Answers come from the most random sources...

The topic of personal revelation has bubbled to the surface of my thought process for the past few weeks. How do we seek it? How do we know we're receiving it? Is it actually something we, as members of the church, have access to?

My reasons for wanting to study the topic are simple: I have to make (BIG) decisions, but I'm too afraid to take responsibility for my own choices. Therefore, I want (and NEED) help. But I'm not always convinced about the best method of finding help. It's easy for me to get caught in the trap of supernatural solutions; meaning, I over think and believe the answer to my dilemmas is ornate and requires a grandioso plan or sacrifice. This might be the case for some life experiences. But in actuality, I think God answers my pleas in a much simpler way. It's not about looking for lightening. It's about feeling the glow (hopefully that makes sense...) 

This post was particularly helpful to me today in gaining a little insight into what is often required to receive the spiritual guidance. I found it through another blog. My struggle is different than the authors, but the solution he suggests still applies to my circumstance--and everyone else wandering around this desert of ambiguity we call life, seeking peace, revelation, and guidance in this twistedly confusing world of endless possibilities and limited human perspective.

Teasers:

"I'm not talking about scripture study where I sit down and read for ten minutes before sleeping, or prayers said quickly before bed. Those never had the power to change me. No. I needed much, much more, over a much longer period of time. One of the scriptural meanings of the number seven is "a whole lot." Naaman had to wash a whole lot of times in the river Jordan; I had to do a whole lot to begin to see results from filling my hole of faith. And the results I saw weren't complete and total change, but an increased perspective and faith in the Lord that He would fulfill His promises. Either way, it was worth it." 

"I think the biggest initial shock and investment was the amount of time that it took to actually live the gospel and do the small things enough to make it work. It took me at least 15 hours each week to do just the basics - earnest prayer, meaningful scripture study, reflection, and journaling - not even counting spontaneous service and missionary opportunities. I found I had to plan out my day and week or I would end up turning down social invitations because I needed to take the time to pray or write or study. But I wanted to change who I was - enough that I was willing to wash in the Jordan as many times as necessary... and over years, slowly, it has changed my life."