Liam'a Baptism, The Spirit As A Guide

Today I had the privilege of speaking at Liam Oldham's baptism. What a wonderful and spiritual experience it was. The testimonies and talks given were some of the most thoughtful I had ever heard. The comfort of the spirit truly was felt there. For me, it's always a daunting task to stand up in front of a large group of people and speak. It's nerve wracking and makes me very uncomfortable and jittery. However, this weakness serves as a constant reminder to me of just how much my Heavenly Father cares for me and that he he knows me and recognizes the struggles I deal with. It allows me to build up my testimony of prayer and the gospel and helps me to draw closer to my Savior. I get nervous and even begin to shake and choke up when charged with oratory. Because of this I like to say a prayer before I go up, asking Heavenly Father to have the spirit with me. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly The Lord can work. I'll haul my anxious and jittery self up to the stand, sweat starting to form on my hands as I nervously wring them together. And then the spirit takes control. An overwhelming feeling peace comes over me. My voice comes out smoothly, loudly, and professionally with not a bit of hesitance or unsurety. I am able to deliver my message to the multitude I stand before with confidence and poise because I have the spirit with me. I recognize that what I say has an effect on others, and I'm so grateful that my Heavenly Father is there for me, sending me his spirit so that I can perform my duty to the best of my abilities. He is there for us and will help us the best he can with our daily struggles. I know this, and share these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.