Feeling the Impression

          In this essay, I  discuss INSPIRATION, IMPRESSION, FEELING and EMOTION and how they relate to receiving Revelation and Information.  

          Inspiration-- I  define as truthful information directly from God and/or through the Holy Ghost.   The Holy Ghost is another name or title given to the part of our soul/spirit that was present in the pre-existence, the one that has no veil,  the one that knows our Father and Mother in Heaven and our brother, Jesus Christ and all the other things that transpired there.

          The Holy Spirit (which is often used interchangeably with Holy Ghost) is the Mind of the Father and the Son. "And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words." (Hel. 5: 45.) …It is the "Holy Spirit" which causes the effect. The effect upon them is called the "Holy Ghost" by Christ (See 3 Ne. 9: 20)."  Volumes could and have been written on this subject.

          Inspiration is the Divine giving you a message.  You want to come from Inspiration.  The key is to determine what is Inspiration and what is Memory. Memories are old programs replaying, which can bring up Emotions of all sorts. Which brings us to Impression.  Impressions are also information.  Impressions can  be Inspiration coming from God, but they may also be information coming from another source, including Memories or directly from the adversary.   

          We may hear someone say, " I had the Impression that such and such was true or that I should do this or that."  They may also equate that with Feeling which is something else again.  Impressions may come in many ways.  We may "hear" a voice in our heads.  We may have a Thought come full blown into our minds and then we seek to verbalize it.  We may see an image or vision.  Again, these Impressions  come from various sources.  They may or may not be accompanied by Feelings  and/or Emotions.

          Feelings may or may not be accompanied by Impressions or Emotions.  An example of a Feeling alone is an adrenaline rush. Once I wondered what a bull felt like when a rider got on his back. I wondered why a bull rider would risk his life. 

I was given an intense Feeling of an adrenaline rush.  In this case, my "question" was answered with a Feeling, which gave me information.  Another example of a Feeling is what many call a "gut feeling". It may manifest as a "sick" or nauseous feeling .  Along with this Feeling  may be Impressions.  An example is:  "I had a gut feeling that this guy was up to no good."  In that example, the feeling was accompanied by an impression/information.  It may also even be Inspiration.  However, gut feelings may also come from other sources.  Another example of Feeling is the little "flutter" in the solar plexus when we think of or anticipate something pleasant or exciting happening.

          Which brings us to Emotion.  Emotions and Feelings are often lumped into the same category and many people have trouble differentiating.  Some examples of Emotion are:  Anger, Joy, Shame, Love, Fear, Sadness, Confusion, Jealousy, Depression, Nostalgia, Pride and on and on.  Tears are usually the expression of an Emotion.  If we cry at a horse race, an athletic event, a funeral, a musical performance, or because we are upset at something, then--- what is it?  It's not the Holy Ghost for sure. Beauty has the ability to evoke Emotion--the beauty of a race…the music. What if we cry at someone's inspirational story or testimony?  Is that the Holy Ghost?  Care is to be taken about the source of the Emotion. It may be the Holy Ghost giving us Inspiration or truthful information and then we express the Emotion based on that. We may get the Impression which expresses itself as "This is true" or "This is important."  It may all happen so fast that we have a difficult time sorting it out.

          Inspiration coming from God will call us to repentance and lead us to seek and emulate Christ.  It will call us to Love, Service, Gratitude and Forgiveness and show us our true calling.  Usually, when I receive Inspiration, it comes as Impressions, but I am given these at least THREE times, perhaps in slightly different ways.  Many times I am asked a question back, giving me more things to ponder or given a scripture, words to a song, or even "guided" to a talk or blog.

          Impressions coming from other sources will tell us "All is Well.  Eat, drink and be merry".  "You're not enough."  "You can never be forgiven."  "Follow that man, not God."  "There is no God…if there was, He wouldn't let that happen."

          It is surely a challenge to discern.

            

Dismissing the Dot People

           I awakened  about 2:30 am with pains  hitting my knees, first on one side, then on other, then both. Felt like a hammer or club bashing, came in waves. I knew it wasn't sore muscles. Thinking it might be a spiritual attack, I invited any negative energies to depart. That didn’t seem to help. I prayed, asked for heavenly help, visualized Nephi and his powerful sword hacking away any demonic attachments. That helped a little. I  prayed some more for a few minutes.  I eventually visualized talking directly to God and Christ and expressed Love, Gratitude and asked for Forgiveness-- and really went into those feelings.  Within 30 seconds, the pains left and I was enveloped in a feeling of warmth and coziness and gratitude.   This is just one example of a Spiritual Attack.     Who are these entities that can cause us so much grief? 

             I first heard about "The Dot People" from Kirk Duncan. It seemed fitting.  The "dots" being an indication that these are spirits.  (If you drew a representation, then the "dots" would show this.) Can be good or bad. Those who wish us harm can interfere with us spiritually and even physically.

 

Various authors refer to "them" in different ways.  They have been called "Dark Spirits", "Tornado Head", "Drunk Monkey", "Junk", "Parasites", "False Self", "The Enemy", "The Thief", "The Devil", "Adversary", "Demons", "Satan" or "Lucifer."  However, in the context of this essay, they will mostly be referred to as "Dot People."
        Mel Fish has an explanation in his book, Healing the Inner Self. I have personally spoken with what he describes as "unclean" spirits" who are "earthbound."

