Tag Archives: holy ghost

Listen & Learn

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The Holy Ghost is like a book.

A book uses words and pictures to teach. When you ask for help, the Holy Ghost helps you remember what to say and do. . .

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The Holy Ghost is Like a Blanket by Annalisa Hall, illustrated by Corey Egbert

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I like to take a book to the beach with me. Sometimes I read the book, sometimes I just listen to the world around me. The ocean waves, the seagulls, people walking, cars behind me. . . and the world is noisy and quiet all at the same time.   When I focus on one thing, I ignore other things, but what I read, I learn. When I listen, I find that I’m either hunting for something or nothing. Therefore, I was thinking about how we learn from reading books and listening to the world around us. Just a few thoughts – – I wish you a very happy day!

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Feel Love

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Today 12 June 2018 Cedar Fort, Inc. released the newest edition of THE HOLY GHOST IS LIKE A BLANKET with updated illustrations by Corey Egbert.

Get your copy of Annalisa Hall’s THE HOLY GHOST IS LIKE A BLANKET (Boy Version) here 

I love when siblings grow up and follow in the footsteps of their older sister. This younger brother has his own little story of how the Holy Spirit is special to him.

Your children don’t see the Holy Ghost, but that doesn’t mean they can’t feel His presence. With heart-warming illustrations, The Holy Ghost Is Like a Blanket depicts characteristics of the Holy Ghost by comparing them to objects children remember and relate to. These meaningful analogies will help your little ones recognize the Holy Ghost as a real influence in their lives.

If you’d be interested in reviewing a copy, please let me know.

Endorsed by: “Teaching our children about the Holy Ghost and inspiration is one of the most important things we do as parents. This book is perfect…!” — Merrilee Boyack, Author of The Parenting Breakthrough and Book of Mormon Children Stories

“… Respectful without losing kid appeal, The Holy Ghost is Like a Blanket will bring this quiet concept within reach for little readers eager to learn.” —Kelly Milner Halls, Writer

“The Holy Ghost Is Like A Blanket by Annalisa Hall is inspirational, timely, and a must-share with your children.” —Laura Taylor, Award-Winning Author & Editor

“… “Brilliant!” … It’s perfect for children about to be baptized. It put into words ways I have felt the Holy Ghost, but haven’t been able to fully articulate.” — Selena Pankretz

“Heartwarming and beautifully illustrated, children will immediately be drawn into its pages. The book is sure to become a family favorite.” — Rebecca Rode, author of How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces

“In this brave little book, Hall and Egbert somehow find a way to make the intangible tangible– and that’s anything but an easy feat.” — Bob Staake, Author/Illustrator

“…both a great introduction to and a great reminder of the comfort and power of the Holy Ghost…” —Justin & Amy Hackworth, Photographer & Writer

“A beautiful book with an uplifting message for children and adults alike.” —Sheri Fink, International Best-Selling, Award-winning Author of The Little Rose

“…The illustrations are warm and inviting and the language is simple and clear, perfect for parents to read at bedtime or whenever they’d like to invite the gentle spirit into their home….” – Lehua Parker, author of One Boy, No Water

“Never before has there been such a complete comprehensive children’s book on the Holy Ghost, and for all ages. Unlike most children’s books, this book is full of scripture references, it teaches my children to study the scriptures and source truth at any age.  This is my new baptismal gift for every child, better yet, a gift for any child entering primary!” — Suzanne Calton, founder of More Than Aware

Happy Birthday

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Tomorrow is my birthday.  I’ll be 39 years old.

21 years ago I exited high school and went to college. I eventually got a degree from BYU in English.

18 years ago I met the man who would become my husband. He challenged me to do better, be more, and our love grew. Together we now have three children (I’d say beautiful because I’m bias). This year the children all began different schools (elementary, middle & high school). I’m learning time management skills again.

In the last decade, I’ve written some 28 manuscripts (screenplays, novels, chapter books et al) and THREE (3) of those books are published. I’m not known for my math skills, but I do know that 3 out of 28 is OK odds 🙂

I imagine that in another 10 years we could be a grandparents. Our home might be paid off.  I’ll have traveled to more places that I can count on two hands. I can hope! So many things I can plan for, hope for, and see come to fulfillment. My personal journey is different from yours and that’s OK.

As each book comes to fruition, I’m impressed by others who try too. Those who persevere. I’m amazed by people who keep trying to better their work and produce goodness.  I’m in love with beautiful books that grew from little ideas and gathered shape and structure over time, care, and effort.

Mistakes help you learn.

Learn to recover, adjust, and press forward.

After all these years of learning, I’m certain of one thing – anything is possible with an eye single to the glory of God. Prayer is real, helpful and fortifying.

