What would be the proper way to introduce (share) a “Revelation”, should you believe that the Holy Spirit gave it to you. Also, would you do so?

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Before I write and list a few “comments and questions” about the subject of “Revelation”, I preface my remarks with a quote, from the Prophet Joesph Smith. I do so from memory, so forgive me if it is not word for word, and just a paraphrase...

”It is contrary to the economy of God, for any man to receive revelation for those in authority over him” ~Joseph Smith~ (Maybe someone could confirm this quote for me) 
 

We are a Church which believes in, and teaches it as a major tenant of our Faith, that of, “Continuing Revelation”. In addition, we teach or affirm that this happens in number of different ways. These “Revelations”, come by copious means, and too almost all (if not all), people  within the Church. Here are just a few ways, that come to mind...

1. Revelation through our living Prophet to the entire Church. 

2. Revelations shared by Apostles, gained through study, prayer, even dreams, in an effort to establish, clarity, or to uplift members, consistent with their callings as “Prophets, Seers and Revelators”. Also, when gaining a “Revelation”, or to bear witness of combined Prophetic Declaration, in the form of “Manifestos”, and “Official Declarations”, which number about five, or maybe six so far.

3. Revelations given to Priesthood leaders, in their capacity to help direct the members of their Stakes, Wards, and Priesthood Quorums.

4. Revelations given members, such as Auxiliary Presidents, Teachers, etc, to help guide them to act as a conduit of the Holy Spirit, pursuit to their respective duties.

5. Revelations given to Priesthood Fathers, as “head’s of households”, or Mother’s as “head’s of households”, in relation to their entire families, or individual members, within that family, such as for the other spouse, or the children within that family. 

6. Revelations given to all of us as individuals, directly from God to direct or own lives. 
 

This list are just a few of the examples I could think of, so for any who respond to my thread, please list your own examples. 

Now, excluding (not sure if I should) the person who speaks in a Ward meeting, if assigned, or is bearing a testimony, where they often speak of “answers to prayers”, or “understandings they gained while studying scripture”. I am not sure if this should be one of the examples, if so, feel free to address this example and that would make it example number seven.

Edit: I have removed all content about myself (I hope), my hope now is that we can just discuss “Revelation”, as it relates to “Church Doctrine”. Forgive my earlier comments of any personal nature, I did not mean to make this all about myself. I was hoping to focus more on the issue of “Personal Revelations”, and not my own. So going forward, I hope with have a broader discussion. Thank You. 

  

 

 

Edited November 6, 2020 by Bill “Papa” Lee

[mfbukowski]

1 hour ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

Before I write and list a few “comments and questions” about the subject of “Revelation”, I preface my remarks with a quote, from the Prophet Joesph Smith. I do so from memory, so forgive me if it is not word for word, and just a paraphrase...

”It is contrary to the economy of God, for any man to receive revelation for those in authority over him” ~Joseph Smith~ (Maybe someone could confirm this quote for me) 
 

We are a Church which believes in, and teaches it as a major tenant of our Faith, that of, “Continuing Revelation”. In addition, we teach or affirm that this happens in number of different ways. These “Revelations”, come by copious means, and too almost all (if not all), people  within the Church. Here are just a few ways, that come to mind...

1. Revelation through our living Prophet to the entire Church. 

2. Revelations shared by Apostles, gained through study, prayer, even dreams, in an effort to establish, clarity, or to uplift members, consistent with their callings as “Prophets, Seers and Revelators”. Also, when gaining a “Revelation”, or to bear witness of combined Prophetic Declaration, in the form of “Manifestos”, and “Official Declarations”, which number about five, or maybe six so far.

3. Revelations given to Priesthood leaders, in their capacity to help direct the members of their Stakes, Wards, and Priesthood Quorums.

4. Revelations given members, such as Auxiliary Presidents, Teachers, etc, to help guide them to act as a conduit of the Holy Spirit, pursuit to their respective duties.