"… Mostly they are miserable unhappy entities and don’t know what to do about it.

The 'unclean' spirits are the disembodied spirits.  Those who have lived on the earth and died.  They acquired so much darkness during their lifetime that the Darkness within them binds them down and keeps them earthbound.  Some have chosen to remain here on the earth instead of going to the realm of light where they belong.  Some of these spirits remain here because they are confused and seem not to understand the options.  They are not evil and mean us no harm.  They do have negative emotions and therefore have a  negative effect upon us.

Both devils and unclean spirits (henceforth both referred to as Dark spirits) can and do enter our bodies or are attached to us.  The problems they can cause include;  illness, headache, depression, anger, temper, and homosexuality.  However, one cannot blame all problems onto spirits.  We have been given agency.  Very seldom does a spirit take complete control. They do  make it more difficult to exercise self control."

 

            Don Miguel Ruiz in Mastery of Love talks about "the Parasite", which justifies our behavior in front of other people, but when we are alone, it is the worst judge…blaming and making us feel guilty. When a person gets upset, sad or jealous, it's a Parasite that is in possession.

 

             Linda Kohanov in Riding Between the Worlds talks about "Tornado Head" or "False Self." "Most adults have grown up so shackled by the False Self's addiction to security and established methods that they haven't developed the skills to live creatively…if Tornado head realizes it's losing control and may throw a fit that makes thinking outside the box more difficult.  At that point, most people turn tail and run back into the cage."

            Napoleon Hill wrote an interesting book in 1938, Outwitting the Devil.  In it he has an interview with "The Devil" who shares some of his tactics with us.  While I didn't care for some things in the book, it did produce some gems of quotes. Here the Devil talks:

"One of my cleverest devices for mind control is fear.  I plant fear in the minds of people and as these seeds germinate and grow…I control the space they occupy.  The six most effective fears are fear of poverty, criticism, ill health, loss of love, old age and death…

…  Any habit that weakens will power invites a flock of relatives to move in and take possession of the mind.

 … A drifter is one who permits himself to be influenced and controlled by circumstances outside of his own mind.  He would rather let me occupy his mind and do his thinking than think for himself…has lots of opinions, but are not his own.  Most are supplied by me.

…  I move in by appealing through negative thoughts which they believe are their own.  I plant the seeds of negativity through the pulpit, the newspapers, movies, radio and all other popular methods of appeal to the mind.

… One of my most effective tricks is propaganda…I mix propaganda with the news.  I have it taught in schools.  I see it finds its way to the pulpit.  I color moving pictures with it.  I see it enters every home where there is a radio.  I inject it into billboards, newspapers and advertising.  I spread it in every place of business where people work.  I use it to fill the divorce courts."  

             (And this was written in 1938.  Think how much more propaganda is spread through television and the internet in today's world.)     

            We might ask, Why does every story have a villain?  John Eldredge  explains:

"Every story has a villain because yours does…

It's hard to think of a tale without one. As children, we learned to fear the Big Bad Wolf and the Troll under the bridge. Little Red Riding Hood is attacked by a wolf. Dorothy must face and bring down the Wicked Witch of the West.  The children who stumbled into Narnia are called upon by Aslan to battle the White Witch and her armies so that Narnia might be free.

As we grew older, we discovered more serious villains in the Star Wars series-Darth Vader and Darth Maul and Darth Sidious. In The Fellowship of the Ring, we come to dread the Dark Lord Sauron, the Orcs that do his bidding, and the Black Riders who hunt poor Frodo and the ring that will give the evil one power to enslave the world.

You were born into a world at war.. That means that right now, on this earth, there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of fallen angels, foul spirits, bent on our destruction. .. So what does Satan spend every day and every night of his sleepless, untiring existence doing… making war against . . . those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. He has you in his crosshairs…

Most people do not live as though the Story has a Villain, and that makes life very confusing. How have we missed this? All the stories we've been telling about the presence of an evil power in the world, all the dark characters that have sent chills down our spines and given us restless nights-they are spoken to us as warnings. There is evil cast around us. War. Famine. Betrayal. Murder. Surely we know there is an evil force in this world. It is the voice of our adversary. The question is not, Are we spiritually oppressed, but Where and How?
You have an enemy. He is trying to steal your freedom, kill your heart, destroy your life."

 Dorothy must face and bring down the Wicked Witch of the West.  The children who stumbled into Narnia are called upon by Aslan to battle the White Witch and her armies so that Narnia might be free.

As we grew older, we discovered more serious villains in the Star Wars series-Darth Vader and Darth Maul and Darth Sidious. In The Fellowship of the Ring, we come to dread the Dark Lord Sauron, the Orcs that do his bidding, and the Black Riders who hunt poor Frodo and the ring that will give the evil one power to enslave the world.

