187th Semiannual General Conference

Over the past couple days a lot of stuff happened. One of which, was General Conference.

I love General Conference! There is always that feeling when you wake up, knowing that you get a chance to hear from the apostles of Christ and get to learn from them. You can hear them proclaiming the word of God loud and clear for the world to hear. It brings so much joy to my heart. When conference comes in October and April it is the best days of the year. It feels great outside and family comes around and I feel God's love for me.

From the past few days I learned this:

Read the Book of Mormon and to serve others!

I'm ready for the challenge! Let us serve those from the natural disasters, help our neighbors, be kind to our family, and to be loving to EVERYONE no matter who they are. Let us read the Book of Mormon to be strengthened, inspired, and to be closer to God to ALWAYS remember him and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

On September 29th I finished reading the Book of Mormon in a 60day reading challenge our Bishop gave us. Right in time for Conference. Then I wondered if I should keep reading the Book of Mormon since I have read it twice this summer. Then President Henry B Eyring got up and said how he has read it everyday for the past fifty years and he still reads it, because that is what the prophet said. So if President Erying can read the Book of Mormon Everyday for fifty years, then reading it twice this summer doesn't even scratch the surface. I got to keep reading!!

Liston to the prophets! They care about you!

Sincerely,

EJW (Emma Jean)

Christ's Return

Today I have been thinking a lot about the Second Coming. Well, this whole week.

For those who didn't hear, the world was supposedly going to end yesterday.  It didn't. But- it made me think about how much closer are we to the second coming.

In 1 Nephi 13 and in Revelations it talks about the second coming. How there will be floods, fires, and earthquakes destroying cities. Like the floods in Houston and Florida, Fires in California and up by Montana, and the earthquakes in Mexico and soon to be Utah with the the "Great Shake" over due. People believed it was to happen yesterday. But it didn't but I believe it will happen soon. We are going to go through a lot of grief before Christ comes again.

I have been reading the book of mormon and I have been reading through 3rd Nephi when Christ comes to the Americas. I found myself crying. Because I could see all the grief those people have been going through when all of a sudden, Christ comes and angels of their loved ones come down. To see peace again. Pornography, drugs, terrorists, temptation, everything will be gone when Christ reins. Will will have a moment of peace where we can just feel the spirit and not feel the pressure of the world on our backs because everyone is at peace. We will be happy.

How is that for a thought?

Sincerely,

EJW
(Emma Jean)

God's Special Children

    Today I was given the opportunity to go to church and help those with disabilities. I won't say names, nor the place, but only that I had a wonderful time with those people.

     I was able to see all of these people. These innocent, innocent people. I can see how sweet they are and how beautiful they are in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. How he loves them very dearly!

     At church I was able to go through sacrament meeting with them and how sweet and tender these people are.

     It is hard to describe the feelings I have. To be able to serve God's angels and knowing that they were the ones serving me. Some may feel uncomfortable but if you open your eyes and realize how innocent they are, your heart melts. Because they had done no wrong. Beautiful children of God.

     This experience reminded me of the movie "I am Sam." It is a super great movie and I encourage all to watch it at some point.

     It is about a innocent man with a child and how they try to take the kid away from him because of his mental limitations. I want to cry in the movie because part of you says that he is physically unable to take care of the child while the other part of you says that they can't take the kid away because it is his kid and he didn't do anything wrong! But over all it talks about how love heals and love for our family wins. I won't spoil anymore.


     I mention this because this man was innocent yet the world around him is a cruel world. He is an angel of God and how we just want to be just as kind as him. We want to be like God's angels. To be so Christlike and loving would make this world a better place!

     I challenge you guys to try each week to be kind, loving, and Christlike. To really work on your baptismal covenants. Please.

Sincerely,

                      

                               (Emma Jean)

God Provides a Way!

NOTE: Hellman 14 (What I read today.)

     Today I learned a cool lesson in Seminary. For those who don't know what seminary is, seminary is when LDS youth go before, during, or after school to a small Sunday lesson as we grow to understand the scriptures more in depth.  This year we are reading the Book of Mormon.

     Today we were reading in 1Nephi and talked about the tender mercies God has given as Nephi and his family leave Jerusalem, go back for the plates, and so on. We talked about how Nephi was faithful to his father and Laman and Lemual were more caught up in themselves to really appreciate the miracles of God.

Lesson 1: Miracles don't convert. Actions do.

     There can be so many explanatory miracles that you would think show people "Look! God's there! Didn't you see that crazy miracle?!" But unless they are willing to see it, they won't see it. They have to choose to change their attitude and see outside of themselves. You can go outside and point to the sky in the middle of the day and say "Look it is the sun!" and the other person can agree or disagree and say "No, that's cheese! Not a 'sun!'" Get where I am coming from? But if we act and be charitable they will feel the love of God in their lives. They can ignore it or let it change them. But it all comes down to God's amazing gift, Agency.

     As we continued going over Lehi's family's journey we got to chapter 4. We talked about how God prepared a way for Nephi to get Laban, dress in his clothes, talk in a grown mans voice, and retrieve the plates. By the way, by law (law of moses) of the time, Nephi had total right to kill Laban. Because those plates were not his plates. Those plates belonged to Lehi and his family. But for Nephi to kill someone- think about it. Pretty scary right? 

Lesson 2: God provides a way!

     As a hands-on example my teacher got a real rat trap and showed us how it worked and gave a small demonstration that scared everyone seeing how aggressive the trap was. Then he went to a student, after teaching us about Nephi having to kill Laban, to put their finger on the trigger that would set off the trap. Of course the student wouldn't do it. They said it was too scary and dangerous to do. My teacher told them that they wouldn't get hurt. He promised! After debating they finally touched it and it didn't go off. (He took the spring out. Without us noticing.) Then my teacher went on to say that sometimes we don't want to do what God wants us to do because we are unsure, scared, or we doubt. But just do it. Because it might not make scense but God provides a way. Every single time. 

