summary...

Sunday afternoon...we get to meet Jack!!!  and hold him and hug him and smooch him and talk Grams/Gramps love language!!!  We can hardly wait!!!
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I didn't do myself a favor by reading so many things in my quest for the Holy Ghost by not keeping a few notes of where things were located.  Now I'm trying to remember!!  I can't even remember the names of the talks and if I posted them, I didn't label them very good.  I decided today that I would summarize my feelings and note, at least the main sources that inspired/touched me.
The two words...always and continually ....were the starting point.  In regards to feeling/being directed by/recognizing the Spirit-- really made me think and really made me search.  Always and continually are definitely not synonyms for occasionally or once in awhile.  I wondered...was I feeling the Holy Ghost and not recognizing it as such?  Also...did I ever express appreciation for the guidance of this Gift when I recognize that guidance?  If I became aware of promptings/guidance/etc. would this be an aid in praying always through expressing that appreciation?  More of a gratitude attitude...more constant?
I feel inwardly rewarded for my quest.  I know a person can study one subject forever and that was not my goal.  I wanted to feel a certain way within myself and I wanted more personal understanding and depth of spirituality.  Most likely...I look the same...I act the same...but within myself...I am different and it feels good.  That difference may never be visible to another being but it is there and I'm so thankful.
Is it crazy to number random thoughts?  Just consider it notes I didn't take and wish I had!!!
1. We are born with the light of Christ and it seems it never leaves.  I thought that dimmed when you received the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  I'm sure I read that it's part of us.  always.  Could I remember what gave me that thought?  No.  Which talk?  Do not know!  I like this thought because even if someone were doing things in their life that aren't exactly Mormon Kosher...to where the Holy Ghost takes a leave of absence...they would still have the Light of Christ.  I like this thought for those that have stepped away from the Gospel.  They still have a bit of guidance.  Now I really should put this in my Questions that I wonder about with no authoritative answer.  This is in my thinker spot of my brain.  Not important but I like the thought.
2. We are given the Gift of the Holy Ghost at Baptism. And the personal goal is to always keep/have the Spirit plus to live so we can continually have the Spirit.  We get the chance for a major weekly cleanse when we partake of the Sacrament (worthily. repentant.)
Sacrament prayer.

20:77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this ^abread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and ^bwitness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his ^ccommandments which he has given them; that they may always have his ^dSpirit to be with them. Amen

20:79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this ^awine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

121:46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant ^acompanion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of ^brighteousness and truth; and thy ^cdominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

3- This talk (Revelation by Dallin H. Oaks here)  really was amazing in hitting the nail on the head for me.  I understand now, on a deep level, that there are different forms of communications and he breaks it down to 8 purposes of those different forms.  There were things going on in my spirit and I was not realizing it was the Holy Ghost.  Recognizing the source of a lot of guidance etc. in my life made me thankful and filled with gratitude and thus prayerful.  giving credit where credit is due and with that recognition I have felt a spiritual personal growth spurt.  As I become more watchful and attuned with clearer inner vision, I see that I am blessed a lot!!  I am trying to memorize the 8 purposes.  Maybe I should memorize these means of communication also!  They are familiar.

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revelation/inspiration is communication from God to man

different ways:

face to face with God 

personal communication with angels

dreams during sleep

waking visions of mind (words...thoughts..communicated to mind)

sudden enlightenment

positive or negative feelings (about proposed courses of action)

inspiring performances

beautiful music

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 Eight different purposes served by communication from God: (1) to testify; (2) to prophesy; (3) to comfort; (4) to uplift; (5) to inform; (6) to restrain; (7) to confirm; and (8) to impel

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The above notes are from Elder Oaks talk and so is this quote...

As Elder Boyd K. Packer has stated, “Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound” (“Prayers and Answers,” Ensign, November 1979, p. 19).

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This continues to be a marvelous journey as I search diligently...that reminds me...

24 Search ^adiligently, ^bpray always, and be believing, and ^call things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the ^dcovenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.

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I don't remember if I shared the quotes below or if I was just re-reading them...anyhow...I'm putting them here and you can skip over if I did a repeat!  there are 3 more talks that I really enjoyed under the meme!

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Spiritual Capacity.  Russell M. Nelson CR

Unless illness interferes, age does not diminish—it augments—the capacity for spiritual development.

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However, we need to guard against false voices. Since the Holy Ghost can be felt in different ways by different people, how can we know for sure it is the Holy Ghost speaking? Elder Packer notes:

Not all inspiration comes from God (see D&C 46:7). The evil one has the power to tap into those channels of revelation and send conflicting signals which can mislead and confuse us. There are promptings from evil sources which are so carefully counterfeited as to deceive even the very elect (see Matthew 24:24). . . .

