Remembering

     I remember some thoughts I wrote down back in 2007 and couldn't help but ponder my spiritual growth since then.  Here is what I wrote;

     The earth groans with pains of iniquity, both from the sins of the inhabitants but also from the chains that are wrapped securely around  many of my Saints.  Free yourself and flee from complacency. Look to me, look up, I am your only source of hope.  No longer wander around not knowing why you are on the earth at this time.  Satan has you bound just like he has the foolish bound with addictions.  Your addictions are TV, radio, sports, entertainment and everything that detracts you from me.  You are addicted because you are not breaking loose.  You  are in a deep sleep.  Wake up! I am here for you, I want but one thing, and that is your happiness, you will never see enough movies to make you happy, you will never see enough live entertainment that will bring you lasting joy.  All the years you have been on this earth and you have never really turned to me, only to the world to make you happy.  Wake up from your slumber.  Look up and you will never be deceived again.  Help is close at hand, you need only pray with a sincere heart for help.  Shut down the TV, I plead with you to come unto me, for you have yet to find me.
     Spend quality time finding me by reading my words from the scriptures, conference report and the inspired words from the leaders of my church.  I am there.  Pray always before you start your study, otherwise the spirit will not attend you and you will only read words instead of gaining insight and the wisdom that you say you desire.  Then search and ponder each and every verse until you are taught by the spirit.  Write down what you learn as it will be individualized, tailored just for your benefit. How long you read matters not, what matters is if you read long enough for the spirit to teach you something.  Once you get in this habit you will never want to return to your former ways.   Studying in this manner is the surest way to receive personal revelation, which is necessary for ALL if they are going to return to me.

Wow! I had almost forgotten those words, I can say that as I have followed that counsel  my spirituality has grown considerably.  I can also say that if I had obeyed that counsel when it came to me in 2007 I could have avoided a lot of hardships, difficulties and trials along the way because I am a rather strong willed person and the Lord has had to compel me to humility the hard way to get my attention.

Look unto me in every thought,

doubt not fear not.