You were born into a world at war.. That means that right now, on this earth, there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of fallen angels, foul spirits, bent on our destruction. .. So what does Satan spend every day and every night of his sleepless, untiring existence doing… making war against . . . those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. He has you in his crosshairs…

 

                         Who are we listening to?  Growing up, we listen to parents, teachers, friends, higher power, adversarial spirits. All these voices inside of our head. As we get older, it's assumed it is all our thoughts, so familiar we have learned to think of as our own. What is the source of the persistent accusations in our head and heart? The voices and words sound vaguely familiar.   A voice that whispers in our ear, a message that even erases the truths.

            It is necessary to separate the voices so we can determine who we are listening to. If it turns into an "I" statement, (I am worthless. Nobody listens to me.), then a deeper level of acceptance has been attained.    The Bad guys seem to have a script, the same "training manual".  The same things show up for almost everyone.  Word for word exact. We don't know when they will show up. This is the basis for most depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Of the 68,000 thoughts per day, 47,000 are negative.  When we avoid dealing with those negative thoughts, it gets worse.  We don't know what to do next. Many people choose to medicate with drugs, alcohol or some other coping mechanism or addiction. This may seem to make the "voices" go away, but opens up a whole other set of problems. Once we can't hear those voices, we are often numb to promptings from the Holy Ghost and we can give up our precious agency.

 

            When the Dot People can't get into our heads anymore, they go after other people to tell us the same things.  When this doesn't work, they go after us with energetic blocks causing physical and/or emotional pain .  We live in the valley where the adversary is hunting us.    Even though spirits cannot  directly “hurt” us physically in the same way we hurt from a cut, burn or accident, they can cause pain by interrupting energy flow. (which may in turn cause a distraction leading to a physical "accident".)   These blockages are like a traffic jam on a highway and can produce pain without an apparent physical cause. Energy techniques that restore the flow can help because they assist in releasing the emotional baggage that contributes to stress and darkness. The presence of Dot People does NOT mean that one is evil. It is just a problem that needs to be dealt with like a physical illness.

             Our hearts matter to God.   It is amazing how much accusation we live under and how prevalent and insistent the Dot People are.  Perhaps we have an argument with our spouse or child.   We have a nagging sense of, Well, I really blew that one. If our heart agrees-Yeah, I really did-without taking the issue to Jesus, then the Dot People will try for more. We're always blowing it.   An  agreement is made. It seems so true. I'm such a lousy spouse. Keep this up and our whole day is tanked in about five minutes. The Enemy will take any small victory,  moving from You did a bad thing to You are bad. After a while it just becomes a cloud we live under, accept as normal. Any movement toward freedom and life, any movement toward God  will be opposed. Marriage, friendship, beauty, the Thief wants it all. 

John Eldredge in Waking The Dead says:  "Jesus turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan!' (Matt. 16:21-23). Heads up-these words will come from anywhere. Be careful what or who you are agreeing with. Some foul spirit whispers, I'm such a stupid idiot, and they agree with it; then they spend months and years trying to sort through feelings of insignificance. They'd end their agony if they'd treat it for the warfare it is, break the agreement they've made, and send the Enemy packing. "

            When we make those agreements with the Dot People suggesting things to us, we come under their influence. 

            I bear witness to the reality of the Dot people.  I have been given the spiritual gift of being able to "see" some of them.  Some are merely departed spirits who are so tormented by their sins that they do not feel "worthy" to seek their Savior. I have written down "notes" of what they asked and told me.   I have seen some who looked like gargoyle monkeys and some who looked like bizarre cartoon characters.

            So….what do we do?  Educate ourselves.  Pray mightily and ask for help.  It does not behoove us to pretend they're not there.  Acknowledge, but do not Fear.  They prey on Fear.  

             Ask for Guardian angels.   Read scriptures. In studying, write down every name that inspires.    Look specifically for those who went out to check on enemy spies.  Employ all angels.  If we ask, The Lord will usually call down Angels of Light, Soldiers of the Most High, to remove the dark spirits.     Be specific. Angels have different purposes. Some are sent to deal with the Adversary, others are sent to comfort, to bless, to prepare the way.

      Surround homes and post Guardians wherever necessary. Circle the home with protection.  Envision Heaven being interested.    Use Lasers and cross beams. Build stone fortresses and domes of light.  Ask and receive.  Bring the whole Relief Society of Angels.  They WANT to help us.

      When we SMILE, we begin to shed any adversarial attachment.   Sing  Primary songs.  Popcorn popping is sending energy.  Crank up a smile, then negative spirits can't get into our energy bubbles.   Be careful what you LISTEN to, what you EAT, and what you SEE.

Awareness is paramount.

            Some sources say that the Dot people can hear what's in our minds;   other sources say that they cannot …they only can hear what we speak out loud.  This is something that can be "asked" about to get your own answer. Homework problem. When I asked, I got the answer…"It depends…"

 

We can never go wrong by enveloping ourselves in love.  Negative energies thrive on fear and negative emotion.   

              Imagine a shield of protection… use silent prayer, visualize white light of Christ creating a bubble or cocoon of light. (Like Glinda, the Good witch of the north who traveled in a shimmering, transparent bubble.)

  Surround loved ones who are in your stewardship in their own white light bubbles.  Do this every day to cars, places of employment, residence. Ask for shields of containment to be around anyone or anything that enters your property that any dark thing may be contained on them and not be released while there. You can even ask for shields to be around the other things that enter your property such as internet, water, electricity, gas.  And…don't forget to shield computers and phones.  