5. Revelations given to Priesthood Fathers, as “head’s of households”, or Mother’s as “head’s of households”, in relation to their entire families, or individual members, within that family, such as for the other spouse, or the children within that family. 

6. Revelations given to all of us as individuals, directly from God to direct or own lives. 
 

This list are just a few of the examples I could think of, so for any who respond to my thread, please list your own examples. 

Now, excluding (not sure if I should) the person who speaks in a Ward meeting, if assigned, or is bearing a testimony, where they often speak of “answers to prayers”, or “understandings they gained while studying scripture”. I am not sure if this should be one of the examples, if so, feel free to address this example and that would make it example number seven.

 

Now to my question(s), as I seek input, affirmation, or guidance, as to what if anything should others, or myself do, if we (I) feel God has revealed something to us? Now I have had many revelations, were I have sought to ease the pain of another, or help someone fully mourn. These usually come in poetry, where I am able to someone put myself in their suffering, and write to them, or for them, by writing what has been reveled to me. Sometimes, well most times, this happens when a family member tells me the story, and I am able to write for those I did not know. Also, many of these same poems, go on to influence others, many years later. 
 

I have included this thread in the “Discussion Forum”, because I seek both option and wisdom. Most of all I am seeking “Doctrinal Direct”,from the many scholars here, and wisdom from the more mature members on the website. 
 

For the record, I have received many revelations, which allows me (as my “Patriarchal  Blessing” foretold) to express many revelations given me, expressed poetically, almost always for those I don’t know, or barely know about. 

This brings me to some important questions, questions that help others as well. 
 

1. If you believed you received a Revelation from God, would you attempt to write, and claim it as your own?

2. If you did put it in print, would you seek to publish it in some manner?

3. With whomever would be be permissible to share it with?

4. Are such activities discouraged, or prohibited? 

5. Is such a thing only permissible in one’s journal, only to be shared with family; posthumously? 
   
My friends, I seek your collective wisdom concerning this matter, in the thread of mine. Also, I ask if there be any here, especially those we teach doctrine and Theology at BYU, and BYU Idaho, and any other Church University. 
 

I thank any who take the time to both read and respond. All of you, I value your collective wisdom. God bless you all.

  

 

 

As a former bishop, I have had some experience in pondering this problem.

I think what is trying to be avoided here is someone claiming that they  have received a revelation for someone to tell them how to live their personal lives when you have not been given some sort of stewardship- officially, and by the Lord, - to help that individual by the authority you have officially received to do so.

It is part of a bishops keys and calling to advise members of his ward- but no other wards.  And of course Stake Presidents preside over their stakes.

Ministering sisters and brothers have some authority to do the same. By delegated authority along the properly delegated lines of authority, sisters perform priesthood ordinances in the temple.  The Relief Society President and/or counselors have the responsibility to help sisters and give them advice.  Elder's Quorum presidents also have keys to give counsel.

And this authority  is limited to church matters mostly.    I have heard some crazy stories about how this may be abused- I have heard of one young man who dated a young woman and at some time or other told her that he had a revelation for her that she should marry him, and that he received it by the power of the priesthood.

That is obviously an abuse of his "authority" insofar - and in my opinion the phrase "Amen to the priesthood of that man" - at least in this case, if not generally- is appropriate.

But I think if people ask for advice, and you feel that you have received a revelation on what they should do,  I think you should express it, BUT I WOULD NOT say "I received revelation that you should...xyz" - because that is claiming authority for their situation- which we are postulating you do not have. (but of course you might)

One just has to watch one's language I would think- I might say something like:  "you know, I have been thinking about your situation and suddenly this idea popped into my mind - that maybe of you tried to ABC instead of XYZ, that might work better".

So even though it might actually BE revelation, you have received a gift from God for that person over whom you do not actually have authority, so I would be careful NOT to claim authority you do not have.   

Another strategy might also simply be to say that "You know once I was speaking to someone who had a similar problem (not a lie even if that person WAS the person with whom you were speaking 30 seconds ago-  isn't their problem "similar" to the one described- because all you really know is what your interpretation of what they said is all you know?) and it occurred to me- PERHAPS by revelation for that person- that they should blankety blank blank"

That's my advice to someone who had a similar problem- perhaps by revelation- that I should advise them to do it that way.  But of course I have no priesthood authority over that individual to claim revelation for them.

