Personal Progress Goals

The requirements for a Young Woman's leader is different than those for the Young Women. This is what I need to do in order to earn my Personal Progress award...

A leader needs to
     --Serve for a total of 1 year as a Young Women leader (called 3-31-13) done 3-31-14
     --Complete the required (and not the additional) value experiences in each of the 8 values will be done 4-7-14 (just 2 more days of living my standards and I will be done with Personal Progress)
     --Complete 3 value projects, including the project for virtue done 8-11-13

Required Value Experiences


FAITH FINISHED!!!

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. done 3-28-14

2 Discover the principles of faith taught by the mothers of Helaman’s stripling warriors. Read Alma 56:45–48 and 57:21. Review what “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” says about a mother’s role. With a mother, grandmother, or leader, discuss the qualities a woman needs in order to teach children to have faith and to base their decisions on gospel truths. How can these principles help you in your life today and help you prepare to be a faithful woman, wife, and mother? Record your thoughts and feelings in your journal. done 3-29-14

3 Living gospel principles requires faith. Read about faith in the Bible Dictionary or True to the Faith. Faith in the Savior Jesus Christ leads to action. Choose a principle such as prayer, tithing, fasting, repentance, or keeping the Sabbath day holy. In your own home or another setting, plan and present a family home evening lesson about how faith helps you live that gospel principle. If possible, ask a family member to share an experience that has strengthened his or her faith. Share your own experiences as well. In your journal write down one of those experiences and describe your feelings about faith. done 3-30-14


DIVINE NATURE FINISHED!!!

1 What are some of the divine qualities of a daughter of God? Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”; 2 Peter 1; Alma 7:23–24; and Doctrine and Covenants 121:45. In your own words, list the divine qualities discussed in your reading. Think about how you can discover and develop each of these qualities. Record your ideas in your journal. done 3-29-14

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” 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. done 4-5-14

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. done 3-21-14


INDIVIDUAL WORTH    FINISHED!!!

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. (done 6-30-13)
  
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. (done 7-7-13)
  
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. (done 7-21-13)

value project: write my parents' life histories done 8-11-13


KNOWLEDGE FINISHED!!!


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. (done 6-23-13)

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. (6-23-13)
  
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. (done 6-8-13)

value project: Make cheeses (mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and maybe ricotta) (done 6-29-13)


CHOICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY   FINISHED!!!

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.  done 3-21-14

2 Read the pamphlet For the Strength of Youth. List in your journal each standard of righteous behavior the pamphlet outlines, and record why it is important to choose to live those standards. Practice living righteous standards by choosing three standards in which you need to improve. You might choose to be more selective about television, music, books, or other media, or you might improve your modesty, language, or honesty. After three weeks share your progress with your family, your class, or a leader.  done 3-28-14
  
3 Agency, or the ability to choose, is one of God’s greatest gifts to His children. Read about agency in Joshua 24:15; 2 Nephi 2; and Doctrine and Covenants 82:2–10. With a parent or leader, discuss the blessings and responsibilities of agency. Record in your journal your understanding of agency and the consequences of choices and actions. done 3-23-14


GOOD WORKS   FINISHED!!!

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.  done 2-11-14


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.  done 9-22-13

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.  done 3-8-14


INTEGRITY   FINISHED!!!

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.  will be done 4-7-14


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.  done 3-8-14


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.  done 3-29-14

VIRTUEFINISHED!!!

1 Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It includes chastity and purity. The power to create mortal life is an exalted power God has given His children. He has commanded that this power be used only between a man and a woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Study the meaning and importance of chastity and virtue by reading Moroni 9:9; Jacob 2:28; “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”; and the section on sexual purity in For the Strength of Youth. Also read Article of Faith number thirteen and Proverbs 31:10–31. In your journal write the promised blessings of being sexually clean and pure and your commitment to be chaste. (done 7-14-13)


2 Virtuous living “at all times and in all things, and in all places” qualifies you for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. When you are baptized and confirmed, you are given the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide all aspects of your life. Since the Holy Ghost does not dwell in unclean tabernacles, living a virtuous life is a prerequisite to having the companionship of the Holy Ghost and receiving the blessings of temple ordinances. Read the following scripture references and identify the promised blessings: John 14:26–27; 15:26; 2 Nephi 32:1–5; and Doctrine and Covenants 45:57–59; 88:3–4; 121:45–46. In your journal record what you have learned, and write about a time when you felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost. (done 7-21-13)


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. ( done 7-27-13)

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. (done 7-28-13)

VIRTUE VALUE PROJECT: You may begin this required value project at any time.

