MASH: Modern Army Serving Heaven

 We had youth conference this week. Our theme was Modern Army Serving Heaven and our scripture was 2 Timothy 2: 3..."Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."  I shared thoughts in our opening devotional.  Here's what I shared:

Our theme for youth conference is MASH...Modern Army Serving Heaven.  Have you ever thought about being part of the army of God?  This may be phrased in a few different ways but we HAVE been taught this principle.   In 2 Timothy 2: 3 we read, "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."   I think this is telling us that life is going to contain challenges and struggles...hurdles we must overcome.  But with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as our generals, leading us through the battles of life, we can overcome these challenges.  In a familiar song we sing 

Behold! A royal army, 

With banner, sword, and shield, 

Is marching forth to conquer 

On life’s great battlefield. 

Its ranks are filled with soldiers, 

United, bold, and strong, 

Who follow their Commander 

And sing their joyful song 

Victory, victory, 

Thru him that redeemed us! 

Victory, victory, 

Thru Jesus Christ, our Lord! 

This week we will sing about being as the armies of Helaman.  In another hymn, we sing "We are all enlisted till the conflict is o'er." President Nelson has invited us to join the Lord's youth battalion.  The wording may be different but each of these things relates back to us being engaged in a conflict. 

That conflict began long ago, before we came to Earth.  We lived in the premortal world with our Heavenly Parents and with our elder brother, the Savior.  We were taught by them.  We had agency.   The spirits of our Heavenly Parents were gathered together in a Grand Council where Heavenly Father presented the plan of salvation and the need for us to come to Earth.  The adversary, also called Lucifer or Satan or the devil, rebelled against Heavenly Father.  He wanted to rid us of agency and he said, "I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor."  (Moses 4:1)  There was a war in heaven and "a third part of the hosts of heaven" (D&C 29:36) followed Satan.   That war that began so long ago continues today, here on Earth.  Satan still wants to "destroy the agency of man" (Moses 4:3) and he "seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (2 Nephi 2:27)   There is a war raging all around us, a war over good and evil, right and wrong, freedom and captivity.  The unusual thing about this war is that the end is already known; the Lord will be victorious!  President Benson said, "Each day the forces of evil adn the forces of good enlist new recruits.  Each day we  personally make many decisions showing the cause we support.  The final outcome is certain -the forces of righteousness will win.  But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle-and how tall we will stand.  Will we be true to our last days and fulfill our foreordained missions?" 

WHEN I was a teenager there was an LDS movie that I watched over and over called Saturday's Warrior.  It was remade a few years ago so maybe some of you have seen it.  In case you haven't...it begins with a family and a few of their friends in the premortal existence.  These family members and friends loved each other and made promises to help one another on Earth.  Now I don't know if that's quite how it worked but Sister Nelson said, "The only thing that really matters is that you and I are doing exactly what we committed--even covenanted premortally with our Heavenly Father we would do while we are here on earth.  So, let me ask you a question:  what were you born to do?   How I wish you could watch a 10-minute video of your premortal life on Youtube."  Unfortunately, that is impossible but we do know that we made covenants with our Heavenly Father and that we were sent here at this time to accomplish specific tasks.   

But going back to Saturday's Warriors.  Did you notice the name of the movie?  Warriors.  Most of the movie takes place on Earth and the characters that we met in the premortal life are now here on Earth fighting difficult battles.     Each character faces their own unique challenges...just as we do. One has the gospel but he's not sure he believes it is true and he makes some friends that are a bad influence on him.  It seems--at least for a time--that he may lose the war against sin and become trapped by his poor choices. One has been searching all his life for the truth, but doesn't know where to find it. He is a talented artist and at one point, he is sitting in a park and sings a song about wishing he knew who he was. 

