- Pray to know which influences to remove during your fast
- What do you notice after taking a break from perspectives f the world that have been wounding your spirit?
- Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy?
- Have any of your priorities shifted --just a little?
- Record and follow through with each impression
A week before conference, as I was praying and thinking about what the Lord needed me to improve upon, I regularly ask "what lack I yet?" What is keeping me from receiving constant revelation? What is keeping me from having the spirit with me constantly?
As I was pondering these questions, I distinctly felt impressed to delete some groups from my facebook feed. These were good groups. One was for primary presidencies and the other was about gospel topics, drawing nearer to Christ. So, I did. I deleted them and also went through all the groups I followed and deleted A LOT. And you know what happened, my feed cleaned up. When I went onto facebook, within a few minutes I could scroll through and see what I wanted to see and be done. Normally, I would see a post and read it and all the comments and BAM, 20 minutes later....I would remember that I got on my phone to send an email or to look up something.... I was guided by good things...but away from the best things.
As I was getting ready to delete them, the scripture, Doctrine & Covenants 6:36, came to mind, my sister had recently shared it with me. It says, "Look unto me in every thought. Doubt not. Fear not." And the impression I got was, anything you need to know for your calling or your family or anything, I will tell you. I realized I had been seeking what others shared and posted, before I was seeking the Lord's counsel.
What I noticed from this fast, is it what easier than the first one President Nelson asked us to do. Or for the youth to do. I wanted to that one as well, and I noticed that every time I picked up my phone, I went right to safari and then to facebook. I did it without even realizing what I was doing.
So, this time, I deleted apps and put safari and other apps into a folder that was NOT convenient to get to. And it worked. And instead of having my phone near me, I have had the Book of Mormon near me. It is amazing how much you can get read when you use your "free time" to do so.
I did notice a change in my countenance. How I felt and how productive I was. I recognized that the more time I spent on social media, the more down I got. The less motivated I became. Now, my goal is to go on for a purpose. To inspire, to meet needs, to reach out. But, I also realized I can do that just as easily, more personally than on social media.
But what I noticed during these ten days was I had so much more interaction one on one. Instead of texting, I went to homes or called. I LOVED THAT! I would say yes, my priorities have shifted. I feel I am more present in the home and with others.
This fast reminded me of the most important things, which are, my Heavenly Parents and my Savior and the importance to connect with them each day, through prayer and scripture study. Still a work in progress :), The most important work I will ever do is in my home, with my family. And that I must record my impressions.
That is partly why I started this online blog. I have so many notebooks, where I write down impressions, but I felt prompted to write it in a format that could be printed out and shared if I felt prompted. And I could keep my thoughts in one spot.
When I did open social media again, I did have a few minutes where I just started the scrolling, and I felt myself detach physically from those around me, my family. I got irritated more quickly. I wouldn't "hear" as others were speaking to me.. And then I recognized what was happening and I thought about Nephi and felt connected to him when he said in 2 Nephi chapter 4:
"Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great agoodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O bwretched man that I am! Yea, my heart csorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities."
How often am I sucked right back into the world.?! It is a battle every day. The adversary is very sly and clever at distracting me from the best things. I am in a battle every day, but, this is one battle I will win. Because I know whom to look to for strength and guidance.
I am excited to continue to listen for revelation and guidance as the Lord assists me in becoming the daughter I have always been. We are stronger than we realize and the Savior's power will always overcome evil. This gives me hope and strength.
No comments:
Post a Comment