Life is rushing by, cancer is on the back burner.

This is a picture of me and Abby on her baptism day.  I am so grateful that I am still here and was able to be here for that special day.  I can't believe how time is flying by, and how well I am feeling.  I just got my hair highlighted and I love the color and new cut.  It is fun having short hair.
   I had the privilege of speaking at the Baptism about the Holy Ghost.  I thought I would share my talk here.

More than 20 years ago I turned 8 years old.  I had a birthday party and received lots of gifts.  I am sure that I received clothes, dolls, toys, and other fun things.

Because this was so long ago, I don't have any of the those gifts that I received when I was 8 years old.  To tell you the truth, I don't even remember what gifts I received for my birthday that year.  I have a hard time remembering what gifts I received last year!  Even if I still had those gifts, the clothes would no longer fit me, or I wouldn't have much use for the toys and dolls.

The year I turned 8 years old I received another gift.  I still have this gift, and I use it all the time.  The gift I received was the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Today after you are baptized you will also receive this most wonderful and precious gift.  

In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin taught his people about the atonement of Christ, and receiving a remission, or forgiveness, from their sins.  After they were taught about the atonement, they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.
  3 And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the dwords which king Benjamin had spoken unto them.  

After you are baptized, you will also be receiving this remission from your sins, and you too will be filled with joy, just like the people of King Benjamin!  

The Holy Ghost can be your constant companion.  He will help you to know when things you learn in church are true, or when you read the scriptures that they are true.  He will comfort you when  you are sad or scared, He will warn you when you are making a bad choice, and help you to know when you are doing something that Heavenly Father would be pleased with.  He will also help you to know when you have done something wrong, and help you feel the need to repent.  The Holy Ghost has been described as a "still small voice".  You have to listen carefully so you can hear his promptings.  He doesn't whisper in your ear, but whispers in your heart.  
 
A favorite scripture of mine that can help you remember this is found in Moroni 7:16.
16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

When you are baptized you make a covenant, or two way promise, to Heavenly Father to always keep his commandments.  In return you are promised to always have His spirit to be with you. You will be reminded of this promise each week when the sacrament is blessed.  I encourage you to listen carefully during the sacrament prayers, because these will remind you what you have promised, and what Heavenly Father has promised you in return.

To keep the Holy Ghost as your constant companion, you need to be choosing the right.  Sometimes when me make mistakes, or maybe aren't as good at reading our scriptures, or saying or prayers like we are supposed to, he may not stay with you all the time.  But if you are faithful, and always TRY to keep the commandments, and repent when you make mistakes, you can always have his spirit to be with you.

In closing I would like to talk about the words to the Primary song, When Jesus Christ was baptized.

When Jesus Christ was baptized down in the river Jordan,
Three members of the God head were present there in love.
The father spoke from Heaven when Jesus Christ was baptized,
The Holy Ghost descended as gently as a dove.

Today when you are baptized, I am sure you and all of your friends and family members will feel the Holy Ghost, just like when Jesus was baptized.  Heavenly Father is pleased with your decision to be baptized, and you will feel His love through this wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost.  Remember this sweet feeling, and always try your best to keep the commandments so you can feel the Spirit with you always.  I know the Holy Ghost is real.  I have felt his presence in my life often, and I know you will as well.

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