All the missionary's and I went up to the door step. We knocked on the big wooden door. The sound of curious little feet scurried over to the entry way. The young girl cupped her hands and pushed her forehead against the glass to see who was at the door. At her excitement, she recognized us as Christmas carolers. The little girl began to yell, "Carolers! Carolers!" to inform everyone in the house that we where here to sing. The wife came to the door, her daughter begging to let us sing to them. The mother said, "well it is just about your bed time." "Please let them sing to us mom!" the daughter begged. The mother invited us in their home. We all stood in the front entry way preparing to sing. The family sat on the stairs by the Christmas tree facing us; a husband, wife and their daughter. We then sang "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night". As we sang you could feel the Holy Ghost fill the room. Their smiles where wide and bright as they all huddled together enjoying the delightful feeling. I know they felt the Holy Ghost, especially the little girl, buy they didn't recognize it as so. After we finished we introduced ourselves as missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints then gave a copy of the Book of Mormon to the little girl. The daughter accepted the book with excitement in her eyes and thanked us for sing to her family. We then left and proceeded to the next house.
I learned something from Caroling that night. I need to better learn how to recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost in my life. It's such a great blessing to feel the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can be with us all the time. The Holy Ghost is a gift from God and a companion to help guide us in the trials of life. How do I recognize the holy ghost? Doctrine and Covenants 8:2 tells us "Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart." Boyd K. Packer talks about recognizing the Holy Ghost in the Ensign magazine an article titled"Counsel to Youth", "The gift of the Holy Ghost, if you consent, will guide and protect you and even correct your actions. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought or a feeling put into your heart. It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit." Recognizing the Holy Ghost comes more easily once we receive the Gift by the laying on of hands. Joseph Smith said, "There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost." The Holy Ghost can become a companion only through "proper and authorized baptism and is conferred by the laying on of hands. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, when ever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost." As members we have received this gift through proper priesthood authority. It then becomes our duty to remain worthy of it, invite the Holy Ghost into our lives by reading the words of God in the scriptures and praying to God through Jesus Christ and then listen and follow the promptings we receive. Elder Richard G. Scott, an Apostle from the quorum of the twelve gives advice, "The more closely you follow divine guidance, the greater will be your happiness here and for eternity moreover, the more abundant your progress and capacity to serve." Constantly striving to recognize the holy ghost is of great importance in my life. I know, through experience, understanding the promptings of the holy ghost can bless your life. Acting upon the promptings of the holy ghost has blessed myself more then I know or recognize. We will not receive blessings unless we act. I would like to invite all to constantly strive for companionship of the Holy Ghost recognize righteous promptings and act upon the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Doing so, god is bound and promises us blessings that will help you throughout your life.
Constantly Strive for Companionship
RECOGNIZE
Then
ACT
LEARN MORE:
Love, Joy and Insperation
by President Thomas S. Monson
No comments:
Post a Comment