Young Women in Excellence

We had a wonderful Young Women in Excellence on Tuesday.  The theme was The Greatest Showman.  Susan Gustafson planned and prepared it all.  She is a great personal progress leader.  She had wonderful decorations and she served popcorn, cotton candy, and those candy peanuts.  She made the cutest top hats filled with circus/magic items to give to each young women and each item had an inspirational quote attached.  So, so darling. 
It was a wonderful program.  She had each young woman create a poster about some of their projects, talents, interests and so on.  After the song, prayer, theme, YM/YW theme, Annie introduced my new presidency.  Then Susan spoke just a little bit about the theme...then several girls presented their posters and talked about what they have done in personal progress.  Then Susan spoke a bit more.  Then a couple more girls presented their posters.  Then Susan shared a slide show of photos of this year's activities.  Then the last couple of girls presented their posters and Susan shared a few more thoughts.  Then I shared some thoughts and Bishop Carlson shared some thoughts. 

I took notes because I am a notetaker. And because several of our YW were unable to make it...so I typed up my notes and took them to the missing YW along with their top hat.

Here are my notes: 

Susan Gustafson:

Told of how much she loved this show and how clear back in February she decided this is what she wanted to do for YW in Excellence. 

This life is the greatest show.  The gospel is everything we ever want and ever need. Sometimes life is so hard.  But we wanted to be a part of this show…in fact, we shouted for joy to come to Earth.

There are trials but this IS the greatest show.

I close my eyes and I can see
The world that's waiting up for me
That I call my own
Through the dark, through the door
Through where no one's been before
But it feels like home

They can say, they can say it all sounds crazy
They can say, they can say I've lost my mind
I don't care, I don't care, so call me crazy
We can live in a world that we design

Cause every night I lie in bed
The brightest colors fill my head
A million dreams are keeping me awake
I think of what the world could be
A vision of the one I see
A million dreams is all it's gonna take
A million dreams for the world we're gonna make

Dream big, girls.   Sometimes your dreams might seem impossible, but you can reach your goals and make a difference in this world.

Personal progress prepares us for the future.  It will help you prepare to be a missionary, a wife, a mother, a college student…we want you to want this for yourself and we will do all we can to help you and support you to receive your medallion in this upcoming year if that is what you want for yourself.

Personal progress blesses our lives.

”No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.”  P.T. Barnum

Be yourself…be who God intended you to be.

It's up to you
And it's up to me
No one can say what we get to be
So why don't we rewrite the stars?

Each week we stand and recite the theme…We are daughters of Heavenly Father who loves us..  But do you realize that He loves you no matter what.  Not just if you have good grades or are good at sports or have pretty hair.   He loves you right now, as you are. You are glorious.

Personal progress can be overwhelming...don't try to do it all at once. Pick one or two things to work on.  But I promise that it will help you be the best you can be.

From now on
These eyes will not be blinded by the light
From now on
What's waited till tomorrow starts tonight
Tonight
Let this promise in me start

Like an anthem in my heart
From now on
From now on

From now on...let’s work on personal progress.  Let’s draw closer to Christ and put our trust in Him.

****************

My comments (Jenny Panameno): 

Susan created a slide show of photos from activities this year…and I got pretty choked up looking at these photos.  As the slide show was playing, we heard the song “The Greatest Show” which says:

It's everything you ever want
It's everything you ever need
And it's here right in front of you
This is where you wanna be

This is where I want to be!!  I genuinely love being with and around you young women!  I love serving you and learning from you…there is nowhere else I would rather be right now!

I want to talk about two related lessons that I think we can draw from the movie The Greatest Showman. First, the characters in the greatest showman were each very talented. They each had gifts and they were able to use their gifts or talents such as singing and dancing in order to bring joy and gladden the hearts of others around them.

You also have gifts and talents.  Gifts such as music and dancing are wonderful and valuable, but I think the gifts that are most important are the gifts of the Spirit that we each have.

