Thought for the day:
"I would rather walk barefoot all the way to the Celestial Kingdom than to let the things of this world keep me out of that kingdom."
– N. Eldon Tanner
Scripture Study: Alma 20-24
Mark and Ponder: Alma 11:40
Friday, July 20, 2012
Day 20- Alma 20-24
Thought for the day:
"I would rather walk barefoot all the way to the Celestial Kingdom than to let the things of this world keep me out of that kingdom."
– N. Eldon Tanner
Scripture Study: Alma 20-24
Mark and Ponder: Alma 11:40
Day 19- Alma 15-19
Thought for the day:
"The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life."
- Julie B. Beck
"Revelation is communication from God to His children on the earth and one of the great blessings associated with the gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost"
- David A Bednar
Scripture Study: Alma 15-19
Mark and Ponder: Alma 5:46
Day 18- Alma 11-14
Thought for the day:
"You will be a light to the world as you share your testimony with others… Through the combined faith and testimony of His daughters, God will touch the lives of millions in His kingdom and across the world with His light."
- Henry B. Eyring
Scripture Study: Alma 11-14
Mark and Ponder: Alma 5:14
Day 17- Alma 6-10
Thought for the day:
"Instead of wishing you were someone else, be proud of who you are. You never know who has been looking at you wishing they were you."
- Anonymous
Scripture Study: Alma 6-10
Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 5:2
Day 16- Alam 1-5
Thought for the day:
"Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can’t change."
- Anonymous
Scripture Study: Alma 1-5
Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 4:30
Day 15- Mosiah 23-29
Thought for the day:
"How you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, and inheritance of infinite worth."
- Russell M. Nelson
Scripture Study: Mosiah 23-29
Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 4
Day 14- Mosiah 16-22
Thought for the day:
"God’s angels are ever on call to help us…What a promise! When we are faithful, He and His angels will help us."
- Russell M. Nelson
Scripture Study: Mosiah 16-22
Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 3:19
Day 13- Mosiah 10-15
Thought for the day:
"Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."
- Thomas S. Monson
Scripture Study: Mosiah 10-15
Mark and Ponder: Mosiah 2:17.
Day 12- Mosiah 4-9
Day 12
Thought for the day:
"Remember who you are! See yourself as our Heavenly Father sees you. You are elect. You are of noble birth. Don’t compromise your divine inheritance. You were born to be a queen. Live so you are worthy to enter the temple and there receive ‘all that [the] Father hath’ (D&C 84:38)" – Elaine S. Dalton
Scripture Study: Mosiah 4-9
Mark and Ponder: Jacob 2:18-19
Day 11- Words of Mormon- Mosiah 3
Thought for the day:
"If you need someone to just listen… then just pray."
- Anonymous
Scripture Study: Words of Mormon – Mosiah 3
Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 32:8-9
Day 10- Jacob 6- Omni
Thought for the day:
"Remember that we do not run alone in this great race of life; we are entitled to the help of the Lord."
- Thomas S. Monson
Scripture Study: Jacob 6-Omni
Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 31:20
Day 9- Jacob 1-5
Thought for the day:
"As you guard your virtue and purity, you will be given strength. As you keep the covenants you have made, the Holy Ghost will guide you and guard you. You will be surrounded by heavenly hosts of angels."
- Elaine S. Dalton
Scripture Study: Jacob 1-5
Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 31:13
Day 8- 2 Nephi 22-23
Thought for the day:
"We cannot successfully choose both the safety of righteousness and the dangers of worldliness. Your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance but of choice. It is never too late to begin to choose eternal life!"
- Randall K. Bennett
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 22-33
Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 28:8-9
Day 7- 2 Nephi 12-21
Thought for the day:
"The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life."
- Julie B. Beck
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 12-21
Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 9:28-29
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Day 6- 2 Nephi 7-11
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 7-11
Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 2:27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
Thought for the day:
"Integrity is doing the right thing even if nobody is watching"
- Anonymous
"Integrity is doing the right thing even if nobody is watching"
- Anonymous
"Perhaps the surest test of an individual’s integrity is his refusal to do or say anything that would damage his self-respect."
- Thomas S. Monson
2 Nephi 8:9 Awake, awake! Put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake as in the ancient days.
2 Nephi 8:12 I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you.
2 Nephi 8:24 Awake, awake, put on thy Strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.
2 Nephi 9: 6-7 For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord.
7 Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.
2 Nephi 9:20 O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it.
2 Nephi 11:7 For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time.
Day 5- 2 Nephi 2-6
Scripture Study: 2 Nephi 2-6
Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 2:25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
This is one of the scriptures I remember most from seminary, mostly because it is a scripture mastery, but also because of the profound meaning. I know that everything in this life happens for a reason, and I also know that we don't always know what that reason is, even though we would like to. This scripture tells us a reason WHY.
Thought for the day:
"As you guard your virtue and purity, you will be given strength. As you keep the covenants you have made, the Holy Ghost will guide you and guard you. You will be surrounded by heavenly hosts of angels."
- Elaine S. Dalton
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Day 4- 1 Nephi 19 - 2 Nephi 1
Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 19 – 2
Mark and Ponder: 2 Nephi 2:11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.
Thought for the day:
"No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love."
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love."
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Friday, February 3, 2012
Day 3- 1 Nephi 16-18
Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 16-18
Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 19:23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.
How do you liken the scriptures unto us?
When I read a book I always envision in my mind what I think the characters look like, the same is true for the Book of Mormon.
For instance when I picture Nephi this is who I see...
Captain Moroni...
The 2000 Stripling Warriors...
Wicked King Noah...
Who do you picture?
Thought for the day:
"To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort and be a source of motivation for needed change."
- Richard G Scott
"To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort and be a source of motivation for needed change."
- Richard G Scott
Day 2- 1 Nephi 11-15
Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 11-15
Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 15:34 But behold, I say unto you, the kingdom of God is not filthy, and there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God; wherefore there must needs be a place of filthiness prepared for that which is filthy.
Today's reading is about when Nephi is shown his father's vision of the tree of life.
Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 15:34 But behold, I say unto you, the kingdom of God is not filthy, and there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God; wherefore there must needs be a place of filthiness prepared for that which is filthy.
Thought for the day:
"You are chosen to be faithful women of God in our day, to stand above pettiness, gossip, selfishness, lewdness, and all other forms of ungodliness. Recognize your divine birthright as daughters of our Heavenly Father." -Howard W. Hunter
Today's reading is about when Nephi is shown his father's vision of the tree of life.
Day 1 - 1 Nephi 1-10
Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 1-10 Wow 10 chapters!!-- a little intimidating, but you can do it!!
Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 3:7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
I love the primary song "Nephi's Courage" /if only we could all be like Nephi.
Thought for the day
"There is within each of us a divine spark of greatness.
Who knows of what we are capable if we only try?"
- Joseph B. Wirthlin
- Joseph B. Wirthlin
Scriptures I marked today...
1 Nephi 2:15 And my father dwelt in a tent. (One of Ryan's favorites)
1 Nephi 4:6 I was led by the spirit not knowing before hand the things which I should do.
1 Nephi 4:13 Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.
1 Nephi 9:6 But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.
40 Day Book of Mormon Reading Challenge Kick Off- Jan 31, 2012
We had our first Personal Progress Night on Jan 31. It was so much fun, we did a PINK Personal Progress Pajama Night.