I take some paper on my hand 
And with a pencil draw a man 
The dream of what I'd really, really like to be 
A man with courage in his brow 
Who;'s licked his doubts and fears somehow 
A warrior of great nobility 
But who am I? Just a wandering kid 
A cipher on the wall, not even brave at all! 
And where's my dream like his that I would fight for? 
And where's my cause like his that I would die for? 
And in his eyes he's not a afraid 
Because you see he's got it made 
The dream of what I'd really, really like to be 
A brave and noble, fiery youth 
Who's not afraid to die for truth 
Who's tall and straight, but best of all he's free!  

He wants to know what his cause is that is worth fighting for.  Maybe you do too.   At the end even though he wants to know who he is, he worries that even if he tries, he'll just strike out or fail. 

One of the adversary's greatest attacks is against our feelings of worth.  If he can convince us that we are worthless or that we'll fail or that we have already messed up so badly that we can't fix it, then he can likely get us to fall into sin and despair. 

But here's the thing...we do know who we are. 

In the opening song in Saturday's Warrior it has some of my favorite lyrics ever: 

 
 

Who are these children coming down, Coming down like gentle rain through darkened skies, With glory trailing from their feet as they go, and endless promise in their eyes? Who are these young ones growing tall, growing strong, Like silver trees against the storm? They will not bend with the wind or the change, But stand to fight the world alone. [Chorus:] These are the few, the warriors saved for Saturday. To come the last day of the world, these are they, on Saturday. These are the strong, the warriors rising in their might, to win the battle raging in the hearts of men on Saturday. Strangers from a realm of light who have forgotten all: The memory of their former life, the purpose of their call. And so they must learn why they're here and who they really are. They must learn why they're here and who they are. [Chorus] In their sun-bright armor, they march forth to conquer all And hold their swords ablaze with fire and watch the darkness fall, But first they must learn why they're here and who they really are. They must learn why they're here and who they are. 
 

It keeps referring to Saturday...because we live in the time shortly before Christ comes again.  And YOU are these youth ...the strong, the warriors rising in their might to win the battle raging in the hearts of men on Saturday.  YOu are strangers from a realm of light who have forgotten all...and you must learn (or really remember) who you are and why you're here.   

Fortunately, you don't have to do that alone.  YOu have parents and leaders who can help you to see and learn who you are.   You have received or will receive a patriarchal blessing that will help you understand more of your mission and your unique gifts and talents.  And we have a prophet that has given beautiful teachings to help you know who you are. 

Let me read just a few of the things President Nelson has said about you in the worldwide devotional for youth in June of 2018. 

 

"Our Heavenly Father has reserved many of his most noble spirits--perhaps I might say, His finest team--for this final phase.  Those noble spirits--those finest players, those heroes (or this week we might say...those soldiers)--are you." 

 

"You are the hope of Israel, children of the Promised Day!" 

An interesting fact I just learned last week...Do you know what the name Israel means?   Israel means "one who prevails with God" or "soldier of God"...so when we say we are the children of Israel, we are saying we are the soldiers of God.  When we gather Israel through missionary work or temple and family history work, we are gathering more soldiers...we are helping more people to prevail (win!) with God's help.  Isn't that exciting?  Don't you want to be a part of that? 

"My dear extraordinary youth, you were sent to earth at this precise time, the most crucial time in the history of the world, to help gather Israel.  There is nothing happening on this earth right now that is more important than that.  There is nothing of greater consequence.  Absolutely nothing.  This gathering should mean EVERYTHING to you.  This is the mission for which you were sent to Earth." 

 One thing that helps me to have greater faith now is to realize that I knew and understood these things before when I was in God's presence.  Knowing that I believed and had faith and chose to follow Christ then makes it easier for me to make those same choices now.   

