Completion of Personal Progress - My Testimony of the Savior and His Chruch

April 4, 2016

My Testimony

Now that you are ready to receive the Young Womanhood Recognition, record your testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and His Church. 

I love my Savior Jesus Christ.  He is my friend.  He is my Redeemer.  I am grateful that because of Him I can be cleansed from sin each week as I partake of the sacrament.  I am grateful that I can use the power of His Atonement to grow and learn to be better when I am struggling with something hard or learning to do something new.  It enables me to be better.  I am grateful that because of him I can be resurrected and live eternally with my family if I live worthily. 

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ’s restored church.  I know that by going to church each week I can be edified and edify others.  I can serve and be served.  I can learn how to be a little bit better each day, renew my covenants and my testimony, and most importantly be cleansed from sin as I take the sacrament.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Virtue Value Project

Finished reading the Book of Mormon on

·         Aug. 29, 2014

·         May 25, 2015 and

·         Mar. 21, 2016

Virtue Value 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.

As you read, record your thoughts regularly in your journal.

Dec. 22, 2015

Helaman 4:1-4

1 And it came to pass in the fifty and fourth year there were many dissensions in the church, and there was also a contention among the people, insomuch that there was much bloodshed.

 2 And the rebellious part were slain and driven out of the land, and they did go unto the king of the Lamanites.

 3 And it came to pass that they did endeavor to stir up the Lamanites to war against the Nephites; but behold, the Lamanites were exceedingly afraid, insomuch that they would not hearken to the words of those dissenters.

 4 But it came to pass in the fifty and sixth year of the reign of the judges, there were dissenters who went up from the Nephites unto the Lamanites; and they succeeded with those others in stirring them up to anger against the Nephites; and they were all that year preparing for war.

I have noticed that when people leave the church today many times they follow this same pattern that the Nephite dissenters chose.  Those who leave the church stir people up the anger against the church.  Chad says it is so they can feel good about their decision by getting other people to agree with them.

Dec. 6, 2015

Another way we can be missionaries is to defend our beliefs.  A few weeks ago I was listening to my scriptures while I was straitening my hair for church.  I was listening to Alma 46.  The chapter heading of that scripture stood out to me.  It says:

Amalickiah conspires to be king—Moroni raises the title of liberty—He rallies the people to defend their religion—True believers are called Christians—A remnant of Joseph will be preserved—Amalickiah and the dissenters flee to the land of Nephi—Those who will not support the cause of freedom are put to death. About 73–72 B.C. 

I have been taught that the book of Alma is a type and shadow of our day.   Two definitions of types and shadows:

·         “There are many accounts in the scriptures that are intended to be ‘shadows’ or ‘types’ of something else. A type is a symbol that foreshadows a future event. We can learn more about an event by studying the details of types or shadows that foreshadow that event. https://www.lds.org/manual/old-testament-seminary-teacher-manual/genesis-continued/home-study-lesson-genesis-19-27-unit-6?lang=eng

·         “‘Typology is a figure of speech that moves in time: the type exists in the past and the antitype in the present, or the type exists in the present and the antitype in the future.’ The implications this has on our understanding of scriptural history are profound.” http://www.ldsliving.com/Types-and-Shadows-The-Old-Testament-Revealed/s/5129

So now that we know that the Book of Alma foreshadows our day and the things that will take place let’s read that chapter heading again.  There were two things that really stood out to me.

Amalickiah conspires to be king—1. Moroni raises the title of liberty—He rallies the people to defend their religion—True believers are called Christians—A remnant of Joseph will be preserved—Amalickiah and the dissenters flee to the land of Nephi—2.Those who will not support the cause of freedom are put to death. About 73–72 B.C. 

1.      President Monson and other general authorities have given us a modern day title of liberty.  Pres. Monson said, “Inasmuch as the trend in society today is rapidly moving away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, we will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which we believe. Will we have the courage to do so?” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/be-strong-and-of-a-good-courage?lang=eng

2.      Those who do not defend the gospel may risk spiritual death.

“President Thomas S. Monson has been raised up for our time. His life and teachings are the message God has sent to protect and bless us today.” https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/10/the-book-of-alma-lessons-for-today?lang=eng

Note the example of the Savior. What did He and those who followed Him do to live virtuous lives?