To kick things off, we started our 40 Day Book of Mormon Reading Challenge. I told the girls about my experience with reading the Book of Mormon before the end of the year in 2011. I decided in November (the end of November in fact) that I wanted to read the entire Book of Mormon before the end of the year, giving me about 40 days to complete it. To me this seemed like a long time to read a book, I usually can finish most books in a few days. I didn't know how to figure out how much I had to read each day to complete this goal, but I got online and found a website that would email me a daily reading list. I ended up finishing in 21 days!!! Reading the Book of Mormon in such a short amount of time was such a different experience. I think I got more out of it and remembered more of what I read this time. So I challenged the girls to read the entire Book of Mormon in 40 days. How awesome it will be for all of us to be reading it together. At the end of this we will all have completed our Virtue Value project and will have read the Book of Mormon- awesome!
It was good to review with the girls what they have done in regards to their personal progress and get them excited to do more. So many of the girls were intimidated by the program and didn't realize that there were so many experiences that you could do quickly.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Manual 1 Lesson 2- Jesus Christ the Savior
After teaching this lesson, the girls wished I would have given them this handout that I used as a display poster.
Handout made by proclamationpictures.blogspot.com
Handout made by me... idea from Emblishthedetails.blogspot.comI am going to use testimonies from each of the 16 latter-day prophets, that are found on the church website here
I think it will be great for the girls to know that Jesus Christ is real and loves them.
Manual 1 Lesson 1- You are a Daughter of God
Handout by LDSHandout.blogspot.comNot every young woman had the same relationships (for example, some may not have sisters or cousins) but that all have had a mother and father, and so all of them are daughters. Focus on one of these relationships: the father-daughter relationship.
They are literally daughters of Heavenly Father, and he loves them. By their actions and choices, they determine the strength of the relationship they will have with him. He will never turn away. As they do his will, praying for his guidance, they will know the path their lives should follow and be assured that they are daughters of God who are truly loved by their Father.
My favortie quote I used in this lesson...
Remember Who You Are- Elaine S. Dalton
You are young women of great faith. You brought your faith with you when you came to the earth. Alma teaches us that in the premortal realms you exhibited “exceeding faith and good works.” You fought with your faith and testimony to defend the plan that was presented by God. You knew the plan was good, and you knew that the Savior would do what He said He would do—because you knew Him! You stood with Him, and you were eager for your opportunity to come to earth. You knew what was going to be required of you. You knew it would be difficult, and yet you were confident not only that you could accomplish your divine mission but that you could make a difference. You are “choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work, including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein.” And now you are here to do what you have been reserved and prepared to do.
As I look out at you tonight, I wonder if this is what Helaman’s stripling warriors’ girlfriends must have looked like! No wonder Satan has increased the intensity of his attacks on your identity and virtue. If you can be dismayed, discouraged, distracted, delayed, or disqualified from being worthy to receive the guidance of the Holy Ghost or to enter the Lord’s holy temple, he wins.Young women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, remember who you are! You are elect. You are daughters of God. You cannot be a generation of young women who are content to fit in. You must have the courage to stand out, to “arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations.” The world would have you believe that you are not significant—that you are out of fashion and out of touch. The world calls to you with unrelenting, noisy voices to “live it up,” “try everything,” “experiment and be happy.” Conversely, the Holy Ghost whispers and the Lord invites you to “walk in the paths of virtue,” “lay aside the things of this world,” “and cleave unto [your] covenants.”
Friday, January 13, 2012
40 Day Book of Mormon Reading Challenge- Virtue Value Project
I found an idea online for a 40 Day Book of Mormon Reading Challenge- I thought this was awesome. The one that I found was geared more towards the Relief Society Organization, so I revamped it a bit for the Young Women.Each day there is a Spiritual/Inspirational Thought, Reading Assignment for the day, and a scripture to mark and ponder.I am so excited to introduce this at our first Personal Progress Activity of the year. This will be a great way for all the YW to work on their Virtue Value Project.
Right now it is in word format and I don't know how to upload it yet, but as soon as I can talk to the Help Desk (aka Ryan, aka Super Nerd) I will get it done.
Right now it is in word format and I don't know how to upload it yet, but as soon as I can talk to the Help Desk (aka Ryan, aka Super Nerd) I will get it done.
YW Manual 3 Lesson 40- Loving Ourselves & Others
What are some characteristics of a person who feels good about herself?
She is happy.
She loves her family members and friends.
She is willing to admit her mistakes.
She is aware of others’ needs.
She is teachable.
She likes to make others happy.
She is happy.
She loves her family members and friends.
She is willing to admit her mistakes.
She is aware of others’ needs.
She is teachable.
She likes to make others happy.
We have many reasons to love ourselves: we are children of God, we have many talents to offer others, we have the ability to overcome our weaknesses and become strong, and we have the potential to someday become like God.The proper love for oneself is not conceit or pride. A person who loves herself in the right way knows that she is a child of God, that God loves her, and that she has many talents. But she knows that other people are also children of God and that she should use her talents to serve them.
LOVING OURSELVES
You Matter to Him- Pres. Dieter F. Ucthdorf (October 2011)
We Are Less Than We Suppose
The more we learn about the universe, the more we understand—at least in a small part—what Moses knew. The universe is so large, mysterious, and glorious that it is incomprehensible to the human mind. “Worlds without number have I created,” God said to Moses. The wonders of the night sky are a beautiful testimony of that truth.There are few things that have filled me with such breathless awe as flying in the black of night across oceans and continents and looking out my cockpit window upon the infinite glory of millions of stars.Astronomers have attempted to count the number of stars in the universe. One group of scientists estimates that the number of stars within range of our telescopes is 10 times greater than all the grains of sand on the world’s beaches and deserts. This conclusion has a striking similarity to the declaration of the ancient prophet Enoch: “Were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations.”Given the vastness of God’s creations, it’s no wonder the great King Benjamin counseled his people to “always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness.”
We Are Greater Than We Suppose
But even though man is nothing, it fills me with wonder and awe to think that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”And while we may look at the vast expanse of the universe and say, “What is man in comparison to the glory of creation?” God Himself said we are the reason He created the universe! His work and glory—the purpose for this magnificent universe—is to save and exalt mankind. In other words, the vast expanse of eternity, the glories and mysteries of infinite space and time are all built for the benefit of ordinary mortals like you and me. Our Heavenly Father created the universe that we might reach our potential as His sons and daughters.This is a paradox of man: compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God. While against the backdrop of infinite creation we may appear to be nothing, we have a spark of eternal fire burning within our breast. We have the incomprehensible promise of exaltation—worlds without end—within our grasp. And it is God’s great desire to help us reach it.
LOVING OTHERS
"You Are My Hands"- Pres. Dieter F. Ucthdorf (April 2010)
A story is told that during the bombing of a city in World War II, a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God’s presence in their lives.Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war. Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: “You are my hands.”We Are the Hands of ChristThere is a profound lesson in this story. When I think of the Savior, I often picture Him with hands outstretched, reaching out to comfort, heal, bless, and love. And He always talked with, never down to, people. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation.That is what He did during His mortal life; it is what He would be doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.On this beautiful Easter morning, our thoughts and hearts are drawn to Him—the Hope of Israel and the Light of the World.
As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart.