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. (done 6-26-13)

my first goal here was passed off on 6-8-13 and the last was 4-7-14...so 10 months of sometimes working on the goals...

summer projects

I have been counting down until summer vacation...

I have had so much fun planning my projects. Most summers I pick projects and generally work on one a week. This time I think I'm going to focus on different projects each day of the week and work on my scrapbooking in the evenings. My penciled-in plans:

Early morning:

2 mile walk
am yoga or streching
yard work--front flower beds
                  vegetable garden
                  get rid of saltgrass
scripture study and lesson prep

Daytime:

Monday:
Pinterest projects--wind chime
                              family tree pendant
                             clothes pins with thumbtacks
                             make a quilt
                             scrabble tile magnets
                             blocks for 4th of July
                              family wordle project
                              mosaic project 

Tuesday:
Food--work on recipe binders
           make cottage cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, and sour cream (tried ricotta but failed)
           try new healthier recipes--look into different grains
           work on meal planning

Wednesday:  

Preparedness--work on 72 hour kits again
                        rotate water storage
                        rotate #10 cans
                        work on alternative heat source
                        make a solar oven


Thursday:
Family History--add to my personal history
                           research and post to blog
                           new photos and arrangement for wall
                           work on family history book to put on scribd.com
                           check info on familysearch.org and print a fan chart
                           attend temple

Friday:
House--finish guest room
             sort files in cabinet
             organize photo files
             dejunk each room

Sunday:
Personal Progress goals
            

Evening:

project--scrapbooking
2 mile walk 

read

Summer Reading List

I have 4 books that I've started to read and want to finish and one new book on my list (and then I added 2 more):

read:    

Eve and the Choice Make in Eden by Beverly Campbell
The Essential Difference: the Truth about the Male and Female Brain by Simon Baron-Cohen
The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine

finish:

Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition, and Health  by Marion Nestle (well, I read a little and it was interesting, but I returned it to the library when it was due)

Maze Runner by James Dashner

Following the Light of Christ into His Presence by John M. Pontius

Brush with Death by Karen MacInerney

not having to bear my testimony at Stake Conference

Last weekend we had a special Stake Conference. Sunday morning as I was sitting there waiting for the meeting to start, the Stake President let me know that I might be called upon to speak. After a little while, one of the counselor's told me the same thing. Then executive secretary did, and my brother-in-law who is the other counselor came over and I told him I had already been warned. He just wanted to let me know he had not been the one to suggest my name for "the list." I wonder how many others were on the list and if they were similarly warned. In the end, no one extra was called, so I was off the hook, so to speak. However, for most of the meeting I pondered and squirmed and couldn't figure out what to say. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

I do not enjoy being in front of people (and since we had a General Authority there, the place was more packed than usual), so I was surprised to find that the reason I was glad not to have to get up was not because of my natural dislike for being the center of attention, but because I was afraid they wouldn't get out of me what they were hoping for. I might have given an apology for my blessings instead of showing gratitude.

I knew the reason I was one of the one's on "the list." Almost 6 months ago, my 21 year old boy who has Asperger's syndrome and couldn't serve a proselyting mission, started his 2 years as a family history missionary. Then about a month ago, my oldest got married for time and all eternity to his fiancée in the Salt Lake Temple. Six days after that, my 19 year old left for the MTC for his 2 week training before being sent out on a proselyting mission. The last 6 months have been amazing. But I didn't want to share that. Not there, anyway.

I am (sometimes) very conscious of those who do not share the same blessings I have. I guess I could have born my basic testimony of God, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, the Church of Jesus Christ, and Thomas S. Monson. People didn't need to know the specifics of why I was asked...yet I felt since that was why I was asked that that's what they wanted me to talk about.

The problem reminds me of the Relief Society's "Good News Minute" where each Sunday a few minutes would be taken for sisters to share their good news with the others. That was done away with because instead of engendering a bond, it made certain wounds more sore. How do you face people stating each week how wonderful their lives are when yours is falling apart?

How can I state I love my husband to a group where many may wish to be married but aren't--or are recent widows--or have husbands that aren't what they should be? How can I talk about my children who are currently doing what they should (though who knows in a few years if that will still be the case) when so many don't have children or their children have passed away or are wayward?

Yes, some are strengthened by such sharing--it gives them hope even if they aren't currently enjoying those blessings. But for some, it's just a time for Satan to rub salt in their wounds by having reminding them of blessings that they wish to have or used to have, but don't anymore.

Political correctness can go too far, yet we should be sensitive to those around us. Where do you draw the line?

Should I not be grateful for my blessings? Definitely, but maybe in a more private arena and not always at the pulpit.

So, I'm not sure what I would have said last Sunday. I think it's a good thing that I didn't have the chance to find out.