Life's How-to List

Ever wonder how in the world you're supposed to do this thing called life?

Sometimes I think it would be nice to have a play book, or a script.

While God hasn't given us that exactly, He has given us lots of ways to figure things out.

So, without further ado:

1) Prayer

This is for sure the number one way to get through any detail, trouble, confusion, or trial in life. Make a decision, then pray to know if it is right. Pray to know what God wants you to do that day. Pray to know how you can serve others. Pray to help you choose a career path, a place to live, or whom to marry.

You won't always get the answers you expect or want, and you won't always get answers right away, 

but you will get answers.

2) Instructions From God's Servants

We are so blessed to live in an age where God has living apostles and a living prophet to help guide us. He reveals His word and instructions to us freely, giving us resource after resource filled with His direct words, spoken with the mouth of His servants.

We have the unbelievable opportunity to hear directly from God's servants NEXT WEEKEND at General Conference - 4 full sessions (plus the Women's Session that aired last night and the Priesthood Session next Saturday) filled with instruction, information, uplifting, and love.

Anyone who wants to know what God wants you to do with your life, tune in Saturday morning at 10 for the first session - streamed live at LDS.org.

3) Patriarchal Blessings

God has not only given us 24/7 access to His guidance through prayer, as well as thousands upon thousands of His words spoken through His representatives, but he has also given us the opportunity to receive very specific revelation for ourselves individually and for our own lives.

Patriarchal Blessings are special Priesthood Blessings given by specifically called servants of God that are given to individuals who feel they are ready and who have a desire to learn more about what God has planned for them and what He expects of them. Every patriarchal blessing is completely unique, filled with words meant only for that individual. It is filled with promises, cautions, reminders, and occasionally very specific directions in regards to how to live your life.

"Every worthy, baptized member [of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints] is entitled to and should receive a patriarchal blessing, which provides inspired direction from the Lord" (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], 20.12.1)

4) Study

While Heavenly Father does give us lots of direction, 

He can't steer a parked car.

You have to put in the effort yourself to figure life out. You have to contemplate your options, evaluate your choices, make decisions, go after what you want, put in the work. God is happy to help you in any way He can, but first you must study it out in your mind and choose for yourself where you need to direct your life.

There you have it: how to live life and make all the right decisions...

or at least how to correct the wrong ones and celebrate the good.

It's your life - go get it!