The Savior led a virtuous life by always doing the Father’s will.  He lived a perfect, virtuous life so he could be the light of the world.  “Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world.  Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do” (3 Nephi 18:24).  He appeared to and taught the Nephites how they could follow Him and how they should administer in the church.  He taught them the doctrine of faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.  Those who followed the Savior led virtuous lives by coming to Christ through faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.  They stood as witnesses of Jesus Christ, shared their testimonies of Him and taught others his gospel, goodness and of the atonement.

At the completion of your reading, record your testimony.

April 4, 2016

I love the Book of Mormon.  I know that it is the word of God.  I have read it several times.  I read from it every day, with very few exceptions.  I love the truths that it contains.  I know that reading it builds my faith and gives me protection from Satan’s influence and temptations.  I do my best to claim the blessings it promises.  It brings me happiness and peace.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Individual Worth Value Project

Individual Worth Value Project

You have a unique and divine mission to perform on the earth and have been blessed with talents to accomplish this mission.  As you complete one of the following projects, you will witness the value and contribution of others and also see the influence you can have in the lives of others.  Express your gratitude to those with whom you work and record your experiences in your journal.

My project was to

• Share one of your gifts by instructing or tutoring someone in an academic subject, music, a sport, or an artistic skill.

April 4, 2016

I completed this project by teaching Spencer, Bryant and Karalee piano lessons and by helping Marlee with her school work and reading.  I have witnessed how each of them improved a lot over time by practicing regularly each week.  Their small efforts each day brought and continue to bring great results.  I’ve noticed that when I am patient and complimentary they do well, feel good about themselves and have fun learning.  When I lose patience it makes them feel badly and they don’t want to play or read.  I am thankful for their diligence and hard work.  They are learning amazing things.  I am grateful for their bravery as they learn to play for others.

Personal Progress – Integrity Value Experience #3

Started March 8, 2016

Finished April 4, 2016

Personal Progress – Integrity Value Experience #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.

Identify the ways these people demonstrated integrity-

 3 Nephi 11:10–11 - The Savior demonstrated integrity by doing that which he was called to do even though it was hard and by always doing the will of the Father.  “I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.”

Genesis 39 –   Joseph demonstrated integrity by refusing to lie with Potiphar’s wife, even though he was a servant and she was a higher class than him and she probably could have made his life more miserable.  He didn’t just refuse her once, but several times.  When she tried to trap him, he fled.  He knew it would be great wickedness and a sin against God to lie with her.

The book of Esther – Esther demonstrated integrity by not counting her life above the lives of her people.  She knew she had been placed in a position to act and that she had a responsibility to her act in behalf of her people.  She fasted and prayed and asked others to fast and pray for her success and safety.  She was wise and thoughtful as to how she could best save her life and the lives of her people—she waited 3 days to make her request to the king, keeping him in suspense and demonstrating how important it was to her.

Job 2:3 – Job demonstrated integrity by living an upright life, fearing God and eschewing evil.  He had integrity even when things got hard for him.

Job 27:3-6 –  Job demonstrated integrity by making the commitment to not speak wickedness nor utter deceit as long as he lived.  He said, “till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.”  He determined to hold fast to his righteousness and not let it go.

Daniel 3 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego showed integrity by refusing to bow down to an idol, even when the consequence was death.  They knew, loved and trusted God.  “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”  They did not want to offend God or break his commandments.  They showed their love to God by keeping his commandments.  Heavenly Father delivered them from the furnace and also sent an angel to be with them during that time. 

Daniel 6 – Daniel showed integrity by serving the king in such a way that “the presidents and princes [who] sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; …could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.”  They also knew that Daniel prayed and worship God faithfully so they passed a law saying that no one could pray.  Daniel continued to pray even though the consequence was to be thrown into the lion’s den.  Heavenly Father delivered Daniel from the Lion’s den.  He sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, because Daniel was innocent.

Acts 26 – Paul showed integrity by being obedient to the heavenly vision of Jesus Christ he was given.  Even when he was in prison for preaching of Christ he testified of Christ to the king and was willing to be put to death for his beliefs and testimony.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:15 –  Hyrum Smith showed integrity by loving what is right before the Lord.  He was blessed and loved of the Lord because of his integrity.

Joseph Smith—History 1:21–25 – Joseph Smith showed integrity by never denying his vision, even though he was hated and persecuted for saying that he had seen a vision.     He knew what was true in his heart.  He knew God knew he had seen a vision so he could not, nor dared not deny it because he knew that would offend God and bring him condemnation.

I show integrity by planning my vacations so we do not travel or play at the beach on the Sabbath day.

