Good Morning Brothers and Sisters for those of
you who do not know me. My name is Morgan Archer. My husband and I moved into
the ward the end of November. My husband
is attending school and I am a stay at home mom too our two little girls. I
grew up in this stake and my parents are Kristan and Don Paoalacci so I’m sure
if you don’t know me you probley know of me or my family. We are so excited to
be a part of this ward family. I am so grateful for my calling and for all of
you who have welcomed my family with open arms. I know without a doubt in my
mind this ward will be such a great blessing in my family’s life as it has
already.
Sunday after church brother Piper ran into me.
We talked for a bit and as I was walking away he asked me to speak in church. I
have not giving a talk in church since my sophomore year of high school. So n I
knew that my turn would be soon. I am so
grateful to Brother Piper because I truly believe he was led by the spirit
because this topic is one that I am truly passionate about and that pulls at my
heart strings a little bit.
Today I am going to speak to you about a talk
given by Richard G Scott. It is called “To acquire spiritual guidance”. First
and foremost I hope that you all may be able to feel the spirit as strong as I
did when I read this talk.
Elder Scott Begins his talk by explaining that the
conditions of the world are changing and it is becoming much more difficult to
listen to those promptings given by the Holy Ghost.
I believe Satan is working so hard on his most valiant children.
He is constantly tempting us, making us feel weak, and puts so many other
barriers in our life to stop us from having the spirit to guide us and better
our lives and our family’s lives.
Yesterday my husband and I had the opportunity to attend the temple
together. As most of you know the temple can get very busy on Saturday. As we
entered we noticed it was one of those Saturdays. But despite how many people
were there. It was so peaceful. Everyone was happy and helping one another and
the spirit was so strong. I love the peacefulness the temple brings to me.
Often times after a session my husband and I like to spend some time in the celestial
room to pray and ponder on any challenges or questions that we may have. It is
so great to me to know that no matter what is going on in the world we can
enter the temple and all of that is forgotten.
Well as I sat and pondered that yesterday I thought of my own home. I
wondered what I needed to do better so that I can bring that very spirit into
my home. I want people to feel like my home is a safe haven from all of the in
moral and ungodly things of the world. To do this we must truly give up all of
our worldly habits and focus our thought solely on of savior while we are in
the home. I was thinking am I doing this? Would I feel comfortable if my savior
knocked on my door and wanted to come in? Just something to think about. I
truly feel in my heart that that very spirit you feel in the temple and too be
felt in your own home if you are striving daily to live the principals of the
gospel.
We all
knew before we came to earth that there would be much evil in the world but yet
we all made the choice to come down to earth at this time. God gave us a
challenge and that challenge was to go down and live in this world but to not
become of the world. I like an analogy that was given by John Bytheway he said
Go play in the mud, but don’t get dirty.” God has sent us here, but He sent us
to be a light to the world, to show our brothers and sisters that it’s possible
to be surrounded by mud but choose not to wallow in it.
There is temptation all around us. Satan
knows how to get us to join his side. He intices us he know our weaknesses. “Elder
Scott said Satan is extremely good at blocking spiritual communication by
inducing individuals, through temptation, to violate the laws upon which
spiritual communication is founded. With some, he is able to convince them that
they are not able to receive such guidance from the Lord.” Although the world is in fact getting
weaker we must take this as an opportunity to prove to our heavenly father that
we are indeed strong and we know who we are and what are purpose is here on the
earth.
I feel
like we learn through our experiences. Unfortuanly often we seek the most
guidance when we feel we may have hit rock bottom. I believe heavenly father
gives us challenges so that we can learn to lean on him and decide to put our
faith in his hands. Just like Satan knows our weakness so does our heavenly
father. But we have to remember that our heavenly father also knows our strengths.
None of us came to earth perfect. We came to make mistakes to go through
struggle so we can learn and grow from them.
I myself
have had some struggles in my life. I thought I could share with you one in
particular. When I was 18 I injured my foot
and developed a rare nerve disorder called rsd my foot was discolored and huge.
There were times when the pain was just unbearable. I would have extreme anxiety
going out in fear that someone might accidently touch my foot. I had to attend
physical therapy 4 times a week and had to do many exercises at home. It
basically took over all of my normal daily routines. I became very bitter and frustrated
that this was happening to me. My thoughts usually consisted of anger toward my
heavenly father for allowing this to happen in my life. I was a senior in high
school and I felt I was missing out on so much. I became very depressed and did
not know how to handle the situation. I received many blessings but there was
one in particular that changed my whole course of how I wanted to handle the
situation. My bishop at the time was Bishop Dale Davis. I remember one night he
came over with the bishopric to give me a priesthood blessing. In the blessing
he said that heavenly father knew how strong I was and that I was very loved by
him and if I would just lean on him he would take my hand and help me through
this struggle. That really was what I
needed to hear. Through all of the anguish and bitterness I felt I hadn’t taken
time to prayerful seek spiritual guidance. I remember going into my room and
just praying for hours. I finally felt as though this huge burden had lifted.
My heavenly father was waiting for me to come to him so that he could help me
and give me the guidance I needed. I could not have received these prompting
had I not put my faith in him.
Elder Scott
had mentioned in his talk the inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit
can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion,
fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor
the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are
present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong
emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit
We have to make it a priority in our lives to continually grow
in the gospel so that we can be spiritually prepared for whatever life brings
us. We have to have constant faith. Knowing
about God, believing in God, and believing that He loves you and wants your
happiness is a powerful foundation stone on which to build your life and plan
your future. Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our
limits, because we have access to help from the Lord
Elder Scott closes his talk by saying “Have
patience as you are perfecting your ability to be led by the Spirit. By careful
practice, through the application of correct principles, and by being sensitive
to the feelings that come, you will gain spiritual guidance. I bear witness
that the Lord, through the Holy Ghost, can speak to your mind and heart.
Sometimes the impressions are just general feelings. Sometimes the direction
comes so clearly and so unmistakably that it can be written down like spiritual
dictation”
I loved this talk and I feel so privileged that I can
share my feelings with you about it. I hope all of you take the time to seek
the guidance that is given to us through our leaders and through your own
personal prayer. Heavenly father is here for us and he wants us to come to him.
He loves us more then we may ever know. If you feel like you may be lost in the
world Elder Scott reminds us to make a total commitment to overcome it
now. Find a quiet place; pray urgently for help and support. Be patient and
obedient. Don’t give up
I bare my testimony to all of you that I know that this is the
true gospel and that we can face those hard times in our life if we have faith
in him. I am so grateful for the daily support my heavenly father gives me. I
am also grateful for my wonderful husband who is such a great example of strength
and desire to live the principals of the gospel. I would like to leave these
things with you in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
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