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.

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.

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.