Personal Progress – Integrity Value Experience #2

March 7-8, 2016

Personal Progress – Integrity Value Experience #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.

To improve my personal integrity if I hear gossip I can stand up for that person and/or change the subject.  I will improve my integrity by not texting or checking email while driving.  I know this is dangerous.  I will also do better to be on time to appointments and things.  I know that when you are late it is as if you’re saying that your time is more valuable than another’s time.   The new habits I want to develop are to be a little early to appointments and things instead of always running late and to not text or check email while driving. 

Personal Progress – Integrity Value Experience #1

Started February 18, 2016

Finished March 3, 2016

Personal Progress – Integrity Value Experience #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.

Think about what it means to “deny yourselves of all ungodliness.”

I think “deny yourselves of all ungodliness” means that in all areas of our lives we try to do that which is good and holy.  We seek good entertainment, friends, books, music, environments, language, etc.  We will not be able to do this all at once.  Little by little we get better each day.  Today we are better than we were yesterday; tomorrow we will be better than we were today.  As we do this we develop integrity, the moral courage to make our actions consistent with our knowledge of right and wrong.  Until eventually, by the grace of God we become holy, without spot. (Moroni 10:30-33)

Reflect on how the Lord’s standards differ from the world’s standards.

The world doesn’t seem to have any set standards anymore.  It is more of an anything goes, do what feels good at the moment type of mentality.  There is rarely any teaching to develop self-control.  I know that I am a daughter of God and that he has standards for my happiness.  I know that I was created by Him in His image and that He knows who I am and what my mind and body needs to be happy and to help others be happy.  I know that wickedness never was happiness so I need to stay away from wickedness if I want to be happy.

Appropriate standards for:

• Behavior – Modest Behavior, avoid being extreme or inappropriately casual in behavior.
• Dress – It is important to dress in such a way that shows you know how precious your body is, to also show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ and that you love Him.  Be well groomed--neat and clean and avoid being extreme or inappropriately casual in clothing, hairstyle and behavior.  Do not use special occasions as an excuse to be immodest.  Immodest clothing is any clothing that is tight, sheer, or revealing in any other manner.  Short shorts and skirts, shirts that do not cover the stomach and clothing that does not cover the shoulders or is low-cut in the front or the back should be avoided.
• Conversation—Use clean and intelligent language  for it is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind. Use Good language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others invites the Spirit to be with you.  Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith, hope, and charity.  Choose friends who use good language. Help others improve their language by your example. Be willing to politely walk away or change the subject when those around you use inappropriate language.  Speak kindly and positively about others. Choose not to insult others or put them down, even in joking. Avoid gossip of any kind, and avoid speaking in anger. When you are tempted to say harsh or hurtful things, leave them unsaid.  Always use the names of God and Jesus Christ with reverence and respect. Do not use profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, and do not tell jokes or stories about immoral actions.  Remember that these standards for your use of language apply to all forms of communication, including texting on a cell phone or communicating on the Internet.  If you have developed the habit of using language that is not in keeping with these standards—such as swearing, mocking, gossiping, or speaking in anger to others—you can change. Pray for help. Ask your family and friends to support you in your desire to use good language.
• Literature, Movies, Television, Internet, Music, Cell phones and Other Media -- Select only media that uplifts you.  Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable.  Do not watch, listen to or read media that portrays what is wrong and evil to be normal, humorous, or exciting. Do not spend long periods of time using the Internet or a mobile device, playing video games, or watching television or other media because that can keep you from valuable interactions with other people. Be careful that your use of social media does not replace spending time with your family and friends.  Guard your safety and the safety of others by taking great care about what personal information and images you share through technology. Do not communicate anything over the Internet or through texting that would be inappropriate to share in person. Obey the laws that govern sharing music, movies, and other copyrighted items.

Also write your plan to stay morally clean and worthy to attend the temple.

I plan to stay morally clean by living the standards in the strength of youth pamphlet.  I also will do my best to keep my relationship with Chad strong and healthy and to be a good help meet for him. 

After keeping your standards for at least one month, record your feelings in your journal and continue to keep your commitment.

When I live with integrity–keeping my actions in harmony with my knowledge of right and wrong—I am happier, I have peace, I recognize the prompting of the Holy Ghost.

