The Temple

So I am going to talk to you about the importance of attending the temple. You can only go into the temple if you are a worthy member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.To be able to enter the Temple, you have to be 12 or older to go. In order to go, you have to have a recommend from your Bishop or your Stake President. If they think you are worthy and if you think you are worthy, then they will give you a recommend that lasts for a year. I got the chance to go to the temple with one of my best friend this past weekend. I know that attending the temple is really important.  If you are a member of the church, then you should attend regularly. The temple is a sacred thing and a beautiful thing. There is a talk given by Charles W. Dahlquist II, about preparing to receive the ordinances of the Temple. I want to talk about some of the things he says.
Always live the standards in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, and avoid “unholy places.” What he said is, it helps when we stand in holy places now. That means avoiding places and times when we would be tempted to make wrong choices. I know that this is really important to live by The For Strength of Youth pamphlet. I hope you all know that it is not to late to start today. We all make mistakes in our life but we shouldn't keep making those mistakes. We should start fixing those mistakes today. I want you to know that you should know if you are ready to enter the temple or not.
Stay close to and help strengthen your family. 
 He says, the message of the temple is a message about families—eternal families. Our homes can be places of holiness and strength.I think this is really important to know. The temple helps us make covenants so that our family can be together forever and by doing that, you should be kind to your family and be close to them. They will be there with you forever. I am really grateful for that. I know I want to be with my family forever and the family I am going to have someday.
  Make scripture study a part of your life.
This is really important to do. For a while I struggled reading my scriptures but when I started reading them, I realized they really help my life and I have learned so much out of them. He says, not only by reading regularly but also by relying on the scriptures to help you make important decisions. I also really like what he says there. I hope you all rely on the scriptures to help you. I know when I have trials, he helps me through the scriptures. When I go to the temple, I bring my scriptures and I read them while I am there. I have learned so much by doing that because I feel like I get more out of it and that I am not distracted by other things around me.
Have a picture of a temple in your room.
This really helps to have a picture of the temple in your room because it reminds you of where you should be achieving to go. I have a picture on my closet door, so every morning, I wake up and know that I should make right choices so that I can go when I get the chance to. He also said, there is something powerful about seeing a picture of the temple day after day and using that to recommit ourselves to remain worthy to attend the temple. I agree with that myself. One thing that also really helps me is that one of my leaders made each of the girls mirrors and on it is Christ. She told us that every time we look in that mirror, to know that we are a daughter of God. I look in it every chance I can and I know that I have Christ in my life.

When we are 12 we able to go to the temple and do Baptisms for the Dead. You can do these your whole life as long as you are worthy to enter the temple. The Baptisms of the Dead is doing work for people that bring in names of their diseased relatives. What they do is that we confirm them and baptize them. It is really special because I know that someone who didn't know the gospel gets the chance to know more about it in Heaven and they can accept the gospel. I know that I am helping people and my ancestors as I go to the temple to do baptisms one day. I know that once we are in Heaven, that who ever you baptized and confirmed will give you a big hug and say thanks for what you did. Then,when you are old enough to get married, you can get endowments which help do people who weren't able to get married in the temple forever. I know that is something I am looking forward to doing. I hope you will strive to go to the temple as often as you can. I know that is very special and sacred when you go. I love going to the temple and I hope to get sealed to my husband and my kids for eternity when I can. The temple is so important to our church that we have 136 temples around the world and more still being built. I want to bear my testimony that I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves us. I know that temples are really important and I look forward to it every time I get to go. I know that the scriptures are true. I know that my family will get to live together forever and I strive to be closer to them. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
This is the temple that I go to most often because it is closest to us. I love how pretty it looks and hope to get married in there one day.