D&C 46 discusses some of the spiritual gifts we can be given.  In Doctrine and Covenants section 46 verse 12 it says, “to some is given one and to some is given another that all made profit thereby.”

Our gifts and talents are given to us to bless our lives but also to bless those around us. They are to be used to minister to others and to strengthen our own and others’ testimonies. Just as the performers in the greatest showman had to practice and work to develop their talents we can work to develop our gifts and our talents. And we can develop spiritual gifts that we don't have yet.

Listen to what George Q. Cannon (an early apostle) said, “If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not. So with all the gifts of the gospel. They are intended for this purpose. No man ought to say, “Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.” He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them. If a man lack wisdom, it is his duty to ask God for wisdom. The same with everything else. That is the design of God concerning His Church. He wants His Saints to be perfected in the truth. For this purpose He gives these gifts and bestows them upon those who seek after them, in order that they may be a perfect people upon the face of the earth, notwithstanding their many weaknesses, because God has promised to give the gifts that are necessary for their perfection.”

We develop these gifts by sincerely praying to our Heavenly Father, by exhibiting faith and by trying to emulate the savior.

In 2nd Nephi chapter 31 verse 12 it says, “… follow me and do the things which you have seen me do.” As we follow the savior and try to be more like Him, we can develop gifts such as Charity, Faith, purity, hope, the gift of knowledge, patience, forgiveness, and other spiritual gifts that we currently lack.

That leads me to the second lesson that I feel like we can learn from the greatest Showman.

The circus performers were viewed as peculiar/different/strange..but as we saw in the movie they each were unique and talented and special.

1 Peter 2:9 says,  “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood and holy nation, a peculiar people that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

We are called to be peculiar...   we are to be distinct and different in happy ways...Sometimes the world will think that we are peculiar…strange or weird. 

But the word peculiar. .scripturally it doesn't really mean strange... it means treasured possession.  We are Christ's treasured possession in the sense that we were bought with a price...He atoned for us and rescues us.  Because of His atonement, His suffering, we are His precious treasure.  We have been called to act in a higher, holier way…because we are a chosen generation and a holy nation.

While in the greatest showman PT Barnum in a sense rescues the peculiar men and women who become the acts in the circus he isn't always fully devoted to them…he at times gets blinded by greed and a desire to receive the praise of the world.  But Christ is always fully devoted and full of love for us.  In our good times and our bad times.  When we sin and when we repent.  Always, always He is there to help us and to draw us near to Him.

Pres Nelson's words...from A Plea to My Sisters.  You’ve heard me share these words before because I love them so much!

“ in 1979, President Spencer W. Kimball made a profound prophecy about the impact that covenant-keeping women would have on the future of the Lord’s Church. He prophesied: “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.”⁵

My dear sisters, you who are our vital associates during this winding-up scene, the day that President Kimball foresaw is today. You are the women he foresaw! Your virtue, light, love, knowledge, courage, character, faith, and righteous lives will draw good women of the world, along with their families, to the Church in unprecedented numbers!”

This is how we are to be “peculiar”…we are to be distinct and different in happy ways!  Not like many people of the world. And these are some of your spiritual gifts. Virtue, light, love, knowledge…these are qualities you possess and are working to develop.  These and others are the spiritual gifts our Savior wants to bless you with.  Just as the men and women in the Greatest Showman needed to share their talents in order to gladden the hearts, lift up the hands that hang down and bring joy to those around them… so too we need to share our spiritual gifts with the world. The impact of those circus acts was temporary and eternally of little consequence. People left the circus feeling happier…but then returned to their lives unchanged.  However, the impact of you choosing to share your gifts with the world is of eternal consequence and will echo through the eternities as you help bring your brothers and sisters to Christ by sharing your spiritual gifts. You are of such great worth..you ARE changing the world by being yourself and sharing your light and your gifts with others.  Please remember who you are and whose you are.