YW Manual 3 Lesson 39- Recognizing Our Individual Worth
As Children of God, We Are All Important
“A few weeks ago on a day when this area was experiencing one of its worst snowstorms, and that is saying quite a bit because we had plenty of severe weather this past winter, a handsome young serviceman and his beautiful bride-to-be encountered extreme difficulty in getting to the Salt Lake Temple for their marriage appointment. She was in one location in the Salt Lake Valley and he was to come from another nearby town. Heavy snows and winds had closed the highways during the night and early morning hours. After many hours of anxious waiting, some of us were able to help them get to the temple and complete their marriage plans before the day was over. “How grateful they, their families, and friends were for the assistance and concern in their keeping this most important appointment. My friend—we will call him Bill—expressed his deep gratitude with, ‘Thank you very much for all you did to make our wedding possible. I don’t understand why you went to all this trouble to help me. Really, I’m nobody.’ “I am sure Bill meant his comment to be a most sincere compliment, but I responded to it firmly, but I hope kindly, with, ‘Bill, I have never helped a “nobody” in my life. In the kingdom of our Heavenly Father, no man is a “nobody”’” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1973, p. 20; or Ensign, July 1973, p. 24).
“One of the greatest challenges is to overcome the feeling that we are unimportant, that we are not special and unique. Do you think for a moment that Heavenly Father would have sent one of His children to this earth by accident, without the possibility of a significant work to perform? … “My dear friends, you are a royal generation. You were preserved to come to the earth in this time for a special purpose. Not just a few of you, but all of you. There are things for each of you to do that no one else can do as well as you. If you do not prepare to do them, they will not be done. Your mission is unique and distinctive for you. Please don’t make another have to take your place. He or she can’t do it as well as you can. If you will let Him, I testify that our Father in Heaven will walk with you through the journey of life and inspire you to know your special purpose here” (“Your Life Has a Purpose,” New Era, May 1979, pp. 4–5).
“A few weeks ago on a day when this area was experiencing one of its worst snowstorms, and that is saying quite a bit because we had plenty of severe weather this past winter, a handsome young serviceman and his beautiful bride-to-be encountered extreme difficulty in getting to the Salt Lake Temple for their marriage appointment. She was in one location in the Salt Lake Valley and he was to come from another nearby town. Heavy snows and winds had closed the highways during the night and early morning hours. After many hours of anxious waiting, some of us were able to help them get to the temple and complete their marriage plans before the day was over. “How grateful they, their families, and friends were for the assistance and concern in their keeping this most important appointment. My friend—we will call him Bill—expressed his deep gratitude with, ‘Thank you very much for all you did to make our wedding possible. I don’t understand why you went to all this trouble to help me. Really, I’m nobody.’ “I am sure Bill meant his comment to be a most sincere compliment, but I responded to it firmly, but I hope kindly, with, ‘Bill, I have never helped a “nobody” in my life. In the kingdom of our Heavenly Father, no man is a “nobody”’” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1973, p. 20; or Ensign, July 1973, p. 24).
“One of the greatest challenges is to overcome the feeling that we are unimportant, that we are not special and unique. Do you think for a moment that Heavenly Father would have sent one of His children to this earth by accident, without the possibility of a significant work to perform? … “My dear friends, you are a royal generation. You were preserved to come to the earth in this time for a special purpose. Not just a few of you, but all of you. There are things for each of you to do that no one else can do as well as you. If you do not prepare to do them, they will not be done. Your mission is unique and distinctive for you. Please don’t make another have to take your place. He or she can’t do it as well as you can. If you will let Him, I testify that our Father in Heaven will walk with you through the journey of life and inspire you to know your special purpose here” (“Your Life Has a Purpose,” New Era, May 1979, pp. 4–5).
YW Manual 3 Lesson 37- The Word of God
(Handout made by me...)
Each young woman will determine how the word of God can be used as a standard in coping with worldly philosophies. Satan supports many false philosophies that deceive people and lead them astray. We do not have to be deceived, however. We are blessed to have scriptures and teachings of the modern prophets to combat each of the evil influences. Standards for Meeting Challenges Are Found in the Scriptures2 Nephi 31:20. (Go forward with steadfastness in Christ, love God and all men, feast upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end.)1 Peter 1:24–25. What does this scripture teach about the difference between the philosophies of men and the word of God?
I talked with a young ranger, and he was surprised that I knew many of the African birds. Then he volunteered to rescue us. “We are building a new lookout over a water hole about 20 miles from the compound,” he said. “It is not quite finished, but it is safe. I will take you out there with a lunch. You may see as many animals, or even more, than if you were driving around.”On the way to the lookout he volunteered to show us some lions. He turned off through the brush and before long located a group of 17 lions all sprawled out asleep and drove right up among them.We stopped at a water hole to watch the animals come to drink. It was very dry that season and there was not much water, really just muddy spots. When the elephants stepped into the soft mud, the water would seep into the depression and the animals would drink from the elephant tracks.The antelope, particularly, were very nervous. They would approach the mud hole, only to turn and run away in great fright. I could see there were no lions about and asked the guide why they didn’t drink. His answer, and this is the lesson, was “Crocodiles.”I knew he must be joking and asked him seriously, “What is the problem?” The answer again: “Crocodiles.”“Nonsense,” I said. “There are no crocodiles out there. Anyone can see that.”I thought he was having some fun at the expense of his foreign game expert, and finally I asked him to tell us the truth. Now I remind you that I was not uninformed. I had read many books. Besides, anyone would know that you can’t hide a crocodile in an elephant track.He could tell I did not believe him and determined, I suppose, to teach me a lesson.
We drove to another location where the car was on an embankment above the muddy hole where we could look down. “There,” he said. “See for yourself.”I couldn’t see anything except the mud, a little water, and the nervous animals in the distance. Then all at once I saw it!—a large crocodile, settled in the mud, waiting for some unsuspecting animal to get thirsty enough to come for a drink.Suddenly I became a believer! When he could see I was willing to listen, he continued with the lesson. “There are crocodiles all over the park,” he said, “not just in the rivers. We don’t have any water without a crocodile somewhere near it, and you’d better count on it.”The guide was kinder to me than I deserved. My “know-it-all” challenge to his first statement, “crocodiles,” might have brought an invitation, “Well, go out and see for yourself!”I could see for myself that there were no crocodiles. I was so sure of myself I think I might have walked out just to see what was there. Such an arrogant approach could have been fatal! But he was patient enough to teach me.I hope you’ll be wiser in talking to your guides than I was on that occasion. That smart-aleck idea that I knew everything really wasn’t worthy of me, nor is it worthy of you. I’m not very proud of it, and I think I’d be ashamed to tell you about it except that telling you may help you.
Those ahead of you in life have probed about the water holes a bit and raise a voice of warning about crocodiles. Not just the big, gray lizards that can bite you to pieces, but spiritual crocodiles, infinitely more dangerous, and more deceptive and less visible, even, than those well-camouflaged reptiles of Africa.These spiritual crocodiles can kill or mutilate your souls. They can destroy your peace of mind and the peace of mind of those who love you. Those are the ones to be warned against, and there is hardly a watering place in all of mortality now that is not infested with them.
YW Lesson- October 2011 Conference
(Handout from Jack & Jill of Many Trades)
"Forget Me Not" Pres. Dieter F. Ucthdorf (October 2011 Conference)
First, forget not to be patient with yourself.
I want to tell you something that I hope you will take in the right way: God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect.
Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not.
Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
An acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something good for something of far greater worth.
Giving up a little sleep to help a child who is having a nightmare is a good sacrifice. We all know this. Staying up all night, jeopardizing our own health, to make the perfect accessory for a daughter’s Sunday outfit may not be such a good sacrifice.
Third, forget not to be happy now.
