Receiving Personal Revelation: Using a Journal to Improve Your Communication with God

by Larry W. Tippetts

With the busy pace of everyday life, journal writing seems like one more item on an impossible to-do list. But with warmth and wisdom, inspirational author Larry W. Tippetts reminds readers of the incomparable benefits of putting pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard. Among the greatest impacts discussed is the fact that as we recognize and record spiritual experiences, we can receive in-creased personal revelation. The pages of this interactive guidebook are enriched with insights and ideas designed to start readers on the path of regular record keeping, from discussion of the blessings that can come from journal writing, to personal experiences, quotes, and sample journal entries. Readers will learn to record thoughts and spiritual experiences as a part of daily routine and are encouraged to utilize thought-provoking writing prompts designed to inspire entries. For seasoned writers and new journalers alike, there is no time like the present to get started on your story.

Genres: Lds

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I think journalers and writers will find this book helpful; and for those who don't particularly like to write, it gently leads you along. The book is about recording your daily interactions with the Spirit and learning how to recognize impressions and promptings when they do come. Writing teaches us automatically to be more observant, and recording impressions helps us to remember and value them more. The author recommends keeping a journal alongside as we read the scriptures.

I started jotting thoughts, feelings and physical reactions down and realized I was receiving confirmations and nudges multiple times of days. I am less apt to blow them off or second-guess them when I take the time to write them down. I always take notes during church and General Conference now, writing down any insights and visceral reactions. I've gone from passive to active listener/recorder (thank you, Gregg Notehand: A Personal-Use Shorthand with Integrated Instruction in How to Make Notes for making this easier to do!) Trying to learn to recognize the Spirit is a process we all at-times stumble with, and although we have guidance from the General Authorities and the scriptures, I have come to realize it's very much a personalized skill that we learn by paying attention, recording the promptings, and acting on them; this can't be easily taught in black and white terms, but comes from personal hands-on experience. The LDS church has been emphasizing the need to learn to recognize the Spirit so often in recent years. I think this book helps to fill this need, to be more cognizant and develop this essential ability of communicating on a spiritual level.

At the end of each chapter there are a couple of prompts to get you thinking and noticing-- nothing heavy-handed here and it's all practical. The book includes plenty of insightful quotes by General Authorities and others (such as seminary students) about keeping a journal and about recognizing the Spirit, too.

There's an article by the author here that gives a great overview of the book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. This has been in my currently reading pile because it was not a book I just had to read all at once. It is the kind of book that you work your way through as you try out different things. He gives lots of suggestions and things to help improve the use of a journal. I loved reading his examples from his own journals, and those of students he has taught. I personally know the author, so I was excited to read his book and learn even more from him.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book for reading slowly and applying what is being taught. Tippetts begins by explaining the importance of receiving personal revelation. (Just one quote to illustrate this, but there was so much more. Julie Beck said, "The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life.") He explains how writing in a journal can help us recognize, remember, and act upon the revelation we receive and clearly shows that writing in a journal is a commandment. One thing that I found especially powerful is that he states that if we keep a journal and record the inspiration, learning, tender mercies, etc. that we receive, then that journal becomes personal scripture for us.

He gives lots of hints for how to keep a personal journal, what to record in a personal journal, potential pitfalls to avoid, and many other helpful hints. He also includes excerpts from his own journal and the journals of institute students he has taught to illustrate different principles he teaches. In addition, he includes a variety of journal exercises for the reader to try in order to develop the habit and ability to record inspiration and revelation in their personal journal. I have kept a journal for many years and already knew many of the benefits that he shares, but I find myself recommitted to keeping a better journal and also found many helpful pieces of advice to make more journals more meaningful. I still have much room for improvement, both in receiving revelation and in recording and remembering it. But this has been a great resource to refine my abilities in these areas.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to aid in my ongoing efforts to “increase [my] spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation” (President Nelson). I read this slowly and my book is well-marked, so I’m not sure I can narrow down favorite quotes to share. The main message is that writing can help us recognize, remember, act upon, and receive more revelation. The author practices what he teaches and shares excerpts from his spiritual journals (and some of his students’ journals) throughout the book. I love his thought that when we record spiritual impressions, lessons, and experiences, these writings become personal scripture for us that can help guide and sustain our faith. The lessons in this book are confirmed through my own personal experiences, as I have found that writing spiritual experiences helps confirm and further inspire me (especially when combined with prayer, scripture study, and pondering). The practice of writing also helps us learn how to put words to spiritual experiences, which is not always easy. I need to work on the consistency part of both writing and acting on inspiration, and this book is helping encourage my efforts.

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mormon Propaganda

If you are not a Mormon this will be a frustrating read. Very little Christian Scripture in this book, but plenty of Mormon writing. This is so good information in this book, but it is scarce.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative! Good ideas!

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the ideas and the approaches and the examples given. I come from some journal writing families, but have struggled to see all the facets of it, including the link to personal revelation.
It has opened my eyes.
I have been blessed with more, and am grateful to this author for helping to give me the confidence and the tools needed.