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The Holy Ghost: Our Infallible Guide

SALLY TAYLORBYU professor of EnglishNov. 5, 1996 • Devotional

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Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times

HENRY B. EYRINGof the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesSep. 10, 2006 • Devotional


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Witnesses in Stars and Stones

JOHN D. LAMBEliot A. Butler Professor of Chemistry and Associate Dean of General Education and Honors at BYUJan. 15, 2002 • Devotional

life...it goes on!!

Two years ago our grandson had a horrible trail-bike accident...all broken up...5 surgeries in his pelvic area...pain...and was told he was to broken up to do the thing he really needed to have done...a hip replacement. He's had two years of worsening pain!! On Friday he had a hip replacement and most shockingly they sent him home the next day!  From surgery in Seattle to home in Kennewick!!!  A home with all bedrooms up a bunch of stairs!!

His wife is 9 months pregnant and today is feeling a little suspicious of how she is feeling.   IF she goes into labor then I will go with her! (IF her mother doesn't make it in time)  It's been years but I did Lamaze coach 4 births!  Most likely that won't happen but it's exciting to think it might!!  At this very time it seems a bit much to think of adding a new baby in their life with all that is going on- so, as Grams, I say...Jack, stay put!

Our son is over there helping out.  He will let me know when to fire up my GPS!

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This will be so interesting with the Prophet sending a formal letter on what the Church is to be called.  Ooops!  correcting it would read...This will be so interesting with the Prophet sending a formal letter on what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to be called.  Not called...how do we speak of it and eliminate short-cuts?   here

I need to fix my profile!  I state I'm known as a Mormon.

So curious as to what will happen to MormonAd...Mormon Tabernacle Choir...I'm a Mormon...Mormon Newsroom and on and on!  What about LDS.org?  Is that building called the LDS Conference Center?

This will be interesting to watch.  He is the Prophet and President of our Church (correct or incorrectly written?) and I did sustain him.  I look forward to seeing what happens and how it's handled and received.  My take?- I have challenges in life that are real and this is not a challenge in my life.  A point of interest?- Absolutely!  Curious?-Yes!

Let the changes begin!

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We sat and ate together, the Hubby and I!  No, it wasn't at the table.  We sat and watched a couple of conference talks together and ate salad and lasagna.  Then we visited about the talks and happenings in The Church and family and our concern for Kip and Kim and about life.  He was feeling lousy but we did eat together!  Enough about our food habits!  Boring.  Makes me yawn to think I wrote it and expect you to read it!  sorry!

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Would it be equally boring to tell you that I continue to sew on quilt tops?  It's exciting to me.  they are the same ones that I tried to do 2 years ago!  Why quilt tops and not entire quilt?  I have the 2017 goal changed to the McCall 2019 Family reunion goal.  I figure if I exit life for some unknown reason, at least they'll all have a quilt top!  Possibly someone will get an entire quilt if pigs fly!! Now don't make fun of me!!!  I'm trying.  I'm trying!!  Most likely I'll kick myself for even mentioning it but hey! it's what I'm endeavoring to do!!  Go me!!

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So many things happening it seems!  I continue to study about the Holy Ghost and revelation/inspiration but I got side-tracked about social media.  I had decided to calm down and get on the bandwagon of social media and use it for good purposes, or just superglue my mouth shut.

As I mentioned before, that I was going to change, I did find my phone... I did plug it in...I did contact a granddaughter (on my landline) and left a message that I wanted to start doing facetime with her.  She was just heading to work so she said she'd contact me later.  What is the time lapse on later?

It keeps me hoppin' just trying to keep up with LDS.org!  It's so great with all they offer.

I also read on the Primary site that teachers should inspire and teach their students how to use phones in class.  I'm barely on my tablet but can download OT videos.  I need to learn to do that on my phone.

So...I'm going to go for it. -- learn to use my SmartyPantsPhone to access Church things so I can teach my class (actually they should be teaching me!!) and access Scriptures and learn to make notes and do facetime and try really hard to get off my always yelling about social media is killing communication.  I'm not saying I'll change my opinion but I will embrace and endeavor to move ahead with a gigantic leap.  (uh, step.  not leap!)

These two marvelous quotes really sealed the deal for me to use technology in a better way.  Click on either footnote and read the talk they are taken from.