And with your gift of poetry, you might say something like :  " You know, one time I was thinking about this kind of problem and I think God inspired this poem.  You can decide if it applies to you or not...."

Something like that.  

Poetry generalizes truth is is a wonderful medium for conveying wisdom to others without being overbearing.

All you are doing is sharing a poem  that you wrote one time- for a friend!!  You don't have to say that THEY were the friend!

Remember these type of revelations are more along the lines of what "you should say" and not about "what they should do"

That attitude helps you to serve as a friend in helping them and not as someone of authority over them. 

Edited November 5, 2020 by mfbukowski

[Calm]

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-joseph-smith/chapter-16?lang=eng

Quote

“… It is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instructions for those in authority, higher than themselves; therefore you will see the impropriety of giving heed to them; but if any person have a vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be for his own benefit and instruction; for the fundamental principles, government, and doctrine of the Church are vested in the keys of the kingdom.”14

 

[Stargazer]

6 hours ago, mfbukowski said:

I have heard of one young man who dated a young woman and at some time or other told her that he had a revelation for her that she should marry him, and that he received it by the power of the priesthood.

John Bytheway mentioned something like this in a talk he gave about personal revelation. I think in his case it was a young man telling a young woman that he had received a revelation that they had made a promise to marry each other in the pre-existence. And that the young woman replied that wasn't going to make that mistake twice!

[Stargazer]

8 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

For the record, I have received many revelations, which allows me (as my “Patriarchal  Blessing” foretold) to express many revelations given me, expressed poetically, almost always for those I don’t know, or barely know about. 

I largely agree with what Mark has written, but just to add my own sense of how this should work: if you don't have authority concerning the person that you feel you've received revelation regarding, then no revelation should be claimed; just give the advice, poetically or otherwise, from the standpoint of a "caring friend" without clothing that advice in divine authority that you don't actually have. 

 

[CV75]

9 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

Before I write and list a few “comments and questions” about the subject of “Revelation”, I preface my remarks with a quote, from the Prophet Joesph Smith. I do so from memory, so forgive me if it is not word for word, and just a paraphrase...

I would add that testimony is a revelation, and we share that. “Becoming” holier is also a revelation and we share that. We share both consciously and unwittingly, but the innermost intent, hopefully, is to glorify God.

You mentioned the fruits of pondering and study. We can pollute spiritual knowledge and insight with pride, so we need to pray always. God will correct us if we stumble as we are learning. You mentioned prompting to serve someone, and using spiritual gifts such as poetry, and here too God will correct us if we stumble as we are learning.

Elder Bednar has a good response, I think, to your questions: https://www.ldsliving.com/8-Important-Questions-Youth-Asked-Elder-Bednar-at-Yesterday-s-Worldwide-Event/s/78901 : How do I tell the difference between promptings and my own thoughts?

I’ve heard it said, “never suppress a generous impulse,” attributed I think to Camilla Kimball.

Of course, those with a certain reputation may be suppressed by those around them, and given that most people in a community acting in good faith usually choose the right, hopefully the suppression can be instructive.

Scholars who receive revelation are hopefully sufficiently disciplined, both as scholars and as disciples of Christ, to frame their presentations according to the demands or requirements of the venue or community at hand. So, the answers to the five questions probably depends on context. Here are a few words from Elder Holland that touch upon that, and hopefully you might obtain the full transcript:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/be-faithful-disciple-scholars-even-in-difficulty-elder-holland-says-at-maxwell-institute?lang=eng

https://universe.byu.edu/2018/11/11/elder-holland-invites-change-in-religious-education/

[Meadowchik]

Ask permission from the person. Tell them the nature of your experience before you tell it to them.  One thing I have learned in the last few years is that as an LDS person I was quite accustomed to hearing people bear witness and testimony and had developed a facility to process it. However, that is not the case for everyone, probably not even for most people, except those who are in your testimony-bearing circles. And even then, you might not know the impact it could have on someone for better or worse. So ask first.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

12 hours ago, Calm said:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-joseph-smith/chapter-16?lang=eng

 

Thank you, I knew someone here could find and post the “quote” I was looking for. My paraphrase captured it well enough I think. Or should I go back and edit? What do you think? 
 