Personal Progress – Good Works Value Experience #3

February 12, 2016

Personal Progress – Good Works Value Experience #3

Read Mosiah 18:7–10, and in your journal list three ways you can comfort others or help them bear their burdens. Do the things on your list, and tell a family member or leader about the experience and how your attitude and understanding have changed.

·         Massage Bryant’s sinuses, head and neck since he has a headache and sinus trouble today.

·         Check in on Sharon Miller to see the results of her chest x-ray since she is dealing with some health challenges.

·         Go to Snowflake this weekend so we can be with my Mom over Valentine’s Day so she won’t feel quite as lonely without my Dad on Valentine’s Day.

February 16, 2016

When I massaged Bryant’s sinus, head and neck it helped me feel good that I could bring him a little relief from his sickness and I had hope that it would help break up the infection so he would get better faster.  It helped me care for him more and be more considerate of his condition.

When I checked in on Sharon I felt like I was a good friend and I hoped that by checking in on her she felt support through her burdens.  It helped me have a desire to be a good friend to more people.

It was a neat experience to be with my Mom on Valentine’s Day.  As I was there trying to help her feel less lonely, I was able to witness service and companionship that my family members do for her on a regular basis and on special days too.  It helped me want to do more for her even though I do not live close by.  I will have to think about good things that I can do for her.

Personal Progress - Good Works Value Experience #1

Started - January 26, 2016

Finished - February 11, 2016

Personal Progress - Good Works Value Experiences 1

Learn why service is a fundamental principle of the gospel. Read Matthew 5:13–16; 25:34–40; Galatians 6:9–10; James 1:22–27; Mosiah 2:17; 4:26; and 3 Nephi 13:1–4. Others often give service you may not notice, such as preparing meals, reading to or listening to younger children, repairing clothing, or helping a brother or sister. For two weeks record in your journal the quiet acts of service your family members and others perform. Acknowledge their service in some meaningful way.

Why service is a fundamental principle of the gospel

As we let our lights shine by doing good things for others it brings glory to Heavenly Father.  (Matthew 5:13-16)

When we serve others we serve God.  (Matthew 25:34-40)

We should not get weary of serving others and doing good things to them.  We will reap the good things that we do if we don’t give up.  We should do good unto others every time we have the opportunity, especially to those of faith.  (Galatians 6:9-10)

It is not enough to hear the word of God we must do it.  Pure religion is serving and visiting others. (James 1:22-27)

We have wisdom when we learn that when we are in the service of our fellow being that we are in the service of our God. (Mosiah 2:17)

Serving others—“ imparting of our substance to the poor, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants”— allows us to retain a remission of our sins. (Mosiah 4:26)

It is important to serve others without desire to be seen or them or for recognition.  Service should be done anonymously if possible.  Those who tell everyone of the service they have done are hypocrites and their reward is the glory of men.  Those who serve in secret are rewarded openly by Heavenly Father who seeth in secret. (3 Nephi 13:1-4)

Quiet acts of service I’ve seen family members and others perform:

