My Testimony

I know that my Savior lives and loves me. I know that He came to this earth and suffered and died to take away my sins, my shortcomings and weaknesses, my pain and sorrow. I know that if I keep the commandments, repent, and exercise my faith that the power of the atonement will have full effect in my life. I am so grateful for the testimony that burns in me of the truthfulness of the gospel and the plan of salvation. I know that I will pass through struggles and challenges in this life but they will strengthen me and the Savior will comfort me because He knows what I am going through and wants me to be successful so that I will one day return to live again with Him and our Heavenly Father. I love this Young Women Program and the light and knowledge it gives me. The gospel is true! In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Leader Requirements - FINISHED

Today I completed all the leader requirements of Personal Progress to earn my medallion. It has been an amazing experience to go through this program. Even though it was written for the Young Women I have learned so much and grown in my testimony of the gospel. I am grateful I have had the opportunity to work on these goals and experiences.

But I'm not finished. Now I want to continue on and complete the experiences I haven't done yet and projects for each of the values I skipped. I don't plan to get another medallion or honor bee, I just need to experience all that the girls do and I want to keep going through this program with them.

KNOWLEDGE PROJECT

May 2011

My project is: To improve my health with regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate rest.

My plan to carry out my project is:
1. Exercise for 120 minutes per week = Zumba, walking, jogging, aerobics, etc.
2. Learn how to cook 5 healthy dinners and then make them: Wheat Berry & Edamame Salad, Quinoa Salad, Fish Tacos, Chicken & Veggie Pasta, Vegan Burgers & Oven Fries, Fruit for Dessert.
3. Drink approximately 72 ounces or 9 cups of water every day.
4. Sleep between 7-8 hours every night - plan to go to bed early.


July 24, 2011

The Word of Wisdom truly is inspired by our Heavenly Father. As I made the time to exercise I felt so much better about myself on the inside and the outside. When my meals were healthy I had more energy and could truly appreciate all the wonderful, healthy foods we have been given. I especially noticed how much more satisfying a bowl of fruit is over a bowl of ice cream. I know that as I continue to live the Word of Wisdom, exercise and eat the good things, I will become more physically fit and even spiritually fit because the Lord will show me the hidden treasures of knowledge. A wonderful incentive!

Choice & Accountability #2

2. Read the pamphlet For the Strength of Youth. List in your journal each standard of righteous behavior the pamphlet outlines, and record why it is important to choose to live those standards. Practice living righteous standards by choosing three standards in which you need to improve. You might choose to be more selective about television, music, books, or other media, or you might improve your modesty, language, or honesty. After three weeks share your progress with your family, your class, or a leader.

~ For the Strength of Youth ~
* Agency = righteous choices lead to happiness
* Gratitude = a spirit of thanksgiving increases our happiness and strengthens us
* Education = will help me be an influence for good in the world and better provide for myself and family
* Family = the family is the most sacred unit of the church, always seek to strengthen family relationships
* Friends = friends help determine who you become, choose good friends with similar standards and values
* Dress & Appearance = modest dress shows others and yourself that you are a disciple of Christ and invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost and influences others for good
* Entertainment & Media = choosing good uplifting media lets the Spirit stay with you, allows you to have good thoughts and actions
* Music & Dancing = have fun but choose good music and appropriate dancing so the Spirit can be present
* Language = good, clean language shows you are bright and intelligent; use it to uplift others
* Dating = date those with similar standards and always prepare for a temple marriage
* Sexual Purity = intimacy is reserved for married couples; stying chaste prepares you to enter the temple and build a strong marriage
* Repentance = releases you from the bondage of sin, brings peace and strength, restores the spirit
* Honesty = builds character and trust - the Lord and others trust you - peace of mind and self-respect
* Sabbath Day Observance = it will bring you closer to the Lord and your family, gives you rest and rejuvenation
* Tithes and Offerings = shows gratitude to God for all you have, helps others in need, builds the Kingdom, brings the Spirit
* Physical Health = obey the Word of Wisdom and have more control over your body and mind and receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost
* Service to Others = Heavenly Father helps others through you, pray for opportunities to serve, you will be closer to Heavenly Father and blessed

