Empowerment Project #8 -- What one thing would fill you with life and energy?

I loved the article from the Ensign July 2015 called "Filled with Life and Energy." I had recently read a story of a woman who desired "wisdom like unto Daniel." She felt that she would receive that wisdom by following the word of wisdom more strictly. I desired to know what one thing I could change to feel a greater measure of the spirit. When I went to Heavenly Father in prayer, He answered that I could go to bed early and wake up early. Prioritizing time alone with Father for me to process feelings, to ponder the scriptures, and to write my thoughts down has brought about significant growth of character. It's changed who I am, a very difficult thing to change. I've changed long-term habits, how I see the world, and gained confidence and understanding about who I truly am. My testimony has been strengthened and I feel much more grounded. If you want to get off of a spiritual plateau, I encourage you to experiment upon my words and ask the Lord "What one practice, if followed consistently and with discipline, would help me have better health, energy, and inspiration?" Once you've received an answer, try it! I know you'll love the results.

The Ensign article suggests that going to bed and arising early are one thing that would fill you with life and energy. I've compiled a few of the highlights:

The Principle

"As a new General Authority, Elder Marion G. Romney (1897–1988) felt inadequate in fulfilling his important calling, so he sought advice from his friend Elder Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The counsel offered that day both surprised and motivated Elder Romney. Elder Lee said: 'If you are to be successful as a General Authority, you will need to be inspired. You will need to receive revelation. I will give you one piece of advice: Go to bed early and get up early.If you do, your body and mind will become rested and then in the quiet of those early morning hours, you will receive more flashes of inspiration and insight than at any other time of the day.'

"I would never have connected an early daily schedule with revelation. However, I now know that there is a direct correlation. . ."

Examples

"The article goes on to give many scriptural examples of people (including the Savior while on this earth) arising early to receive revelation. My favorite example is this: 'Mary, a devoted disciple, followed His example and in doing so taught us a powerful lesson: 'The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark,unto the sepulchre' (John 20:1). In the early morning she became the first mortal to see the resurrected Lord.'

Blessings of Arising Early

"Consider these incredible promises: 'Cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated' (D&C 88:124; emphasis added). Invigorate means 'to fill with life and energy.'

Health

"ElderRussell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, 'To those who feel defeated and downtrodden, look to the early hours of the day for your rescue.'

Wisdom

"The connection between sleep patterns and wisdom is not just a theory. A study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University looked at the effect of several variables—such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep habits—on students’ grade point average (GPA). The researchers found that of all the variables, 'weekday and weekend wake-up times had the largest relative effects on semester GPA.'

Peace

"The world is a more beautiful place early in the morning. Life is so much more calm. Much more can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time.

"Following the Lord’s counsel on sleep may seem like a small thing, yet “by small means the Lord can bring about great things” (1 Nephi 16:29). I have a testimony that following an early schedule brings many blessings into our lives, including revelation. It’s amazing how much more I get accomplished in a day when I retire early and arise early. The benefits of this self-discipline far exceed the effort required. When we win the first battle of the day against the mattress, we are far more likely to win more battles during the day. We are also more likely to be filled with life and energy" (Filled with Life and Energy, Ensign July 2015).