Feeling The Holy Ghost

Preparation:
1. Copy/print the clip art and activity page
2. Gather crayons

Scripture:
D&C 11:12
“Put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good.”

Lesson:
Read the story of Manuel from the Children’s Friend, August 2008. Sunny McClellan Morton, “Next Time I’ll Listen!,” Friend, Aug 2008, 4–5 (Based on a true story)

“Almost finished,” Manuel whispered. He glanced down at the box under his arm. Nearly all the candy was sold. Now his box held an envelope filled with money.

As the sun beat down on Manuel’s head, he thought of home and his mother and grandmother waiting there. He smiled to think of how happy they were lately. Manuel felt the same happiness, and he knew why—they were all going to be baptized next Sunday.
“Get out of the way!” someone suddenly yelled from behind Manuel. Four boys on bikes raced by as Manuel jumped into the gutter.

Manuel had seen those boys earlier, riding on the opposite sidewalk. A thought had crossed his mind: stay away from those boys. But as they pedaled away, Manuel had relaxed and forgotten about them. Now the feeling returned even stronger. Still, he wanted to finish selling the candy, so he kept going.

Manuel had just sold the last of the candy when the boys returned. One of them grabbed his shoulder as he rode by. The box slipped from under Manuel’s arm, and another boy whizzed past and grabbed it. “No!” Manuel cried. He watched sadly as they carried off his box of hard-earned money.

That evening, Manuel heard a knock at his bedroom door. “Manuel! Please come out!” His mother sounded worried.

“I told you, Mamá, I don’t feel well.”

“But the missionaries are here to see us.”

Manuel got to his feet, took a deep breath, and squared his shoulders.

“Hola, Manuel,” Sister Santos said as Manuel joined his family in the living room.

Usually Manuel listened carefully to the missionaries. But tonight he was thinking about the boys and the box of money. He wished he had run away the first time he had seen them. But how was he supposed to know what to do? Would he ever feel safe walking down the street again? He frowned and started listening to the lesson.

“The Holy Ghost is a messenger from Heavenly Father,” Sister Santos said. “He can guide and inspire our thoughts. He can help us make good choices and warn us of danger.”

Manuel looked up. “What do you mean?”

“Well, have you ever had a strong thought come into your head?” Sister Santos asked. “Maybe it was a prompting to do something. Maybe it just seemed like a great idea.”

Manuel’s eyes widened as he remembered the strong feelings he’d had earlier about getting away from the boys on bikes. “I think it happened today,” he said slowly.

The missionaries looked at him with interest. So did Manuel’s mother and grandmother. He told them about the boys and the stolen box.

“Oh, Manuel, I’m so sorry,” his mother whispered. “That’s why you’ve been so upset this evening. Later I want you to tell me more about those boys. Maybe we can get your money back.”

“I’m sorry too,” Sister Santos said. “But I think you are right. That was probably the Holy Ghost you felt inside.” She paused. “You will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost after your baptism when you are confirmed. That means you will be able to have and feel those messages a lot more often. As you stay worthy, the Holy Ghost can be your constant companion. How do you feel about that?”

A relieved smile crossed Manuel’s face. “Much better!” he said. “I was starting to think I would always be afraid to walk outside. But if the Holy Ghost will warn me again, like He did today, I’ll be fine.” He grinned at his mother. “Because the next time the Holy Ghost speaks to me, I’m going to listen!”

Ask your children if they have ever had a thought, a warm feeling or chills. Tell them that this may be a way that The Holy Ghost is speaking to them. If we listen to the small acts, like the warm feelings or little thoughts, The Holy Ghost is there to protect us.

As a parent tell a story to your children of how The Holy Ghost prompted you to do something in your own life. Example: One morning, I kept getting a though that I needed to go visit Sister Smith. After the 3 time I had this feeling, I decided to get into my car and go to Sister Smith’s. When I got to her home and she opened her door, I could tell that she had been crying. She was given some really bad news and prayed that she would be able to be comforted. If I hadn’t listened to those prompting, Sister Smith would have been left alone to deal with her awful news.

We can be instruments in the Lord’s hands if we all but listen to the promptings of The Holy Ghost.

Activity:
Booklet from www.mormonshare.com
Using the files, make the Holy Ghost booklet with your children. As you make this book, talk about each one of the statements and how they can help your children.

Treat:
Mint Chocolate Brownies
1/3 C Water
1 box Chocolate Brownie Mix w/ syrup pouch
1/3 C Vegetable Oil
2 Eggs
1 C Pecans
1 10oz bag of mint chocolate chips

Frosting:
1 container Vanilla frosting
¼ C crushed mint chocolate chips to sprinkle on top.

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 13x9-inch pan. In medium bowl, stir brownie mix, chocolate syrup, water, oil and eggs using spoon, about 50 strokes or until well blended. Stir in pecans and 1 cup of the chocolate chips (reserve remaining chocolate chips for glaze). Spread batter in pan.
Bake 28 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour.