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.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Individual Worth #1
1. You are a daughter of Heavenly Father, who knows you and loves you. Read Psalm 8:4–6; Jeremiah 1:5; John 13:34; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10; Abraham 3:22–23; and Joseph Smith—History 1:1–20. Write in your journal how these scriptures teach you that Heavenly Father knows you, loves you, and is mindful of you.
December 23, 2010
~ Heavenly Fahter knows me, loves me, and is mindful of me ~
* Psalm 8:4-6 - The Lord has crowned us with glory and honor and given us dominion over His creations.
* Jeremiah 1:5 - The Lord knew us and ordained us before we were born.
* John 13:34 - We are commanded to love one another as Christ loves each of us.
* D&C 18:10 - We have great worth to God.
* Abraham 3:22-23 - We are part of the noble and great ones who have been chosen to be rulers; we are good.
* JSH 1:1-20 - Heavenly Father knows each and every one of us and the desires of our hearts. Through our faith He will give us the answers and blessings we seek.
~ Thoughts ~
As I apply these scriptures to myself - change out other words for "Chelsea" or "I" - I truly do feel the love that Heavenly Father has for me. He is most definitely aware of me, my situation, and the righteous desires of my heart. I do not go through this life and its challenges alone because I know Heavenly Father loves me and is watching out for me and has a great plan for me.
December 23, 2010
~ Heavenly Fahter knows me, loves me, and is mindful of me ~
* Psalm 8:4-6 - The Lord has crowned us with glory and honor and given us dominion over His creations.
* Jeremiah 1:5 - The Lord knew us and ordained us before we were born.
* John 13:34 - We are commanded to love one another as Christ loves each of us.
* D&C 18:10 - We have great worth to God.
* Abraham 3:22-23 - We are part of the noble and great ones who have been chosen to be rulers; we are good.
* JSH 1:1-20 - Heavenly Father knows each and every one of us and the desires of our hearts. Through our faith He will give us the answers and blessings we seek.
~ Thoughts ~
As I apply these scriptures to myself - change out other words for "Chelsea" or "I" - I truly do feel the love that Heavenly Father has for me. He is most definitely aware of me, my situation, and the righteous desires of my heart. I do not go through this life and its challenges alone because I know Heavenly Father loves me and is watching out for me and has a great plan for me.
Monday, November 22, 2010
VIRTUE PROJECT
The Savior chose to live a virtuous life. Follow His admonition to “learn of me” (D&C 19:23) by reading the entire Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Liken the scriptures to your life and circumstances. As you read, record your thoughts regularly in your journal. Note the example of the Savior. What did He and those who followed Him do to live virtuous lives? At the completion of your reading, record your testimony.
“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (Joseph Smith, in introduction to the Book of Mormon).
“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:4).
I know the Book of Mormon is true and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to read it again. It has been a blessing to read it once more. It has been a blessing to read along with the young women and as their leader. I have seen so many wonderful principles and doctrines come out of the scriptures that bless those young girls and help me be a better leader.
I am also so very grateful for the timely scriptures that have helped me get through a very difficult time of my life as Dave and I have battled issues with infertility. I am so grateful for the power and strength that come into my life as I make scripture study a priority and habit.
Additionally, as I read the words of the ancient prophets and all their hopes and desires for us in these latter-days, I feel the great love our Heavenly Father has for each of His children. Thousands of years ago He knew our challenges - and mine specifically - and He provided the Book of Mormon as a source of comfort to give me the strength to carry on and endure the trials I face. I know Heavenly Father loves me and I know the Book of Mormon is true!
“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (Joseph Smith, in introduction to the Book of Mormon).
MY TESTIMONY OF THE BOOK OF MORMON
“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:4).
I know the Book of Mormon is true and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to read it again. It has been a blessing to read it once more. It has been a blessing to read along with the young women and as their leader. I have seen so many wonderful principles and doctrines come out of the scriptures that bless those young girls and help me be a better leader.
I am also so very grateful for the timely scriptures that have helped me get through a very difficult time of my life as Dave and I have battled issues with infertility. I am so grateful for the power and strength that come into my life as I make scripture study a priority and habit.