"Gaining a testimony isn’t about learning something new or even finding something that you’ve never known. It’s about understanding your divine identity and remembering the things that you’ve always known to be true."--Kevin Pearson 

How do I know who I am?   How do I remember that when challenges come or when the world tries to make me forget who I am?  One thing that helps me is knowing who the leaders in my battle are.  I know the young women have heard me say this before...but I have spent a lot of time studying the Godhead and learning as much as possible about Heavenly Father, the Savior and the Holy Ghost.  There are a lot of things in life that I don't understand...and I have a lot of questions.  So many questions!  BUt I know that my leaders, my generals can be trusted.  I know that as well as I know ANYTHING.  I know I have loving Heavenly Parents and a loving Elder Brother...and so when I am struggling or uncertain I know I can turn to them.  I know this because I have invested time in studying and prayer. 

 
 

In addition, when I begin to struggle to feel and recognize my own worth, I often turn to my patriarchal blessing. It brings such great comfort and direction to me. 

Another thing that really helps me is that I am not the only soldier on this battlefield.  We are not alone fighting this battle.  Of course, we have help from our generals.  But there are also many good soldiers all around us. You have leaders and parents that want so much to help you fight these battles and gain victory.  If you choose good friends, they will help you to make good choices and when you begin to have self-doubts they will remind you of how brave and strong and good you are.  I am SO very blessed to have friends like that...friends that believe I am even better than I really am...who see the best in me and who encourage me to become even better.   

I bear testimony that you are youth of a noble birthright...you are divine sons and daughters of God.  You ARE courageous and strong and you have a cause that is worth fighting for!   Choose now to always fight on the side of the Savior and then your victory is assured.  You are so deeply loved. 

 
 

 

Worth Week: Days 6-8

Day 6's items: a notecard to write a kind note to someone else, two packs of Starburst (one to keep and one to give away) and a note with ideas about how to serve others.

Bonnie Oscarson said, “One of the best ways to increase feelings of self-worth is to show, through our concern and service to others, that we have much of worth to contribute. I encourage you young women to raise your hands to volunteer and to put those hands to work when you see needs around you. As you fulfill your covenant responsibilities and participate in building the kingdom of God, blessings will flow into your life and you’ll discover the deep and lasting joy of discipleship.“

This world needs our love and our discipleship. Find a way to serve and help someone today! And each day!

****

Our devotional today was given by our beloved Bishop.

Bishop Carlson spoke to us from Delta...a place he and his family love. He showed us the water that his family loves to spend time in.

Bishop Carlson said that he loves water and that this was a perfect setting to remind us of a story of our Savior. Jesus had given the Sermon on the Mount and fed the 5,000. He fed the 5,000 with so little...fed them both physically and spiritually which teaches us that His grace is always sufficient regardless of the odds or of what we lack. His ability to aid you will never run out or be used up. The Savior went up to a mountain to pray. He commanded his disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee. (See Matthew 14). A storm arose and they must have labored mightily to row. By the fourth watch (some time between 3-6 AM), they had only gone a short distance. Can you imagine their exhaustion? They must have felt discouraged, perhaps even despairing.

Our Savior was watching over them--He always does, remember that. He walked on the water to reach them. They cried out in terror as He walked toward them. He said, "It is I. Be not afraid."

Storms will come to us...sometimes they come unexpectedly and sometimes with warning...these storms may cause frustration, sorrow, despair, disappointment, sadness. We may even begin to feel that all is lost.

Our Lord and Master watches over us from afar. Just as He came to His disciples on the Sea of Galilee, He comes to us. If that requires Him to walk on water He will do it. If He must move a mountain to come to you, He will do it. Whatever it takes, He will come to you. Christ watches over and will come to you.

He does so because you are worth it. To Him, you are ALWAYS worth it. You were worth it in the garden as He took upon Himself your sorrows, your sins, your weaknesses, your sicknesses, your grief, your temptations, your heartaches. But also as He experienced your joys and successes and accomplishments. You are worth it.