*****

Bishop Carlson:

Amen to what has been said.  Pause ...take in the spirit that is here...The Holy Ghost is here...it brings us joy.  Testimonies are here at the greatest show…I can feel your testimonies.

I admit that for months I had no desire to see the movie…I knew the music of Greatest Show.  Finally saw movie this weekend with my family and enjoyed it.

Never Be Enough

All the shine of a thousand spotlights
All the stars we steal from the night sky
Will never be enough
Never be enough
Towers of gold are still too little
These hands could hold the world but it'll
Never be enough
Never be enough

For me
Never, never
Never, never
Never, for me
For me
Never enough
Never enough
Never enough
For me
For me
For me

We have an insatiable thirst, a desire for more...this is great gift...Elder Maxwell called it divine discontent...it's good to have these desires...important to have this within...it helps us become who we are meant to me.

Please…Listen to promptings from the spirit of ways for you to be a bit better.

Each of us has spirit of Christ…it guides us and gives us this divine discontent, this longing to return home, this desire to become more than we currently are.

Listen to first promptings...we will be right 9 out of 10 times...then hopefully we can listen to the spirit to help us correct that 10^th time when we aren’t.

“All things are possible to them that believe.” All things!   Just believe.  Believe in Christ and believe in yourself.

And buried in your bones there's an ache that you can't ignore
Taking your breath, stealing your mind
And all that was real is left behind

Don't fight it, it's coming for you, running at ya
It's only this moment, don't care what comes after
Your fever dream, can't you see it getting closer

The Greatest show...have you ever had the feeling that something great is coming?  It is…

Everything is possible if we walk with Christ.  We may have to put in effort and do some planning.  But you can do it.

You can come out of the darkness into the light.

I'm not a stranger to the dark
Hide away, they say
'Cause we don't want your broken parts
I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars
Run away, they say
No one will love you as you are

But I won't let them break me down to dust
I know that there's a place for us
For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
Gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me

We can be bruised by words and actions of others and even by the words or actions we take ourselves...but our Savior wants our broken parts and can heal all our scars.

When you are on the Lord's errand you have no need to apologize...

Let me go back to the idea of “Not enough”...divine discontent is good but discouragement and despair come from the adversary....At times we feel we are not measuring up...we all have moments when we feel not enough.

Nephi explained in 2 Nephi 25:23:  “23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”

None of us is “enough” on our own…but if we do all we can do, then Christ will save us through His grace.  He loves us despite our weaknesses. 

Elder Uchtdorf said, “Sometimes we feel discouraged because we are not “more” of something—more spiritual, respected, intelligent, healthy, rich, friendly, or capable. Naturally, there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve. God created us to grow and progress. But remember, our weaknesses can help us to be humble and turn us to Christ, who will “make weak things become strong.”⁴Satan, on the other hand, uses our weaknesses to the point that we are discouraged from even trying.

I learned in my life that we don’t need to be “more” of anything to start to become the person God intended us to become.

God will take you as you are at this very moment and begin to work with you. All you need is a willing heart, a desire to believe, and trust in the Lord.”

Our weaknesses can help us be humble and make weak things in us become strong...

No matter your circumstances...you will always be enough for the Savior!

Elder Uchtdorf said, “My dear brothers and sisters, if we look at ourselves only through our mortal eyes, we may not see ourselves as good enough. But our Heavenly Father sees us as who we truly are and who we can become. He sees us as His sons and daughters, as beings of eternal light with everlasting potential and with a divine destiny.” 

Elder Uchtdorf said, “Exaltation is our goal; discipleship is our journey.

As you exercise a little faith and begin your walk as a peaceable follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, your heart will change.¹⁶ Your whole being will be filled with light.¹⁷

God will help you become something greater than you ever thought possible. And you will discover that the gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed working in your life. It works.”

If you have desire to be better...our Savior stands with open arms to receive you.

