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Friday, April 29, 2011

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.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

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!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

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.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

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.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

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.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

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.

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.

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).

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.