Revelation
by Shauna Gibby

Prophets receive personal revelations to help them in their own lives and in directing the earthly affairs of the Church. Our responsibility is to seek personal revelations for ourselves and for the responsibilities the Lord has given us.

Conference Talk
For more information on this topic read “Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets,” by Robert D. Hales, Ensign, Nov 2007, 86–89.

Thought
Prophets receive personal revelations to help them in their own lives and in directing the earthly affairs of the Church. Our responsibility is to seek personal revelations for ourselves and for the responsibilities the Lord has given us. (Robert D. Hales, “Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 86–89.)

Song
“Tell Me Dear Lord” Children’s Songbook, p. 176.

Scripture
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (1 Corinthians 2:12)

Lesson
Write the following sentence on a piece of paper for your family to see. Be sure to leave out the words in parentheses. “The spirit of (revelation) is when the Holy Ghost speaks to my (mind) and (heart).” Then have your family search D&C 8:2–4 and find the words that fit in the blanks and complete the sentence. You might invite someone to draw a picture of a mind and a heart on the paper with your sentence.

Ask your family to suggest some ways the Holy Ghost communicates to our hearts and minds. (For example, you may discuss how ideas, thoughts, or clear impressions are communications from the Holy Ghost to our minds, and how feelings, impressions, or tender nudges could be communications from the Holy Ghost to our hearts.)

Share an experience with your family when you felt the “spirit of revelation” in your life. Consider inviting other family members to share their experiences with the Spirit.
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 15.)

Story
When I was reorganizing a stake in Samoa, there appeared before us in the interviews those wonderful Samoan brethren. One of them, a branch president, stood there—white shirt and tie, lava-lava tied around his waist, barefooted. I told him we were organizing a stake and seeking a stake president and asking his suggestions on men who could fill that position. He said, “Yes, I know. I’ve prayed about this,” and he continued, “I’ve come to know, by the voice of the Spirit, that Bishop Iona will be our new stake president.” He was right. But I wasn’t anxious to have him make the announcement, and so I pressed him for another name.

He said, “No, just one name.”

And I said, “Suppose he were not available or not eligible? Won’t you suggest another name?” He stood there for a few minutes, and then, looking me straight in the eye, he said, “Elder Packer, are you asking me to go against the witness of the Spirit?” This wonderful man was possessed of that Spirit, as all of us can be, each of us answering the calls that come.

I affirm that the principle of revelation is constantly operative in the Church. Every week as the Apostles go out across the world, we have those experiences. We don’t talk about them much. They are like the other miracles; they are the signs that follow those who believe. Let us all be reverently grateful for the sustaining power of the Spirit.
(Boyd K. Packer, Memorable Stories with a Message, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2000], p. 108.)

Activity
String a long piece of yarn through different rooms of the house starting in the kitchen. Have the family follow the yarn until they find a treasure at the end. The treasure could be the treat or a message concerning the lesson. (Mina S. Coletti and Roberta Kling Giesea, The Family Idea Book, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1980], p. 31.)

Refreshment

Brownies
1 cup plus 5 tablespoons margarine
1 cup cocoa
2 2/3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease or spray a 9x13x2-inch cake pan. In a large saucepan, melt margarine and cocoa over a low heat. Pour into a large mixing bowl with the sugar and mix until creamy. Add eggs and mix well together, then add flour. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips, if desired. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Cut into 15 to 18 squares. (Lion House Desserts, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2000] p. 123.)

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Deseret Book