~ Practice Living three Standards ~
* Service: pray for it, look for it, do it
* Honesty: do work first, pay for all copies
* Physical Health: exercise 120 minutes per week, limit sugar

~ Share Progress ~
I have been praying for opportunities to serve and they have come. I can't think of anything big but I do remember felling impressed, after a couple of small things, that those opportunities came because I asked for them. It really does feel good to help others.

I have tried to be more honest at work with my time and copies or printouts. I think this has made me less cranky about work. A small miracle.

I've done pretty good with the physical health challenge. I did all the required exercise and began to notice how poorly I felt after eating sugar. I pray this is something I can keep up so I have a long and healthy life.

Integrity #3

3. The Savior is the perfect example of integrity; He did what He promised the Father He would do. Read 3 Nephi 11:10–11. Study the lives of other individuals in the scriptures who lived with integrity. Read Genesis 39; the book of Esther; Job 2:3; 27:3–6; Daniel 3 and 6; Acts 26; Doctrine and Covenants 124:15; and Joseph Smith—History 1:21–25. In your journal identify the ways these people demonstrated integrity. Think of a time when you had the courage to show integrity, especially when it was not easy or popular. Share your experience and your feelings about it in a testimony meeting or lesson or with a parent or leader.


~ People of Integrity ~
* 3 Nephi 11:10-11 = Christ has always done the Father's will
* Genesis 39 = Joseph was a trusted servant, he fled temptation, he was also a trusted prisoner, the Lord prospered him
* Esther = she was virtuous and performed the task appointed to her to save the Jews; Mordecai was a trusted servant to the king
* Job 2:3 & 27:3-6 = The Lord knows of Job's unfailing integrity; Job will not speak against the Lord despite all his suffering
* Daniel 2 = The young men refuse to worship any but their God, they knew God would deliver them, but if not they still would not worship the golden image, their courage and integrity earned them a promotion in the kingdom
* Daniel 6 = Daniel is such a good man no one can find a fault in him; he continued to worship God despite the law
* Acts 26 = once Paul had his heavenly visitation he steadfastly believe despite persecution
* D&C 124:15 = the Lord loves us who have integrity
* JSH 1:21-25 = Joseph Smith saw a vision and, like Paul, firmly believed in it despite the persecution

~ How did these people demonstrate integrity? ~
They held fast to their beliefs and trusted in their God no matter what trials they had to bear.

~ When have I had to demonstrate integrity? ~
The r-rated movie in college. Among Dave's dental friends. On my mission and as a Young Women leader.

I am grateful that while young I made decisions early so that I don't have to compromise my integrity or the spirit later. I won't drink. I won't use bad language. I will be a disciple of Christ. It is easier to have integrity and stand up for what I believe in all the time than some of the time.

Integrity #2

2. Conduct a self-assessment of your personal integrity. Ask yourself the following questions: Do I avoid gossip, inappropriate jokes, swearing and profanity, and being light-minded about sacred subjects? Am I completely truthful, morally clean, honest, dependable, and trustworthy in my schoolwork and other activities? Pray daily for strength and for the guidance of the Holy Ghost to help you live with integrity. Write in your journal the things you can do to improve your personal integrity and at least one new habit you want to develop.


~ Self-Assessment of my Integrity ~
I think as a youth I probably fell short in the category of integrity while I was still trying to figure out who I was and my place in the world. Though better now, there is always room for improved integrity in my life.

~ Improve Integrity ~
I am going to do better at work. I will make sure all my work is done as much as it can be before I move on to personal projects. I will also be better at paying for the personal copies and printouts I make on the work printer. I know that by so doing I will be able to have greater integrity and stand with confidence before the Lord.

