The challenge for each of us is in providing an environment where the Spirit can be felt daily in our homes and weekly at church. Testimony meetings and general conference are some of those places. There are places where it is easier to feel the Spirit. Provide an Environment Where the Spirit Can Be Felt
I felt a peace descend on me, and I had the distinct feeling that Heavenly Father was pleased with me. Even as an eight-year-old, I recognized that this was something different. A brother stood to bear his testimony and tell about the blessings of his membership in the Church. It wasn’t until the following day at fast and testimony meeting that I experienced what I now recognize as the influence of the Holy Ghost. However, after receiving the Holy Ghost, again I felt happy but certainly no different than I had just a few minutes before. I thought something more profound would happen when I was confirmed. To be honest, the only thing I felt when I was brought out of the water was … well, dripping wet. As an eight-year-old, I waited to feel somehow different because of my baptism. I was the first member of my family to join the Church. However, by sharing testimony of the Spirit in our lives, those who are unfamiliar with these promptings are more likely to recognize when they have similar feelings. Remember that some experiences are too sacred to relate. We can help others become more familiar with the promptings of the Spirit when we share our testimony of the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives. The Book of Mormon tells us of some faithful Lamanites who “were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.” 10 However, it is not always easy to discern these “sunshine” moments at first. He said, “It felt like sunshine.” Share Personal Testimony My favorite description, though, comes from an eight-year-old boy who had just received the Holy Ghost. Eyring described the influence of the Holy Ghost as “peace, hope, and joy.” He added, “Almost always I have also felt a sensation of light.” 9
The Lord tells us, “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.” 6 Enos stated, “While I was … struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind.” 7 Joseph Smith said, “When you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas.” 8 President Henry B. The scriptures and the prophets teach what this constant companionship feels like. We are told that “the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples” 4 and that as we “let virtue garnish thoughts unceasingly then … the Holy Ghost shall be constant companion.” 5 This companionship can continue to be ours if we are worthy. We learn that while “the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil,” 2 the right to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost comes as members are given that gift by the laying on of hands by those who have the proper authority. Whether we are in a classroom, a missionary discussion, or a family home evening, teaching the doctrine regarding the Holy Ghost can help others understand this important gift. Parents “in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized” are told to help their children “understand the doctrine.” 1 The importance of helping others understand is described in the Doctrine and Covenants. While each person can learn to recognize the whisperings of the Spirit, that learning process can be facilitated as others help us understand about the Holy Ghost, share their personal testimonies, and provide an environment where the Spirit can be felt. Similar experiences happen repeatedly to members throughout the world on a regular basis, and there are those who desire to feel the Spirit guiding them daily in their lives.
How did the missionaries know to knock on the door of someone who had been praying for them? or the home teacher to call a family that was in desperate need? or the young woman to stay away from a situation where her values could be compromised? In each of these situations they were guided by the influence of the Holy Ghost.
A young woman plans on attending a school friend’s party yet feels impressed to stay home this time. At the end of the day, a pair of missionaries starts toward home when one suddenly turns to the other and says, “I feel we need to stop at this one last place.” A home teacher is prompted to call one of the families he visited just a few days before.
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