ETA: If I have never said so before, you are always a deep well of information and wisdom, thank you for always being so. 

Edited November 5, 2020 by Bill “Papa” Lee

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

2 hours ago, Meadowchik said:

Ask permission from the person. Tell them the nature of your experience before you tell it to them.  One thing I have learned in the last few years is that as an LDS person I was quite accustomed to hearing people bear witness and testimony and had developed a facility to process it. However, that is not the case for everyone, probably not even for most people, except those who are in your testimony-bearing circles. And even then, you might not know the impact it could have on someone for better or worse. So ask first.

I was speaking of past experiences via poetry for those who mourned over deaths in theIt families. Even then, I was asked to write something, via a request from another family member. But that was just an example I was giving of a type of “Revelation”. I would cut my tongue out before I would approach anyone outside my immediate family and tell them I had, or have a revelation for them. Sorry if my comments suggested this, as I am least among all men to tell others how to live, or that God spoke to me in their behalf.  

[Ahab]

13 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

”It is contrary to the economy of God, for any man to receive revelation for those in authority over him” ~Joseph Smith

I have just now received revelation from God to help me understand what Joseph meant when he made this statement.  Ask me and I will tell you what God told me.  Not that I can't just tell you but I would just rather you ask me if you want me to tell you.

13 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

We are a Church which believes in, and teaches it as a major tenant of our Faith, that of, “Continuing Revelation”. In addition, we teach or affirm that this happens in number of different ways. These “Revelations”, come by copious means, and too almost all (if not all), people  within the Church. Here are just a few ways, that come to mind...

1. Revelation through our living Prophet to the entire Church. 

2. Revelations shared by Apostles, gained through study, prayer, even dreams, in an effort to establish, clarity, or to uplift members, consistent with their callings as “Prophets, Seers and Revelators”. Also, when gaining a “Revelation”, or to bear witness of combined Prophetic Declaration, in the form of “Manifestos”, and “Official Declarations”, which number about five, or maybe six so far.

3. Revelations given to Priesthood leaders, in their capacity to help direct the members of their Stakes, Wards, and Priesthood Quorums.

4. Revelations given to members, such as Auxiliary Presidents, Teachers, etc, to help guide them to act as a conduit of the Holy Spirit, pursuit to their respective duties.

5. Revelations given to Priesthood Fathers, as “head’s of households”, or Mother’s as “head’s of households”, in relation to their entire families, or individual members, within that family, such as for the other spouse, or the children within that family. 

6. Revelations given to all of us as individuals, directly from God to direct or own lives. 
 

This list are just a few of the examples I could think of, so for any who respond to my thread, please list your own examples. 

I think you covered every category imaginable.  Put simply, every child of God can receive... and I would even go so far to say actually does receive... revelation from God.  As well as ideas from Satan.  And we then choose who we would rather believe.

13 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

Now, excluding (not sure if I should) the person who speaks in a Ward meeting, if assigned, or is bearing a testimony, where they often speak of “answers to prayers”, or “understandings they gained while studying scripture”. I am not sure if this should be one of the examples, if so, feel free to address this example and that would make it example number seven.

I would say this is already included in your categories.  Not that everything a member says is backed up by a revelation from God, but if that member has received revelation from God he or she is free to share it whenever moved by the Spirit to share it. 

13 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

Now to my question(s), as I seek input, affirmation, or guidance, as to what if anything should others, or myself do, if we (I) feel God has revealed something to us? Now I have had many revelations, were I have sought to ease the pain of another, or help someone fully mourn. These usually come in poetry, where I am able to someone put myself in their suffering, and write to them, or for them, by writing what has been reveled to me. Sometimes, well most times, this happens when a family member tells me the story, and I am able to write for those I did not know. Also, many of these same poems, go on to influence others, many years later. 
 