St. George/Cedar City Temples

On Saturday morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we headed to the St. George Temple.  It's beautiful.  So very white.  It was really sunny outside.  After the teens went inside with Aly, Sofie, Gabby and I enjoyed the grounds for a little while. 

The girls had fun jumping and doing dance moves in unison.  Some of the photos really turned out cute.

Then we headed to a nearby park.  What a fun park!  There were some unusual, fun swings and 2 small ziplines and some other fun features.

After playing for awhile, the girls were hot and tired.  We went to get ice cream and we sat in the shade eating our ice cream right next to Alfredo's restaurant.  😄

Then we returned to the temple, figuring they were probably about done.  Sure enough about 10 minutes later, they came out.  I had an interesting experience.  As we were about to leave, two women approached me.  One was in a wheelchair.  Someone had parked right next to her wheelchair accessible van in a place that was not a parking spot, making it impossible for her to use her wheelchair lift.  They asked if I could help them back her car out so she could use the lift.  The other woman couldn't because she can't see well.  So I said sure...then they explained that there was no front seat (the driver's wheelchair goes there) and the car has hand brakes/pedals.  It was a bit tricky to figure out how to stand up and slowly put the car in reverse and back up while using hand brakes...but I did it and they were able to use the wheelchair lift and go on their way.  Cool experience!

Then we went for lunch.  We got pizza at Pizza Limone.  Delicious!

After lunch, we headed to the Cedar City Temple.  While we were inside, I talked to a very nice lady who asked if we'd been in St. George Temple that morning.  She said they had been also and recognized the teenagers.  I felt the spirit so strong in the Cedar City Temple.  It's really beautiful inside and somehow sitting in this area settled by early Saints and thinking of the sacrifices they made so that I could have the gospel and all of these temple blessings today really touched my heart and made me feel a great deal of gratitude.  I love being in the temple and I love spending this time with the Smiths and my girls.

Aly took the girls to the park while we were in the Cedar Temple.

What a great day to be in 2 temples in one day!!

How does the language we speak affect us and those around us?

Last Sunday, I taught the young women of my ward this lesson on language's affect.  I've been thinking about it for weeks and recognize both ways that I use my language for good and also ways that I could improve. 

Here's an outline of how I chose to approach the lesson:

How does the language I use affect me and those around me?

Draw sketches on board …one with halo, one with tongue like snake…one with tongue and flames coming out of mouth…   What is abstract art?  If abstract artist wanted to represent your personality, they would draw an unusual figure …for example maybe they’d draw you with head open showing large brain to show wisdom.  So what do you think these three sketches might represent?  (This idea came from  Red Headed Hostess.)

Then we listened to a clip from Elder Holland's incredible talk The Tongue of Angels…we listened for the first minute and a half and then I paused and talked about the power of language.  Then we continued to listen until 5:01.  I asked the young women to share what stood out to them and I shared a few things that stood out to me.

 I told Jean B. Bingham's story about going canoeing.  Then I read this:   “How like that glorious wind can be the sincere compliment of a friend, the cheerful greeting of a parent, the approving nod of a sibling, or the helpful smile of a co-worker or classmate, all supplying fresh “wind in our sails” as we battle the challenges of life! President Thomas S. Monson put it this way: “We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.”⁷

Words have surprising power, both to build up and to tear down. We can all probably remember negative words that brought us low and other words spoken with love that made our spirits soar. Choosing to say only that which is positive about—and to—others lifts and strengthens those around us and helps others follow in the Savior’s way.”

I showed the Young Women a framed picture of the Savior surrounded by loving words written by the women of the Relief Society.  It was a gift given to me by Susan Vincent when I was released as Relief Society President and she was called.  I explained that it hangs in my room and that often when I feel overwhelmed or discouraged or I'm being hard on myself, I will read those words and look at the picture of the Savior and it will buoy my spirits.  Our words have power to help and lift others!

