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.