In this classic children’s story, people all over the world desperately yearn to find a golden ticket. Some feel that their entire future happiness depends on whether or not a golden ticket falls into their hands. In their anxiousness, people begin to forget the simple joy they used to find in a candy bar. The candy bar itself becomes an utter disappointment if it does not contain a golden ticket.
Fourth, forget not the “why” of the gospel.
In our diligent efforts to fulfill all of the duties and obligations we take on as members of the Church, we sometimes see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must add to our already impossibly long to-do list, as a block of time that we must somehow fit into our busy schedules. We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why.
Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.
Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
"Forget Me Not" Pres. Dieter F. Ucthdorf (October 2011 Conference)
First, forget not to be patient with yourself.
I want to tell you something that I hope you will take in the right way: God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect.
Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not.
Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
An acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something good for something of far greater worth.
Giving up a little sleep to help a child who is having a nightmare is a good sacrifice. We all know this. Staying up all night, jeopardizing our own health, to make the perfect accessory for a daughter’s Sunday outfit may not be such a good sacrifice.
Third, forget not to be happy now.
In this classic children’s story, people all over the world desperately yearn to find a golden ticket. Some feel that their entire future happiness depends on whether or not a golden ticket falls into their hands. In their anxiousness, people begin to forget the simple joy they used to find in a candy bar. The candy bar itself becomes an utter disappointment if it does not contain a golden ticket.
Fourth, forget not the “why” of the gospel.
In our diligent efforts to fulfill all of the duties and obligations we take on as members of the Church, we sometimes see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must add to our already impossibly long to-do list, as a block of time that we must somehow fit into our busy schedules. We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why.
Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.
Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
YW Manual 3 Lesson 36- Marriage Standards
This week I was in the Happiest Place on Earth (Disneyland- love it), so I asked the YW President to teach for me. Here is the handout (and poster) for the girls (one of our favorites), provided by an awesome, talented bloger who I appreciate.YW Manual 3 Lesson 35- Dating Decisions
This week we are off to Disneyland, so I asked one of the girls to teach for me. I always try to make it as easy for them as possible so I print off a handout for them.
YW Manual 3 Lesson 34- Avoiding Dishonesty
(handout found online- but can't remember where)
This week we had a combined Young Women Lesson and my good friend KP taught this lesson. It was great to hear all the comments the girls had. There wasn't a handout this week, but this is the one I would have used...
YW Manual 3 Lesson 33- Each Person is Divine & Eternal
The handout this week is taken from Holy Handouts and then i tweaked it a bit to fit my style, and I wanted to add a cow to remind the girls of Johnny Lingo and his 8 Cow Wife
This weeks lesson focuses on each person being divine and eternal. The first thing I thought of when I started to prepare this lesson was "The Legend of Johnny Lingo", so I started searching high and low for a copy of the movie. It can be downloaded from the church website, but I think my class is probably tired of watching things on my laptop, so I wanted to get a copy of the DVD. I started asking a few friends if they had it, but no one did. Just before I was getting ready to break down and go buy one from the distribution center, I remember... Duh! I have a copy of it. So I plan on showing part of it during class, it is a bit too long to watch the whole thing, but I think it has a very good message.Exerpts from the manual-We Should Help Others Feel Loved and Valued“There was a girl in one seminary class who seemed to be helpless and almost hopeless. I tried to encourage her and draw her out; I sensed that she wanted desperately to belong and to do something. But when she was asked to respond, give a prayer, or read a scripture, she would struggle for a while and then start to cry and return to her seat. There was some sympathy on the part of the class for her, but it is also true that there were some students who were often brutal in their comments.“She almost never combed her hair, she had very poor clothing, and she frequently wore mismatched socks, if she wore any at all. If she arrived for class a little early, the chairs on either side of her would almost invariably be empty. If she got to class late, she could sit by someone because that would be the only seat open.“I knew enough about her background to understand why she was the way she was. Her mother was a widow with almost no income.“In that class were the student-body president of the high school and also a girl who had been elected the beauty queen. Besides being very handsome and intelligent students, they were talented otherwise and involved in many activities.“One day I called the two of them into my office and asked if they would like to perform a miracle. They were interested. I told them some miracles were a little slow in developing, but they were miracles nevertheless. We then talked a little bit about the girl, and I made assignments. The student-body president was to smile and speak to her every time he saw her around school. That was all. He didn’t have to take her on a date; he didn’t have to stop and talk to her; he didn’t have to associate beyond that or single her out—merely the happy, encouraging ‘I think you’re great’ or ‘Hello, how are you today?’“The beauty queen accepted the assignment of walking with the girl across the road from the high school to the seminary. That was all. She didn’t have to include her in her circle of friends other than to walk to and from the seminary every day. She would simply hurry to catch up with her or slow down to wait for her when they were coming across the street and just talk about whatever she wanted to talk about.“The two of them went about their tasks quietly but enthusiastically, saying not a word to anyone else. The miracle was not long in coming. One day I knew there was something different about the girl. It took me most of the class period to figure out what it was. And then I saw what it was. She had combed her hair that day. That was an event!“Over the next month or two the transformation continued. Our beauty queen became friendly and chatty with her during that time. She could never walk with her alone because she had her own friends following her. And so other girls were included in the group, and soon the girl was surrounded for those few minutes each day with the most popular girls at school.“There are so many interesting details that could be related about the miracle. Our wallflower transformed herself, went to college, found good employment, married in the temple, and those who know her would never believe the ugly duckling of her youth” (Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently
This weeks lesson focuses on each person being divine and eternal. The first thing I thought of when I started to prepare this lesson was "The Legend of Johnny Lingo", so I started searching high and low for a copy of the movie. It can be downloaded from the church website, but I think my class is probably tired of watching things on my laptop, so I wanted to get a copy of the DVD. I started asking a few friends if they had it, but no one did. Just before I was getting ready to break down and go buy one from the distribution center, I remember... Duh! I have a copy of it. So I plan on showing part of it during class, it is a bit too long to watch the whole thing, but I think it has a very good message.Exerpts from the manual-We Should Help Others Feel Loved and Valued“There was a girl in one seminary class who seemed to be helpless and almost hopeless. I tried to encourage her and draw her out; I sensed that she wanted desperately to belong and to do something. But when she was asked to respond, give a prayer, or read a scripture, she would struggle for a while and then start to cry and return to her seat. There was some sympathy on the part of the class for her, but it is also true that there were some students who were often brutal in their comments.“She almost never combed her hair, she had very poor clothing, and she frequently wore mismatched socks, if she wore any at all. If she arrived for class a little early, the chairs on either side of her would almost invariably be empty. If she got to class late, she could sit by someone because that would be the only seat open.“I knew enough about her background to understand why she was the way she was. Her mother was a widow with almost no income.“In that class were the student-body president of the high school and also a girl who had been elected the beauty queen. Besides being very handsome and intelligent students, they were talented otherwise and involved in many activities.“One day I called the two of them into my office and asked if they would like to perform a miracle. They were interested. I told them some miracles were a little slow in developing, but they were miracles nevertheless. We then talked a little bit about the girl, and I made assignments. The student-body president was to smile and speak to her every time he saw her around school. That was all. He didn’t have to take her on a date; he didn’t have to stop and talk to her; he didn’t have to associate beyond that or single her out—merely the happy, encouraging ‘I think you’re great’ or ‘Hello, how are you today?’“The beauty queen accepted the assignment of walking with the girl across the road from the high school to the seminary. That was all. She didn’t have to include her in her circle of friends other than to walk to and from the seminary every day. She would simply hurry to catch up with her or slow down to wait for her when they were coming across the street and just talk about whatever she wanted to talk about.“The two of them went about their tasks quietly but enthusiastically, saying not a word to anyone else. The miracle was not long in coming. One day I knew there was something different about the girl. It took me most of the class period to figure out what it was. And then I saw what it was. She had combed her hair that day. That was an event!“Over the next month or two the transformation continued. Our beauty queen became friendly and chatty with her during that time. She could never walk with her alone because she had her own friends following her. And so other girls were included in the group, and soon the girl was surrounded for those few minutes each day with the most popular girls at school.“There are so many interesting details that could be related about the miracle. Our wallflower transformed herself, went to college, found good employment, married in the temple, and those who know her would never believe the ugly duckling of her youth” (Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently
YW Manual 3 Lesson 32- Service in the Community
(Handout found online- but don't remember where)
I was out of town this week and so one of the Laurels taught this lesson- I asked her to use the talk "Lift Where You Stand" by Pres. Dieter F. Ucthdorf (October 2008 Conference -Priesthood Session)
Lift Where You Stand
Some years ago in our meetinghouse in Darmstadt, Germany, a group of brethren was asked to move a grand piano from the chapel to the adjoining cultural hall, where it was needed for a musical event. None were professional movers, and the task of getting that gravity-friendly instrument through the chapel and into the cultural hall seemed nearly impossible. Everybody knew that this task required not only physical strength but also careful coordination. There were plenty of ideas, but not one could keep the piano balanced correctly. They repositioned the brethren by strength, height, and age over and over again—nothing worked.As they stood around the piano, uncertain of what to do next, a good friend of mine, Brother Hanno Luschin, spoke up. He said, “Brethren, stand close together and lift where you stand.”It seemed too simple. Nevertheless, each lifted where he stood, and the piano rose from the ground and moved into the cultural hall as if on its own power. That was the answer to the challenge. They merely needed to stand close together and lift where they stood.I have often thought of Brother Luschin’s simple idea and have been impressed by its profound truth. Tonight I would like to expand on that simple concept, “lift where you stand.”