Then I broke the girls into 4 groups. I'd put sticky notes under their chairs to determine which group they would be in:  complaining, profanity, gossip or criticizing/demeaning.  Each group had materials to read including scriptures, quotes and a story or two.  They were to read the materials, and then create a way to present what they learned to the rest of the group.  I brought poster board and markers so they could make posters or they could create a skit or whatever they wanted to do.  I asked them to especially focus on how this negative use of language could be turned into a positive.  I gave them about 10 minutes to read/discuss/create and then let them share.  Here's what I gave each group:

Profanity/vulgar language

D&C 63:61-63:  61 Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips—

62 For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority.

63 Wherefore, let the church repent of their sins, and I, the Lord, will own them; otherwise they shall be cut off.

Exodus 20: 7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Profanity,” True to the Faith (2004), 128–29

“Profanity is disrespect or contempt for sacred things. It includes casual or irreverent use of the name of any member of the Godhead. It also includes any type of unclean or vulgar speech or behavior.

Always use the names of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost with reverence and respect. Misusing their names is a sin. Profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, as well as immoral jokes, are offensive to the Lord and to others.

Foul language harms your spirit and degrades you. Do not let others influence you to use foul language. Instead, use clean language that uplifts and edifies others. Choose friends who use good language. Set an example that will encourage those around you to use clean language. If friends and acquaintances use profanity, good-naturedly encourage them to choose other words. If they persist, politely walk away or change the subject.

If you have developed the habit of swearing, you can break it. Begin by making a decision to change. Pray for help. If you are tempted to use profane language, keep quiet or say what you have to say in a different way.”

For the Strength of Youth says, “How you communicate should reflect who you are as a son or daughter of God. Clean and intelligent language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind. 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.”

George Washington wrote to his soldiers when he heard that some were using profanity:  ““The General is sorry to be informed that the foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing, a vice heretofore little known in our American army, is growing into fashion. He hopes the officers will, by example as well as influence, endeavor to check it and that both they and the men will reflect that we can have little hope of the blessing of heaven on our arms if we insult it by our impropriety and folly. Added to this, it is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man of sense and character detests and despises it.”

Gossiping

D&C 42: 27 Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm.

1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Matthew 12: 35-37 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Article:  Choosing Not to Gossip, Liahona August 2013 by BRETT SCHACHTERLE:  During my sophomore year in high school, I volunteered as part of the technical crew to produce my high school’s annual musical. The experience became one of my favorite memories of the year, because it was fun and I learned so much doing it. I also loved working with the people I met.

But the most important thing I learned was not something I had expected.

In order for the tech crew to communicate quietly with each other, we used radio headsets. We also used them to tell jokes, have conversations, even to sing to each other to entertain ourselves during the long rehearsals.

But the first time we used the headsets wasn’t actually so comfortable for me. At first I was having a blast. Then some people started gossiping about the actors rehearsing onstage. I tried to ignore the snide comments and rude remarks, but as the conversation developed, the gossip grew crueler and more offensive.

I felt sick hearing some of the comments, but I was afraid to stand up against my new friends. I wish I had, because as I tolerated their jokes, I was eventually tempted to laugh and make my own comments. I began to rationalize why it would have been fine. Nobody but the tech crew would have heard me, and I wanted to fit in with the people around me.

As hard as it was, I knew that backbiting about those onstage wasn’t right, and I chose not to gossip.

After the rehearsal we learned that everything we had said over the headsets had been broadcast backstage. All 60 or so of the cast members had heard us talking. Some were angry, upset, or embarrassed. No one was impressed.

Later, while I was talking with one of my friends about what had happened, she said, “Everyone knows you’d never say anything like that.” Her comment shocked me, and I realized the significance of the choice I had made. If I had chosen to join in with the gossip, what would that have said about me? What would that have said about the Church?

I’m grateful for the choice I made in that dark, little theater, even when I thought others wouldn’t know, because it has opened blessings of friendship, peace, and confidence that I would have lost had I chosen to gossip.