Additionally, as I read the words of the ancient prophets and all their hopes and desires for us in these latter-days, I feel the great love our Heavenly Father has for each of His children. Thousands of years ago He knew our challenges - and mine specifically - and He provided the Book of Mormon as a source of comfort to give me the strength to carry on and endure the trials I face. I know Heavenly Father loves me and I know the Book of Mormon is true!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Book of Mormon ~ Moroni 10
November 21, 2010: I did it! I finished the Book of Mormon before the general session of our stake conference. I love this book and I am so grateful for the testimony I have of its truthfulness.
I am curious, though, why do you suppose Moroni finishes the Book with scripture about the gifts of the spirit? Is it to help us realize and recognize all the blessings that we have been given? Then as we recognize that these blessings come from Heavenly Father our faith will increase because we know that we are loved and that God is aware of us.
I am thankful that we have the Book of Mormon to give us strength and power to get through this life. What a blessing it is to be part of this gospel and to have another opportunity to read the Book of Mormon.
I am curious, though, why do you suppose Moroni finishes the Book with scripture about the gifts of the spirit? Is it to help us realize and recognize all the blessings that we have been given? Then as we recognize that these blessings come from Heavenly Father our faith will increase because we know that we are loved and that God is aware of us.
I am thankful that we have the Book of Mormon to give us strength and power to get through this life. What a blessing it is to be part of this gospel and to have another opportunity to read the Book of Mormon.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Book of Mormon ~ Ether 12
November 13, 2010: This is my new favorite chapter. I love the discussion on faith, hope, and charity. With all that has transpired lately in our life I have been kind of depressed. I can imagine that Moroni was also very depressed being alone and the last surviving Nephite. I am sure this chapter is in part for him as he reminds himself to have faith and hope and hang on to the end. His words are also bringing me much needed comfort as I deal with my own small loss and tragedy. Have hope, Chelsea! Have hope and faith that it will all work out and be more wonderful than I could have imagined. It may not be in this lifetime but if I remain faithful then it will happen in the next and I will receive my mansion with the Father.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Virtue #4
4. Because the Savior loves you and has given His life for you, you can repent. Repentance is an act of faith in Jesus Christ. Read Moroni 10:32–33, the book of Enos, and the section on repentance in For the Strength of Youth. The Savior’s atoning sacrifice has made it possible for you to be forgiven of your sins. Read the sacrament prayers in Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79. Determine to partake worthily of the sacrament each week and fill your life with virtuous activities that will bring spiritual power. As you do this, you will grow stronger in your ability to resist temptation, keep the commandments, and become more like Jesus Christ. Determine what you can do daily to remain pure and worthy, and write your plan in your journal.
~ Repentance ~
* Moroni 10:32-33 - love God with all your might, mind, and strength and then you are sanctified through the atonement
* Enos - our faith in Christ allows us to repent
* For the Strength of Youth - true repentance brings strength
~ My Daily Plan to Remain Pure and Worthy ~
* Read from the Book of Mormon
* Pray morning and night
* Only watch uplifting programs and turn off anything inappropriate
* Serve someone
* Show gratitude to God and others
* Attend church on Sunday and take the sacrament
* Attend Young Women activities on Wednesdays
* Think virtuous thoughts
* Attend the temple every month
"Virtuous activities bring Spiritual Power"
~ Repentance ~
* Moroni 10:32-33 - love God with all your might, mind, and strength and then you are sanctified through the atonement
* Enos - our faith in Christ allows us to repent
* For the Strength of Youth - true repentance brings strength
~ My Daily Plan to Remain Pure and Worthy ~
* Read from the Book of Mormon
* Pray morning and night
* Only watch uplifting programs and turn off anything inappropriate
* Serve someone
* Show gratitude to God and others
* Attend church on Sunday and take the sacrament
* Attend Young Women activities on Wednesdays
* Think virtuous thoughts
* Attend the temple every month
"Virtuous activities bring Spiritual Power"
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Book of Mormon ~ Mormon 9:15-21
November 3, 2010: God is a God of miracles. He always has been and always will be to the believing. Dave and I read this chapter just a few days ago together. We are both optimistic and hopeful that God will very soon grant us the miracle of being pregnant and having a baby. We know He is a God of miracles and can give us this miracle if it is His will that it happen. I hope it is.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Virtue #3
3. Prepare to be worthy to enter the temple and to participate in temple ordinances. Read Alma chapter 5. Make a list of the questions Alma asks. Answer the questions for yourself, and make a list of the things you can and will do to prepare yourself to be pure and worthy to enter the temple and receive all the blessings our Heavenly Father has promised His beloved daughters.
