The 2007 theme for the youth programs has been announced. The new theme is “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45). The theme is selected by the Young Women and Young Men general presidencies and approved by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve.
The theme is to be used throughout the year during the opening exercise that you have each week before activities begin. Often youth are encouraged to memorize the theme. Many times the different youth conferences will also try to incorporate the theme into their planning and activities. The wards are encouraged to devote one Sacrament meeting to introducing the theme throughout the year. A ward may choose to have a fireside instead of a Sacrament meeting devoted to the theme.
It is also important to take the time to discuss the theme as a family. You may want to base a family home evening lesson on it, or include it in your dinner discussions. As a family you may want to set goals on how you can live the theme more fully throughout the year. It is important to talk about how you have virtuous thoughts. You may want to discuss music, movie and television choices that your family makes. You may also want to talk about the ways to help your thoughts to improve.
This theme is a great focus for the youth. It really points out the importance of being pure from within, and how that leads to a better life. You may want to share examples from your own life about how having pure and positive thoughts led to better decisions and outcomes. It is also important to discuss specifically how to combat negative or impure thoughts, so that they can work towards applying this theme to their everyday lives.
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