The Holy Ghost

Today's lesson was taught by Sis. Jana Starr about the Holy Ghost. Rather than talk about the different ways we feel the Holy Ghost, she talked about who he is and what he does. I really appreciated this lesson. It helps us to know the details about the different aspects of the gospel so that we can better understand them.
She talked about what we know about him. He is a personage but does not have a body, therefore he is a Spirit. He is a member of the God Head. He is a comforter, a teacher, a cleanser, and helps us to receive revelation and discern truth. He testifies of the reality of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. He purifies our hearts and helps us to feel the love of our Savior and Father in Heaven. Without the Holy Ghost we would not know "the truth of all things" or have that witness that our Savior lives and loves us. When we feel alone he comforts our soul and helps lift us up and give us strength. He is the messenger of our Father and speaks to us all the time...we just need to listen.
Many testimonies and stories were shared about individual experiences we've had with the Holy Ghost. This lesson (and next week's actually) goes really well with this month's Visiting Teaching message about Personal Revelation. I encourage you all to read both lessons and the message and take this opportunity to strengthen your relationship with the Holy Ghost and bear your testimony of it to the sisters that you visit.
Last week in our FHE, Jason gave the First Presidency's message in the Friend. It talked a little bit about the Holy Ghost and we asked the girls what they knew about him. "Does he have a body?" "No. But he lives in our hearts and helps us to choose the right," was the response from my 4 year old. What a great testimony she has of him already and we should help our children recognize those moments when they are feeling the Spirit, and more importantly, we should provide some of those opportunities for them.
Just yesterday (saturday), two children from our ward were baptized. Connor Peterson and Marianna Anderson, daughter of Jessy Taylor. I talked to my soon-to-be-7 year old and told her to pay special attention to what goes on as she will experience this next year when she turns 8. She felt the Spirit and told me that she was feeling "good and quiet inside" and I told her that was the Holy Ghost telling her that getting baptized is the right decision. What a great opportunity I had yesterday to teach my children about these gospel principles and give them the chance to experience what they have been taught. What great examples these two young children were to my children and to me as well. Every time I attend a baptism I always reflect back to my baptism and the Spirit and experiences I had that day. Thank you Sis. Starr for a wonderful lesson. I look forward to Sis. Bond's lesson next week on prayer. It's one that I need to hear!

**This week's announcements and good news minutes are on the side bar. There is one event that needs special attention and that is the YW Silent Auction on April 24th at 9am. It's a pancake breakfast for the family and then they will be auctioning some goods and services so bring your wallets! This is a fundraiser for them to help them go to Girls Camp. If you have any questions please contact Sis. Sara Moon or a member of the YW presidency. Also, please keep a special prayer in your heart for Sis. Nicole Afa who is undergoing various tests for her Cancer and is currently in the hospital. More information will be given when we get it, but keep her in your hearts and prayers.**