How To be a Missionary

Some people think that you can only be a missionary when you go on your mission. Missions are when boys that are the age of 19 and girls that are the age of 21, go and teach about our gospel. Boys are strongly recommended to go but girls have the choice whether they want to or not. You don't have to wait to be a missionary to start teaching people the gospel! START NOW!!! This year at school, I have gotten a lot of questions about what I believe in and what things we do and don't do. I am so grateful for this opportunity to tell people what my church is about. I know that it is important to be an example so that if people ask you questions that you are prepared to answer. I know I have gotten more questions when the Mormon commercials and billboards and other things come out.
 In a talk given by Elder Quentin L. Cook which is a Quorum of the 12 Apostles, talks about missionary work and how we first need to be a missionary all of our life. The Lord has laid upon us a mandate to teach the gospel to every creature. I think we all need to missionaries our whole life because Heavenly Father wants us to teach other people the gospel so that they can return with Him. Another point that he says, is don't be discouraged because missionary work is hard. I know that I struggle with this a few years ago. I was afraid when I told people what church I go to, that they would make fun of me. I know that my sister sometimes got made fun of but that never stopped her. I finally realized I should tell people about the gospel and since I have done that, my testimony has really grown and I have grown in the gospel so much. We should never feel to shy or embarrassed to share the gospel.  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaks about how hard missionary work is and has been. He said, “I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him?” I really like that because I know it is true. It will be hard but it wasn't made to be easy. The last one he talks about is, be a good example and take every opportunity to share the gospel. I know I have taken every opportunity and sometimes it is hard to tell them in a little amount of time, but you can always tell them that you will tell them more about it later if they are interested. I know someone at our church that is a really good example and I want to share it with you. She is always carrying he Book of Mormon with her just in case she gets time in one of her classes, and by doing that, she has gotten many people asking her what it is and what it is about. She always answers their question and I look up to her. I hope you all know you can be missionaries! Don't be discouraged!! I am grateful to be a missionary on this earth and I am grateful for the gospel. I am grateful Heavenly Father gave us this opportunity to share the gospel. I hope as you go through this week, you will take those opportunities when someone asks you. 


If you want to read his whole talk click on this link:  http://www.lds.org/ensign/2008/09/be-a-missionary-all-your-life?lang=eng&query=missionary+work

You are all wonderful missionaries!!!!

Our True Identity!

I really love this Mormon Message. I think everyone needs to hear this. I want to talk a little about what it says. It says that sometimes we don't know who we really are. I know that you are a beautiful and wonderful son or daughter of God. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. This Mormon Message is about the story of the Ugly Duckling. It talks about how the little duckling got made fun of because he was ugly and different. Then he walked away and when he looked up he saw a flock of swans. My favorite part is when he goes into the water and he looks down in the water and sees that he is a beautiful swan and he discovered who he really is. I know that we feel like we are the ugly duckling. Don't ever feel like that. You are all beautiful!!! You should feel like a swan. We are all daughters and sons of God. This knowledge that we have chances everything, it changes your present, your future and it can change the world. I hope you all know your true identity. It says, if we only understood who we really are and what is in store for us that our hearts would overflow with gratitude and happiness. It would enlighten in the darkest soul of our hearts. Influences and people will tell you that you can't be swans. They will tell you that you are an ugly duckling and can't be anything else. That is NOT true!!! You all are beautiful swans! You should strive to recognize who you really are. I hope you know how wonderful and beautiful you are. I know that if we tell ourselves that we are swans, then it will help you when those influences tell you otherwise, because you know inside that you are a swan.    I hope you will look in the mirror and know that you are a daughter or son of God and nothing will stop me from knowing that I am a swan!

Arise and Shine Forth Theme 2012

 

So the Theme for youth is Arise and Shine Forth. I hope that you watch and enjoy this video. I know that we all need to arise and shine forth. This is really important to me because I have been trying to share the gospel with my friends and I learned I need to arise and shine forth. I am really grateful this is our theme this year. I hope everyone will try to seek and arise and shine forth. I really love this Mormon Message and I hope you do to! I am grateful to be part of this church!