Every Calling Is an Opportunity to Serve and Grow
No calling is beneath us. Every calling provides an opportunity to serve and to grow. The Lord organized the Church in a way that offers each member an opportunity for service, which, in turn, leads to personal spiritual growth. Whatever your calling, I urge you to see it as an opportunity not only to strengthen and bless others but also to become what Heavenly Father wants you to become.
YW Manual 3 Lesson 31- Service in the Church
(Handout made by me...)
The organization of our Church is different from that of most other churches. Our local leaders are not specially trained men who lead the Church as their full-time jobs. They are the people of the Church who give their time willingly and without pay.
There are many ways we can serve in the Church besides filling a position. We can serve in these ways all of the time. Have the young women name some of these ways. Make a list similar to the following on the chalkboard:
Pay our tithing.
Pay fast offerings.
Work on welfare projects.
Serve the Church members with whom we associate.
Support missionaries with our money, letters, and prayers.
Do
When we have temple recommends, perform work for the dead in the temples.
“In 1856 more than a thousand of our people … found themselves in serious trouble while crossing the plains to [the Salt Lake Valley]. Because of a series of unfortunate circumstances, they were late in getting started. They ran into snow and bitter cold in the highlands of Wyoming. Their situation was desperate, with deaths occurring every day.“President [Brigham] Young learned of their condition as the October general conference was about to begin. He immediately called for teams, wagons, drivers, and supplies to leave to rescue the bereft Saints. …“When they reached the Sweetwater River on November 3, chunks of ice were floating in the freezing water. After all these people had been through, and in their weakened condition, that river seemed impossible to cross. It looked like stepping into death itself to move into the freezing stream. Men who once had been strong sat on the frozen ground and wept, as did the women and children. Many simply could not face that ordeal.“… ‘Three eighteen-year-old boys belonging to the relief party came to the rescue, and to the astonishment of all who saw, carried nearly every member of the ill fated handcart company across the snowbound stream. The strain was so terrible, and the exposure so great, that in later years all the boys died from the effects of it. When President Brigham Young heard of this heroic act, he wept like a child, and later declared publicly, “that act alone will ensure C. Allen Huntington, George W. Grant, and David P. Kimball an everlasting salvation in the Celestial Kingdom of God, worlds without end.”’ (Solomon F. Kimball, Improvement Era, Feb. 1914, p. 288.)“Mark you, these boys were eighteen years of age at the time. … Great was their heroism, sacred the sacrifice they made of health and eventually of life itself to save the lives of those they helped” (Gordon B. Hinckley, in Conference Report, Oct. 1981
YW Manual 3 Lesson 30- Scripture Study
(Handout found online- source unknown) - with a fun colored pen attached for marking your scriptures
One of the girls taught this lesson- she did a great job (so prepared... she even taught her Sunday School class the same day). She shared this poem that I am sure you may have heard before, but it makes you think...
I wonder what would happen if we treated our scriptures
like we treat our cell phones?
like we treat our cell phones?
What if we carried them around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get them if we forgot them?
What if we flipped through them several times a day?
What if we used them to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated them like we couldn’t live without them?
What if we gave them to kids as gifts?
What if we used them as we traveled?
What if we used them as a standard part of our lives AND for emergencies?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phones, we really don’t have to worry about our scriptures being disconnected because Christ already paid the bill…
YW Manual 3 Lesson 29- A Change of Heart
Mosiah 5:2 "a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." Spiritual Heart Transplant
This lesson was so full, and there was so much great information on the church website of additional resources, it was hard to choose what to use.
I ended up using this conference address "Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change" Dale G. Renlund (October 2009). In his talk he referenced an article in Time magazine from 1967, I also used this article.
A heart transplant can prolong life for years for people who would otherwise die from heart failure. But it is not “the ultimate operation,” as Time magazine called it in 1967. The ultimate operation is not a physical but a spiritual “mighty change” of heart. Through the Atonement of Christ and by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, we undergo this ultimate operation, this spiritual change of heart. As a result of our transgressions, our spiritual hearts have become diseased and hardened, making us subject to spiritual death and separation from our Heavenly Father. The Lord explained the operation that we all need: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”
I ended up using this conference address "Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change" Dale G. Renlund (October 2009). In his talk he referenced an article in Time magazine from 1967, I also used this article.
A heart transplant can prolong life for years for people who would otherwise die from heart failure. But it is not “the ultimate operation,” as Time magazine called it in 1967. The ultimate operation is not a physical but a spiritual “mighty change” of heart. Through the Atonement of Christ and by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, we undergo this ultimate operation, this spiritual change of heart. As a result of our transgressions, our spiritual hearts have become diseased and hardened, making us subject to spiritual death and separation from our Heavenly Father. The Lord explained the operation that we all need: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”
Just as with heart transplant patients, however, this mighty change of our spiritual hearts is just the beginning. Repentance, baptism, and confirmation are necessary but not sufficient. Indeed, equal, if not greater, care must be taken with a spiritually changed heart than with a physically transplanted heart if we are to endure to the end. Only by doing so can we be held guiltless at the time of judgment.
Enduring to the end can be challenging because the tendency of the natural man is to reject the spiritually changed heart and allow it to harden. No wonder the Lord cautioned to “even let those who are sanctified take heed.”