Integrity #1

1. Integrity is the willingness and desire to live by our beliefs and standards. Read Moroni 10:30–33 and think about what it means to “deny yourselves of all ungodliness.” Read the pamphlet For the Strength of Youth. Reflect on how the Lord’s standards differ from the world’s standards. Record in your journal appropriate standards for behavior, dress, and conversation, as well as literature, movies, television, Internet, music, cell phones, and other media. Also write your plan to stay morally clean and worthy to attend the temple. After keeping your standards for at least one month, record your feelings in your journal and continue to keep your commitment.


* Moroni 10:30-33, "deny yourself of all ungodliness"
This means that we must learn right and wrong and choose the right. That which is wrong is not of God and so we follow God when we do what is good.

* For the Strength of the Youth, How do the Lord's standards differ from the world?
The Lord tells us to be chaste, virtuous, and benevolent. They bring the Holy Ghost into our lives and edify us.

~ The Lord's Standards ~
* Behavior: be thankful, choose right, be a peacemaker, be obedient
* Dress: be well groomed and modest, show respect to the Lord and you
* Conversation: have clean and intelligent language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others
* Literature/Movies/TV: watch only that which uplifts, good media that does not offend the Spirit and leads us to do good
* Internet: only view websites that uplift and righteously educate
* Music: uplifting music that influences you for good
* Cell Phones: use for good conversation and be careful about what you receive

~ My Plan to Stay Morally Clean & Temple Worthy ~
I will dress modestly, choose the right, be discerning in all my media choices, and speak with clean and intelligent language so that the Spirit will always be with me.

One month later...

It really hasn't been so difficult to keep the standards outlined in For the Strength of Youth. Once you put your mind to it, it becomes almost easy to make good choices and live the standards. As I have done this, and especially as I have made better media choices, I have definitely felt more of the Spirit and love from my Father in Heaven. These blessings and more are worth all the effort it takes to have integrity and live the standards.

Choice and Accountability #3

3. Agency, or the ability to choose, is one of God’s greatest gifts to His children. Read about agency in Joshua 24:15; 2 Nephi 2; and Doctrine and Covenants 82:2–10. With a parent or leader, discuss the blessings and responsibilities of agency. Record in your journal your understanding of agency and the consequences of choices and actions.


~ Agency ~
* Joshua 24:15 = the Lord gives us agency to choose whom we will serve or worship. We get blessings for serving the Lord but it is up to us to choose.
* D&C 82:2-10 = our choices, good or bad, have consequences; beware of the adversary who wants you to make bade choices; the Lord gives us commandments to teach us how to act and what is right; when we choose the right we will be blessed.
* 2 Nephi 2 = We are taught good and evil; Christ atoned for us and allowed for us to have agency; agency is all part of the plan; when we make mistakes we must repent; do good and find joy; we are free to choose and receive the consequences.

~ Blessing and Responsibilities of Agency ~
Because we have the ability to choose we will know the joy that comes from making righteous decisions and we can reap the associated blessings. Especially the blessing of eternal life. Because God has given us agency and taught us right from wrong, and because we know the great blessings that await us, we have the responsibility to choose the right or we willfully suffer the consequences.

~ Consequences of Choices and Actions ~
Agency is the ability and right to choose good or evil. When we choose good we are blessed and our privileges increase. When we choose evil we are held captive by sin, guilt, and sorrow. Elder Hales stated in October 2010 conference, "When we choose to do the will of our Heavenly Father, our agency is preserved, our opportunities increase, and we progress." I want to progress in this life and receive my promised blessings. Therefore, I will always strive to choose the right and do what is right so that the Lord can bless me.

Individual Worth #3

3. Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 and 121:45. Do all you can to build others and make them feel of worth. Every day for two weeks notice the worthwhile qualities and attributes of others. Acknowledge them verbally or in writing. In your journal write what you have learned about the worth of individuals and how your own confidence grows when you build others.


* D&C 18:10. The worth of souls is great to God.
* D&C 121:45. Have charity and virtue - you will strengthen your confidence before God.