TO CHECK OUT MORE VIDEOS OF THE THEME CLICK ON THIS LINK:  

https://www.lds.org/youth/theme/2012?lang=eng

Last Day of For Strength of Youth

Sorry I haven't blogged for a few days. I have been really busy.
Tithes and Offerings:
The scripture that goes with this is Malachi 3:10- Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,... and prove me now herewith,saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing. It says choosing to live the law of tithing will be a great blessing throughout your life. I have an experience of paying tithing. Since I babysit, I have the choice to spend all of it on something, but since I pay tithing, I set out 10% for tithing then I spend what is left on what I want. Since I pay my tithing, I have been blessed by people calling me more to babysit. Paying tithing is a sacred privilege. When you pay your tithing, you show gratitude for all that God has given you and return to Him a portion of what you have received. Tithing is used to build temples and meetinghouses, translate and publish the scriptures, do missionary and family history work, and in other ways build God's Kingdom on earth. Your attitude is important in paying tithing. You should be willing to pay tithing with a willing heart instead of complaining about paying tithing. Paying tithing will help you develop faith, overcome selfishness, and be more receptive to the Spirit. Obey the law of the fast by fasting each month. I am grateful for fasting. Fast Sunday is usually on the first Sunday of each month. A proper fast day observance includes not eating or drinking for two consecutive meals and giving a generous fast offering to help care for those in need. You should fast with a purpose. You should begin and end your fast with prayer, expressing gratitude and asking for help with special needs you or others may have. Fasting will strengthen your self-discipline, fortify you against temptations, and bring the Lord's blessings into your life. I am grateful that we get to fast. It can be hard sometimes but I know it is right to fast. As you obey the law of tithing and the law of the fast, the Lord will bless you both spiritually and temporally.
Work and Self-Reliance:
The scripture in here is Doctrine and Covenants 60:13- Thou shalt no idle away thy time neither shalt thou bury thy talent. Work is honorable. Learning to work begins in the home. I challenge you that if you see something that could be cleaned up like the laundry, the dishes, your room, etc., to just clean it up without asking. I know that I did this and I realized how much it helped out my family. Help your family by willingly participating in the work necessary to maintain a home. You should learn early to handle your money wisely and live within your means. I know that since I used my money wisely, that my parents said that I could go to EFY(especially for youth) which is a church camp type thing. I am excited to go and meet new people. It says to follow the teachings of the prophets by paying your tithing, avoiding dept, and saving for the future.  You should set high goals for yourself, and be willing to work hard to achieve them.  So your best in Church callings, schoolwork, employment, and other worthwhile pursuits. Heavenly Father has given you gifts and talents and knows what you are capable of achieving. Seek His help and guidance as you work to achieve your goals. I know that I am working really hard right now to save up for a violin. One of my talents is music and so I am striving to save my money for one. I am grateful that I get the opportunity to work and strive to work for something. The Lord has commanded us not to be idle. One form of idleness is spending excessive amounts of time in activities that keep you from productive work, such as using the Internet, playing video games, and watching television. Do not waste your time and money in gambling. It is false to believe that you can get something for nothing. One of the blessings of work is developing self-reliance. Self-reliance does not mean that you must be able to do all things on your own. To be truly self-reliant, you must learn how to work with others and turn to the Lord for His help and strength. Remember that God has a great work for you to do. He will bless you in your efforts to accomplish that work. I hope that you are all working hard. I know that it can be hard sometimes but if you think who you are helping, then it changes your perspective. I hope you are all using your money wisely.
Go Forward with Faith:
A scripture that goes with this is Alma 37:6- By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. To help you become all that the Lord wants you to become, kneel each morning and night in prayer to your Father in Heaven. Express to Him your gratitude and the desires of your heart. You should study the scriptures each day and to apply whatever you read, to your life. Strive each day to be obedient. You should remember the covenants that you have made and have the opportunity to renew each week when you partake of the sacrament. You need to strive to keep these covenants I talked about. If you make a mistake, then don't give up on yourself. Heavenly Father loves you and wants you to seek His help and to keep trying. You should attend the temple, when possible, and feel the you and peace that comes from serving in the house of the Lord. Be humble and willing to listen to the Holy Ghost and respond to His promptings. As you do these things, that the Lord will make much more out of your life that you can by yourself. He will give you the help you need to meet your trials and challenges. You will gain a stronger testimony and find true joy as you come to know your to know your Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ, and feel Their love for you.