I have included this thread in the “Discussion Forum”, because I seek both option and wisdom. Most of all I am seeking “Doctrinal Direct”,from the many scholars here, and wisdom from the more mature members on the website. 
 

For the record, I have received many revelations, which allows me (as my “Patriarchal  Blessing” foretold) to express many revelations given me, expressed poetically, almost always for those I don’t know, or barely know about. 

This brings me to some important questions, questions that help others as well. 
 

1. If you believed you received a Revelation from God, would you attempt to write, and claim it as your own?

2. If you did put it in print, would you seek to publish it in some manner?

3. With whomever would be be permissible to share it with?

4. Are such activities discouraged, or prohibited? 

5. Is such a thing only permissible in one’s journal, only to be shared with family; posthumously? 
   
My friends, I seek your collective wisdom concerning this matter, in the thread of mine. Also, I ask if there be any here, especially those we teach doctrine and Theology at BYU, and BYU Idaho, and any other Church University. 
 

I thank any who take the time to both read and respond. All of you, I value your collective wisdom. God bless you all.

1.  Yes

2. What do you mean by publish?  We now live in an age when most things we write online or by phone text are or at least can be considered published at the moment we write it.  There is no need for a book deal or someone else to publish our writings for us... other than our cell phone and internet providers.

3. Yes, which would be anybody and everybody considering the fact that we have the inalienable right to communicate with anyone and everyone we want to communicate with... as long as we are able to do it. 

4. Yes there are many people who would prefer that other people not share what God has told them, personally. People who seek to limit the free exchange of ideas.  People who want others to hear only what they want them to hear.

5. No, not only that.  If you're referring to how many people prefer to hear only from dead prophets and apostles, and even then only when their writings are contained in the Holy Bible, that is just another form of discrimination.

 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

5 hours ago, Stargazer said:

I largely agree with what Mark has written, but just to add my own sense of how this should work: if you don't have authority concerning the person that you feel you've received revelation regarding, then no revelation should be claimed; just give the advice, poetically or otherwise, from the standpoint of a "caring friend" without clothing that advice in divine authority that you don't actually have. 

 

I agree, and I have only done so for others when asked by a family member, and always because they were grieving due to a death in the family. The only exception, was for a member who was struggling with a decision to stop chemo for her cancer. Even then, her daughter who was a member in my Ward relayed her concerns. The poem that came out of that, and weeks later to me. When I finally shared it with her, it was only to help her (the daughter), but without knowing, she gave it to her Mother. He Mother had been asking for an answer to her prayers, and when she read it, she told her family it was her answer, she was seeking. Years later when I met her husband at Church, he grabbed me and wept. Please know that what I just said, is in no way a boast, as doing so is NOT in my nature. Unless I write a poem and share it, which I only share a fraction, or teaching a class, you would never know I was around. I have been and still am a bit introverted. I am not so shy that I don’t speak, or that I don’t shake hands, say hello and be polite, I just don’t like drawing attention to myself. So much so, that when I do teach or speak in Sacrament, those who don’t know me well, are surprised to say the least. However, once the class or talk is over, I just want to escape to avoid others telling me I did a good job. In my work however, before I could no longer work, it is not a good thing to be shy or timid in law-enforcement, and I was not. Heck, if I were in a supermarket, I would not suggest to a stranger which brand of butter to purchase. 

[Meadowchik]

42 minutes ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

I was speaking of past experiences via poetry for those who mourned over deaths in theIt families. Even then, I was asked to write something, via a request from another family member. But that was just an example I was giving of a type of “Revelation”. I would cut my tongue out before I would approach anyone outside my immediate family and tell them I had, or have a revelation for them. Sorry if my comments suggested this, as I am least among all men to tell others how to live, or that God spoke to me in their behalf.  

