Revelation

The topic I picked for this week is Personal Revelation.  After my thought in our  ARP meeting, I thought this would be a good one.  I shared how often we we go to a class or want someone to give us a list of exactly what we need to do to solve our problem. We want the answers handed to us, however that isn't the way that God works.  There is not "right way" to do something that works for everyone.  We are all so different with different needs, desires, fears, and strengths. The Lord gives us principles, and leaders/teachers can share what worked for them, but ultimately it comes down to us learning how to talk to the Lord and receive our own inspiration and guidance for our problems.  Joseph Smith taught- Teach them correct principles and then let them govern themselves. Principles of the Gospel is the general Map, it tells us the things to watch out for and the mile markers along the way, but the application of those principles in our individual lives are what we must ask for from our Heavenly Father, and as we seek them, he will give us the unique individual answers we seek.
He knows us, He loves us, He will answer us.  Personal Revelation is one of the most amazing things about this gospel.  As I study Personal Revelation this week, I hope to find ways to apply and receive more in my life. Today I am going to study Elder Scott's Talk from last general conference (April '12) entitled "How to obtain revelation and inspiration for your personal life."
Notes below:

Difference between Inspiration and Revelation:
When it is crisp and clear and essential, it warrants the title of revelation. When it is a series of promptings we often have to guide us step by step to a worthy objective, for the purpose of this message, it is inspiration.

How do we recieve Revelation:
By asking

Principles that enhance Revelation:
1) Eliminate Anger and other negative emotions
2)A good sense of humor enhances, loud laughter does not
3) Careful quiet speech
4) Good Health Habits (Sleep, exercise, diet, etc)
5) do not let daily habits distract
6) Study Scriptures and examples of others that have received revelation and help
7) Write down and record experiences of revelation
8) sanctify yourselves or in other words “keep my commandments.”
9) Temple attendance will "endow you with power"
10) Be mentally and physically clean with purity of intent
11) Righteous environment
12) Humility
13) Trust God
14) OPEN YOUR EYES and recognize the ways that God has already inspired you:
         Words given to Oliver Cowdry when wondering why he hadn't recieved inspiration:

“Blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.

“Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth.”

How to Recognize inspiration:

Peace to your heart, and a quiet warm feeling

"Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter. It is a sacred privilege. It is based upon eternal, unchanging principles. We receive help from our Father in Heaven in response to our faith, obedience, and the proper use of agency."