            There are many other visualization exercises. Negative dot people are cowardly.  They want no part of the golden sword we can summon for protection by visualizing it--gleaming with perfection, suspended in front of us.  Let its hilt form a cross on the forehead and its blade extend the length of the body like a razor sharp impenetrable declaration of divine god given strength . Visualize Christ as if He were actually there.

 Or how about a version of a fisherman’s net made of spun gold and silver gossamer braided together with Christ's love light?  The net is weightless, but stronger than steel.  Drape it  for glistening protection from the top of your head to the ground at your feet.  When Dot people approach you or start talking to you, drape an identical net over them. Intend that it neutralize without their knowing why their closeness to you left them feeling depleted and rejected.

    The Lord will instruct when and how to use tools of protection.    

             Shielding is a critical part of dealing with the Dot People.  Unfortunately, shields are not usually permanent and it may be wise to ask for how long it will last. Shields are created by the Lord’s light and power and can be seen by the Dot People, angering them and in some cases frightening them. When using shields in their full glory it attracts Satan’s minions like moths to the flame. For this reason, sometimes it is good to ask that the light of the shield be also veiled.

            Some people may begin to feel nervous and ask, “What if I am deceived?" It is easy to be deceived if we are too eager to gain knowledge and don’t check our answers. Perhaps ask, “Lord, are there any spirits here that need to be removed?” If yes,  simply ask  what to do and follow the instruction.

             Demonic possession is a subject that makes most everyone uncomfortable. The belief that “if you ignore it, you’ll never have to deal with it” is an attitude that the Dot People love to propagate. When you become a servant of the Lord you can do more when you understand and confront the Enemy. The fact is that nearly everyone will deal directly with Dot people many times throughout their lifetime. Most people deal with this daily, especially when they are headed down the right path of following the Savior.  Satan said to God in the Garden, “I will take the spirits that follow me, and they shall possess the bodies thou createst for Adam and Eve!” God placed enmity, or a natural repulse to Satan within us, so that we could overcome; but He did not stop Satan from accomplishing his plan.

            Evil dot people will often take habitation within our bodies in the form of sickness, depression, addiction and negative feelings such as anger, hate, and more. For those who invite or allow those spirits to remain, they become a part of us and are more difficult to remove. Sometimes these demonic possessions reveal themselves in the form of mental illness, as defined by modern science.   Those who suffer from such things, because of addiction, grief, or by some unknown reason, often do not know how to release themselves from the chains they bear. (Alma 30:42) We must be careful never to judge, but to seek the Lord’s guidance as we offer compassion, mercy, and when inspired, relief or “exorcism” from such hellishness as the Lord directs us.

If you feel that you need to take part in the removing of any evil spirits from yourself or another be sure to remember the following:

 

Pray and prepare, asking God for specific instruction for how to proceed.   Some suggest  certain  words to cast out demons.   Use those words that the Lord tells you to use. It may be different depending upon the situation.  

Ask that you may shield yourself and others, so that the bad spirits do not just jump from one person into another. You will know that another has been attacked if they immediately become ill or have a radical mood swing.

Ask that Angels be present to remove or have chained and shackled any evil spirits that are removed, if it is the Lord’s will.

Do not perform a blessing with anything other than love, humility, mercy and thankfulness to the Lord. Remember, we are merely servants, exercising faith and love in behalf of the person.

If we lack faith or are having a difficult time receiving the revelation, we need to fast for as long as is necessary to receive instruction.

Always pray afterward  to offer thanks to the Lord and pray for protection.

Remember that when taking a major step in the battle against the Dot People we are marking ourselves as targets. The Lord will give additional protection and help us move forward and our lives may never be the same. The Lord delights when His servants exercise faith in His name and choose to fight the Adversary in His name.

 

  

Partial list of References:

Eldredge, John, Waking the Dead, Sacred Romance, Epic and Wild At Heart.

Kohanov, Linda, Riding Between the Worlds

Pure Revelations Blogspot, https://purerevelations.wordpress.com/

Mendenhall, Doug, Conquering Spiritual Evil  

Duncan, Kirk, notes from "Heart of Gold" live presentation and CD, Mind of Steel

Ruiz, Don Miguel, Mastery of Love

Fish, Mel, Healing the Inner Self

Hill, Napoleon, Outwitting the Devil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 "

 

Receiving the Holy Ghost

 
       REALLY, Who IS the Holy Ghost?    A nebulous spirit man floating around, hurrying to be in so many places at once, influencing so many?

          For years my husband used to ask his Sunday School students to draw a picture of the Godhead including the Holy Ghost.  It was interesting seeing what came up.  Mostly the drawings were simplistic, showing a sketch of perhaps a sheet figure with two glaring eyes.  Sometimes, someone just drew a picture of a man.  The point being that the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit who looks like a man, but without a tangible body.  That is the "official" word from the church. Quoting from lds.org.

 "The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit, without a body of flesh and bones. He is often referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter."

          Let us turn to scripture.   (Moses 6:61)  "Therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice and judgment".

