Color-Coding Your Patriarchal Blessing
Shared by
Janice in Virginia
"Obtaining a
Patriarchal Blessing may provide us with some glimpses into the book of
our life possibilities and give us some general direction. Wisely,
perhaps, such a blessing is rarely specific enough to guide us in
day-to-day decisions. Instead, it paints with broad brushstrokes."
(R. Britsc and T. Olson, Counseling: A Guide to Helping Others.)
Using four different colored markers, you will highlight the statements
in your patriarchal blessing into four categories:
Blessings, Counsels, Warnings, and
Covenants.
When you have highlighted your blessing with each of the four colors,
you can make a list of the things that are in your blessing in each
category. You will then have a list of all the blessings that are
promised to you. This can make wonderful reading when you are feeling
low. The other lists can be used to help you set goals to be able to
accomplish your special mission in this life. You will have a page with
counsel, a page with covenant blessings, and a page with any warnings
that are in your blessing.
President Kimball has given this advice: "It is true of all of us that
as we progress spiritually, our sense of belonging, identity, and
self-worth increases. Let us create a climate in which we encourage
sisters of the Church to have a program of self- improvement. It ought
to be a practical and realistic program, one that is determined
personally and not imposed upon them. Yet it ought to cause them to
reach for new levels of achievement. We are not asking for something
spectacular, but rather for our sisters to find real self-fulfillment
through wise self-development in the pursuit of righteous worthy
endeavors."
SETTING GOALS:
After praying for guidance, read and ponder the page that contains
counsel and warnings. Then read the page of covenants/promises.
Determine which areas you feel you can work on at this time in your
life. Prayerfully select a few, and then follow the procedure for
setting goals by writing down what you want to accomplish and then your
plan for doing so.
BLESSINGS:
These are identified as gifts from Heavenly Father. They are not subject
to any future performance in that they are given to you as a child of
God. As long as your life is in harmony with the principles of the
gospel, these blessings will be given to you at the time the Lord
dictates. They will read similar to:
·
Friends and
associates will be raised up unto thee in times of need.
·
You'll be
privileged to experience and to enjoy the blessings of ________.
·
You are to
be blessed with the gift of discernment...
COUNSEL
Instances where counsel is being given will read:
·
Be
faithful..
·
Continue..
·
Be
diligent..
·
Endeavor
to...
·
Seek..
·
Prove
yourself...
·
Thou shalt...
·
Use this
ability to...
WARNINGS
There will generally be only a few or none in this category. The wording
of these lines should make them clear. The important thing is that when
warnings are given, they must be carefully noted.
Highlight any of these in a third color, and impress them upon your own
mind.
·
Sister,
never..
·
Do not..
COVENANTS/PROMISES
These statements can be identified as statements where a blessing is
mentioned which is connected with certain things you must do to receive
the blessing; some examples:
·
Thy friends
shall be a special blessing unto thee.. inasmuch as thou shalt select
for thine close associates those who are righteous.
If thou wilt
give of thy time and talents in building up the Kingdom of God...thou
shalt gain a certain testimony that Jesus is the Christ.
Cross-Reference Your Blessing with the Scriptures
Taken from an Article by B. F. Golding
Since our
blessings are personal scripture, "cross-reference" your blessing with
scriptures. It can be a time consuming exercise in scripture study, but
truly a wonderful learning experience. Make a copy of your blessing and
then take key words from each paragraph and look them up in the topical
guide. Read the listed scriptures until you find one that is similar in
usage or touches you with its meaning. List this scripture in the
margin of the copy near the key word for later reference. This process
will open new vistas of truth, enlightening you to a greater
understanding of the message of your Patriarchal Blessing.
Recognize the Three Phases of the Plan of Salvation
Another
way to increase understanding is to recognize the three phases of the
plan of salvation within your blessing. By identifying sentences about
your pre-mortal existence, post-mortal existence, and specifics for this
earth life, you will increase your understanding of your station and
purpose and your blessing will magnify the truth of who you truly are.
Read Your Blessing Often
A
patriarchal blessing is personal revelation available to each of us.
Patriarchal blessings help us learn the truth about ourselves. It is
our responsibility to prayerfully read it to receive the direction we
need to fulfill our life's mission and to avoid the pitfalls that will
take us off course. A patriarchal blessing is our opportunity to learn
first hand Heavenly Father's confidence in us...His plan for us.
Patriarchal
Blessings - Setting Goals
Activities
M2L13 Index
Strengthening Testimonies
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