Bishop Carlson shared that two years ago, his beloved aunt forgot her worth. She must have had demons she wrestled with and must not have been able to see her divinity. She took her life which has brought great sorrow to their family...but also hope due to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

And so Bishop Carlson would like you to remember that you are IRREPLACEABLE! Irreplaceable to your family, to him, to our ward family, to our Savior and to our Heavenly Father. May you know that...may the Spirit testify of this truth to you, right now. If you can't feel that right now, believe in Bishop's words...and believe in the Savior's words. You are irreplaceable. The Savior's words can dispel darkness and be a shield and protection to you. You are of great value...know that, remember that, treasure that. He lives, He loves you and He will lift us!

Day 7’s item is a little ring of quotes.

The young women received a note that encouraged them to read a different quote each day for the next several weeks. Then take a few minutes to write down how that quote makes you feel, what it teaches you or any thoughts you have about your own unique gifts and talents. (Those thoughts are the Holy Ghost teaching and testifying and leading you.). If worth week goes beyond one week ...spending a few minutes each day to ponder your worth as a daughter of God, you will see changes in your feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Understanding who you really are will bless your life. After 3 to 4 weeks are over, perhaps read one quote each week or begin to memorize your favorite quotes or begin looking for additional quotes that you can add to your booklet. The words in this booklet are true. Not just in general, but specifically for YOU! You are a beloved child of Heavenly Parents.

Day 8's item is a pair of sunglasses with a note to "Look for the good in others and in yourself."

Today we had our ending meeting.

I shared a few thoughts with them. Moses saw God the Father face to face. We read in Moses 1:

And he saw God face to face, and he talked with him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure his presence.

3 And God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless?

4 And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands; but not all, for my works are without end, and also my words, for they never cease.

5 Wherefore, no man can behold all my works, except he behold all my glory; and no man can behold all my glory, and afterwards remain in the flesh on the earth.

6 And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all.

Shortly after this, the adversary came to Moses and said, "Moses, son of man, worship me." Moses replied:

Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?

Because Moses knew who He was, it helped prevent Him from being deceived by Satan.

Our preeminent (or most important) identity is that of a son or daughter of God. This knowledge brings many blessings, including (but not limited to the following):

*it is essential to our salvation. We can't become who we are meant to be (gods and goddesses) without an understanding of who we are.
*It gives us greater power and strength. Power and strength to overcome the traps and temptations of the adversary but also to endure trials and to persevere under difficult circumstances.
*It helps us understand the plan of salvation and especially our Savior's role in that plan.
*It leads us to repent.
*It encourages us to be kinder with ourselves, more forgiving of our own mistakes and weaknesses.
*It leads us to be kinder and more loving toward others. If we truly know who we are AND that everyone we meet is also a child of God, then we will treat them with kindness, respect and love.
*In fact, this knowledge has the power to transform this world...it's really the only thing that does.
*It brings peace. This past couple of months have been challenging...with the virus, school closures, not being able to attend church and the temple, earthquakes, riots and injustice. I have struggled to find peace. But as I prepared for worth week and especially as I participated in worth week, my troubles were calmed. The problems didn't all disappear but my heart was soothed and I know that we can experience peace from Christ even in the midst of difficulties and challengies and turmoil in the world around us.

Donald Hallstrom gave a beautiful talk called I Am a Child of God. He told of traveling to Liberia with Elder and Sister Bednar and of a beautiful church gathering with the people there. When asked if they knew the words to "How Firm a Foundation", they did. Together they sang verses 1, 2, 3, and 7. Their voices were raised in praise as they sang:

   The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never,

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

Elder Hallstrom said,

"In one of the most remarkable spiritual events of my life, I was taught a profound lesson that day. We live in a world that can cause us to forget who we really are. The more distractions that surround us, the easier it is to treat casually, then ignore, and then forget our connection with God. The Saints in Liberia have little materially, and yet they seem to have everything spiritually. What we witnessed that day in Monrovia was a group of sons and daughters of God who knew it!

