The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. Unlike God and Christ, it does not have a physical body. It is a spirit and therefore can “dwell in us”. The Holy Ghost always testifies of truth and of Christ. Many people feel the influence of the Holy Ghost at times (seeing a new born baby, watching the sunset, CHRISTMAS MORNING PROBABLY) But until you receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost, it is always very temporary. The gift of the Holy Ghost is given through priesthood authority and is the second part to baptism. Christ tells us that we must be baptized by “water and by fire” The Holy Ghost is compared to as a fire for many reasons. I always think of it as purifying and cleansing. Now I will share with you just a few things the Holy Ghost has done for me: warns me of danger, guides each decision, enlightens my mind, brings peace to my soul, comforts me in times of distress, allows me to feel guilt or “godly sorrow” when I do wrong (not to be confused with shame) strengthens my weaknesses, fills me with wisdom, allows me to see others as God sees them, endless joy, endless wisdom, testifies of my Heavenly Fathers love, removes deception and reviles truth, gives me perspective, purpose, enables me to realize my divine worth and potential, uplifts me and does so much more! Its pretty much allowing Gods spirit and mind to become our own… if that makes sense. It is a tremendous blessing to have it as a constant companion. I would like to share a few experiences this week connected to the theme of the Holy Ghost.

Direction- We were praying on where to go tracting. We had two streets in mind and asked God which to tract. Then Casey came in my mind. We had tried him several times with no response. Last we heard he was in out of state. But he wouldn’t leave my mind. SO we went with it. We took the couple mile trek, uphill to his casa. AND HE WAS HOME! It was one of THE most spiritual experiences of my life. As we spoke with him, the spirit overcame me and I didn’t even know what I was saying. The spirit spoke through me and said exactly what he needed to hear and asked the exact questions he needed. He had a change of heart. He felt the spirit very strong. He knew God loved him. He knew he could overcome his addictions. He knew  there was hope. It was almost like watching this tiny caterpillar cocoon up and squirm around a little then break out as this gorgeous winged creature!!! THE SPIRIT CHANGES HEARTS. THE SPIRIT PUTS WORD IN YOUR MOUTH. THE SPIRIT KNOWS WHAT OTHERS NEED.

Love- a few days ago, we prayed about where to go after 2 appointments fell through. We both felt end of Warren street. We ended up discovering this secret goldmine of duplex houses!!! SO many people were interested in our message!!! It was incredible! And God blessed us with 7 new investigators this week! One house in particular belonged to a couple, Maria and Chris. They let us share a message of Gods love at the doorway and we offered a prayer at the end. The spirit was POWERFUL. After the prayer we saw Maria was in tears. The next day they welcomed us in their home and Maria told us of how God first showed his love to her. She was a young girl in a church pew. She asked God for a sign of love. She opened her eyes and saw a cat-eyes marble next to her feet on the ground. Ever since then, she’s discovered marbles at critical times in her life that have helped her feel Gods love. At the end of our meeting she closed her eyes and took a breath and said ” I want to give you something.” She gave us both one of the marbles shes discovered. She started crying as she gave them to us and I just hugged her and thanked her as she cried. I know those marbles meant so much to her, but she gave them to us because she said we helped her feel Gods love. But it wasn’t us. It was the Holy Ghost!!!!

Perspective- Before Alex’s baptism, Sister Saunders and I sat in a dark empty chapel. I sat in a pew and she played thee most glorious hymns on the organ. As I just sat there and closed my eyes, the music filled my soul and the Holy Ghost was so strong. As I listened I thought of the preexistence, of Christs mortal journey, of the resurrection and and of the eternities. How glorious and joyful it was to have that eternal perspective brought to me through the spirit. It makes the “hard things in life” seem so little and insignificant!

I know that as we become aware of the feelings of the Spirit, it will grow even more abundantly! My challenge to each of you this week is to recognize that Spirit. and if you’re not Christian, to recognize the things that ring true to you and bring you joy! Acknowledge those moments, share those moments, express gratitude for those moments!!!! And those feelings WILL MULTIPLY!!!!! D&C 68:6

(also this week included Dusty creating starfruit by cutting kiwi with cookie cutter stars, an old man at a car repair shop taking out his teeth in front t of me and me responding :your teeth remind me of the stars.. they come out at night”, discovering a tiny fairy home, having a sock-sliding contest in the gym, having a cry-shesh/heart to heart with my comp, learning Spanish, getting lost and discovering a magical river with a cute red bridge, and believe it or not, me singing at Alex’s baptism with 2 elders and sister Saunders playing the guitar.)

“YOU ARE THE ARCHITECT OF YOUR OWN HAPPINESS!!!!”

Love, Sister Folkman