We all know of individuals who had this mighty change of heart but subsequently yielded to the natural man. They became casual in their worship and devotion to God, their hearts became hardened, and they thereby jeopardized their eternal salvation.
Enduring to the end can be challenging because the tendency of the natural man is to reject the spiritually changed heart and allow it to harden. No wonder the Lord cautioned to “even let those who are sanctified take heed.”
We all know of individuals who had this mighty change of heart but subsequently yielded to the natural man. They became casual in their worship and devotion to God, their hearts became hardened, and they thereby jeopardized their eternal salvation.
To endure to the end, we need to be eager to please God and worship Him with fervor and passion. This means that we maintain faith in Jesus Christ by praying, studying the scriptures, partaking of the sacrament each week, and having the Holy Ghost as our constant companion. We need to actively help and serve others and share the gospel with them. We need to be perfectly upright and honest in all things, never compromising our covenants with God or our commitments to men, regardless of circumstances. In our homes we need to talk of, rejoice in, and preach of Christ so that our children—and we ourselves—will desire to apply the Atonement in our lives.
We must identify temptations that easily beset us and put them out of reach—way out of reach. Finally, we need to frequently biopsy our mightily changed hearts and reverse any signs of early rejection.Please consider the state of your changed heart. Do you detect any rejection setting in as a result of the tendency of the natural man to become casual? If so, find a place where you too can kneel. Remember, more than mortal years on this earth are at stake. Do not risk forfeiting the fruits of the ultimate operation: eternal salvation and exaltation.I pray that we may press forward with steadfast faith in Christ and endure joyfully to the end, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
YW Manual 3 Lesson 27- Forgiving Ourselves
(Handout made by me...)
I asked a young woman to hold a large rock in the air, extending her arm out from the shoulder while I told this story.
A group of young women were hiking in the mountains and had stopped to rest before starting the climb up a long, steep hill.Julie was the strongest hiker in the troop and was usually out in front setting a pace that was sometimes difficult for the rest to follow. On this day some of the young women decided to play a trick on her. While she was resting and enjoying a drink, they quietly opened her pack and hid a large stone inside.When the rest period was over, the young women put the packs on their backs and started up the steep mountain trail. At first Julie was not aware of the extra weight she was carrying, but after a while her pack began to feel heavy and she started to tire. For the first time she could remember, she was forced to drop back with the slower girls in the rear of the group.It was not until she had almost reached the top of the mountain that Julie discovered why her pack felt so heavy and why she had become so tired. She was angry at first, but then she realized that her friends were only teasing her for being a strong hiker. She laughed with the others about the useless stone she had carried so far up the mountain.Once the heavy stone was removed from her pack, Julie felt strong again and was soon walking in her usual place at the front of the group.
When I was done telling the story I let her put the rock down and asked her is her arm was tired and let her describe what it was like to hold that big rock. Then I told them although we do not usually carry stones about, we sometimes carry other kinds of weights that are as useless and tiring as the stone Julie carried. The stones or weights we carry are our sins.
Point of Safe Return" Pres. Dieter F. (April 2007 Conference Address)
Satan will try to make us believe that our sins are not forgiven because we can remember them. Satan is a liar; he tries to blur our vision and lead us away from the path of repentance and forgiveness. God did not promise that we would not remember our sins. Remembering will help us avoid making the same mistakes again. But if we stay true and faithful, the memory of our sins will be softened over time. This will be part of the needed healing and sanctification process. Alma testified that after he cried out to Jesus for mercy, he could still remember his sins, but the memory of his sins no longer distressed and tortured him, because he knew he had been forgiven Alma 36:17–19It is our responsibility to avoid anything that would bring back old sinful memories. When we continue to have a “broken heart and a contrite spirit” Nephi 12:19 we may trust that God will “remember [our sins] no more.” Mosiah 4:2–3.
My dear brothers and sisters, my dear young friends, when the captain of a long-range jet passes the point of safe return, and the headwinds are too strong or the cruising altitudes too low, he might be forced to divert to an airport other than his planned destination. This is not so in our journey through life back to our heavenly home. Wherever you find yourselves on this journey through life, whatever trials you may face, there is always a point of safe return; there is always hope. You are the captain of your life, and God has prepared a plan to bring you safely back to Him, to your divine destination.The gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ provides us at all times and at all places with the blessings of repentance and forgiveness. Because of this gift, the opportunity to make a safe return from the disastrous course of sin is available to all of us.For this I give thanks to our Heavenly Father, and of this I bear testimony with all my heart and soul in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
YW Manual 3 Lesson 22- Eternal Perspective
We cannot and we must not allow ourselves to get distracted from our sacred duty. We cannot and we must not lose focus on the things that matter most.
It is easy to become distracted—to become focused on one burned-out lightbulb or the impolite acts of unkind people, whatever their motive may be. But think of the power we would have as individuals and as a body of the priesthood if, in response to every temptation to lose focus or lower our standards—the standards of God, we responded, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.”
YW Manual 3 Lesson 21- Learning to Share the Gospel
(Handout from Green Jello with Carrots)
“[There is] a marvelous phenomenon which occurs among men when the light of the gospel illuminates their lives. Almost instinctively, it seems, the light of truth sparks a desire to share. When our minds are expanded by new knowledge, we want others to know; when our spirits are elevated by heavenly influence, we want others to feel; and when our lives are filled with goodness, we want others, particularly those whom we love, to enjoy similar experiences” (Carlos E. Asay, in Conference Report, Oct. 1976, p. 58; or Ensign, Nov. 1976, p. 41).
“A Protestant minister … asked one of our missionaries, ‘Why do you proselyte amongst my people? They are all good Christians.’ … And the reply came: ‘If you, sir, knew for certain that God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ had shown themselves and spoken again in this time of the world’s history, restoring vital information and also restoring true priesthood authority to man, would you be able to remain silent?’” (Robert L. Simpson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1974, p. 63; or Ensign, Nov. 1974, p. 46).
If I do not share the gospel with my friends, where, when, and from whom will they hear it?”
“[There is] a marvelous phenomenon which occurs among men when the light of the gospel illuminates their lives. Almost instinctively, it seems, the light of truth sparks a desire to share. When our minds are expanded by new knowledge, we want others to know; when our spirits are elevated by heavenly influence, we want others to feel; and when our lives are filled with goodness, we want others, particularly those whom we love, to enjoy similar experiences” (Carlos E. Asay, in Conference Report, Oct. 1976, p. 58; or Ensign, Nov. 1976, p. 41).
“A Protestant minister … asked one of our missionaries, ‘Why do you proselyte amongst my people? They are all good Christians.’ … And the reply came: ‘If you, sir, knew for certain that God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ had shown themselves and spoken again in this time of the world’s history, restoring vital information and also restoring true priesthood authority to man, would you be able to remain silent?’” (Robert L. Simpson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1974, p. 63; or Ensign, Nov. 1974, p. 46).
YW Manual 3 Lesson 19- Heritage
(Handout made by me...)
Everyone Has a Unique Heritage
Quotation
To open the musical Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye, a Russian dairyman of Jewish descent, speaks these lines:
“Here in Anatevka we have our traditions for everything—how to eat, how to sleep, how to work, even how to wear clothes. For instance, we always keep our heads covered; we wear these little prayer shawls. This shows our constant devotion to God. You may ask, how did this tradition get started? I’ll tell you—I don’t know! But it’s a tradition. Because of our traditions everyone here knows who he is and what God expects him to do.”