In today’s world, no matter where we live and no matter what our circumstances are, it is essential that our preeminent identity is as a child of God. Knowing that will allow our faith to flourish, will motivate our continual repentance, and will provide the strength to “be steadfast and immovable” throughout our mortal journey." 

We each have many identities: perhaps athlete, musician, artist, mom, wife, teacher, pianist, YW president, and so on. These are all great and are a part of our identity. But they are only part of our identity. Our preeminent identity is as a child of God.

The result of any learning should be change or application. I don't teach my third graders to multiply just so they can be the fastest in a 5 minute timed test. I teach it so that when they need to solve a real life problem (such as how many donuts do they need if there are 3 classes with 25 kids in each class), they can use that skill to solve it. Anything we learn should lead to some type of change...so what might you change as a result of worth week? Maybe you'll be a little kinder to others. Maybe you'll remind yourself of who you are more often. Maybe you'll be a little faster to repent. Consider what you will do to apply what you have learned and felt.

I also shared one of the most memorable sacrament meeting talks I've ever attended. A member of our stake presidency (who was also really instrumental in my life) spoke in sacrament meeting. Some of his children were grown and married but they were all there that week. I don't actually remember most of his talk...but near the end he looked at his children and said how happy he was that they were all there together. Then he got tears in his eyes and said that it felt a bit like heaven having them all together and that heaven wouldn't be heaven without them. He plead with them--with all the love of a Father--to live so that they could all go home together. That really touched me. Heaven won't be heaven without my family. Or without these precious young women. Or so many others that I love. Let's please all go home to heaven together!

The young women shared beautiful experiences of what they learned and felt this week and how it strengthened and helped them. I hope that now they will continue to REMEMBER and ACT on what they experienced.

Worth Week: Day 5

Today's item was this note:  

Tonight Susan shared a message about what it means to be a daughter of God.  She pointed out that we hear that we are a daughter of God or a daughter of Heavenly Parents in many places...conference talks, the Family Proclamation, the YW theme.  It's no coincidence that we are taught this over and over.

Rosemary Wixom gave a beautiful talk about our divine nature, Discovering the Divinity Within.  She talks about how Heavenly Father generously shares a portion of His divinity with us.  It's a gift.  It is a deep love that only a parent can feel for their child.  We come here to Earth to nurture our gifts.  

Sister Wixom quotes Elaine Cannon who said that there are two important days in a woman's life...the day she is born and the day she finds out why.  We know why we are here...to build the kingdom of God, to prepare the world for the Second Coming.

Our divine nature has NOTHING to do with our accomplishments, our wealth, our popularity.  

In 2 Peter 1 we read:  

3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world...

Sister Wixom said that if we look out through a window--rather than into a mirror--we are better able to see ourselves as God sees us.   We need to turn to Him in prayer and study His words in scripture.  As we do this we can begin to take our validation vertically (from Him) and not horizontally (from others).  

Susan shared that she's had times when she didn't feel good enough or smart enough or talented enough...but when that happens it is because she was taking her validation horizontally.  When you begin to doubt who you are, pray and ask Heavenly Father how He feels about you.  Elder M. Russell Ballard said, “One of the sweetest messages the Spirit will relay is how the Lord feels about you.”  The spirit will testify the truth of who you are.

You need Heavenly Father...but also He needs you!  There are people around you that need your influence and example.  

Susan shared a story of a terrible drought in Ethiopia in the 1980's.  A many was walking many miles to get to a feeding station, set up to help people affected by the drought.  As he was walking, he heard a baby crying.  He found the baby, with its mother who had died.  He picked up the baby and carried it 25 miles to the feeding station.  When he arrived, his first concern was what could they do for the baby.  He recognized the baby's divine nature and worth and cared more that the baby received food and care than that he did.

When we feel down, serving others helps us.  Service helps those we serve and it helps us.  Susan shared that a few weeks ago, after a long day at work, she stopped to buy dinner.  When she went to pay, the person ahead of her in the drive through had already paid for her.  It made her feel so good and made her want to "pay it forward."

