Things I learn the hard way

So I had a test today, that I absolutely was not prepared for.  I prayed and prayed for assistance from Heavenly Father, and received that help.  However, I didn't recognize that help when it was standing in front of my face.  My biggest worry was the 1.5 to 2 page essay question that is on every test.  I hadn't been in class much due to vacations, work, and illness, and so I had NO idea what the essay was going to be about.  I prayed to my Heavenly Father about this specifically, and immediately thought about one of the chapters in the book that the test was over.  However, I dismissed that thought immediately, and kept searching for some "more profound" answer.  I studied and studied my book, but for some reason left out the specific chapter I had "just thought" about during my prayer.

Today, when I went in to take my test, I looked at the essay question.  "Please describe in detail the four domains of language."  The one chapter I didn't study.  The one chapter I didn't study, even though I had received an answer from an all-knowing God.  How frustrated I was with myself!  Luckily, I have a Heavenly Father who knew I probably wouldn't listen to that answer, and would have to let go of it and label it a learning experience.  He guided my answers and my studies so I knew all the multiple choice answers (over 70% of the test grade), so my class grade wouldn't plummet.

How interesting this experience is though.  I had an answer.  A very clear and direct answer.  One that I discounted just because it didn't come in a profound way.  What a great reminder of how simple the Spirit works, and how simple answers can be.  We don't always see angels as prophets of old did - those experiences are in the scriptures because they were special, and they wouldn't have been special if they happened every day to everyone.  Hopefully, this will be an experience that can be brought to my memory when I need it, and I can learn from it!

Thinking about my children

I have been thinking a lot about my future children lately.  After getting endowed and married in the temple, I realize how important it is to have that great blessing.  I have been thinking a lot about the importance of prophets and following their council.  I want so badly for our children to have a testimony of the Gospel, serve missions, and marry in the temple.  So what do I do to ensure that I'm doing my best to accomplish this goal?

Neal and I have been talking a lot about this.  I've been praying a lot about this.  I've discovered the answer is to follow exactly what the prophets say to do.  Read the scriptures, pray, have family home evening, etc.  But what can I do now?  Well, I can make sure I have a solid testimony of the Gospel.  I can increase my love for and desire to go to the temple.  I can listen to the prophets, follow their council, and know the words they've spoken.  I can have a solid testimony of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.  And more than anything, I can have a testimony of Jesus Christ, and know that the Atonement works.  I can know that I am a daughter of God, and that my children will be sons and daughters of God.  I can love my husband, and work hard to be selfless and kind and caring in our relationship.  I can attend my church meetings, and fulfill my callings.  I can do everything I can do to be an example to my children, and let them know I love them, and the Gospel.

I KNOW the Gospel is true.  I KNOW Jesus Christ is my Savior.  I KNOW I am a daughter of God, and I love Him, and I know he loves me.  I love my husband, and I know I get to be with him forever due to the priesthood keys that have been restored in these latter-days.  I know that the temple is important, and that we should go there as often as possible.  I know that Joseph Smith was the first prophet of these latter-days, and that the true Gospel was restored through him.  I know President Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today, and that he leads and guides not only our Church, but the world today.  I know the Book of Mormon is a true book, and is doctrinal scripture.  I know it is the record of a people in the Americas who were guided and directed by God.  I love my God.  I love the Gospel, and I'm not afraid to say it!