The Spirit

I finally have the time to actually write a post! I am sorry that I came onto the scene so abruptly and then kind of fizzled off (school took over my life). I have now made my journey home for Thanksgiving and I figured that it's time to post.

About two weeks ago, I visited with my bishop, he is such a wonderful man. He has known that I deal with SSA for almost a year now. It has been a really good experience for me because he is always there when I am struggling and he always knows the right things to say when I am discouraged, sad, lonely, depressed, etc., etc., etc. He's great and I love having him know about my struggles with SSA! My advice is that if you feel comfortable talking to your bishop, you should because he provides so much wisdom, knowledge, and help (Calvin has recently had a good experience with his bishop).

In my last meeting with my bishop, it was my monthly check-up. He called me in because he wanted to see how I was doing, to see if I was making any progress with dating this one beautiful girl (I am!), and to provide me with some counsel he felt impressed to tell me. We talked about the first two topics and then we dove into the counsel. We entered the scriptures and we started talking about the Spirit. We then had a discussion about how it can be a powerful tool of help and how it can guide you out of your toughest trials/situations. We then dove back into the scriptures and looked at the ways you can know for a surety that you have the Spirit. Together, we formulated this list:

1. You feel happy, calm, and clear minded
2. You feel generous
3. Nobody can offend you
4. You wouldn't mind everyone seeing what you are doing
5. You are eager to be with people and you want to make them happy
6. You are glad when other succeed
7. You are glad to attend your meetings and participate in church activities
8. You feel like praying
9. You wish that you could keep all of the Lord's commandments
10. You feel in control (My bishop added what he thought in control meant) - You don't overeat or sleep too much, you don't feel uncontrollably drawn to sensational entertainment, you don't lose your temper, and you don't feel uncontrollable passions or desires
11. You think about the Savior often and lovingly and you want to know him better
12. You feel confident and you are glad to be alive

I think that this is a great list of knowing when you have the Spirit and that it's inspired from God. I hope that you all enjoy it, that you agree with it, and that you'll use it to help guide your life. Remember that the Spirit is a powerful tool for help and guidance, but that you have to be worthy to partake of it's blessings. Please try to be worthy of it because I know that it has helped me in many situations that could have been potentially dangerous for me.

A Silence Broken

We are members of the LDS Church dealing with SSA and we are living a happy life in the church. We have been silent for far too long and it is now time for us to speak our voices. There is good in the church and we want to share the goodness with you.

Will our voices break the silence of others? We sure hope so...

-Abinadi