          Are the "Holy Ghost" and the "Holy Spirit" the same? When Nephi refers to the "Holy Ghost" in 2 Ne. 33: 1, but then uses "Holy Spirit" in the next verse (2 Ne. 33: 2), does he have two different things in mind?

In the Lectures on Faith,  Joseph Smith defined the "Holy Spirit" as the "mind of the Father and Son."

          If the Holy Ghost is a "personage of Spirit" and it can "dwell in us," and the Holy Spirit is "the mind of the Father and Son" then are they the same thing?

There are many times when the term "Ghost" and the term "Spirit" are used interchangeably. A distinction is not used by some translators. Therefore,  take care in determining different translator's use of the terms.  

           I have done much pondering and praying for answers.   Here's what I have come up with. The Holy Ghost is another name or title given to our soul/spirit that was present in the pre-existence, the one that has no veil,  the one that knows our heavenly parents and our brother, Jesus Christ and other things that transpired there. I believe that "Higher Self" Spirit met with them and helped plan out what adventures we wanted to experience in our mortal life…the ones that would provide the greatest learning experiences…"particularly made" for us, in the words of Bruce McConkie.   The Holy Ghost is the personage which is our highest self and the Holy Spirit is the mind of the Father and Son, which can communicate through the Holy Ghost.

          One example is when people are being "worked on", (as in energy work or hypnosis) they can go into one of many altered states where they can sometimes make contact with a part of themselves which is often referred to as their "higher self" (it has many names) and which seems to know the answers to all things.
All people seem to have this "higher self" part of themselves, whether they've been baptized and confirmed or not. Or whether they're aware of it or not.

          In that context, the following quote from Joseph Smith is now understandable: "The Holy Ghost is now in a state of probation which if he should perform in righteousness he may pass through the same or a similar course of things that the Son has."  

         When we are confirmed, we are admonished to RECEIVE the Holy Ghost, or in other words, receive what it has to offer, open ourselves up to guidance.  It's up to us to receive the gift of having more direct and constant connection… to find the fabric of Holiness…That fabric is delicate, it unfolds gently and whispers. It's often called the Still, Small Voice, the Breath of Life, the Breath of Heaven.  I believe a key to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost is always noticing its presence  until it is second nature. Becoming aware while we walk, drive, wait in line, talk, breathe, meditate, ponder…

          In Deuteronomy 30: 11–14 ” it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven,  that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?  Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?  But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.”

   

           I love those scriptures and the metaphors…Fabric of Holiness and Breath of Heaven. They really resonate with me.  Holy fabric of our Soul, layer of our Spirit, that which contains the Record of Heaven. A Comforter. A Seer. A Revelator.                                          

          I know we've all had experiences when our emotions are stirred by a movie, a book, music, a TV commercial or an appealing talk or testimony.  I get emotional at a thrilling horse race or when my kids and grandkids race or perform.  Emotional experiences can be induced in a number of ways. A lot of physical experiences can create tears or goosebumps or chills.  Is this the Holy Ghost? Think about it.  Joseph Smith stated: "The first Comforter, or Holy Ghost has no other effect than pure intelligence."   

        What if we cry at someone's inspirational story or testimony?  Is that the Holy Ghost?    It may be the Holy Ghost giving us inspiration or truthful information and then the emotion comes flowing based on that. We may get an impression which expresses itself as "This is true" or "This is important." We may even get a glimpse of an unseen world through our spiritual eyes.  It may all happen so fast that we have a difficult time sorting it out.  The Holy Ghost may also be a protection in giving us information that will help keep us out of harm's way. 

          For many years I believed that only good feelings, reassurance and praise come through the Holy Ghost. I have now learned that an uncomfortable message that challenges me, tells me about my present mistakes, and warns me to repent or change course comes from God through the Holy Ghost.   

           The truth conveyed by the Holy Ghost may be hard to hear and difficult to follow.   Much of the light and truth that the Holy Ghost conveys -may cause pain and provoke change and repentance because we are convicted of errors.

          Alma was tutored by the Holy Ghost and it convicted him of his sins. He described it as "my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror." (Alma 36:14.) "For three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul." "I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins."  He repented because he received accurate information by the power of the Holy Ghost showing him exactly where he stood before God. This enabled him to repent and return to God.

           Understanding, comprehension, light and truth—these are the effects of the Holy Ghost. We may foolishly conclude that the Holy Ghost is telling us something is "dark" or "evil" if it causes discomfort or disappointment. The emotional response should be separated from the message. Does it enlighten? Does it impart knowledge? Does it cause a desire to change? Repent?

  Does it point us to coming unto Christ?    Does it call us to Love, Service, Gratitude and Forgiveness? 

          

          Missionaries quote Moroni 10:4, and admonish everyone to pray and ask God if the Book of Mormon is true. Investigators are promised that God will manifest the truth of it unto them "by the power of the Holy Ghost." These are unbaptized investigators who are told they can hear the Holy Ghost speak truth to them. The Holy Ghost does, can, and will speak to anyone. There is no organization controlling the Holy Ghost. The good news is that the Holy Ghost is the record of Heaven and will bring to your remembrance all things because it knoweth all things.  We ARE sufficiently equipped right now!  We don’t need to look elsewhere!  