April 29, 2011

~ What have I learned about the worth of others? ~
Our Heavenly Father loves each of His children and He wants them to know it and have confidence in themselves. Sometimes I have had to go out of my comfort zone to compliment others but every time I made the effort I felt good to know I had brightened someone's day. I need to always strive to compliment others and build them up. It is a small service I can give to them and it will make me feel good too. People look up to me as a leader and a big part of that is building up others. This has been a good experience, one I will keep doing.

Choice and Accountability #1

1. A daughter of God can make wise decisions and solve problems. Read 1 Nephi 15:8; 2 Nephi 32:3; Alma 34:19–27; Ether 2–3; and Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–9. Follow a pattern of regular scripture study and prayer to receive help in making personal decisions such as choosing good friends, being kind to others, getting up on time, or other decisions. Discuss with a parent or leader how regular scripture study and prayer helped you make correct decisions.


~ Make wise decisions and solve problems ~
* 1 Ne 15:8 = inquire of the Lord.
* 2 Ne 32:3 = read the scriptures and they will tell you what to do.
* Alma 34:19-27 = pray and be humble; pray continually.
* Ether 2-3 = serve God and receive the promised land; repent, obey the commandments; pray and ask specific questions or for specific help; come up with a solution and take it to the Lord.
* D&C 9:7-9 = study out the problem in your mind and then ask the Lord.

~ How have scripture study and prayer helped me make correct decisions? ~
When I make scripture study, prayer, and obedience a habit I am close to the Spirit and I can know what I should do. Through prayer I knew when to serve a mission, who to marry, and I have been directed where to go to school, live, and even work. It helps me know that God is in my life and helps me make righteous decisions that will affect life now and my eternity. I always want to live close to the Spirit and find answers through prayer and scripture study.

Divine Nature #2

2. As a young woman you are blessed with divine feminine qualities. Increase your understanding of and appreciation for womanhood. Read Proverbs 31:10–31 and two talks on womanhood from a conference issue of the Church magazines. Review what “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (see page 101) says about being a wife and a mother. Then ask your mother or another mother you admire what she thinks are important attributes for being a mother. List the attributes in your journal. Then choose one of those attributes and strive to develop it. After two weeks report your success to a parent or leader.

~ Womanhood ~
* Proverbs 31:10-31. A virtuous woman's price is above rubies; she is trustworthy; she does here husband good; a worker; cares for her household; a gardener; girds her loins with strength; she keeps the lights on; helps the poor and needy; strength and honor are her clothing; she is kind in speech; her children call her blessed, her husband praises her; she fears the Lord.
* James E. Faust, "Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor," April 2000. Women have the highest place of honor in human life; a beautiful and chaste woman is the perfect workmanship of God; divine role as caregiver; gift of femininity with natural grace, goodness, and divinity; use your womanhood to serve others.
* M. Russell Ballard, "Mothers and Daughters," April 2010. Women have an eternally significant influence on others; women of the Church are to lead the women of the world; learn from the strength, courage, and faithfulness of your mother.

~ Family Proclamation ~
Love and care for spouse and children; rear children in love and righteousness; provide for physical and spiritual needs; teach them to love and serve others, keep the commandments of God and laws of the land; equal partner to husband.

~ Important Attributes for Being a Mother ~
patience, love, compassion, nurturing, time, unselfishness/selfless, teaching

~ Develop Selflessness ~


April 10, 2011
I have striven to be completely selfless for the past month in my relationship with Dave. I haven't been flawless at it but I have definitely noticed a greater spirit of harmony in our home because I have striven to put his needs ahead of mine. As a mother, I will need to always put the children first and then my ability will truly be tested. I can hardly wait!

Knowledge #2

2. In your journal list talents you have and others you would like to develop. Read Matthew 25:14–30. Learn a new skill or talent that will help you care for your own future family or home (for example, playing the piano, singing, budgeting, time management, cooking, sewing, or child care). Share with your family, class, or Young Women leader what you have learned.