October 31, 2010
~ Questions in Alma 5 ~
(v.6) 1. Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers? 2. Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and long-suffering towards them? 3. Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell?
(v.10) 4. On what conditions are they saved? 5. What grounds had they to hope for salvation? 6. What is the cause of their being loosed from...the chains?
~ Answers ~
It is good to think on the examples of others and come to realize that God loves me too and He is still a God of miracles. If He blessed those before me He can and will bless me too.
~ Questions in Alma 5 ~
(v.14) 7. Have ye spiritually been born of God? 8. Have ye received his image in your countenances? 9. Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
(v.15) 10. Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? 11. Do you look forward with an eye of faith and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?
(v.16) 12. Can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?
(v.19) 13. Can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? 14. Can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?
(v.26) 15. If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
(v.27) 16. Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? 17. Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? 18. That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?
(v.28) 19. Behold, are ye stripped of pride?
~ Answers ~
These questions certainly do give one a whole lot to think about. I truly hope I am on the right path and that I have the image of God engraven in my countenance.
According to Alma and the whisperings of the Spirit, here are some things I need to do to be worthy to enter the temple and recieve all of my promised blessings: be humble, repent, serve others, study the life of Christ, serve God, fast, pray, have a pure heart and clean hands, allow myself to have a change of heart, let the Spirit into my life, be faithful, trust God, look toward eternity, endure to the end.
This seems like a long list but I am already doing many of them. The trick is to keep doing them so that I can stand blameless before God on the last day and be welcomed into His presencs. What a glorious day that will be!
October 31, 2010
~ Questions in Alma 5 ~
(v.6) 1. Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers? 2. Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and long-suffering towards them? 3. Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell?
(v.10) 4. On what conditions are they saved? 5. What grounds had they to hope for salvation? 6. What is the cause of their being loosed from...the chains?
~ Answers ~
It is good to think on the examples of others and come to realize that God loves me too and He is still a God of miracles. If He blessed those before me He can and will bless me too.
~ Questions in Alma 5 ~
(v.14) 7. Have ye spiritually been born of God? 8. Have ye received his image in your countenances? 9. Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
(v.15) 10. Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? 11. Do you look forward with an eye of faith and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?
(v.16) 12. Can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?
(v.19) 13. Can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? 14. Can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?
(v.26) 15. If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
(v.27) 16. Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? 17. Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? 18. That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?
(v.28) 19. Behold, are ye stripped of pride?
~ Answers ~
These questions certainly do give one a whole lot to think about. I truly hope I am on the right path and that I have the image of God engraven in my countenance.
According to Alma and the whisperings of the Spirit, here are some things I need to do to be worthy to enter the temple and recieve all of my promised blessings: be humble, repent, serve others, study the life of Christ, serve God, fast, pray, have a pure heart and clean hands, allow myself to have a change of heart, let the Spirit into my life, be faithful, trust God, look toward eternity, endure to the end.
This seems like a long list but I am already doing many of them. The trick is to keep doing them so that I can stand blameless before God on the last day and be welcomed into His presencs. What a glorious day that will be!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
GOOD WORKS PROJECT
March 2010
My project is: To better my homemaking skills. I will collect new recipes, make new and different foods from all the "usuals," become better at following recipes, plan ahead, and make family dinner a priority -- that is, dinner sitting down together in our home.
My plan to carry out my project is:
1. Complete my recipe collection.
2. Select 10 new recipes and make them exactly according to directions.
3. Perpetuate the habit of family dinner by having it ready by 6:30 or earlier each night.
4. Plan several menus for the week or month and shop for ingredients.
October 30, 2010
My evaluation of the project is: Making dinner for my family or others or sharing treats with others has brought be much joy. I love seeing the finished results of the food I cook and I love having others enjoy what I make. As I continue to make meals I will be serving my family and showing them my love, I will be saving us money, and I will be helping to improve our diets - because what is made in the home is almost always healthier. This project has been fun to do because it helps me improve a skill and talent I enjoy while serving others - which makes service fun for me!