Discussion
Ask the young women to give some examples of traditions that come from their family, culture, and national background. Answers may include stories, beliefs, customs, and memorabilia handed down from generation to generation. Point out that we each have unique traditions because we come from different families, and our families come from different nations and cultures. Each tradition has a special meaning for the individual family.
“Be glad you are you—not another instead. With all that you’re heir to, add some of your own. Contribute. Accomplish. Serve. Excel. Drink deeply of the good things in life and of the spirit. Live that you may one day hand to your children and your children’s children the blessing of a heritage even more worthy than your own” (Elaine Cannon, “What of Your Heritage?” Improvement Era, Aug. 1964, p. 690).
Everyone Has a Unique Heritage
Quotation
To open the musical Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye, a Russian dairyman of Jewish descent, speaks these lines:
“Here in Anatevka we have our traditions for everything—how to eat, how to sleep, how to work, even how to wear clothes. For instance, we always keep our heads covered; we wear these little prayer shawls. This shows our constant devotion to God. You may ask, how did this tradition get started? I’ll tell you—I don’t know! But it’s a tradition. Because of our traditions everyone here knows who he is and what God expects him to do.”
Discussion
Ask the young women to give some examples of traditions that come from their family, culture, and national background. Answers may include stories, beliefs, customs, and memorabilia handed down from generation to generation. Point out that we each have unique traditions because we come from different families, and our families come from different nations and cultures. Each tradition has a special meaning for the individual family.
“Be glad you are you—not another instead. With all that you’re heir to, add some of your own. Contribute. Accomplish. Serve. Excel. Drink deeply of the good things in life and of the spirit. Live that you may one day hand to your children and your children’s children the blessing of a heritage even more worthy than your own” (Elaine Cannon, “What of Your Heritage?” Improvement Era, Aug. 1964, p. 690).
YW Manual 3 Lesson 18- Temple Marriage
This lesson was taught by one of the Laurels- I so appreciate them doing this when I can't be there.
YW Manual 3 Lesson 16- Temple Endowment
(Handout by ldshandouts.blogspot.com)
Object lesson
Show the young women an unusual tool or implement. Choose one that they are not familiar with. Let them guess what it may be used for. Then briefly explain its use and value.
Explain that the young women probably had not realized how valuable this tool was until they learned of its use. The temple endowment could be likened to a tool. We cannot realize its great importance and use in our lives until we learn its purpose.
“You can’t help but leave the temple feeling uplifted. You learn charity and love and compassion. You leave the cares of the day outside the doors of the temple, and when you go out, your feet are led to the paths you’ve been searching for to help you with some problem you might have.
“After you make covenants, you’re not pulled to and fro by the world so easily. It’s a strength to your life and helps you to keep righteous goals.”
“As you come to the sacredness of the temple, you take yourself out of the world. You can forget yourself in the work you’re doing.”
“You get a perspective of your life that puts it in order for you. And the experience in the temple is supportive of the LDS way of life. It gives you a backup, a reassurance that what you’re doing is righteous” (quoted in Kathleen Lubeck, “Preparing for the Temple Endowment,” New Era, Feb. 1987, p. 11).
Object lesson
Show the young women an unusual tool or implement. Choose one that they are not familiar with. Let them guess what it may be used for. Then briefly explain its use and value.
Explain that the young women probably had not realized how valuable this tool was until they learned of its use. The temple endowment could be likened to a tool. We cannot realize its great importance and use in our lives until we learn its purpose.
“You can’t help but leave the temple feeling uplifted. You learn charity and love and compassion. You leave the cares of the day outside the doors of the temple, and when you go out, your feet are led to the paths you’ve been searching for to help you with some problem you might have.
“After you make covenants, you’re not pulled to and fro by the world so easily. It’s a strength to your life and helps you to keep righteous goals.”
“As you come to the sacredness of the temple, you take yourself out of the world. You can forget yourself in the work you’re doing.”
“You get a perspective of your life that puts it in order for you. And the experience in the temple is supportive of the LDS way of life. It gives you a backup, a reassurance that what you’re doing is righteous” (quoted in Kathleen Lubeck, “Preparing for the Temple Endowment,” New Era, Feb. 1987, p. 11).
YW Lesson- April 2011 Conference
(Handout made by me...)
The week after Conference we teach a lesson on what we learned in Conference. This can be such a daunting lesson to teach. There is always so much information and inspiration it is hard to choose what to focus the lesson on.
I originally planned on discussing the talk "The Spirit of Revelation" By Elder David A. Bednar. I really liked the image he gave of different ways we experience light. I had just watched a movie called 127 Hours that had a great clip I was going to show of the sun rising in a canyon.
These are the parts that really stuck out to me...
The Spirit of Revelation
Revelation is communication from God to His children on the earth and one of the great blessings associated with the gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The Holy Ghost is a revelator,” and “no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 132).
The spirit of revelation is available to every person who receives by proper priesthood authority the saving ordinances of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost—and who is acting in faith to fulfill the priesthood injunction to “receive the Holy Ghost.” This blessing is not restricted to the presiding authorities of the Church; rather, it belongs to and should be operative in the life of every man, woman, and child who reaches the age of accountability and enters into sacred covenants. Sincere desire and worthiness invite the spirit of revelation into our lives.
Patterns of Revelation
Revelations are conveyed in a variety of ways, including, for example, dreams, visions, conversations with heavenly messengers, and inspiration. Some revelations are received immediately and intensely; some are recognized gradually and subtly. The two experiences with light I described help us to better understand these two basic patterns of revelation.
A light turned on in a dark room is like receiving a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once.
The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept”
President Joseph F. Smith explained how this pattern of revelation occurred in his life: “As a boy … I would frequently … ask the Lord to show me some marvelous thing, in order that I might receive a testimony. But the Lord withheld marvels from me, and showed me the truth, line upon line … , until He made me to know the truth from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and until doubt and fear had been absolutely purged from me. He did not have to send an angel from the heavens to do this, nor did He have to speak with the trump of an archangel. By the whisperings of the still small voice of the spirit of the living God, He gave to me the testimony I possess.
In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26), and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions.
But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps.
The spirit of revelation is real—and can and does function in our individual lives and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I testify of these truths in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Instead... I was prompted to use the talk "More Than Conquerors Through Him That Loved Us" by Paul V. Johnson
Earth life includes tests, trials, and tribulations, and some of the trials we face in life can be excruciating. Whether it be illness, betrayal, temptations, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, or some other ordeal, affliction is part of our mortal experience. Many have wondered why we must face difficult challenges. We know that one reason is to provide a trial of our faith to see if we will do all the Lord has commanded. Fortunately this earth life is the perfect setting to face—and pass—these tests.
Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”
At times it may seem that our trials are focused on areas of our lives and parts of our souls with which we seem least able to cope. Since personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges, it should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal—almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses.
Being good is not enough.
Many times the darkest, most dangerous tests immediately precede remarkable events and tremendous growth. “After much tribulation come the blessings.”
In the midst of problems, it is nearly impossible to see that the coming blessings far outweigh the pain, humiliation, or heartbreak we may be experiencing at the time.
Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.
The week after Conference we teach a lesson on what we learned in Conference. This can be such a daunting lesson to teach. There is always so much information and inspiration it is hard to choose what to focus the lesson on.
I originally planned on discussing the talk "The Spirit of Revelation" By Elder David A. Bednar. I really liked the image he gave of different ways we experience light. I had just watched a movie called 127 Hours that had a great clip I was going to show of the sun rising in a canyon.