• Tilly took her siblings clothes baskets to their room for them while they were at school.
• Mothers (or maybe fathers or other caregivers) brought choir uniforms to their children at BFHS when they forgot their uniforms for choir pictures.
• Andrea Taylor gave me a heads up this morning, Jan. 26^th, that the parents of 11 year old YW who are turning 12 this year did not get notified that new beginnings was changed from today, Jan. 26^th, to Feb. 10^th.  That allowed me time to apologize and to let everyone know of the change well before they went down to the church.
• Tim Reed offered, without me asking, to pick up all the laurel’s tickets for the ASU family devotional with Elder Andersen while he was picking up the priest’s tickets and he delivered them to my house.  This helped me SO much not to have to go down to Tempe to pick them up on such a busy day.
• Karalee opened the front door for Spencer to signal to the carpool that Spencer would be out in a little while.
• Karalee got Tilly’s boots from out in the yard and brought them in the house.
• Shon forwarded Molly’s missionary letter to me and other family members and friends.
• Doug forwarded Lindsay’s missionary letter to me and other family members.
• Chad and the kids, Devin and family and Anna and Tyler helped Heather move.
• Brenda had Grammy days for Tilly and her cousins her age.
• Spencer babysat while I took Bryant to basketball practice.
• Several people cheered me on when I posted my resolve to lose weight on Facebook.
• Robert Skouson told me about a good supplement I should use to help regulate my hormones.
• Celeste helped me pick out which brand of supplement was a good brand.
• Karalee unlocked the door for Spencer so when he came home he wouldn’t have the ring the bell.
• Marlee and Tilly threw away my crochet scraps of yarn for me.
• Bryant brought me scissors while I was crocheting.
• Spencer brought me a drink of water while I was crocheting.
• Chad, Spencer and Bryant helped the Patterson’s move.
• Chad installed a new cord on Heather’s dryer.
• Mom and Shon wrote a letter to me and to the family.
• Theresa Schenck volunteered to take our ward’s laundry assignment at the temple.
• Jessica Carr, Brittany Call, Kathy Walker and Chelsea Snell offered to make a dessert for our upcoming Stake Relief Society activity.
• Bryant got all his sisters vitamins this morning.
• Tilly put Karalee’s scriptures away for her.
• Lindsey Bowen took Spencer to and from his game last night.
• Jenny Reed called and offered a ride to Karalee to activity days.
• Nicole Rudd had Jorsyn Taylor over to play with Emmie while her Mom was working.
• Marlee picked up Karalee’s sunglasses.
• Natalie Sandall offered to watch Tilly so I could go help in Marlee’s class.
• Spencer sat and listened and helped Marlee do her reading homework.
• Chad went out back and shot baskets with the boys and taught them skills and tips.
• Courtney Rae offered dinner to members in the ward when she made too much.
• Tilly helped clean up the older girl’s forts.
• Brenda wrote a letter updating us on her life.
• Mom wrote a letter to the family.
• Brenda emailed a great article.
• Karalee took Bryant’s scriptures to him at church when he forgot them.
• Marlee picked lemons so we could have lemonade with Sunday dinner.
• Spencer went to church early to set up chairs and prepare the sacrament.
• Marlee and Bryant went early with Spencer to help with the chairs and hymnbooks.
• Sherry Sedillo made arrows for New Beginnings decorations.
• The YW leaders planned, made cookies for, decorated and executed the new beginnings program for the young women.
• Jensen Bailey conducted the music for the closing song.
• Liv Wilcox accompanied the YW special number and the closing song.
• Jenny Reed let me borrow white table cloths for New Beginnings.
• Natalie Sandall, Kristie Kerr, and Kathy Walker shared a spiritual thought at new beginnings.
• Spencer prepares a come follow me lesson for our family each Monday morning, Chad prepares a come follow for the family every other morning before school.
• Tena Moore picked up after school sports carpool when it was my turn.

Meal Planning - Personal Progress – Good Works Value Experience #2

February 11, 2016

Personal Progress – Good Works Value Experience #2 

Service is an essential principle of family living. Help plan your family’s menus, obtain the food, and prepare part of the meals for two weeks. During that time help your family gather to share mealtimes. Report to your class what you have learned.

I have learned that in meal planning it is helpful to plan ahead.  I choose 5-8 dinners to shop for at a time.  In addition to that, I try to always keep things for breakfasts and lunches and quick, easy dinners on hand in my pantry.  When I have chosen my 5-8 dinners I make a list of things we will need to buy to make those dinners, I also add lunch items, breakfast items and fruits and veggies that we are running low on to the list.  Then about once a week, I go to the store and purchase those items.  Each morning I decide which of the meals on my list I will make for dinner that evening.  I make a mental note of how long it will take to make dinner and what activities we have going on that evening so I can try to do as much prep ahead of time as possible.  When I am cooking if I notice I am running low on spices or condiments I put that on my shopping list right away so I won’t forget to buy more.  I try to do this with cleaning supplies as I am cleaning and every other type of household good too.  In addition to that, I try to keep at least two of each spice, canned food, cleaning supply, etc. on hand at all times and then when the one I am using runs out I have a backup on hand and then I replace the backup right away.  (I’m not sure if that makes sense, but I don’t know how to explain it better.)  Planning ahead makes things go much more smoothly.  It helps my life go better because dinner becomes less of a hassle...most of the time anyway.  If I'm able to keep food, fruits and veggies, and snacks on hand I don't hear my kids grumble about be "starving" quite as often. ;)  Sometimes I love cooking, sometimes I don't love it, but I feel it is a necessary skill when raising a family.

Personal Progress – Knowledge Value Experience 2

Started January 19, 2016
Finished 1-21-16

Personal Progress – Knowledge Value Experience 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.