Several young women shared experiences of how good it feels to serve or to be served.  Susan reminded them of how good and kind and loving they are.  She also reminded them that if things ever go poorly with a friend or they lose a friendship, they still have family, leaders, and especially Heavenly Parents that love them.

When her daughter Katelyn was a few months old, a woman in their ward asked if Katelyn could be the baby Jesus in a nativity play.  Each night Susan would hand her baby to a cast member.  The first time she handed her precious baby over, she felt a little tug...her daughter was so precious and she had to entrust her to someone else.   Our Heavenly Parents must have felt that way when they sent YOU to Earth.  They want the best for you, and they really, really want you to come home.  

Susan encouraged us to watch the video Daughters of God.

Worth Week: Day 4

Today I encouraged the YW to listen to these two songs: Big or Small and Strong.

Tonight's devotional was given by our beloved stake YW President. She began by sharing this beautiful video by President Hinckley: The Light Within You

Then President Tye said that she prayed to find something she could share with the YW. She asked each of us to think about what makes us special. What makes you you? (She then had each young woman share.) She invited us to spend a few minutes thinking about what makes you special and write it down. She asked why are we all different? Why did Heavenly Father make us with so many different strengths, talents and personalities? One reason is it makes the world more interesting. But it also helps us learn from each other. Then she played this video, Glorious: As we listened, she asked us to think about what is special about each of us and how together we can be something grand.

She shared the photo collage that I shared a few days ago of multiple flowers. She talked about how each flower is beautiful...but they are beautiful in different ways. What makes one beautiful is different than what makes another different. Similarly, we each have our own strengths and talents and weaknesses. We are all beautiful and glorious in our own way. We shouldn't compare our strengths or talents to others' talents or gifts. She was once telling her best friend that she wished she could do some of the things that her best friend can do. Her best friend said that Melissa can do things she can't...such as plan a wonderful party. She realized that her talents could bless her best friend's life just as her best friend's talents bless her life. She reminded us that we are royalty. We don't have to be voted in or try out or go in front of a judge to be chosen. We were born royalty through our divine inheritance. Our limits are endless because of Christ. Christ voted for us so we can claim what is ours. We are queens already. President Tye told us that we are wonderful and amazing and strong. When you don't feel wonderful or strong, call out in prayer. Christ has already paid the price to claim us. We are already royalty by birth, because we are daughters of a Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. "Remember who you are and whose you are."

Worth Week 2020: Day 3

This year we are doing something new. Each evening (Tuesday-Friday) we are having a short devotional via Zoom about worth week.

Today's devotional was by Dee Ann. She shared a story of a young woman who was looking for the truth. She was introduced to the gospel and joined the church. But didn't know she was a child of God. How could God know and love her, especially with her mistakes and weaknesses? Then she read 1 Chronicles 28:9..."And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever." This scripture brought her closer to Heavenly Father and testified of her individual worth. Like David and Solomon (who made mistakes), she could be found of God. The Holy Ghost whispered to her that He knew her...her fears, strengths, weaknesses, gifts, talents, and all that she experiences.

DeeAnn shared a personal experience from about 30 years ago. Her family had a difficult decision to make. They prayed and reached a decision and it felt right. But then it seemed no one understood their choice. She felt depressed and alone. She felt like no one cared and no one supported them. Then one Sunday she went to church and sang, "How Firm a Foundation". As she sang the third verse, the spirit was there and tears streamed down her face. She felt like she was given an embrace.

" Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,

Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."

She knew that her family was known and loved by Heavenly Father. They weren't alone. He would give them the strength they needed. It didn't matter if other people understood because He did.

She reminded each of us that Heavenly Father knows us and loves us. He will help us. Pray to know that He loves YOU! Sometimes life is hard and we may have doubts or questions. But He'll help us. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to return to Him.