These are the parts that really stuck out to me...
The Spirit of Revelation
Revelation is communication from God to His children on the earth and one of the great blessings associated with the gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The Holy Ghost is a revelator,” and “no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 132).
The spirit of revelation is available to every person who receives by proper priesthood authority the saving ordinances of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost—and who is acting in faith to fulfill the priesthood injunction to “receive the Holy Ghost.” This blessing is not restricted to the presiding authorities of the Church; rather, it belongs to and should be operative in the life of every man, woman, and child who reaches the age of accountability and enters into sacred covenants. Sincere desire and worthiness invite the spirit of revelation into our lives.
Patterns of Revelation
Revelations are conveyed in a variety of ways, including, for example, dreams, visions, conversations with heavenly messengers, and inspiration. Some revelations are received immediately and intensely; some are recognized gradually and subtly. The two experiences with light I described help us to better understand these two basic patterns of revelation.
A light turned on in a dark room is like receiving a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once.
The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept”
President Joseph F. Smith explained how this pattern of revelation occurred in his life: “As a boy … I would frequently … ask the Lord to show me some marvelous thing, in order that I might receive a testimony. But the Lord withheld marvels from me, and showed me the truth, line upon line … , until He made me to know the truth from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and until doubt and fear had been absolutely purged from me. He did not have to send an angel from the heavens to do this, nor did He have to speak with the trump of an archangel. By the whisperings of the still small voice of the spirit of the living God, He gave to me the testimony I possess.
In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26), and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions.
But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps.
The spirit of revelation is real—and can and does function in our individual lives and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I testify of these truths in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Instead... I was prompted to use the talk "More Than Conquerors Through Him That Loved Us" by Paul V. Johnson
Earth life includes tests, trials, and tribulations, and some of the trials we face in life can be excruciating. Whether it be illness, betrayal, temptations, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, or some other ordeal, affliction is part of our mortal experience. Many have wondered why we must face difficult challenges. We know that one reason is to provide a trial of our faith to see if we will do all the Lord has commanded. Fortunately this earth life is the perfect setting to face—and pass—these tests.
Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”
At times it may seem that our trials are focused on areas of our lives and parts of our souls with which we seem least able to cope. Since personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges, it should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal—almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses.
Being good is not enough.
Many times the darkest, most dangerous tests immediately precede remarkable events and tremendous growth. “After much tribulation come the blessings.”
In the midst of problems, it is nearly impossible to see that the coming blessings far outweigh the pain, humiliation, or heartbreak we may be experiencing at the time.
Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.
YW Manual 3 Lesson 12- The Blessings of the Priesthood
What is the priesthood?
“The priesthood is the power and authority of God. It existed with Him in the beginning and will continue to exist throughout all eternity. By it He creates, sustains, governs, redeems, and exalts.
“God gives priesthood power to worthy male members of the Church, who receive it by prophecy and the laying on of hands by His authorized servants . The priesthood enables mortals to act in God’s name for the salvation of the human family. Through it they can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern God’s kingdom on earth” (Melchizedek Priesthood Leadership Handbook, p. 1).
“God gives priesthood power to worthy male members of the Church, who receive it by prophecy and the laying on of hands by His authorized servants . The priesthood enables mortals to act in God’s name for the salvation of the human family. Through it they can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern God’s kingdom on earth” (Melchizedek Priesthood Leadership Handbook, p. 1).
YW Manual 3 Lesson 9- Encouraging Family Unity
For the handout this week I made the girls bracelets using paracord. I wish I had taken a picture, but here is the tutorial I used. Thanks to youseriouslymadethat.blogspot for the inspiration.
Object lesson
Give a piece of rope to a young woman. Ask her to try to break it using any method except cutting. Then illustrate to the class how the rope can be broken by breaking one strand at a time.
Give a piece of rope to a young woman. Ask her to try to break it using any method except cutting. Then illustrate to the class how the rope can be broken by breaking one strand at a time.
Anne’s family members always seemed to be fighting, and she often criticized them for finding fault with one another and having negative attitudes.
One day, Anne’s father spoke with her privately. He explained that the family was having some difficult financial problems. Anne hadn’t realized that some of her own habits were adding to the contention around the home. She often complained when it was her turn to wash the dishes, and she expected her mom to have money for the things she needed. Sometimes there was no money, and Anne had complained loudly.
Anne’s father explained the sacrifices that her mother was making. She had no money to buy clothing for herself. The extra money she made by selling vegetables from her garden went to provide necessities for the family. She wasn’t able to afford eyeglasses for herself, and sometimes she had difficulty reading.
After listening to her father, Anne decided to change some of her thoughts and actions. Instead of criticizing her mother, she volunteered to tend the baby so her mother could have an evening alone with her father. She tried to do her chores around the house more willingly, and she tried not to argue with her brothers and sisters.
Anne noticed that other things began to change in the home. Her brothers and sisters were more willing to do their chores, and since she was trying not to argue, there was less arguing in the home. The family began to enjoy being together in family home evenings.
In the coming months, Anne began giving piano lessons to children in the neighborhood. She saved some of her money and was able to put a special package under the Christmas tree for her mother. Inside were the needed eyeglasses. Her father had helped her get the necessary prescription. Through her efforts, Anne had been able to give meaningful service to her family.
One day, Anne’s father spoke with her privately. He explained that the family was having some difficult financial problems. Anne hadn’t realized that some of her own habits were adding to the contention around the home. She often complained when it was her turn to wash the dishes, and she expected her mom to have money for the things she needed. Sometimes there was no money, and Anne had complained loudly.
Anne’s father explained the sacrifices that her mother was making. She had no money to buy clothing for herself. The extra money she made by selling vegetables from her garden went to provide necessities for the family. She wasn’t able to afford eyeglasses for herself, and sometimes she had difficulty reading.
After listening to her father, Anne decided to change some of her thoughts and actions. Instead of criticizing her mother, she volunteered to tend the baby so her mother could have an evening alone with her father. She tried to do her chores around the house more willingly, and she tried not to argue with her brothers and sisters.
Anne noticed that other things began to change in the home. Her brothers and sisters were more willing to do their chores, and since she was trying not to argue, there was less arguing in the home. The family began to enjoy being together in family home evenings.
In the coming months, Anne began giving piano lessons to children in the neighborhood. She saved some of her money and was able to put a special package under the Christmas tree for her mother. Inside were the needed eyeglasses. Her father had helped her get the necessary prescription. Through her efforts, Anne had been able to give meaningful service to her family.
Quotes
“May I suggest that we give more of ourselves. … It might be something as simple as smiling more in your home.
“What would you think of speaking more cheerfully? Trying more often to say please and thank you?
“What would you think of finding an opportunity for one sincere compliment for each [person] each day, and then watching them respond?
“What if you decided to be cheerful tonight at the dinner table, and in spite of what others might do or say, hold to your course. See how long you can uplift your whole family” (H. Burke Peterson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1972, pp. 148–49; or Ensign, Jan. 1973, p. 115).
“What would you think of speaking more cheerfully? Trying more often to say please and thank you?
“What would you think of finding an opportunity for one sincere compliment for each [person] each day, and then watching them respond?
“What if you decided to be cheerful tonight at the dinner table, and in spite of what others might do or say, hold to your course. See how long you can uplift your whole family” (H. Burke Peterson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1972, pp. 148–49; or Ensign, Jan. 1973, p. 115).
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