Sunday Notes - The Importance of Keeping Notes and Records

Today I thought I would begin a new section of this blog entitled 'Sunday Notes.' In an effort to pay greater attention to what is being said in talks and lessons I have begun to bring a notepad and pen with me to write down some of the more interesting thoughts presented. At the end of the October 1975 General Conference President Spencer W. Kimball made the following remarks:

We hope that the leaders and the members of the Church who have attended and listened to the conference have been inspired and uplifted. We hope you have made copious notes of the thoughts that have come to your mind as the Brethren have addressed you. Many suggestions have been given that will help you as leaders in the perfection of your work. Many helpful thoughts have been given for the perfection of our own lives, and that, of course, is the basic reason for our coming.

While sitting here, I have made up my mind that when I go home from this conference this night there are many, many areas in my life that I can perfect. I have made a mental list of them, and I expect to go to work as soon as we get through with conference.

President Spencer W. Kimball [CR, October 1975, p. 164; also, Ensign, November 1975, p. 111]

Similarly the Prophet Joseph Smith taught the following to the twelve in his day:

If you assemble from time to time, and proceed to discuss important questions, and pass decisions upon the same, and fail to note them down, by and by you will be driven to straits from which you will not be able to extricate yourselves, because you may be in a situation not to bring your faith to bear with sufficient perfection or power to obtain the desired information; or, perhaps, for neglecting to write these things when God had revealed them, not esteeming them of sufficient worth, the Spirit may withdraw and God may be angry; and there is, or was, a vast knowledge, of infinite importance, which is now lost.

[From minutes of instruction to the Council of the Twelve, February 27, 1835; HC 2:198­99]

Finally, in our modern times Richard G. Scott has given this counsel:

Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need. Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the Lord how it is treasured. That practice enhances the likelihood of receiving further light. Powerful spiritual direction in our lives can be overcome or be forced into the background unless we provide a way to remember it.

Elder Richard G. Scott - Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge - BYU Devotional 17 Aug 1993

Write down in a secure place the important things you learn from the Spirit. You will find that as you record a precious impression, often others will come that you would not have otherwise received. Also, the spiritual knowledge you gain will be available throughout your life. Always, day or night, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, seek to recognize and respond to the direction of the Spirit. Have available a piece of paper or a card to record such guidance.

Elder Richard G. Scott - To Learn and Teach More Effectively - Campus Education Week 2007