Please don't apologize. I'm sorry if I bothered you by commenting. Of course it's just an opinion of a sorta outsider, but I think that it still applies here. Ask permission. And if you have it, the experience will be more edifying for you both. Best wishes to you as you do this work of comforting. It is holy work.

[nuclearfuels]

1. If you believed you received a Revelation from God, would you attempt to write, and claim it as your own?

Absolutely note it in your journal. CLaiming it as my own would be tricky as no matter what topic it was there is likely existing canon to which my revalation might supplement. If it was something like GOd is actually a cat, I'd probably reflect more on what I ate last night.

2. If you did put it in print, would you seek to publish it in some manner?

I might share it with family and ask for their feedback, most of which I'd immediately discard, knowing my family's background.

3. With whomever would be be permissible to share it with?

Permissible is tricky. You and I can do whatever we want. Just trying to avoid the pearls before swine situation.

4. Are such activities discouraged, or prohibited? 

Depends on the individual, I believe, and on the revalation.

5. Is such a thing only permissible in one’s journal, only to be shared with family; posthumously? 

I think it's up to you and you'll choose the right. Explaining these things is like expalinig all the different shades of color on the ocean at a sunset/sunrise. Cameras dont capture all the colors. Words don't really explain all the different colors and the emotions they inspire. Helps me understand why Nephi and others got frustrated at spiritual things they could describe but only in a limited way. Kind of like how all our electronics and thier text and images dont really capture what its like to experience something in real life

[Ahab]

3 minutes ago, nuclearfuels said:

Explaining these things is like expalinig all the different shades of color on the ocean at a sunset/sunrise. Cameras dont capture all the colors. Words don't really explain all the different colors and the emotions they inspire. Helps me understand why Nephi and others got frustrated at spiritual things they could describe but only in a limited way. Kind of like how all our electronics and thier text and images dont really capture what its like to experience something in real life

I like this explanation of whatever you were talking about.  The point I think is to try to communicate an idea that you think would be good to share with someone else, and even if it is not possible to convey every nuance of an idea with words, the more words are used the better chance there is of conveying at least an inkling of that idea.

[rpn]

Papa ,I would also be careful about providing revelation to my children, over whom I might has some authority eternally.   I cannot tell you have many times I've thought I was doing what the Lord wanted, that i'd been inspired to work out and proposed, only to have the Spirit hit me upside the head with the fact that I got it all wrong after all and the kiddo really needed me to do something entirely different. 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

2 hours ago, Meadowchik said:

Please don't apologize. I'm sorry if I bothered you by commenting. Of course it's just an opinion of a sorta outsider, but I think that it still applies here. Ask permission. And if you have it, the experience will be more edifying for you both. Best wishes to you as you do this work of comforting. It is holy work.

No worries, I was just afraid that I might have conveyed in part the wrong idea. Feel free to comment as mush as you like, this is after a discussion forum. Also, I am seeking both, advice and counsel, on a very important topic. The idea that is kinda knocking around in my head, comes from an issue that has been weighing heavily in my thoughts. This not an issue that would clash with the doctrine of the Church, but one that has occupied my prayers, study, and even my dreams. It would only reenforce those beliefs, especially those found in in D&C 138. Who knows it my just be opinion, or an expansion of that based on nothing but study. But, I assure you, it is not simply ego, or a desire to instruct others. The big question is threefold, do I put it in print, is so, do I share it with others, or only teach it to my wife, children and grandchildren, and publish it only in my journal? Of course I say publish, only as I am currently writing a journal for my family living, and those that come after me. This to leave for all who want it throughout my posterity, as I have little else to leave them. 