           

          Not only can we "receive" the Holy Ghost, but through the Holy Spirit we have access to that which is Holy in others.  Imagine what our life might be like if our ancestors or loved ones came to us as guardian angels or to deliver a message!  They speak to our spirits in the same way. I don't think the Holy Ghost is a "protection" as some may have purported, but rather a purveyor of truth, so that we can make informed decisions that keep us out of harm's way. The Holy Ghost can help us connect with and recognize angels and guardians that may be sent to help protect us.

We can often perceive them with our spiritual eyes as they desire to appear. We can also sometimes perceive the Higher Self Spirits of those still in mortality. Wow, What a powerful gift! If only we allow ourselves to receive it!  But How???   It's there in the scriptures…our "How To" manual, but not in easy numbered steps like E-How.  It is to be discovered…much like seeing the perception of an optical illusion. It may require shifting our focus slightly, digging deep and looking with a different insight. It even goes deeper than we have ever realized.   Savor the AHA moments.

 

The more we uncover, the more we recognize we don't comprehend… and the more exciting the journey becomes. 

Here is an excellent post on another blog for more insights: http://www.totheremnant.com/2018/02/ask-seek-knock-conclusion-holy-ghost.html

Life Coaching a Dead Atheist

A couple of years ago, I wrote an essay for a contest  .  I entitled it "Life Coaching a Dead Objectivist".  It obviously didn't win anything, but it was fun writing and learning more about the life of Ayn Rand.  Even though she was an atheist in mortal life, she has changed many of her perceptions now that she is on the other side of the veil.  She still is working through her issues and wants people to "get" her.  I changed the name of the essay to….

Life Coaching a Dead Atheist

            What's up for you, today, Ayn? What is your intention in seeking Life Coaching?

            I am looking for assistance with my depression.  It's not logical that I should be depressed. I have written bestselling books. I have enough income.  I am a distinguished speaker and author.  I have a devoted, handsome husband. I have a following of thousands of fans.

            And you are depressed because….?

            I am getting criticism from all over.  They just do not GET it.  They are being irrational.  I spent years of my life writing the perfect fictional vehicle for my beliefs. There should be no conflicts of interest among rational people! Why am I surrounded by irrationality?  Where IS Reason? Why do they desire the unearned?  I do not make sacrifices, nor do I accept them. People do not even notice my best qualities and I am resented for them.  I am accused of being jealous, possessive, having no empathy. I am forced to be angry.

            Let's begin with your anger.  What specifically triggers your anger?

            Just about everything.  It is necessary.  Outsized passion is required to further my work.

            What was the most recent event that angered or upset you?

            I was betrayed by one of my closest friends.  I trusted him.  He was my intellectual heir.  He is immoral, irrational, a coward.  He exploited me.  He rejected me as a person.

            What emotions did you feel?

            Don't ask about emotions.  Reason trumps emotions. I am reasonable, but anger prevailed.  Ask me what I think.  

            Relationships are our greatest teachers.  People show up to give us the experience we are holding within. See if you can tell me what you think without quoting from your books. See if you can put a label on these emotions that seem to be defying reason. They exist. Acknowledge them.

            I have been taught that feelings are inconvenient, irrational, self-contained sensations that need to be controlled and hidden at all cost. They do not provide knowledge;  however, they do exist, so, I will acknowledge them-- Anger, Betrayal, Frustration, Grief, Despair.

            When you feel this way, What does this mean about YOU?

            What do you mean, ME?  It's THEIR fault.  They are irrational and unreasonable and wrong.

            Then why is it raising such emotion and reaction in YOU?  Consider the possibility that when you blame someone or get angry at them, THEY have the power.

            That's not possible. Wait a minute…that IS possible. 

            Think about it. Grudges keep us from moving forward.  Bitterness is the biggest barrier that exists to joy and getting what we want from life. Consciously releasing resentment assists us in moving forward in areas where we were previously stuck. Holding that grudge and anger--how is it working for you in terms of bringing you happiness?

            Well, I guess it's not.

            Again, what do you take it to mean about YOU?  Looking for an "I am" statement.  What is your perception or the underlying message you are receiving about yourself? It is referred to as a "deceptive identity" because it is a false sense of self that we pick up at a very young age.  It's a belief that feels like the truth of who we are.  For example, "I am unimportant, wrong, a mistake, unlovable".  These false perceptions become our reality.  They take us further from feeling love and joy.  They create patterns of self-sabotage, addictions and coping mechanisms to deal with the pain. See if any of these words strike a chord… I am… second best, unimportant, powerless, invisible…

            Invisible, yes, invisible.   Will I ever be truly visible to anyone?  No one really SEES me.  Even my fans do not. Sometimes, my fans disappoint and depress me worse than my enemies.

            And why is that?

            They should know better.  They have read my works.  They SHOULD get it!

            When you are in this belief that you are invisible, how does it affect you and your relationships?  How do you react?

            I get angry when things are not done exactly as I want. My relationships suffer.  I have few, if any friends. I am addicted to amphetamines and smoking.  I must push and push so I can make a mark in the world, so I can be seen.

            How has this behavior served you?

            Things get done right and when things are done right, I feel safe and in control.

            Do you intimidate people into doing things your way?

