The Greatest Gift

First of all, thanks to all of you who commented on my last blog post and proved to me that I AM loved and that there is a point to my having a blog.

Moving on...

How many of you who were born in the church can actually remember the date of your baptism? I get the feeling that some of you don't. Well, I'm lucky enough that I do. Every year on December 7th while people remember and honor the events at Pearl Harbor, I also remember and honor my baptism day. Fifteen years ago today I was baptized by my father, confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Sometimes I forget that we call it the GIFT of the Holy Ghost. At this time of year everyone is thinking about gifts, to give, to get, etc. Right now I'd like to take a couple minutes to focus on the special gift that is the Holy Ghost, because it is one of the greatest gifts God has given to his children.

In 1 Nephi chapter 4 Nephi speaks of possibly one of his first experiences with the Holy Ghost as it leads him to Laban which allows him to get the brass plates that were essential to the spiritual well-being of his family. In verse six he says, "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing before hand the things which I should do." How lucky are we that we have been given a gift that can help us get through situations when we don't know what we should do? In my Book of Mormon I have a seminary "glue-in" on this page with quotes from general authorities on the Holy Ghost that I'd like to share with you.

"The greatest gift in mortality is the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is "the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost (BD)...The gift of the Holy Ghost is the key to obtaining the gift of eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God." - Bishop David A. Burton

"The gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift we can receive in mortality." - President Wilford Woodruff

"The overall gift of the Holy Ghost truly is one of the greatest blessings available to members of the Church." - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

"The gift of the Holy Ghost "is the greatest guarantor of inward peace in our unstable world." - President James E. Faust

"It (the Holy Ghost) is a most precious gift available only to worthy members of the Lord's Church." - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

"When we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to the constant companionship of this member of the Godhead, based on faithfulness. This is the greatest gift possible to receive in mortality." Elder Bruce R. McConkie

From a vision of Joseph Smith: "Joseph stepped toward me, and looking very earnestly, yet pleasantly said, 'Tell the people to be humble and faithful, and be sure to keep the spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the still small voice; it will teach you what to do and where to go; to keep their hearts open to conviction, so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them, their hearts will be ready to receive it. They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits; and their whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness and build up the kingdom of God."

What amazing quotes, right? I hope as the Christmas season continues that each of us will not only remember that Christ is the true reason for the season, but also that the Holy Ghost is "the greatest gift in mortality", a gift better than anything that may be placed in your stocking or under your tree this year. And also remember that it was given to you by a loving Heavenly Father who loves you more than any other person can, and who is always there when you need him.

Sometimes life gets so hectic and stressful that it's hard to remember that the Lord is always there for you, and that he and the Father are constantly wanting to help us, that all we have to do is act. I know that as we each strive to keep the Holy Ghost with us that the spirit can help us remember this, and that he can also lead us and "teach [us] what to do and where to go."