~ Talents I have ~
* piano playing
* cooking and baking
* cleaning
* organizing
* party planning
* teaching

~ Talents I want to develop ~
* budgeting
* sewing
* choral singing
* dancing

~ Learn a new skill or talent: Budgeting ~


March 13, 2011
I have discovered that I am not very good at budgeting. I understand the concept perfectly but I don't have enough discipline. I definitely needs lots more practice at the talent of budgeting. And I need to better understand and appreciate the art of delayed gratification that comes with saving up for something I want. I promise to continue working at this talent and striving each month to become better at it because it is such an important skill to have.

Knowledge #3

3. Memorize Article of Faith number thirteen and recite it to a parent, a leader, or another adult. Then visit a museum or exhibit or attend a performance that involves dance, music, speech, or drama. Using this article of faith as a guide, evaluate what you saw and heard. In your journal write your thoughts about how you can use this article of faith as a guide for all you do so the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion. Share those thoughts with a parent or leader.


2/26/2011 ~ A Tale of Two Cities. I didn't really care for the music but the story is beautiful of love, friendship, and sacrifice.

3/5/2011 ~ Suessical. For me this play was a wholesome recreational activity for my family. It was silly but a good thing for the family to enjoy.

3/8/2011 ~ Hairspray. This was a fun play that taught the virtues of friendship, inclusion, and standing up for what you believe in.

I am grateful for the guidelines the 13th Article of Faith gives us to help us know if something is good. Our Heavenly Father has given us many good things that bring us happiness and the Spirit. This scripture helps us know if these things of the world are good. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy, I will seek after it.

Individual Worth #2

2. Learn about the importance of patriarchal blessings by studying about them in True to the Faith and recent conference talks. Find out why they are given and who can give them. Discuss with a parent or Church leader how to prepare to receive a patriarchal blessing and how it can teach you of your worth and identity and be a guide throughout your life. If you have not received your blessing, prepare to receive it.

* True to the Faith. Patriarchal blessings declare our lineage and give us personal counsel from the Lord; gives us guidance, comfort, and protection; teaches us what the Lord expects of us; follow its counsel; some promises will be fulfilled in the eternities; live worthy of your promised blessings.

* Julie B. Beck, "You Have a Noble Birthright," April 2006. Teaches of your life mission on earth; gives a glimpse of eternity, your eternal purpose and journey; instructions and knowledge from the Lord - your personal scripture; reveal your capabilities and potential; promises are contingent upon your faithfulness.

* Why? Patriarchal blessings are given to help you better understand who you are and what your mission here on earth is going to be. They can be a guide and comfort and will prepare you for eternity.

* Who? Only a called and set-apart Patriarch may give a patriarchal blessing.

* How? My patriarchal blessing has brought me great comfort over the years as I wondered if I would ever marry and be a mother. It promised me that those blessing would be mine and gave me faith to carry on. My blessing has also saved me spiritually. When I was ready to give up on it all a line came to me that encouraged me to remain faithful. I have seen many promised blessings fulfilled and I know more are still to come as I press forward with faith in the Lord.

Divine Nature #3

3. Make your home life better. For two weeks make a special effort to strengthen your relationship with a family member by showing love through your actions. Refrain from judging, criticizing, or speaking unkindly, and watch for positive qualities in that family member. Write notes of encouragement, pray for this family member, find ways to be helpful, and verbally express your love. Share your experiences and the divine qualities you’ve discovered with that family member or with a parent or leader.

~ Plan of action ~
I will try to be a better friend to Jill for the next two weeks.

January 23, 2011

~ Results ~
Jill is truly a daughter of God who loves her. It was actually much easier to be kind to her than I thought it would be. I tried to say kind things to her and be a good friend to her and I prayed for her. It has been fun to go to Zumba with her and email her more frequently throughout the day. I know that Jill will feel more of her Heavenly Father's love as I continue to show more love to her.