            I do not think so. No….well, perhaps.

            Isn't that a form of force?

            No, they still have their own free will.

            What happens if they do not agree with you?

            I dismiss them.

            Do they sacrifice for you? Even if they agree with you, do they sacrifice?

             A sacrifice is the surrender of a great value for a lesser or non-value.  If they are rational and agree with me, of course there is no sacrifice.

            You keep using the word, "rational".  What does that mean?

            It is using reason; which is the only source of knowledge. Reason is our faculty that integrates the material provided by our senses.

            Knowing what you know, tap in to the rational truth.  Are you really invisible?

            Of course not.

            What would you rather have in your ideal life?

            I would rather be relaxed and happy. I want people to praise my novels. I would rather have people notice me because I have something worthy to say.  I would rather not have to manipulate and mold people into what I think they should be. I would rather be accepting of how things are done.

               I know you're not really into feelings, but again consider the possibility  you don't have to go out and discover your greatness or the love that you are.  You don't need to be praised and applauded.  All you need to do is peel back the beliefs that you are invisible and unworthy, kind of like peeling a dark, spotted banana and revealing the cream colored delicious fruit on the inside.  The first step is to be aware of these limiting beliefs.  We already identified one of your deceptive identities as being invisible. How often in your life have you felt invisible or unimportant?

            Pretty much all my life, way back to when I was a child.

            It can be helpful to go back to the first time you remember having those feelings.  It may be as a child around age three to five. Do you remember anything in particular?

            My mother always told me she never wanted children.  She lied to me and gave away my favorite toys.

            Pain is one of our greatest gifts in life because it encourages change.   A painful childhood can be a catalyst that carries into our adult life. Most of us don't like to change because it seems overwhelming and difficult, even when we realize we need it.  Change is necessary in order to move through pain. Those times in your life when you felt, second-best, powerless, unimportant, rejected, alone, are all within.  When you react to a current situation, the inner-child who felt that emotion is also triggered.  This is why sometimes we become upset or angry over what seem to be small incidents.

            I don't get upset over small incidents.  Everything is big, but yes, go on. This is beginning to make sense to me. 

              We are the creators of our lives.  We create circumstances for our own healing.  We attract people and situations to resolve the illusion of the limiting beliefs that have us stuck.  There are no victims, only volunteers. Instead of asking, "Why Me?", ask "What am I to learn from this?" Be an Actor, rather than a Victim. As an actor, you can create or find choices and options for yourself. Create your own moods. You are in charge of the way you react to the behavior of others and the events they create.  You have said you love to talk about what you THINK.  Become the observer of your thoughts. Take off the judgment. Destructive judgments of yourself and others are not relevant. Love yourself for being human.

            What do you mean by that?

            You are human.  That is, what is. You make mistakes. You encounter opposition and criticism. Be grateful for your troubles.  Put them into perspective.  You grow from them.  Look back on your life.  Would you have the success you have now obtained without the trouble and resistance you experienced?

            No, probably not.  I had never thought of it that way. I wonder why I haven't seen it before.  

            Gratitude is very powerful.   Express gratitude for everything as it was and is. No matter what negative thought crosses your mind, immediately plaster gratitude on it.  Practice gratitude instead of misery.  Search for everything, anything, just to put gratitude on it. It may move you out of your "comfort" zone, but just try it.  Another thing to notice is when your thoughts argue with reality.  Much suffering can arise when we believe a thought that argues with reality.

            Explain that.  Do you have an example?

            You have cats.  The fact is, cats do not bark. They purr and meow. Wanting the cat to bark is wanting the reality to be different than it is.  You could spend the rest of your life trying to teach your cat to bark, but it just would not happen.

            Yes, that is correct.

            A thought is harmless unless we believe it. It is the attachment to thoughts that causes suffering. Thoughts are like breezes or raindrops.  They appear and we can make friends with them.  Would you argue against a raindrop? Once a painful concept is met with understanding, the next time it appears, you may find it interesting.  What used to be the nightmare is now just interesting. When you put your hand into a fire, does someone have to tell you to move it?

            No.

            When the hand starts to burn, you move it. Once you understand that an untrue thought causes suffering, you move away from it. Let's go back to that wounded child who had her toys taken away.  Close your eyes and see the innocence in that child.

            Even back then, I was a thinker-- thinking ahead. When my mother said she would give back half the toys at the end of the year, I believed her.  I chose my favorite toys to save for later.  Little did I know she would give those away because she thought I would choose to keep my favorites. Even my mother didn't understand me.  I trusted my mother.  She betrayed me.

            Did she truly betray you?

            Yes.

            What was her intention?  Was it to hurt you?

            No….I don't think so. She thought we had too many toys. But, she still lied.

            Has there ever been a time in your life, when lying was justified?

            Possibly.  Honesty is a high and noble value EXCEPT when one is put in a position through the immorality of another, where truth would be damaging to one's own interests.

            Can you see that your mother was doing the best she knew how?  She thought that she was doing you a favor.  Repeat after me.  I forgive myself for thinking, feeling and believing that I was invisible and unimportant.  I was doing the best I knew how. I forgive my mother for giving away my favorite toys, for wanting me to be something I was not.  She was doing the best she knew how.

