Kylee's Baptism Talk

Today was a special day.  A couple of weeks ago Kylee asked me if I would give a talk at her baptism on the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Today was the day.  Kylee was super excited about getting baptized.  Grandma was able to give the opening prayer.  Aunt Lisa gave a beautiful talk about baptism.  I spoke on the gift of the Holy Ghost.  And Uncle Rex gave the closing prayer.  Juliet and Kingston were able to be witnesses. And of course, Aaron baptized and confirmed her.

It was a small gathering but the Spirit was strong.  I had a rough ride over to the meeting house where the baptism took place.  But with prayer and some help from on high, I was able to make it through the talk.

I wanted to post a picture but I don't have any.  So I will just post my talk for you all to read.  I am so proud of Kylee for making the choice to be baptized into the Lord's true church.  Everything went well and she received a beautiful blessing during her confirmation.

Here is my talk:

Tammy’s talk on the Holy Ghost for Kylee’s baptism

February 1, 2020

Today, Kylee, you will receive the best gift that you have ever received.  The gift of the Holy Ghost.  This is one of the greatest gifts that our Heavenly Father gives us.

What is the gift of the Holy Ghost?

The gift of the Holy Ghost is the privilege -- given to those who have faith in Jesus Christ and have chosen to join His Church by being baptized and confirmed members of His Church -- to receive the constant companionship, guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost.

This is different than those who have not received this gift by the laying on of hands.  Others can receive inspiration and guidance through the Holy Ghost occasionally and temporarily.  But for those who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, we are entitled to the constant companionship and influence of the Holy Ghost continually throughout our lives.  As long as we remain worthy.

We remain worthy by always striving to keep the commandments and obeying the promptings of the Holy Ghost when we do receive them.

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead.  Heavenly Father and Jesus both have bodies of flesh and bone.   But the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit without a body.   I like to think about the Holy Ghost’s influence on us like the sun.   The sun is one entity but everyone can feel it’s warmth and see it’s light.   Likewise, the Holy Ghost is one personage of spirit yet we can all feel of his warmth and comfort and guidance.

How does the Holy Ghost communicate with us?

The Holy Ghost communicates through a still small voice.  Usually through feelings more than words.  President Boyd K. Packer explained: “The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. … While we speak of ‘listening’ to the whisperings of the Spirit, most often one describes a spiritual prompting by saying, ‘I had a feeling …’” He continued: “This voice of the Spirit speaks gently, prompting you what to do or what to say, or it may caution or warn you” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 77; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 60).

The Holy Ghost has many different roles to help us in our lives.  He is called the comforter.  He comforts us when we are sad or overwhelmed.  He also prompts us to do good and help others.  He will also warn us of dangers or evil that we should avoid.  But his main mission is to testify of all truth.  He testifies of the other two members of the Godhead, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  By listening to and following revelation from the Holy Ghost, we can become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as we progress towards our own exaltation and eternal life.

But remember, just because we are given the marvelous gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, doesn’t mean that he will always be with us.  We have to always strive to keep the Commandments to remain worthy of the Holy Ghost’s companionship.  If we don’t remain worthy, the Holy Ghost will leave us.

Kylee, I am proud of your decision to be baptized today.  By being baptized, you are showing Heavenly Father and Jesus that you are willing to follow Them in faith.  In turn, they are giving you an amazing gift.  The gift of the Holy Ghost.  I hope you will always strive to keep the commandments and do what is right.  Today as you covenant to take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ, always remember who you are representing.  Live your life accordingly.  In doing so, you will be blessed with the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost to comfort you and guide you throughout your life so that you may return to your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

(End of talk)

Congratulations on your baptism today, Kylee!  Your Aunt Tammy is proud of you.

That's my two cents.

Okay, Juliet sent me some photos.  So I will add them here:

Aunt Tammy and Kylee

Uncle Rex and Aunt Lisa with Kylee

Grandma and Kylee

The Gerry family with Kylee on her baptism day.
back row: Juliet, Aaron, Kingston
Kylee in front in her pretty white dress