[Ahab]

1 minute ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

No worries, I was just afraid that I might have conveyed in part the wrong idea. Feel free to comment as mush as you like, this is after a discussion forum. Also, I am seeking both, advice and counsel, on a very important topic. The idea that is kinda knocking around in my head, comes from an issue that has been weighing heavily in my thoughts. This not an issue that would clash with the doctrine of the Church, but one that has occupied my prayers, study, and even my dreams. It would only reenforce those beliefs, especially those found in in D&C 138. Who knows it my just be opinion, or an expansion of that based on nothing but study. But, I assure you, it is not simply ego, or a desire to instruct others. The big question is threefold, do I put it in print, is so, do I share it with others, or only teach it to my wife, children and grandchildren, and publish it only in my journal? Of course I say publish, only as I am currently writing a journal for my family living, and those that come after me. This to leave for all who want it throughout my posterity, as I have little else to leave them. 

Something I have learned from personal revelation from God is that whatever I say or write, even if it revelation from God, can very easily fall on deaf ears.  Even our Savior was not appreciated by many who heard and saw him, and we are not nearly as good as he was then.  But, still, yes, you should try to share as much as you can to try to help other people, especially those closest to you in your family, just in case they might someday be interested in what you knew and said and did.  And the more interest the better.

[Calm]

4 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

Thank you, I knew someone here could find and post the “quote” I was looking for. My paraphrase captured it well enough I think. Or should I go back and edit? What do you think? 
 

ETA: If I have never said so before, you are always a deep well of information and wisdom, thank you for always being so. 

Your paraphrase pulled it up immediately, so I think it fine as is. 

[Meadowchik]

40 minutes ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

No worries, I was just afraid that I might have conveyed in part the wrong idea. Feel free to comment as mush as you like, this is after a discussion forum. Also, I am seeking both, advice and counsel, on a very important topic. The idea that is kinda knocking around in my head, comes from an issue that has been weighing heavily in my thoughts. This not an issue that would clash with the doctrine of the Church, but one that has occupied my prayers, study, and even my dreams. It would only reenforce those beliefs, especially those found in in D&C 138. Who knows it my just be opinion, or an expansion of that based on nothing but study. But, I assure you, it is not simply ego, or a desire to instruct others. The big question is threefold, do I put it in print, is so, do I share it with others, or only teach it to my wife, children and grandchildren, and publish it only in my journal? Of course I say publish, only as I am currently writing a journal for my family living, and those that come after me. This to leave for all who want it throughout my posterity, as I have little else to leave them. 

I do believe family members can offer priceless counsel and inspiration to each other and so this sounds like a wonderful thing to do. My father wrote his memories and I've enjoyed reading them to my twins at bedtime. They're enjoying learning about their grandpa and his youth and it also sparks questions about his values and character which is very edifying. 

 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

2 hours ago, nuclearfuels said:

1. If you believed you received a Revelation from God, would you attempt to write, and claim it as your own?

I have written many poems that I believe, or I know came to me from God. As many of these poems  are completely beyond my abilities or education. However I still had to assign to them my name, and after many warnings from others, I had to copyright them. I once had a very unlikely (sorta) theft of two of my poems, which was both flattering, and bewildering. For a time, I had poetry in a few LDS Bookstores, which I later stopped selling. I stopped selling them because I felt it was not proper to sell a “gift” given to me by God. Once many years ago, while they were still on sale in the bookstore near the Atlanta Temple, I was at a Church counselors office with my wife. We were struggling with something as parents, that we needed to get on the same page, concerning our children. During one of those meetings, I kept looking up at the wall, I recognized the format of something that was framed and typed out. Once our session was over, and after the prayer, I got up and walked over the wall. On the wall were two of my poems, but they were typed out on white paper, and were not purchased. Of course I had not typed them, someone else did. 
 

One of the poems was a long poem called “Forgive”, and the counselor was using it to show to couples, and other family members. When I asked how they came to be in that office, the counselor said, “This is not my office, I use it at night, but they are great aren’t they”. My wife said, “yes they are”, then pointing to me, she said, “my husband wrote them”. We then had a short conversation about how long I have I written poetry, etc, etc. When my wife and I got to the car, we could see through the window that he was hanging them again. I asked my wife, “did you notice anything about the poems”? She did not, told her, “they were purchased, someone typed them from the original”. She wanted me to ask why they did this, but I would not do it, nor ever did. So “if” I ever put something into print, I guess I will have to explain where, or from who it came from. Otherwise it will have to remain blank, least of call it a “classic revelation”, and skit along the danger of being an “apostate”. 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

43 minutes ago, Ahab said:

Something I have learned from personal revelation from God is that whatever I say or write, even if it revelation from God, can very easily fall on deaf ears.  Even our Savior was not appreciated by many who heard and saw him, and we are not nearly as good as he was then.  But, still, yes, you should try to share as much as you can to try to help other people, especially those closest to you in your family, just in case they might someday be interested in what you knew and said and did.  And the more interest the better.

