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.