From an article in the Ensign called The Frigid Wind of Gossip:  “By not gossiping, we create a warm shelter where those who know us realize they can come and freely discuss any problems they are having without fear that things will be inappropriately discussed or repeated. They can feel comfortable being themselves without fear that their mistakes or personal affairs might become the sport of idle tongues and itching ears. Both parties benefit and bask in this warm shelter.”

Complaining/murmuring:

Elder Orson F. Whitney once said: “The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.”⁶ We should honor the Savior’s declaration to “be of good cheer.”⁷ (Indeed, it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other!) Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. As someone once said, “Even in the golden age of civilization someone undoubtedly grumbled that everything looked too yellow.”

Elder Maxwell said, “I have often thought that Nephi’s being bound with cords and beaten by rods must have been more tolerable to him than listening to Laman and Lemuel’s constant murmuring.⁸ Surely he must have said at least once, “Hit me one more time. I can still hear you.” Yes, life has its problems, and yes, there are negative things to face, but please accept one of Elder Holland’s maxims for living—no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse.”

Elder Larry A. Lawrence said, “I knew a faithful mother who humbled herself and asked, “What is keeping me from progressing?” In her case, the response from the Spirit came immediately: “Stop complaining.” This answer surprised her; she had never thought of herself as a complainer. However, the message from the Holy Ghost was very clear. In the days that followed, she became conscious of her habit of complaining. Grateful for the prompting to improve, she determined to count her blessings instead of her challenges. Within days, she felt the warm approval of the Spirit.”

Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “murmurers have short memories. Israel arrived in Sinai, then journeyed on to the Holy Land though they were sometimes hungry and thirsty. But the Lord rescued them, whether by the miraculous appearance by quail or by water struck from a rock. (See Num. 11:31; Ex. 17:6.) Strange, isn’t it, brothers and sisters, how those with the shortest memories have the longest lists of demands! However, with no remembrance of past blessings, there is no perspective about what is really going on.”

Elder Maxwell said, “Instead of murmuring, therefore, being of good cheer is what is needed, and being of good cheer is equally contagious. We have clear obligations to so strengthen each other by doing things “with cheerful hearts and countenances.” (D&C 59:15; see also D&C 81:5.)

Basic things over which the scriptures say we are to be of good cheer include the transcending blessing that our sins can be forgiven and that Jesus has overcome the world! These are marvelous blessings. Additionally, we are assured that the Lord is in our midst. He will lead us along. He will stand by us. (See John 16:33; Matt. 9:2; D&C 61:36; D&C 68:6; D&C 78:18.) By knowing that these everlasting things are firmly in place, can we not, then, better endure irritations, such as a dislocated travel schedule? Besides, brothers and sisters, how can it rain on the just and the unjust alike without occasionally raining on our personal parade? (See Matt. 5:45.)”

Criticizing/demeaning/speaking in anger:

For the Strength of Youth says, “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.”

Ephesians 4: 29-32 says:  29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealedunto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evilspeaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Elder Craig Zwick said, “What does the phrase “no corrupt communication” mean to you? We all regularly experience highly charged feelings of anger—our own and others’. We have seen unchecked anger erupt in public places….Children sometimes speak to beloved parents with tongues as sharp as blades. Spouses, who have shared some of life’s richest and most tender experiences, lose vision and patience with each other and raise their voices. All of us, though covenant children of a loving Heavenly Father, have regretted jumping headlong from the high seat of self-righteous judgment and have spoken with abrasive words before we understood a situation from another’s perspective. We have all had the opportunity to learn how destructive words can take a situation from hazardous to fatal.”

Elder Zwick said, “The willingness to see through each other’s eyes will transform “corrupt communication” into “minister[ing] grace.” The Apostle Paul understood this, and on some level each of us can experience it too. It may not change or solve the problem, but the more important possibility may be whether ministering grace could change us.  I bear humble witness that we can “minister grace” through compassionate language when the cultivated gift of the Holy Ghost pierces our hearts with empathy for the feelings and context of others. It enables us to transform hazardous situations into holy places.”