            I think she knew better.

            We won't judge that. Just repeat.  BE that child.

            How can that happen? How can I BE that child again?

            Just imagine it.  The mind is very powerful. You know that. You created in your mind some of the best stories ever written. BE that child. Once you are there, what is that child thinking and feeling? What does that child need right now?

            I am lost, alone, rejected, despondent.  I cannot trust even my parents.  I need to feel valuable, secure, loved, admired.

            If this scenario could have been better, what would that look like?

            What good would that do?  That's in the past.

            We are just projecting a story with our imagination. You are a master story teller. Happiness is a choice. To me, happiness is being at peace with ourselves wherever we are, who ever we are with, whatever we feel, whatever we are going through and whatever we have or lack. Could you choose to be happy right now?  Does it have to be based on future events? Does it depend on others to "make" us happy? Consider the possibility that one can be happy, no matter what the circumstances are. That is actually, the ultimate in reason and self preservation.  The ultimate in free choice. Have you ever been happy or joyful in your life ?

            Those closest I came to happiness was in 1942--the year I was writing The Fountainhead.  I spent all my time writing.  Frank and Nick prepared my meals.  It was mostly wonderful. But, I had to keep working.  I was driven, but somewhat… happy. Happiness should come from the consciousness of achieving one's values. Why am I not happy now? I do not know.

            What about peaceful?  What does Peace mean to you?

            Peace is absence of war.  Peace is having no conflicts of interest.…I cannot remember anything specific in my life that would be described as peaceful. I have always been around irrational people who create conflicts.

            Let's go back to that scenario from your childhood.  If you could change those emotions into happiness, what would it look like? Just imagine it. You can rewrite the story.

            I will keep ALL my toys to choose from.  I take some and put them in a special place.  I ask my mother to play with me and she gets down on her knees and laughs with me.  We laugh together.  My dad comes in the room and asks why we are laughing.  We giggle and I show my dad my lovely princess outfit with the long, flowing skirt and tiny crown to put atop my dark hair.  I twirl and dip and wink at him.  He lifts me up and hugs me. He is delighted and calls me beautiful. 

            Wow, I am there with you, Ayn.  Remember that feeling of love, acceptance and safety. Take a deep breath, take it into your heart…your whole body.  Now, If you could imagine the most beautiful, exquisite, safe place for you now, where would that be?

            Hmmmmm. Like Galt's Gulch.  The beautiful mountains of Colorado.

            Be even more specific.  Go to that special place…that cozy cabin, that fragrant meadow, that spectacular water fall…whatever appeals to you. The perfect, happy day…What would that look like for you in terms of images and colors?

            Teal blue sky, rugged gray-brown, snow capped mountains, green trees. I have never been a fan of nature, but somehow that is calling to me now.

            What would it taste like?

            Black coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, dark Russian bread, Swiss cheese and oh, Swiss chocolates, the finest quality.

            What would it smell like?

            Pine, fir, birch and spruce trees.  Earth after rain.  Wildflowers.

            What would it feel like…that is, textures, not emotions?

            The hardness of typewriter or computer keyboard keys, my fingers flying across the keys.  The softness of a cat's fur. The feel of putting funny hats on my little stuffed lion cubs…

            What does it sound like?

            My music…my marches, my operettas, my waltzes.  I am conducting the orchestra. There is an orchestra just for me, here in Galt's Gulch.  I wave my arms.  The music envelopes me.  The audience thunderingly applauds me.  I have done well.  The music has touched us all.  I cannot believe I am talking like that.  Touching the heart…what a concept!  Perhaps I was mistaken in thinking that looking to emotions for knowledge is foolish.  All this time, Dagny has prized the lack of emotion in John Galt.  Wait a minute…I AM John Galt.  Wow.

            It IS an awesome book, you know…Atlas Shrugged.

            Have you read it?

            Yes, I have…twice.  It is rare for me to read a book twice. I enjoyed it and admired the creativity and story, especially the love story; but, truthfully, I skimmed over the philosophy parts, including that ponderously long speech of John Galt's.  For me, the power was in the story, the narrative and the characters….magnificent.

            Yesterday, I would have gotten angry at a statement like that. I would have dismissed the compliments.  I would have taken personal offense at my speech being skimmed over.  After all, it took me a good eighteen months to perfect.  But, now….that's okay, too.

(Thanks to Sandra Baker for being MY life coach and my mentor.  Thanks to my son Caleb for encouraging me to delve into the life of Ayn Rand as I read and edited his book, Philosophy of Freedom.)

Bibliography

1.     Rand, Ayn. Atlas Shrugged (New York: Signet, 1957).

2.     Heller, Anne C. Ayn Rand and The World She Made, (New York, Doubleday, 2009)

3.     Branden, Barbara. The Passion of Ayn Rand ( New York, Anchor Books, 1986).

4.     Harriman, David, ed. Journals of Ayn Rand (New York, Penguin, 1999).

5.     Katie, Byron. Loving What Is (Three Rivers Press, 2003)

6.     Baker, Sandra Weller. Awaken Within Life Coaching (unpublished notes, Highland, Utah, 2011)

7.     Rand, Ayn. The Virtue of Selfishness (New York: Signet, 1964).