The prophet has been talking a lot about receiving personal revelation and having the constant influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives. This was his first message as a new prophet to the church. He taught us how to "grow into the 'principle of revelation' " (a term that has been used since Joseph Smith but I had never heard). I took his counsel to heart and have followed through with exactness on how to pray, receive the Holy Ghost, to have revelations daily, and then follow through. And I can honestly say, over the last 2 years I have *started* to "grow into the principle of revelation". I pray with a notebook and pen and write down every thought that comes into my head, I ask specific questions, and I receive specific answers. As I try to follow through with my promptings throughout my day I get more. Sometimes I don't recognize the promptings - but afterwards the Holy Ghost will show me the missed prompting/opportunity. I acknowledge, evaluate why I missed it, repent, and ask the Lord to help me see those opportunities BEFORE or in the moment next time and that I will be in tune enough to recognize.
It has been life changing and I understand what he means when he says we will not be able to survive spiritually with out this constant help.
I need it. Oh how I need it. I especially need it with these 6 kids. When the kids came back from Utah I asked Heavenly Father what I needed to focus on. Two phrases came to my heart and mind.
Be Intentional.
Be Present.
What ever kid I am with - that is who I am with and focus on that kid. Don't think about the baby, or the toddler, or the upcoming soccer practice, or dinner, or the to do list. Be with that child, in that moment. This is also true with Jason. I need to be with Jason when I am with Jason. Really listen to him. Really talk to him. Not trying to rush my time with him to the next thing. Be intentional. I have to still be intentional, especially with spiritual matters. I need to create moments, create opportunities, create time. I need to think about the end goal and be intentional about how to get there. I am good at this until about 3:00 - then I kind of go on auto-pilot. But I am grateful for what i can do between 7 am and 3 pm.
In the last 2 weeks another word has come to me. Gather. This has been a strong prompting. I need to gather my kids. With hybrid learning, kids back in activities, 2 different schools/schedules - we are off going in different directions right off the bat. I need to gather by children and when they are gathered use that time to be present and intentional. I asked, "how do I best gather them and when?" I got a clear answer, "food". Weird, I thought. "No, that is what I use." He said. Jesus often used food to gather his apostles, disciples, followers, and those just curious to create teaching moments. Feeding the 5000, the fish and honey comb after resurrection, not to mention He gathers us every Sunday for the Sacrament. Food is meant to be gathered around. It works amazingly well. If all the kids are all around the house and I make something (scrambled eggs, smoothy, popcorn, whatever), they all come, they all sit, and we can talk. Sometimes during the day the word "gather" will just pop into my head. I go into the kitchen, make something and instantly we are all gathered. The spirit comes, and I realize I am growing into the principle of revelation.