President Monson said, “Unfortunately, there are those who feel it necessary to criticize and to belittle others. You have, no doubt, been with such people, as you will be in the future. My dear young friends, we are not left to wonder what our behavior should be in such situations. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior declared, “Judge not.”¹ At a later time He admonished, “Cease to find fault one with another.”² It will take real courage when you are surrounded by your peers and feeling the pressure to participate in such criticisms and judgments to refrain from joining in. I would venture to say that there are young women around you who, because of your unkind comments and criticism, are often left out. It seems to be the pattern, particularly at this time in your lives, to avoid or to be unkind to those who might be judged different, those who don’t fit the mold of what we or others think they should be.”

Jean B. Bingham shared:  “Recently, as three-year-old Alyssa watched a movie with her siblings, she remarked with a puzzled expression, “Mom, that chicken is weird!”

Her mother looked at the screen and responded with a smile, “Honey, that is a peacock.”

Like that unknowing three-year-old, we sometimes look at others with an incomplete or inaccurate understanding. We may focus on the differences and perceived flaws in those around us whereas our Heavenly Father sees His children, created in His eternal image, with magnificent and glorious potential.”

President Monson told the following story:  “A friend told me of an experience she had many years ago when she was a teenager. In her ward was a young woman named Sandra who had suffered an injury at birth, resulting in her being somewhat mentally handicapped. Sandra longed to be included with the other girls, but she looked handicapped. She acted handicapped. Her clothing was always ill fitting. She sometimes made inappropriate comments. Although Sandra attended their Mutual activities, it was always the responsibility of the teacher to keep her company and to try to make her feel welcome and valued, since the girls did not.

Then something happened: a new girl of the same age moved into the ward. Nancy was a cute, redheaded, self-confident, popular girl who fit in easily. All the girls wanted to be her friend, but Nancy didn’t limit her friendships. In fact, she went out of her way to befriend Sandra and to make certain she always felt included in everything. Nancy seemed to genuinely like Sandra. Of course the other girls took note and began wondering why theyhadn’t ever befriended Sandra. It now seemed not only acceptable but desirable. Eventually they began to realize what Nancy, by her example, was teaching them: that Sandra was a valuable daughter of our Heavenly Father, that she had a contribution to make, and that she deserved to be treated with love and kindness and positive attention.”

 The girls shared what they learned.  

Then I closed with this:

Jean B. Bingham:  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”⁶

When we see our own imperfections more clearly, we are less inclined to view others “through a glass, darkly.” We want to use the light of the gospel to see others as the Savior does—with compassion, hope, and charity. The day will come when we will have a complete understanding of others’ hearts and will be grateful to have mercy extended to us—just as we extend charitable thoughts and words to others during this life.

Elder Holland said, “Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, the three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today. With such words, spoken under the influence of the Spirit, tears can be dried, hearts can be healed, lives can be elevated, hope can return, confidence can prevail.”

I challenged them to look for ways to use their language to build others up and to bear testimony and to strengthen and bless others.

Mt. Timpanogos Temple

On Friday, August 31, the girls and I headed toward St. George with the Smiths.  On our way, we went to the Mount Timpanogos Temple.  It was fairly busy but very beautiful.  I went inside with the teens while Aly took the little girls to get Vanilla Bean Frappuchinos at Starbucks.

Then we headed toward southern Utah and St. George.  Near Nephi, we pulled over long enough to let Michelle get behind the wheel.  It was her first time driving on the freeway.  I was pretty nervous, but I figured it was best to try it out on an area with not too much traffic.  She did really well.  She quickly learned to change lanes to pass and she really did a good job. After about an hour and a half, she was ready to be done and so I took over again.

After she was done driving, Michelle took photos of the beautiful clouds and the sunset.

How is she old enough to be driving?  Her first time on the freeway.