Tonight at “Back to School Night” one teacher said that sacrifices have to be made to be good at one thing. I agree.  I can’t be good at everything, but I can excel in many things and be perfect in one thing. . . . What’s your one thing?

 

 

Prayer & Fasting

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San Diego LDS Temple

San Diego Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I’ve often wondered how to improve my attention and obedience to the Holy Ghost and I discovered that fasting and prayer are marvelous tools.

Prayer allows us the opportunity to speak with God, the Eternal Father, in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ. We can talk to Heavenly Father in prayer about those things that are problematic or joyous to us. We don’t have to limit our conversations. He’s willing and wanting us to pray. After we’ve given Him our thanks and expressed the desires of our hearts, He sends the Holy Ghost, a vehicle of revelation, to speak to our heart, mind, and soul. To comfort and to inspire us as to which way to go or what to say or what to do. Those answers come quickly or over time.

Fasting is a physical challenge with spiritual blessings. We sacrifice meals to humble ourselves to the will of God. By giving up what we want, we’re in tune with the Spirit. We’re in tune with the whispering of the Holy Ghost to those things we’re in need of resolving or understanding. We come to the Lord in humility and gratitude for which we profit everything by submitting to His will and desires for us.

When we’ve come with clean hands and pure hearts, we’re granted the clarity by the Holy Ghost to see those things that are needful. The better part. The best. And Heavenly Father only wants the best for us. He is training us to listen, to learn, and to love Him, as He loves us.

For now, I wish you joy and love. Smiles!

Smiles

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Woohoo! You’ve read all the messages in your inbox.

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That’s what I see at the top of my inbox.  This doesn’t mean I’ve replied to all my emails, but I have read them. I’ve even found some emails that motivated me to spend hours on the internet researching books, authors, and more writerly meanderings.

This upcoming weekend I’ll be attending a baptism for my niece (one of the 25) who will become a member of the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints. I’m sure excited that she’s already got copies of my books “I Want to be Baptized” and “The Holy Ghost is like a Baptism” because that means I get to shop for something else (maybe a Minky Couture blanket?).

But I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of the 18000+ folks who have buy my books for baptisms, confirmations, funerals…it’s a blessing to know the little inspired stories that I write matter to families and friends.

Enjoy! 

Smiles,

Annalisa

Birthday Party

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It’s my birthday tomorrow — so I’m going to party today!!

Wednesday Sept 9th is the release of the board book version “I Want to Be Baptized” illustrated by Corey Egbert. Hip Hip Hurray!!

Property of Annalisa Hall

Baptism & Confirmation Books

Special thanks to CEDAR FORT and my family! I hope your loved ones enjoy these books as much as we do. They are available in Spanish and Portuguese too.

Smiles!!

Ask To Receive

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Annalisa Hall @BYU 2013

Annalisa Hall (c) 2013

I champion women and all those who ask for help in times of trial and error.  When mothers have a problem, those who ask for advice, guidance, and/or assistance before lashing out or becoming frustrated are among the brave warriors raising children in this dispensation.

“Ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” — James 1: 6

Upon receiving word that my friend, mother of two young children, had tried teaching her children about the Holy Ghost.  All the books on the shelves were too complex.  She desired them to know of his power and goodness.  Instead, she found herself days on end with children scared and unwilling to go to sleep thinking the Holy Ghost was a ghost, like Casper.  She needed something simple and helpful and fast. At wits end, she consulted me and I wrote the following poem in 2008:

A blanket of comfort clean and bright
to take with me day and night.
I am wrapped in love by my blanket.
I am full of good cheer with my blanket.
I am safe and secure in my blanket.
I am peaceful and relaxed by my blanket.
When my blanket is gone, I am sad.
If my blanket is close, I am glad.
The Holy Ghost is a blanket of comfort for me.

I illustrated the little poem and had it spiral bound for her children and mailed it off in hopes it would be helpful.

She immediately emailed saying the children LOVED the little story, especially the boy with spiky hair.  By comparing the Holy Ghost to a blanket, they could understand the concepts of him being a ‘comforter’ and ‘warm’ and that without him we are sad.

More importantly, my friend had the courage to teach her children the gospel.  When she found herself discouraged, she asked for help.  She hadn’t expected me to write and illustrate a little story book for her children, but the Lord knew I could be helpful and I followed the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Since that time, the little poem evolved into a storybook expounding on many analogies aimed to help children understand the Holy Ghost.  With much prayer and diligence, a publisher and illustrator were selected and the book “The Holy Ghost is Like A Blanket” is now published by Cedar Fort Inc with Corey Egbert as illustrator.

Illustrated by Corey Egbert (c) 2013

Illustrated by Corey Egbert (c) 2013

I’m impressed that one act of courage to ask has turned into many receiving this wonderful gift and for a book available to all in hopes you can learn about the Holy Ghost.

Smiles, Annalisa

 

All artwork and images are used with permission.