My project is: To better my homemaking skills. I will collect new recipes, make new and different foods from all the "usuals," become better at following recipes, plan ahead, and make family dinner a priority -- that is, dinner sitting down together in our home.
My plan to carry out my project is:
1. Complete my recipe collection.
2. Select 10 new recipes and make them exactly according to directions.
3. Perpetuate the habit of family dinner by having it ready by 6:30 or earlier each night.
4. Plan several menus for the week or month and shop for ingredients.
October 30, 2010
My evaluation of the project is: Making dinner for my family or others or sharing treats with others has brought be much joy. I love seeing the finished results of the food I cook and I love having others enjoy what I make. As I continue to make meals I will be serving my family and showing them my love, I will be saving us money, and I will be helping to improve our diets - because what is made in the home is almost always healthier. This project has been fun to do because it helps me improve a skill and talent I enjoy while serving others - which makes service fun for me!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Faith #1
1. The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Learn about faith from the scriptures and living prophets. Read Hebrews 11; Alma 32:17–43; Ether 12:6–22; and Joseph Smith—History 1:11–20. Read two general conference talks on faith. Exercise your own faith by establishing a habit of prayer in your life. Begin by regularly saying your morning and evening prayers. After three weeks of following this pattern, discuss with a parent or leader what you have learned about faith and how daily personal prayer has strengthened your faith. In your journal express your feelings about faith and prayer.
October 24, 2010
~ Learn about Faith ~
* Hebrews 11 - faith is things hoped for; we must believe in God and He will reward us though sometimes those rewards come after this life. Paul gives us many examples of people who had great faith so that we can better understand it. My favorite is regarding Sara who never lost faith and hope that she would have children because the Lord had promised her. I feel like I am in her shoes right now. I too have been promised and now I must be patient, always believing that the blessing will come.
* Alma 32:17-43 - faith is things hoped for; we must nourish our faith with great care by praying and recognizing blessings that come to us, attending church and the temple, reading scriptures, etc.; faith takes works/actions.
* Ether 12:6-22 - again faith is things hoped for; miracles come about because of faith.
* JSH 1:11-20 - Joseph Smith had great faith to know that if he prayed God would give him an answer; his faith was so great he was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ.
* "Faith in Adversity" by Rafael E. Pino (Ensign, May 2009) - the family has faith that if they do their part they will be with their daughter again; faith requires us and helps us accept the will of God under trying circumstances; the atonement can take away our pain and sorrow; if we have faith nothing can go permanently wrong; faith gives us confidence to face and endure adversity.
* "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" by Kevin W. Pearson (Ensign, May 2009) - faith requires action and is developed by obedience and gives us enormous spiritual power; faith and fear cannot coexist and fear is destructive while faith is power!
October 24, 2010
~ Learn about Faith ~
* Hebrews 11 - faith is things hoped for; we must believe in God and He will reward us though sometimes those rewards come after this life. Paul gives us many examples of people who had great faith so that we can better understand it. My favorite is regarding Sara who never lost faith and hope that she would have children because the Lord had promised her. I feel like I am in her shoes right now. I too have been promised and now I must be patient, always believing that the blessing will come.
* Alma 32:17-43 - faith is things hoped for; we must nourish our faith with great care by praying and recognizing blessings that come to us, attending church and the temple, reading scriptures, etc.; faith takes works/actions.
* Ether 12:6-22 - again faith is things hoped for; miracles come about because of faith.
* JSH 1:11-20 - Joseph Smith had great faith to know that if he prayed God would give him an answer; his faith was so great he was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ.
* "Faith in Adversity" by Rafael E. Pino (Ensign, May 2009) - the family has faith that if they do their part they will be with their daughter again; faith requires us and helps us accept the will of God under trying circumstances; the atonement can take away our pain and sorrow; if we have faith nothing can go permanently wrong; faith gives us confidence to face and endure adversity.
* "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" by Kevin W. Pearson (Ensign, May 2009) - faith requires action and is developed by obedience and gives us enormous spiritual power; faith and fear cannot coexist and fear is destructive while faith is power!
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