Many thanks to Pauline Colton for sharing this beautiful watercolor painting with us. Below, she shares some of her thoughts about the painting, and a few of the many scriptures that came to mind as she was working on this piece. We first shared this in 2009 but the image was not accessible. We figured it was a great opportunity to re-share. Please note the image is copyrighted, and shared with permission. More information below.

Alma 37:6 “Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.”

The greatest of all the gifts of God is His Son. Christ willingly and lovingly makes the blessings, the healing and the power of the atonement available to each of us. Only by small and simple means can I be in a position to partake of the atonement.

As I worked on the drawing and design of this piece, I had many scriptures come to mind. By taking note of each scripture as I recalled it, I ended up with six pages of scriptures. I categorized the scriptures by elements in the painting. Here, I include only one reference for each category:

1. Being partakers – Alma 5:62

2. Fruit – 1 Nephi 8:10-12

3. Tree – Revelation 2:7

4. Oil – D&C 33:16-17

5. Support for the lamp – Isaiah 41:10

6. Drop by drop – Deut 32:2

7. Light of the World – John 8:12

8. Light of Christ given to man – D&C 84:45-46

9. Clay lamp – Isaiah 64:8

10. Being invited – Revelation 3:20

<font=size=”1″>Copyright Pauline Colton. Picture may be reproduced and used for for personal, non-profit use.</font=size=”1″>

The post “Be Partakers” – a watercolor painting about oil in our lamps, the light of Christ, the tree of life, and more appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

With our daughter, our lil’ Hannah, now a full-fledged member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, I’ve been trying to help her find ways to develop her spirit…mainly her connection with the Holy Ghost. I want her to learn how to feel His influence…in her own way.

We’ve talked about how she could feel warm fuzzies inside. Or she could feel a sense of peace. Or she could feel really happy after she has made a good choice. I also want her to recognize what the Spirit feels like when something is not right. Like when her classmates at school are not making a good decision and she feels awful inside because she knows that it is wrong. Or if she feels uncomfortable around somebody for no apparent reason, it may be the Spirit telling her to get away from that person immediately.

I hope that what I’m saying is sticking…only time will tell I guess. As a parent, I feel it’s important for me to give my children every chance possible to feel the Spirit…so they can come closer to Christ.

Here are some ways I’ve found to be really great in achieving this:

*Going to church regularly. Being in the Lord’s House is a great way to feel the Spirit. I can’t help but feel Him when you hear uplifting testimonies being shared, listen to lessons being taught about the gospel, and singing hymn of praise.

*Having daily family scripture study and prayer. More importantly, having them read the scriptures and say the prayers in those situations. They need every opportunity possible to feel the Spirit…and I’m not talking about putting them in dangerous situations…I’m talking about the exact opposite. By reading the scriptures, they’ll learn about their Savior and His love for them. And with prayer, they can come to know that what they are reading is true. The Holy Ghost is crucial to both.

*Doing service for those who need it. When I try to help those around me, I am trying to do as the Savior would do. That is a great way to invite the Spirit into my heart.

*Listening to uplifting music. Music can have a huge effect on my spirit. That’s why sometimes I get those tingling goose bumps on my arms when I hear something awe-inspiring. The exact opposite can occur when I hear music that is offensive and horrible. I can feel sick or gross inside. The Spirit can tell me that this particular music or words are not good for my soul.

*Creating something beautiful like artwork or gardening or creative writing. When I try to use the gifts that I have been blessed with, I feel it’s a way to invite the Holy Ghost into my life. I believe our faith and testimonies can be shown through our talents and that is a great way to keep the Spirit with us.

*Hiking, star gazing, or other outdoor activities around nature. Looking at all that God has created for us, this world and it’s beauties, using our bodies in exercise and other uplifting activities, all help me feel the Holy Ghost.

*And many, many more!

What are some ways you help your children and family learn to strengthen their spirits and feel the presence of God’s Spirit?

The post Things that Invite the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) into My Life appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Poem by: Dianne Billstrom

This poem was written as I contemplated the Parable of the Ten Virgins and how those with filled vessels felt when their sisters came up short.

“The Bridegroom cometh”,  is the watchword.
My lamp is lit, at times its flame wanes then continues.
We ten keep vigil for His arrival.
I lift my lamp for a better view of the path.

He nears on His stately approach.
My sister pleads, “My light is gone.
Lend me oil, just a drop.”
Can I spare that drop and stay her grief?

I want to share, anguish overwhelms me.
I remember the instruction, the preparation,
As drop by drop I tediously filled my vessel,
Line upon line, precept by precept.

I love her, but I cannot share the precious contents.
Her cries of sorrow slice through the darkness.
I lift my light, I can but share this bit of illumination
Bursting from my filled vessel.

I must hold my place,
Even as the flame flickers in the night breeze.
When He reaches me
I will light His path, as He lit mine.

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