My talents are:

·         Playing the Piano

·         Organization

·         Playing the Organ

·         Good choir voice

·         Playing the violin and viola

·         Volleyball

·         Basketball

·         Understanding

·         A good listener

·         Good at keeping confidences

·         Budgeting

·         Saving money

·         Cooking

·         Baking

·         Diligent at reading scriptures

·         Diligent at exercising

·         Multi-tasking

Talents I would like to develop:

·         Staying calm and not yelling at my children

·         Crocheting

·         Being more reserved

·         Missionary

·         Patience

·         Charity

·         Better manners

A new talent I am learning that will help me care for my future family is crochet. I will continue to practice so when I am a grandma I can make beautiful baby blankets for my grand babies like my mom made for her grand babies.

Grandpa Sanders' biography

Chad's cousin shared this biography of Grandpa Vearl Sanders on Facebook.  It's wonderful.

A little more of my Dad's biography

My brother Doug has been working on a biography of my Dad.  He has shared parts of it throughout the years.  He recently wrote these pages and gave them to my Mom for her birthday this week.  They are awesome.  (Doug if you don't want this posted here let me know and I'll delete it.  But really I only have like 6 readers on most of my posts so I didn't think it would matter much.)

Personal Progress - Virtue Value Experiences 4

Started on January 5, 2016 

Finished on January 7, 2016

Personal Progress - Virtue Value Experiences 4 

Determine what you can do daily to remain pure and worthy, and write your plan in your journal.

Each day I will come unto Christ by reading the scriptures.  I will do my best to deny myself of all ungodliness and love God with all my might, mind and strength by keeping the commandments.  I will try to recognize the hand of God in my life and deny not his power. (Moroni 10:32-33)

I will also remember that I have taken upon me the name of Christ so that I will do my best to act as He would act.  I will try to always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given me. (Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79)

I will kneel down before my Maker, and cry unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul.  I will have faith in Christ.  I will feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren.  (Enos 1)

I will confess and forsake my sins daily.  I will do my best to daily turn away from sin and turn to God.  (For the strength of youth)

Personal Progress – Knowledge value experience 1

Started on January 8, 2016  

Finished on January 15, 2016

Personal Progress – Knowledge value experience 1

Learn about the importance of gaining knowledge by reading Proverbs 1:5; 4:7;2 Nephi 28:30; and Doctrine and Covenants 88:78–80, 118; 90:15; 130:18–19;131:6. Think about why you need to gain knowledge and understanding about how to apply gospel principles to your present and future home and family life. Write in your journal what you have learned about knowledge, and discuss it with a family member or Young Women leader.

I need to gain knowledge and understanding about how to apply gospel principles to my present and future home and family life so I can help bring happiness to my family members and to myself.  Learning the gospel allows us to live the gospel and that brings blessings and happiness.

I have learned that to be wise I need to increase my learning and seek out counsel from other wise people. (Proverbs 1:5)

I have learned that it is important to gain wisdom and understanding.  (Proverbs 4:7)  I think this is important because understanding comes as you live what you learn.  That is how we grow and become more like Christ.

I have learned that God teaches his children line upon line, precept upon precept.  That is why we can continue to learn from the Book of Mormon each time we read it and each time we go to the temple even though we read and hear the same things each time.  When we receive what heavenly Father teaches us he gives us more knowledge.  When we say we have learned enough and don’t try to learn anymore our current knowledge is taken away.  (2 Nephi 28:30)  

I have learned that the Lord can give us knowledge about everything.  “Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms.”  He does this so that we “may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.”  It is also important to seek out of the best books words of wisdom so that we can teach others to have faith with our wisdom.   That will take work, action and trust in the Lord.  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:78-80, 118)

I have learned that it is important to be organized, especially in my church callings.  It is commanded that we study and learn and to be acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people.  To me that means I need to be familiar with those who I am sharing the gospel with.  I need to learn about them to be an effective gospel teacher. (Doctrine and Covenants 90:15)

I have learned that the intelligence we get in this life will rise with us in the resurrection.  I believe intelligence is the righteous and wise use of knowledge which comes through diligence and obedience.  Those who gain more knowledge and intelligence in this life will have an advantage in the world to come.  (D&C 130:18-19)

I have learned “it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance” (D&C 131:6).  To me that means everyone will have to be taught, exercise faith, repent, be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost in order to be saved.  If people don’t get that opportunity in this life then there are missionaries that will teach them in the next life and temple work can be done for them by those who are living.  When we are taught, exercise faith, repent, get baptized and receive the Holy Ghost we are no longer ignorant and have the potential to be saved.