******

The gift today was a beautiful print from The Color Amber, entitled "In Her Image". It shows Heavenly Mother with a few of her precious daughters. It came with these words, penned by Amber Eldredge (The Color Amber):

We also gave the young women a copy of the gospel topics essay, Mother in Heaven. There is something special and wonderful when you understand that we have loving Heavenly PARENTS...a father and a mother. This is a doctrine I have long loved and cherished.

*******

After our devotional we had a panel discussion (via Zoom...while I would much rather be meeting with the young women in person, I'm so grateful for technology!). The wives of our Bishopric and our YW presidency were on the "panel" and the young women asked us questions. All of the questions and answers were so great. But I want to remember just a couple of things.

One of the questions was how do you remember your worth when your confidence dwindles?

One wife of a Bishopric member said she turns to her patriarchal blessing. It brings her confidence. It came from her Heavenly Father. It reminds her of who she is and where she came from. Another wife of a Bishopric member agreed that her patriarchal blessing helps. Then she said to be mindful of how Heavenly Father helps and blesses you--times when you have felt Him near. She shared a beautiful experience that her family had in Hawaii when they felt Him near and knew that He never lets them go. She said as we notice God's hand in our life, we are better able to remember our worth. One member of my presidency said to gather courage and ask your dad or a priesthood leader for a blessing. It does take courage but receiving a priesthood blessing helps remind you of who you are and how much you are loved. I shared 3 things...first, (and this might seem weird at first)...STUDY and come to know as much as you can about Heavenly Father and the Savior. When you really come to know God, to understand His attributes, then you will feel better about yourself. You'll still have weaknesses and imperfections...but if you really, truly understand who He is--and that you are His daughter, it gives you a better understanding of what you can become! Of the gifts and attributes you have inherited from Him. Second, pray for Him to show you how He feels about you. Interestingly, usually when I pray for Him to show me how He feels about me...He actually shows me how He feels about someone else...one of my children or the young women or someone in my ward. I'll be filled with this overwhelming, powerful feeling of love and tears will stream down my face...and I know that if He feels that way about them, then He feels that way about me too! And finally, have good friends! So often when my confidence lags, I will talk to my dear friends and tell them that. They can often see good in me when I struggle to see it in myself. I'm so grateful to have such good friends!!

Everyone was asked what advice they would give to the Young Women or would like the Young Women to know:

*Be yourself! It's okay to be you. And be kind always.

*You have parents and leaders that love you. Even when you are at your lowest. You are never alone. You can call or text or talk to your leaders and turn to them. They will listen. They are your cheerleaders. They have knowledge. They have the Spirit to help guide you and have been set apart to be your leaders. Remember you are never alone.

*YW has been a blessing to me since I was 12. Make YW a priority. Show up. Your leaders pour out their hearts to teach you and bring you closer to Christ.

*I am so impressed with all of you YW. You girls are dedicated and strong in the gospel. You have the spirit. You are valiant.

*Repentance is a blessing. When I was a YW I thought the goal was to never make a mistake so I wouldn't have to repent. But that's all wrong. Lynn G. Robbins said, "Repentance isn’t His backup plan in the event we might fail. Repentance is His plan, knowing that we will."  I'm so grateful for the Savior and His atonement and that it allows me to repent.  You will make mistakes.  You will need to repent...but the feeling of knowing that you are clean and worthy is so wonderful.  Also, remember there is a difference between worth and worthiness.  All of us sin.  We may have times when we aren't worthy but NOTHING changes our worth.  Our worth is inherent because we are children of God.   It doesn't matter if you make it on the team we try out for or we don't, if we have a 4.0 GPA or 2.0 GPA, if we are incredibly popular or have few friends, have lots of money or only a little...or any of the other things that the world might tell us define our value.   These things don't matter at all. Your worth never changes.  You are a child of God.   And He loves you.  Some of the most special experiences of my life have happened as I've received little glimpses of how much Heavenly Father loves you, young women.