The Holy Ghost

We have been taught that we are all given gifts of the Spirit.  Some people understand, comprehend and are able to teach the scriptures to others.  Some have a gift for language and are able to speak another language fluently and communicate gospel principles or they have the ability to move others in their native language because of the heartfelt way in which they speak.  These are just a couple of examples of what we call gifts of the Spirit.  

Me?  I think one of the gifts I have been given is the ability to feel the Spirit strongly.  It took me a long time to realize that not everyone feels it the way I do.  For me, it is such an integral part of my life that it is like breathing.

In the institute manual for the New Testament it says "The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine tuned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears and life to the whole being." (The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, pp. 168)

As I read that paragraph I couldn't think of a better way to describe the many ways that the Spirit works in my heart.  I have had countless times where it has inspired me to find an answer I desperately needed.  It has led me to call a friend in need. It has inspired me to offer a kind word, put aside my anger and serve others.  At all times the Holy Ghost helps me to grow and be uplifted.  It helps me to put aside feelings of anger or frustration and allows me to see things from a different perspective.

I am so incredibly grateful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the peace and comfort it brings to my heart.

 

Leadership

Choice 4: John 13:1–17; Luke 22:24–30; Mark 10:43–45. The Savior Taught the Apostles about Leadership

 Leadership in the church is different than what the world usually describes as leadership because we do not seek a particular office or calling.  Callings are not given out based on rank or authority.  Many times we are given callings that we do not even feel worthy to have or callings that stretch us to grow in ways that we didn't think we could.  

Not too long ago a woman in the ward was called to teach in Relief Society (the women's organization).  She was a recent convert and she wasn't very eloquent.  She had never taught before and yet she was called to teach women who had been members of the church longer than she had been alive.  The lessons she taught were some of the sweetest, most heartfelt lessons I have ever heard in my life.  She taught from her heart and the spirit helped her to communicate the things that we needed to hear. It was a reminder to me that when we listen the Spirit the Lord will use us to further his message.

I have been blessed to know many great leaders over the years and the ones that left the biggest impression on me were those that served with humbleness.  In everything that they did, they sought direction from the Lord.  They never took credit for the things that they did.  They just quietly fulfilled their callings to the best of their ability. 

As I have served in the church I have tried to follow those great examples by

• Praying for guidance
• Remembering where my stewardship lies
• After each lesson, meeting, event - pray to know what went well and what can be improved.
• And most importantly - sustaining others in their calling.  This means that you love and support them and refrain from criticizing how they choose to fulfill their calling.

The Second Coming

This week we studied the second coming. I have to admit that I've never been one to really pay too much attention to all the signs and prophecies about the second coming.  Why?  Because I don't think it really matters WHEN that time is coming.  What matters is how we are living our life right now.  Whether the second coming is this year, next year, in 10 years or 100 years, it's possible that this could be my last night on earth.  Anything could happen.  I could get in a fatal car accident tomorrow and then it wouldn't matter if the second coming was the day after that.  Each day I need to make sure that I am doing my best to live the gospel fully and then I will always be prepared.

Having said that...one of the great things about taking the religion courses at BYUI is that it helps me to study the gospel more fully and this week it means that I actually took the time to read about the second coming.

Here are some of the signs and blessings that are promised.

	Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (JS-M 1:5-20)	The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (JS-M 1:21-55)
Events to Occur	Imposters of Christ – verse 6 Offended by each other 8 False prophets – verse 9	False Christs – v 22 Wars and rumors of wars v 23 The elect will be gathered together v 27 Famines, pestilences and earthquakes v29 Gospel to be preached to all the world v31 Darkness (sun, moon, stars) v33
Promises to the Righteous	Steadfast are saved – verse 11	Will be gathered toether v 37

 

 

The Widow's Mites

 
 Each time I read this story I am reminded that the Lord knows our minds and hearts and will judge us accordingly.  In Mark 12:28-30 we are taught to love God with all of our heart, mind and strength.  As the widow cast in all that she had she showed that she was willing to give everything to God.  She had faith that He would provide for her. Did the rich who tossed in their required amount make that same kind of statement? Did their contribution require such sacrifice?

As we go through life, we will be challenged in a variety of ways.  There may be times when paying tithing represents a huge sacrifice and leap of faith.  There may be times when fulfilling our callings and giving of our time is a greater sacrifice.  No matter what the situation is, the Lord knows our minds and our hearts and will judge our offering accordingly.

I particularly needed to reflect upon this right now.  As I work, take care of my family and go to school, I don't have as much time to serve in the church as I used to.  While I can't use this as an excuse to ignore my responsibilities, it is important to reflect upon what I am accomplishing and ask myself if I am showing that I love God with all of my heart, mind and strength. 

Earthly and Heavenly Rewards

 This week we studied the parable in Matthew 20:1-16

One of the things that helps me to understand the scriptures better is when I apply them to my own life and I will be honest, each time I read this parable and put myself in the place of the laborers, I completely sympathized with those who put in the full days labor, but when I think about it in relation to the gospel, I think it is great.

Why the difference in attitude and understanding? 

I think it's because when I think about working for money I am calculating what I am going to do with that money.  I am going to use it to pay my bills and feed my family.  But when I think about laboring in the gospel, I don't think about the rewards the same way.  I know that I will receive blessings along the way.  I know that my worries will be less.  I will learn and grow in a variety of ways. My life has been made richer and more meaningful because of the blessings and confidence I have gained by "laboring" in the gospel.

In contrast, I know many who have wandered and struggled to find meaning in their lives because they do not have the gospel.  It is so beautiful to see them find the gospel and join the church.  I would not want them to be denied from any of the blessings. The fact that they get the same reward does not take away from the experiences I have had or diminish my "pay" in any way.  It actually makes me happier because I am able to share it with them and I know that their lives will be easier.

As I typed that last paragraph I suddenly began to have that same sympathy for the laborers in the parable.  How hard was their life all day long when they searched for a way to make a living and provide for their families?  Were they hungry?  Were they worried?  The laborers who started first thing in the morning knew that their needs would be fulfilled, they simply needed to complete their work. They had begun receiving the blessings immediately just like those who "labor" in the gospel.