{Reminder}

I finally sat down and started reading through the conference edition of the Ensign. Something I had been wanting to do since before it even arrived a couple weeks ago! The first quote to catch my eye is by Julie B. Beck, and it seemed so fitting:

"A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. Life is not calm for most women, and each day seems to require the accomplishment of a million things, most of which are important. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently."

Isn't that so true!?! Everyday I think of all the things that I need/want to accomplish that day: cleaning, organizing, playing, reading, watching, crafting, going, doing, studying, being, etc. etc. and still have the elusive "me" time {yeah, right!} If only I had a few more hours in the day! Occasionally the list is just too long, so I end of doing nothing {I know, I know! Don't judge me!}

That's when conversations like this happen:

My Dad: What are you doing?
Me: Just sitting here.
Lauren: She's being LAZY today!
My Dad: Are you going to let her talk to you like that?
Me: Hey, I can't punish her for telling the truth!

But the point is, as much as I want to, I don't HAVE to be super woman and honestly most days I don't even stand a chance; but that is okay!

"With personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently.....Revelation can come hour by hour and moment by moment as we do the right things. When women nurture as Christ nurtured, a power and peace can descend to guide when help is needed. For instance, mothers can feel help from the Spirit even when tired, noisy children are clamoring for attention, but they can be distanced from the Spirit if they lose their temper with children. Being in the right places allows us to receive guidance. It requires a conscious effort to diminish distractions, but having the Spirit of revelation makes it possible to prevail over opposition and persist in faith through difficult days and essential routine tasks. Personal revelation gives us the understanding of what to do every day to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek those who need our help. Because personal revelation is a constantly renewable source of strength, it is possible to feel bathed in help even during turbulent times."

Every day is important. Whether my to do list is full or blank. I am still responsible for increasing my own faith and personal righteousness, strengthening my family and home and seeking those who need my help. I cannot do it alone. I need help through personal revelation.

"Promised personal revelation comes when we ask for it, prepare for it, and go forward in faith, trusting that it will be poured out upon us. "

Now that I have come to this realization, I understand that my days won't magically be full of perfect children, gourmet meals, spotless bathrooms, and endless spiritual experiences. But I know what I need to do to work toward having happy-strong children, a safe-loving home and more spiritual experiences.

"We know we are successful if we live so that we qualify for, receive, and know how to follow the Spirit. When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves. We can feel certain that the Lord is pleased when we feel the Spirit working through us."

I am sure deep down, I already knew all this; but occasionally I need a reminder!



To read the whole talk, go here: "And Upon the Handmaids in Those Days will I Pour Out My Spirit." by Julie B. Beck