Lesson 3: Look for the Tender mercies in your life. (1Nephi 1:20)

Over all we need to be open and realize all the blessings that God gives in our lives. If only we receive them. :)

Sincerely,

                   

                         (Emma Jean)
(PS sorry for the awkward font. It will not cooperate today. )

My WWJD and CTR

Note: I read Helaman 13 about Samual the Lamanite.

Today's lesson: Keep your standards. Holding up your WWJD (What Would Jesus Do).

     I will be honest. When I go through my day and I come to a choice I think 'WWJD' or "What Would Jesus Do?" I think to myself: Choose the Right. Do the right thing. Be kind. Charatable. But keep your standards. Have virtue. Be like Him, Jesus Christ. Almost like a LOT of pressure, huh?

     I have been keeping up this change for a while. It has definitly saved some grief. But today I was reminded that I am a Christian. Not a perfect Christian. But a real living Christian who will stand for the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help me. But I realize that even though it is the right thing, it is hard sometimes.

"True Conversion occurs as you continue to act upon the doctrines you know are true and keep the commandments, day after day, month after month." -Bonnie L. Oscarson

     Today I was dealing with a kid at school who has been annoying me. I want to be kind to them but at the same time I want them to back off. I have had many people like this in my life and now I realize a little of what God expects of me. He expects me to be kind. To remember him and go and do as the Lord asks of me. That is to be kind and be that person's friend because they might not have many friends.

     Sometimes its hard to see the bigger picture when you feel no one notices how things effect you. But if you think about it- God knows exactly what he is doing. He is helping you. He is helping them. He knows what everyone needs and knows what they want. He knows how you feel and how you persieve things. He knows where you are and where you are going. He knows. That doesn't mean you know but He knows.

     So when the waves get high and the winds get rough. Hold onto your foundation which is Christ. Let him use you as an instrument in his hands. He's got your covered. He also has the person you will help covered. So don't worry. Just serve and be charitable. It makes the ride smoother. I promise.

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty stormshall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

(Helaman 5:12)

Sencerely, 

                     

                                    (Emma Jean)

Love One Another

The scipture I read this morning: Helaman 12  PLEASE READ SCRIPTURE FIRST- it helps with the lesson. 

     Today I found myself being around some different people at school. The kind of different where you don't want to be around them- for who knows why. One person in particular wants to be my friend. They are really nice to me- no doubt. I don't really know this person so today I decided to dedicate time to get to know them during lunch. So during lunch they brought me to their group of friends. They were nice people and were having lots of fun. But I felt uncomfortable- and so was my good friend that tagged along. But we politly left and laughed about it later.

     This experience helped me realize that we are always going to be surrounded by different people. People you do work well with and people you don't. But that is okay. We need to keep in mind that we are ALL God's children and he loves each and every one of us very dearly. We need to treat everyone with respect. Even if they bother you. This doesn't mean you need to hangout with them- but you do need to be nice to them. If that person needs a friend, be the friend. Be nice to them. If that person is mean to you, you don't have to be their friend but I still encourage you to be nice to them. They might be going through a hard time too and you just don't know it. I have had my fair share of realizing what others were going through and I was judging them and then feel guilty for being so judgemental.

     In LDS Church handbook, "For the Strength of Youth" it talks about friends and I think it phrases it quite nicly.

"Everyone needs good and true friends. They will be a great strength and blessing to you. They will influence how you think and act, and even help determine the person you will become. They will help you be a better person and will make it easier for you to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Choose friends who share your values so you can strengthen and encourage each other in living high standards.

To have good friends, be a good friend. Show genuine interest in others; smile and let them know you care about them. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, and refrain from judging and criticizing those around you. Do not participate in any form of bullying. Make a special effort to be a friend to those who are shy or lonely, have special needs, or do not feel included.

As you seek to be a friend to others, do not compromise your standards. If your friends urge you to do things that are wrong, be the one to stand for the right, even if you stand alone. You may need to find other friends who will support you in keeping the commandments. Seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost as you make these choices."

     It also mentions St Matthew 25:40 which says "...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

     So next time you feel the urge to yell at your brother, snap at your sister, whine at your parents, or even say something you will regret to someone at school- remember your WWJD. What Would Jesus Do? Because I promise you make sure you have the spirit close, being kind to others and bringing them unto Christ, if you remember Christ, I have with a surity that you will have more peace with yourself and with others in your life. That you will feel a burden off your shoulders. That you will feel love and charity for everyone and want to serve them. 

Sencerely, 

                         

                                             (Emma Jean)

P.S. Kind of funny how the scripture I read this morning helped me learn my lesson today!

What is the 'Latter-Day Youth' Blog?

What is the Latter-Day Youth Blog?

 

      Hello! My name is Emma. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This blog is to help members, non-members, and youth everywhere! 

     I will be talking about what I believe, my personal testimony of the church, what the church teaches, standards, talks, scriptures, and more. I will be using the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Church website (lds.org), and other church approved resources.

    I will be giving personal advice for youth of how to go through troubles, trials, and tribulations. Life isn't smooth. But getting advice may help it go smoother. 

     I am only here to help others. I won't sugar coat the truth, but I am here to comfort and help those who may feel lost. I am here to help others go to their bishop, parents, and/or leaders to ultimately turn to Christ, their Savior. 

     If you have any concerns, questions, or thoughts, please comment below or "hangout me" and I will love to answer!

                                                  Sincerely,

                                       

               (Emma Jean)