to be with you... to answer your prayers and help you during hard times.
How to know if something you are thinking about (information you "receive")is right or true...
3Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
Moroni 10:4-5
Recognizing how the spirit answers your questions (prayers) which you petition the lord for in prayer:
1. Study it out in your mind. Think things through and come to the best decision or conclusion that you can come to.
2. Ask God if what you have concluded is right.
3. If it is right, the Holy Ghost will cause you to have a "burning in your boosom" a really good feeling of peace - telling you that it is right.
4. If it is not right, you will not have any such feeling. If no good reasurring feeling of peace comes, then go back to the drawing board, and rethink things. Come up with another decision or conclusion, and take that one to the Lord. Keep doing this until the spirit comes to you and testifies to you that you are on the right path. Once you get this confirmation from the spirit - it is your job to remember it and follow through with it.
Above all else - Love the Lord with all your might, mind and strength. Serve Him. Pray to Him constantly. Read and study His words daily. Seek to obey all His commandments, live a clean life, and to do His will... And you will be filled with His spirit.
I hope and pray that you will receive answers to your prayers, and that those of you who are seeking to, will feel His spirit in your life.
Corine :D
Of little comfort but I can tell you my Mom thought I never listened either and worried just like you. Now she is amazed at what I actually heard and practice. :)
ReplyDeleteBut I will say a prayer.
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Good for you-keeping at it! We are still on the semi-consistent schedule...we have a hard time with this, but I guess if we are trying, that's something.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jules! :D FYI - I'm really not worried at all about my kids; I KNOW they will all grow up to be amazing people. I have SO MUCH confidence in them!
ReplyDeleteBut I can't help not feeling a heavy responsibility to teach them certain things, and I KNOW I need help to accomplish this!! Thank you for your prayers!!!!
Annie - Thanks for your comments, and for following, Annie. I would love to check out your blog, but it doesn't seem to be linked. What is your blog address? And as far as trying - yes... that is everything! I know some people get uptight trying to be consistent, and that isn't any good at all. We aren't at all uptight about it, so consistency works for us. Keep up the good work! ;)
ReplyDeleteWell done dear. Thank you for the reminder that no matter the time, I should still read with The Native's. We do pretty good, unless it gets really late and we need to get them to bed fast. You're right. It is far more important that we read no matter what. Thank you for this!!
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel :) Thanks for the "thanks." ;) YOU'RE WELCOME! :D
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think I get on here and throw out all my introspections, which I afterwards MAY feel awkward about having thrown out there... It's nice to know that another good family, who seems to read as frienquently as we do - agrees with this! :D So THANKS!
I have lots of good memories reading with my kids. I am not as good at the daily stuff now, but I have started reading with my son after seminary. This has been good. He is the caboose--next older one is at BYU. We did good with my other kids through high school. Now, with two of the married ones living here with their wives, we try for fam night, but then, I do not want to be bossy.
ReplyDeleteHi Delila. :D Way to go - reading with your son after Seminary! I know a lot of parents fizzle out at the end with the caboose, but it looks like you are doing great! We all have ups and downs, but if we are doing our best we are doing great! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by. :) I hope to see you again soon! :D Corine
Corine, thanks for letting me know my profile was not enabled. I must have accidentally hidden it when I was tweaking around on my blog and hadn't realized it. Here's my blog address, anyway...
ReplyDeletewww.savorthismoment.com