I want to bear my testimony that I know all these things are true. I strive to do all these things, so that I can become more like him. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that my Father in Heaven is watching over me and he helps me with my trials. I know that He loves you and I so much! I know that we have a prophet on this earth today. I know that He will come again. I know that even if I mess up in my life, that I can repent of it and that He still loves me. This I say in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Doctrine and Covenants 115:5- Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations.

IF YOU WANT TO READ THE FOR STRENGTH OF YOUTH FOR YOURSELF CLICK ON THIS LINK: https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth?lang=eng

                 ENJOY!!!!

For the Strength of Youth Part 4

Physical and Emotional Health:
The scripture that goes along with this is Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-19- All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings...shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge. Your body is a temple, a gift from God. As you take care of your body, you will be blessed. You need to choose to obey the Word of Wisdom. If you follow the Word of Wisdom then you will remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life. It says that to care for your body, eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Practice balance and moderation in all aspects of you physical health. I have worked on this one and I worked out at the gym 3 to 4 times a week and as I did, I felt good inside. I advise you that if you haven't started a exercising schedule, to do so. Also, if you aren't eating as many nutritious food as you should, then you should start today. It is not to late to start exercising and eating healthier foods. You should no drink coffee or tea. It says to NEVER use tobacco products or any form of alcohol; they are addictive and harmful to your body and spirit. These addictions will harm your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Having these addictions will damage relationships with family and friends and diminish your feelings of self-worth. Your emotional health is also important and may affect your spiritual and physical well-being. Disappointment and occasional sadness are part of this moral life. If you have prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or depression, talk to your parents and your bishop and seek help. I hope you all are physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.
Repentance:
A scripture that goes along with repentance is Doctrine and Covenants 58:43- By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins-behold, he will confess them and forsake them. The Savior suffered for our sins and gave His life for us; this sacrifice is called the Atonement. Through the Atonement, you can receive forgiveness and be cleansed from your sins when you repent. Repentance is more than simply acknowledging wrongdoings. This includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness. Satan wants you to think that you cannot repent, but that is absolutely not true. If you have sinned, the sooner you repent, the sooner you begin to make your way back and find the peace and joy that come with forgiveness. To repent, you need to confess your sins to the Lord. Then seek forgiveness from those you have wronged, and restore as far as possible what has been damaged by your actions. When you do what is necessary to repent and receive forgiveness, you will know for yourself the power of the Atonement and the love God has for you. You will feel the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ, which will bring you great strength, and you will become more like Him. I am grateful for the repentance process. I hope that you know you can repent.
Sabbath Day Observance:
The scripture that goes along with this is Exodus 20:8- Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Honoring the Sabbath day includes attending all your Church meetings. You should go to sacrament meeting, and be reverent and willing to learn. As you go to Church, you invite the Spirit of the Lord to be with you. You should prepare during the week so that you can reserve Sunday for the many uplifting activities that are appropriate for the Sabbath day. Such activities include spending quiet time with your family, studying the gospel, fulfilling your Church callings and responsibilities, serving others, writing letters, writing in your journal, and doing family history work. You should dress and behave on the Sabbath to show your respect for the Lord and His holy day. You should not shop or go exercising on the Sabbath. Observing the Sabbath will bring you closer to the Lord and to your family. It will give you and eternal perspective and spiritual strength. I am grateful for the Sabbath day. I love going to Church and learning new things about the gospel. I hope that you all are wanting to go to church and not your parents forcing you to go to church. I am grateful for the time I get on the Sabbath to learn and to grow in the gospel.
Service:
I like this scripture that goes with service; Mosiah 2:17- When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. It says that service to others is an important characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Often Heavenly Father will meet the needs of others through you. I had an experience with this one. One of my bestest friends was struggling that night not know if anyone really loved her. That night I felt like I should send her a message saying how amazing and how much I loved her. Not knowing why I suppose to send that message to her, but the next day, she messaged me back and told me that I answered her prayer and she knew that someone loved her. I am grateful for having that experience to get to help someone. I hope you will be tuned with the spirit. I am grateful that we get the opportunity to serve other people. There are many ways to serve other people. Some of the most important service you can give will be within your own home. You can also serve in your Church assignments, school, and community. You can serve at the temple and family history work. You can serve by sharing the gospel to other people and prepare to be a full-time missionary later. The most meaningful service can come thought simple, everyday acts of kindness. As you devote yourself to serving others, you will draw closer to Heavenly Father. I hope you know that you can serve in any way. The simplest things can make someone smile or lift their spirit. I hope you know that I love you and that your Heavenly Father loves you very much! You will enjoy the happiness that comes only from giving service to God and others. Your capacities will increase, and you will be and instrument in God's hands to bless the lives of His children.
I will post the last tomorrow!