As Elder Richard G. Scott(1928-2015) 
of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared, 

“Technology,when understood and used for righteous purposes, need not be a 
threat but rather an enhancement to spiritual communication.”2

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 In 1862, President Brigham Young (1801–77) taught: 

“Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct revelation from God. … It has been given with a view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth, and the redemption of the earth from the power of sin and Satan. We should take advantage of all these great discoveries … and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work.”1

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Just had to share a favorite quote.  I've loved this since she first said it!

still mining!

Another remarkable day on studying and digging in and learning and developing and feeling so good!

I read one thing and that takes me to another thing and then I end up learning and pondering more about the Holy Ghost ( and that search all started because of two words always and constant...both in regards to having the Spirit with you!)

Sometimes I get side-tracked with something sounding so enticing and interesting to read.  Today was another one of those adventuresome days!  I read a lot and looked up a lot of scriptures about personal revelation etc and somehow or other ended up at this fantastic current talk.

For me life, and my interactions with others, is about endeavoring to develop unconditional love and following/living/trying to let the 11th Article of Faith be a part of my personal Liahona.  A great goal!

Enjoy this talk!  It's a powerful message!  For all of us with our life challenges... whatever they may be!

Hard Sayings and Safe Spaces: Making Room for Struggle as Well as Faith

ERIC D. HUNTSMANProfessor of Ancient Near Eastern StudiesAug. 7, 2018 • Devotional

Calming down!!

I've had another glorious (a favorite word of a friend that is not longer with us.  Myra Faye)  ...anyhow it was truly a glorious day of study and learning and thinking and pondering and having some gears mesh in my brain.  Enjoyed every moment!!!

Made all the better by another meal...totally inappropriate for steamy hot weather but nonetheless delish!  Chuck roast with mashed potatoes and gravy and salad.  So cooking, two times, qualifies me as being back on track, in my opinion!  Nope...we did not dine in a romantic setting for two as the man in my life was feeling the effect of his Rx and it was not possible to do that plus I had fabric all over.  Okay.  truth.  it was because of my sewing mess but hey! we did have some great food and most likely I'll stop reporting on my cooking and our eating together.  Maybe.

I'm still enjoying studying about the Gift of the Holy Ghost and was reading some great devotionals and Conference talks and somehow or other I got sidetracked on social media!!  Is it becoming the bane of my existence???

I reread/watched these two marvelous talks!  So great! 

(The following is the text of the address Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivered on August 19, 2014, during Campus Education Week at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.)

To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood by Elder Bednar 2014   here

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(From a Church Educational System fireside address delivered at Brigham Young University–Idaho on May 3, 2009)

Things as They Really Are by Elder Bednar 2009  here

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I'm thinking I'm sort of a hot-head and seem to feel that no one knows they should eat at least one meal a day together and that Smartphones are like pacifiers and cause panic and hysteria if said phone is out of eye-sight.  Superwoman cape afloat and I'm going to land and cool my jets.  well, somewhat!

I could put my mug here and that is sort of how I feel.  Sort of?  No.  that is how I've been thinking.  I'm going to change and be more genteel!

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As I listened to those talks again and read and opened my heart I decided to do better at using social media and maybe even learn something about using my Smartphone...1st find it and 2nd charge it and 3rd decide what I want to learn and 4th do it.  I'm also going to learn more about my tablet and how to mark it and take notes.  My son Greg has given me lessons but I never absorbed it.  Most likely because my mind was closed.

In the 2014 talk Elder Bednar said that current social media has both potential perils and powerful possibilities  (I love alliteration so naturally this is beautiful to me!)  When I heard how Prophets prophesied about this unknown invention that would help to spread the gospel to every nook and cranny (my description.  not theirs.), I just really decided I need to do more and do it better.  A new Quest!

I think it was also in the 2014 talk that he got emotional when he shared from Moses Chapter 7.  

What grabbed my attention was vs. 61.  about the saints being preserved!  preserved in the midst of the chaos of these last days.  I then looked up a couple of other Scriptures and it was so reassuring to me of protection for us as we strive to live the Gospel!

I'll print them here for you.

Moses 7:61 And the day shall come that the earth shall ^arest, but before that day the heavens shall be ^bdarkened, and a ^cveil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I ^dpreserve;

1 Nephi 22:17 Wherefore, he will ^apreserve the ^brighteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire.

2 Nephi 30:10 For the ^atime speedily cometh that the Lord God shall cause a great ^bdivision among the people, and the wicked will he ^cdestroy; and he will ^dspare his people, yea, even if it so be that he must ^edestroy the wicked by fire.

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These are great reminders for us to not fear but to just forge ahead the best we can.  Staying on the covenant path and helping each other along that trail.