Gifts

I have had this subject on my mind ever since I was asked to speak at a baptism about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. As I prepared I ran across an article that stated "most of us do not understand the gifts that we have been given, and we therefor do not fully utilize these gifts." This is not referring to "talents"- but specifically to spiritual gifts (or gifts of the spirit).
I know that in my own life, my own world- I do not take time to ponder on these gifts. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is quite amazing. To know that if I choose to be obedient, I can have this comforter, testifier, and teacher near me always- that's not a bad gift to have. As I searched further into the gifts of the spirit I made note that the common denominator for each (spiritual) gift is OBEDIENCE. Mormon Doctrine states "Certain special spiritual blessings called gifts of the spirit are bestowed upon men. Their receipt is always predicated upon obedience to law "
Obedience is possible because of two things.
1)Laws- ordained by Deity so that his children by conforming to laws might progress and become like Him.
2)Agency- God endowed each child with the ability to obey or disobey the divine will of our father. Agency has existed from the beginning.

Our Savior demonstrated the perfect formula for obedience when he stated "Father, thy will be done and the glory be thine forever." Moses 2:4

So, knowing that obedience is the gateway to which I can receive spiritual gifts- gifts that are purposely provided to enlighten me, encourage me, to edify me, to guide me toward eternal life, to bring me peace- I should without doubt always chose obedience.
And when I review the list of gifts that my father can bless me with- I feel even more encouraged to obey.
Please note that each person does not receive the same gifts- life would be so boring if we were all the same. Nevertheless, these gifts are beautiful. Each gift alone is precious.
The gift of Faith, including the gift to heal and/or be healed
The gift of Testimony
Knowledge, revelation, wisdom, the gift of teaching, ministry, the working of miracles, prophecy, visions, beholding of angels and ministering spirits, the gift of discernment, tongues, interpretation of tongues, translation--

These are in no way all of the gifts available to the obedient. We have been told that the gifts are infinite in number and endless in their manifestations.

JOY

I wondered if I would find time during this life time to just sit down and type a few words- life feels so busy, and I can only assume with the holidays fast approaching, the busy-ness will only increase- which means that the free time will decrease- but I wanted my sweet daughter (who is the most important reader) to know that I have continued my studies of the scriptures and good books through this busy time- and I am not bragging- I have continued because I have had to- first there was that stake leadership meeting that I had to prepare a 30 minute talk for- YIKES- and then the baptism that, purely by default, I had the privilege of speaking at. So what I am trying to say is this- there is such joy that comes from serving our Father in Heaven.
And in my world, I sometimes let the stress of fulfilling that responsibility overwhelm me and then I honestly over look the joy. I have tried to calm myself (which is no easy task) and truly look at the joys-
the JOY of learning (Like when I am forced to prepare talks)
the JOY in listening (this month I am turning off the radio in the car- and just listening. To Jayce. While he talks up a blue streak. And I am loving it. Mostly. But I am also leaving the radio off when I am alone and just listening. To the spirit. or to myself sing a hymn. or to myself talking to myself. Its surprisingly relaxing.
the JOY in being a daughter! I Love my mother. I tell her this often. Even when she doesn't know who I am. I know her and love her. (Funny story- when I call my mother and say HI this is Shelli- she goes into this "Shelli who? I don't know any Shelli's" I feel that I have to positively identify myself- birth certificate, Social Security #, Drivers License- Before she says- "OH SHELLI!" Funny Lady!
Only it doesn't always seem so funny- but still I love her. I love being a daughter!
And that brings me to this-
Being a Daughter of God!
There is such JOY in knowing that I am a daughter of GOD! He knows me, loves me- and he NEEDS me to be the best daughter that I can be!
When I read the words "Are you living up to your privilege?" I wonder to myself- Do I really understand what that privilege is- DO I completely understand what it is that I have the potential to become? I realize that I have a lot to learn- much to do- much to accomplish. And it can be overwhelming. It IS overwhelming! But it is also AMAZING!
So it may be obvious that I have received and have been reading "DAUGHTERS IN MY KINGDOM"
I hope you have your copy! I hope you read it and LOVE it! It is a sweet blessing!