Personal Revelation

I have completed my second goal for the year. This is the first year I have actually completed two of my goals this early in the year. Making them short, specific and doable really works!

My second goal was to paint a painting. My mom was a good painter. So is my sister. I remember in college feeling very untalented because my mom and sister painted. My dad and brother carved wood. My youngest brother carved stone. And all my brothers played the guitar and could speak multiple languages. I was totally worthless.

A councilor asked me what things was I good at? Well I could cook. I could sew. I was patient. I could listen to other people’s fears and disappointments. I didn’t think these were talents. He assured me that these were indeed talents.

Later that year I had my Patriarchal Blessing which told me that I had many talents and gifts. That if I used them for others they would grow and more would be added. Working as the Homemaking leader in a California ward, I shared my Home Economic teaching skills with my Relief society sisters.

A number of years later I returned home, married, widowed and with two small boys in tow I had a chance to do this. I decided that I would take an oil painting class and learn to paint, like my mom and sister. Two days before the class started—it was canceled. The school arbitrarily put me in a water color class and assured me I would enjoy it. I did and ….I was good at it! It opened up my world. When found my medium, and was happy with it, I found so many other things I could try and do adequately. My Patriarchal blessing was my personal revelation—Things I could work on to make my life happy, worthwhile and acceptable to the Lord. It was my goal guide.

Another guide it gave me was that I would have sons and daughters. I had two boys. I needed to find my daughters. The Lord promised me sons and daughters. I was going to hold Him to that. In the scriptures we read that if we do as He says—He is bound. I was determined to have that blessing and not just in the next world as some would have me believe. I became the Beehive leader in the ward and had twelve daughters. I became a Girl Scout leader and had eight daughters. I became Achievement Day leader and had sixteen daughters. I gave birth to a beautiful little girl and the world opened up to me. She has a wonderful musical talent that has brought much joy into our lives. When she came to visit for her Spring Break, we went to the National Gallery and then we came home and spent a day painting.

HOW CAN I SEEK PERSONAL REVELATION?
“We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and building faith. Faith is the key. Remember Joseph’s preparation for the First Vision:
“’If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. …
“’But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.’”
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“Prayer is your personal key to Heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil.
“But that is not all. To one who thought that revelation would flow without effort, the Lord said:
“ You have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took not thought save it was to ask me.
“’ But, behold I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore you shall feel that it is right’”
President Boyd K Packer.

There are many times in our lives when we could use a little help from the Lord. “Try it! You‘ll like it!