Tag Archives: For the Strength of Youth

For the Strength of Youth Series: Dating

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Remember all those years of dating? Aren’t you glad that they’re over for many of us? I know I am. My dating years were longer than I had hoped for, but in the end it turned out good for me. I found a fabulous man to marry, but only because I constantly kept my eye out for someone who had high standards and who fit me. But it was years of dating the right way that led me to that point. I didn’t go on a date until I was 16. I knew that that was the rule and that … Continue reading →

For the Strength of Youth Series: Language

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Have you ever noticed that you can tell a LOT about a person by how they speak and what they say? I’m an observer by nature, and I’ve spent a lot of time listening to people and I’ve noticed over and over again that language is a key indicator of the type of person I’m listening to. The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet points out several things about language that I personally appreciate including the statement that “how you speak says much about who you are.” The pamphlet gives some good direction on things you should do regarding language. … Continue reading →

For the Strength of Youth Series: Music and Dancing

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Ahh, the memories of stake youth dances and the Book of Mormon distance between partners. Most of the time I didn’t have a particular boy I liked, so these dances were most often a time to go with my group of friends and have fun being silly and wearing funny clothes just for kicks. A bit nerdy, perhaps, but good clean fun. The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet encourages youth (and adults alike) to choose good music and dancing for entertainment and to help you become closer to the Lord. Music is a fabulous way to share how you … Continue reading →

For the Strength of Youth Series: Entertainment and the Media

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The Thirteenth Article of Faith states that we seek after “anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy.” Basically, we want to be culturally aware and find good things to watch, listen to, and attend. As the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet states, Satan uses some entertainment to dull our spirits and make us think that “what is wrong and evil look[s] normal and exciting.” These days you have to wade through all the junk on TV and the contorted messages portrayed through the media to find uplifting entertainment. But knowing your own personal values and standards (like … Continue reading →

For the Strength of Youth Series: Dress and Appearance

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As LDS men and women, our attitude toward our bodies is different than many peoples’. We believe that our bodies are sacred—even temples—given to us as a gift from God. How we choose to clothe and take care of our bodies through our dress standards is an outer expression of our devotion to God and our respect for His gift to us. Dress standards are important in youth, but they’re just as important in adulthood. Modesty in dress is not antiquated or outdated, nor does it make you seem odd. The pamphlet outlines that immodest clothing includes: short shorts and … Continue reading →

For the Strength of Youth Series: Family

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The opening statement in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet on Family states that “being part of a family is a great blessing.” Some of the benefits listed for being part of a family include companionship and happiness, a loving atmosphere, and a place of preparation for eternal life. Family is one of my most amazing blessings in life. I am amazed at how much I have learned and continue to learn from my family. I have four sisters and two brothers along with fabulous parents who have all taught me valuable lessons throughout the years. And they’ve become … Continue reading →

For the Strength of Youth Series: Friends

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Growing up, I always had good friends. In my first high school, I chose a quiet group of LDS kids to hang around with and I always felt like my standards were respected. I don’t think they were ever challenged. My second high school was also like this. I quickly found friends in seminary and at church, and these friends were instrumental in helping me gain confidence and self-understanding in a turbulent time. In fact, it wasn’t until the end of my undergraduate degree while studying in England that I became close friends with people of other faiths. Call me … Continue reading →

For the Strength of Youth Series: Gratitude

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This section of the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet is one of the shortest, but oh what a difference it makes in your life! Many of us have heard President Monson talk about an “attitude of gratitude” and how it will make our lives seem happier and more bountiful. This section of the pamphlet also has a parable attached to teach the principle. The parable of the ten lepers (found in Luke 17:12-19) illustrates this standard beautifully. In this parable, Christ encounters ten lepers, who beg him to heal them. He takes mercy on them, and sends them to … Continue reading →

For the Strength of Youth Series: Education

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Education is such an important thing to attain—especially in today’s crazy world. Gone are the days where just working is enough. It seems like more and more, you have to have a degree to find a good job—and an advanced degree for many professions. I feel grateful to have completed my degrees while I was able. I have seen the benefits of my learning come into play time and again in both my professional life and in my personal life. The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet promises that education “opens the doors of opportunity that may otherwise be closed … Continue reading →

For the Strength of Youth Series

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Have you read the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet lately? I hadn’t until I was called to a Young Women calling a while ago. All I remembered was that as a youth I used to think of the pamphlet as guidance for what I wasn’t supposed to do. As I looked at it again, I was amazed at the simple doctrines, the understanding, and the love that radiates from the pages of this pamphlet. Everything is so direct and simple. Everything is doctrinally sound. It’s fabulous. Whether you have a teenager around the house or not, this little book … Continue reading →