Conference is coming!

"Our Heavenly Father did not put us on earth to fail but to succeed gloriously....[S]eek through prayer and divine inspiration to know what to do. Our obedience assures that when required, we can qualify for divine power to accomplish an inspired objective." --Elder Richard G. Scott

That quote comes from an address given during last April's General Conference. I love the truth that God wants me to succeed GLORIOUSLY--in fact, that is the very reason He gave me this life. And furthermore, He offers guidance and inspiration to know how I can be successful.

These words really speak peace to my heart. They teach me things:

1. God created me with a specific purpose. The Spirit can teach me about what I am to become as I pray, study the scriptures, and also when I fast.
2. My purpose is mine. God knows the thoughts and intents of my heart, as well as what I am capable of, what I am accountable for, what He sent me to accomplish. Through the Spirit, I can know for myself about all of those things--I don't have to trust someone else to get inspiration in my behalf, I can feel confirmation and peace in my very own heart.
3. My purpose is divine. Through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I can be divinely assisted in accomplishing it. Nothing is impossible. What is needed is enough assurance and faith in your objective to persevere despite all obstacles. The powers of Heaven will assist me in any path I embark upon that the Spirit prompted me to begin and confirmed was correct.
4. The commandments allow me to know that I am eligible for all of that inspiration and divine assistance. I don't have to wonder or worry that I'm not thinking along the same lines as Heavenly Father or that my desires are misplaced; following the commandments is an easy way to ensure that I am accompanied by the Holy Ghost, that I can trust myself, and that I will feel it when I make a step in the wrong direction.

TAKE AWAY: Okay, real talk now. I've known all of those amazing, wonderful things for a long time. However, I sometimes find myself seeking advice from friends, parents, grandparents, articles on the internet, bah! Talking with people you trust can be sooo helpful when you're trying to make big decisions, but the most important person to turn to is God. He knows what the answer is for YOU, specifically tailored to where He wants you to be in life. And in order to get an answer from God, you have to trust YOU.

This is a weakness of mine at times. I don't like missing opportunities, so it is hard for me to be decisive when I come to forks in the road. I usually can sense which direction I want to go, but because I'm wishing I could do both, my friends and family can really make me see why one path is better than another. And while grateful for their help and interest, it is best to turn to prayer, and study, and fasting and ask the person who really knows. And then in my own heart, I will feel and know and have confidence in the path I choose.

Personal revelation is real. General Conference is coming up {this weekend!!} This week, I'm preparing to listen so that I will be able to truly hear. I'm trying to sacrifice a little more time devoted to thinking about eternal principals. I'm trying to pray more sincerely and be more specific about the guidance I could use right now (as opposed to those general pleas for help to just "figure out that work thing and that relationship and that bad habit I have). I know that God will answer my preparation through the words of His prophets. I know that the words we receive this weekend will contain directions and comfort meant for me. And for you, too.

p.s. I am so incredibly, absolutely excited for this weekend of General Conference. Two whole days of soaking up time with friends, listening to wonderful talks, eating delicious foods, talking about what we're learning--it is one of my favorite times of the year. Agh, I can't wait!!