More about the For Strength of Youth Day 3

Gratitude:
In Doctrine and Covenants 78:19 it says- He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious.It says that the Lord wants you to have a sprirt of gratitude in all you do and say. You should live in the spirit of thanksgiving daily. I have tried that challenge and I realized how much it blessed my life. Also, it will make you feel grateful for everything we have and realized how much He has given you. In young women's, we were challenged to write 100 things we are grateful for. I was grateful for that challenge because when I was working on it, it made me think how much I have. It says that gratitude will turn your heart to the Lord and help you recognize His influence and blessings in your life. It says, in your prayers, pour out your heart to your Father in Heaven in thanks for the blessings you have received. You can also express gratitude to the Lord by the way you live. Express your gratitude to others for the many ways they bless your life. I am grateful for everyone and I am grateful for YOU! I am grateful for Jesus Christ ,and the scriptures,and for personal progress, and the church, etc.
Honesty and Integrity:
The scripture it has in here is Exodus 20: 15-16- Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt no bear false witness. It says that we should be honest with yourself, others, and God at all times. So being honest, that means no lying. stealing, cheating. or deceive in any way. Dishonesty harms you and harms others as well. I hope you are all honest. I know how important this one is. It says being honest will enhance your future opportunities and your ability to be guided by the Holy Ghost. Honesty is tied in with integrity. Integrity means thinking and doing what is right at all times, no matter what the consequences. Choose to live so that your thoughts and behavior are always in harmony with the gospel.
Language:
The scripture that goes with it is Ephesians 4:29- Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good. I know that teenagers really struggle with this. I know it is impossible not to hear it at school but I advise you that you need to tell your friends to not cuss in front of you. I did that and they respected me. It says you need to choose friends who use good language. You need to help others improve their language by your example. Speak kindly and positively. I hope you don't cuss and if you do, then today is the day to stop. Choose no to insult others or put them down, even in joking. ALWAYS use the names of God and Jesus Christ with reverence and respect.It says remember that these standards for your use of language apply to all forms of communication, including texting on a cell phone or communicating over the internet. If you have been cussing then pray to Heavenly Father for help and guidance.  I hope you all know how important no to use language is. I know I have been blessed by choosing friends that don't cuss around me. I know that I hear it in the hallway but I can't help that because there is so many people, that I don't know who said it.
Music and Dancing:
A scripture I want to share with you is Doctrine and Covenants 136:28- Praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing. It says that music can enrich your life. It can edify and inspire you and help you draw closer to Heavenly Father. Choose carefully the music you are listening to. I know that people have the tendency to listen to just the music and not the words. Then, when they listen to the words to the music, they realize they having been listening to not the best song. Some music can carry evil and destructive messages. Do not listen to music that encourages immorality or glorifies violence through its lyrics, beat, or intensity. I know that if I have the radio on and it says a cuss word on it or something, I immediately turn it off and think of a hymn. It says to learn and sing the hymns. Hymns can lift your spirit, move you to righteous action, and help you  withstand the temptations of the adversary. When you are listening to music, be courteous to those around you. Remember that the Spirit speaks with a till, small voice.Dancing can be fun and can provide an opportunity to meet new people. Dances can be misused. Attend only those dances where dress, grooming, lighting, lyrics, music, and entertainment contribute to a wholesome atmosphere where the Spirit may be present. I love going to church dances. They help me to get to know new people but have Heavenly Father and the Spirit with me.
I will have more tomorrow! So sorry this is taking so long! Thanks! :)