~by Katy

With our daughter, our lil’ Hannah, now a full-fledged member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, I’ve been trying to help her find ways to develop her spirit…mainly her connection with the Holy Ghost. I want her to learn how to feel His influence…in her own way.

We’ve talked about how she could feel warm fuzzies inside. Or she could feel a sense of peace. Or she could feel really happy after she has made a good choice. I also want her to recognize what the Spirit feels like when something is not right. Like when her classmates at school are not making a good decision and she feels awful inside because she knows that it is wrong. Or if she feels uncomfortable around somebody for no apparent reason, it may be the Spirit telling her to get away from that person immediately.

I hope that what I’m saying is sticking…only time will tell I guess. As a parent, I feel it’s important for me to give my children every chance possible to feel the Spirit…so they can come closer to Christ.

Here are some ways I’ve found to be really great in achieving this:

*Going to church regularly. Being in the Lord’s House is a great way to feel the Spirit. I can’t help but feel Him when you hear uplifting testimonies being shared, listen to lessons being taught about the gospel, and singing hymn of praise.

*Having daily family scripture study and prayer. More importantly, having them read the scriptures and say the prayers in those situations. They need every opportunity possible to feel the Spirit…and I’m not talking about putting them in dangerous situations…I’m talking about the exact opposite. By reading the scriptures, they’ll learn about their Savior and His love for them. And with prayer, they can come to know that what they are reading is true. The Holy Ghost is crucial to both.

*Doing service for those who need it. When I try to help those around me, I am trying to do as the Savior would do. That is a great way to invite the Spirit into my heart.

*Listening to uplifting music. Music can have a huge effect on my spirit. That’s why sometimes I get those tingling goose bumps on my arms when I hear something awe-inspiring. The exact opposite can occur when I hear music that is offensive and horrible. I can feel sick or gross inside. The Spirit can tell me that this particular music or words are not good for my soul.

*Creating something beautiful like artwork or gardening or creative writing. When I try to use the gifts that I have been blessed with, I feel it’s a way to invite the Holy Ghost into my life. I believe our faith and testimonies can be shown through our talents and that is a great way to keep the Spirit with us.

*Hiking, star gazing, or other outdoor activities around nature. Looking at all that God has created for us, this world and it’s beauties, using our bodies in exercise and other uplifting activities, all help me feel the Holy Ghost.

*And many, many more!

What are some ways you help your children and family learn to strengthen their spirits and feel the presence of God’s Spirit?