I am used to everything I write, “falling on deaf eyes”. 🤣 Or would that be, “blind eyes”? 🙄 Thank you for your counsel brother. 

[mfbukowski]

9 hours ago, Stargazer said:

John Bytheway mentioned something like this in a talk he gave about personal revelation. I think in his case it was a young man telling a young woman that he had received a revelation that they had made a promise to marry each other in the pre-existence. And that the young woman replied that wasn't going to make that mistake twice!

That's probably where my wife heard it in her youth, I don't remember the details. And it was only 40 years ago?   Wow! I must be losing it! 

 

[Ahab]

3 minutes ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

I have written many poems that I believe, or I know came to me from God. As many of these poems  are completely beyond my abilities or education. However I still had to assign to them my name, and after many warnings from others, I had to copyright them. I once had a very unlikely (sorta) theft of two of my poems, which was both flattering, and bewildering. For a time, I had poetry in a few LDS Bookstores, which I later stopped selling. I stopped selling them because I felt it was not proper to sell a “gift” given to me by God. Once many years ago, while they were still on sale in the bookstore near the Atlanta Temple, I was at a Church counselors office with my wife. We were struggling with something as parents, that we needed to get on the same page, concerning our children. During one of those meetings, I kept looking up at the wall, I recognized the format of something that was framed and typed out. Once our session was over, and after the prayer, I got up and walked over the wall. On the wall were two of my poems, but they were typed out on white paper, and were not purchased. Of course I had not typed them, someone else did. 
 

One of the poems was a long poem called “Forgive”, and the counselor was using it to show to couples, and other family members. When I asked how they came to be in that office, the counselor said, “This is not my office, I use it at night, but they are great aren’t they”. My wife said, “yes they are”, then pointing to me, she said, “my husband wrote them”. We then had a short conversation about how long I have I written poetry, etc, etc. When my wife and I got to the car, we could see through the window that he was hanging them again. I asked my wife, “did you notice anything about the poems”? She did not, told her, “they were purchased, someone typed them from the original”. She wanted me to ask why they did this, but I would not do it, nor ever did. So “if” I ever put something into print, I guess I will have to explain where, or from who it came from. Otherwise it will have to remain blank, least of call it a “classic revelation”, and skit along the danger of being an “apostate”. 

I consider every good thought and idea to originate with God, our Father in heaven, but still it can be good to know who else got or gets a particular idea from him.  In the realm of intellectual property he has all of the good stuff.  And he wants us to share it.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

1 hour ago, rpn said:

Papa ,I would also be careful about providing revelation to my children, over whom I might has some authority eternally.   I cannot tell you have many times I've thought I was doing what the Lord wanted, that i'd been inspired to work out and proposed, only to have the Spirit hit me upside the head with the fact that I got it all wrong after all and the kiddo really needed me to do something entirely different. 

Wise advice, but I do they to be careful. I learned this from my Father who was slow to speak, if he feared he was not speaking the will of God. He very, very, often spoke in Proverbs, as he believed that the Book of Proverbs, had a proverb for almost any circumstance. Oh what I would give, to hear just one more “Proverb”, from one of, if not “the” wisest man I have, or will ever know. 

[Ahab]

3 minutes ago, mfbukowski said:

That's probably where my wife heard it in her youth, I don't remember the details. And it was only 40 years ago?   Wow! I must be losing it! 

 

It will probably come back to you later.  I call it Sometimers, since I (and apparently you too) do not have it alz the time.