Teens & Seminary

The highest calling in the Aaronic Priesthood is that of a priest. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church as it is more commonly known, young men at the age of sixteen (up through seventeen, or until ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood) are ordained to the office of a priest upon being found worthy. If the young man has been a member of this Church for many years, the duties and responsibilities outlined in the Duty to God program will only add on to what he’s already accomplished as a deacon and teacher.

Even as a priest the young men must accomplish many different goals in order to receive his Duty to God Award. These goals vary in each area. In Family Activities there are ten goals in all, each of which must be completed and signed off by a parent. These goals may include reading the entire Book of Mormon, another testament of Christ, and discussing some of the main accounts, or perhaps the young man could talk to his parents about his career goals and his plans to achieve them.

The next area is Quorum Activities where seven goals must be completed under the guidance of a priesthood leader. Some of these goals include giving two 4-5 minutes talks each year when assigned by a leader, or to help teach at least two priest quorum lessons (a quorum is another name for the class). He could even learn the basic skills of conducting music and leading the music during a meeting.

Now we come to Personal Goals. Within this area are four new categories where eight goals must be completed in each one. The first category involves spiritual development, and is used to help strengthen testimonies, learn priesthood duties, and understand doctrines of the gospel. Some of these goals include speaking about the importance of honesty and integrity in daily life, participating in a baptism, and continuing to add to his missionary fund.

The next category deals with the young man’s physical development. It involves more than just physical activity, like running for 30 minutes 3 times a week. It also encourages him to learn teamwork perhaps by teaching the rules of a sport to another family or class member. He is also directed to practice safety by doing something such as studying the needs of people with disabilities, and planning and carrying out a camping trip (or other activity) that includes those with disabilities.

Next we look into educational, personal, and career development. All of these things can help to make a more confident, more self-reliant young man. Some of the goals included here involve obtaining part-time work (if he hasn’t already done so), obtaining a valid driver’s license (with parental approval), and participating in a church, school or community choir.

The last category looks at a young man’s citizenship and social development, particularly in helping him learn to serve others, improve his social skills, and becoming an involved member of the community. Some of these goals talk about personal hygiene, discussing good conduct in dating, or talking with a priesthood leader about different cultures where full-time missionaries are serving.

Each young man must also complete a Service Project to benefit his family or community. The priest is to plan it out, make any necessary preparations, and then carry out the project personally. These projects can double as Eagle Scout service projects for those who participate in both programs.

At last we come to keeping a Personal Journal. It probably sounds lame, but I can testify to the powerful influence of a journal. Not only is it a great record of your life, as well as spiritual impressions you may have forgotten, but it may become a treasure to your descendants.

If a young man has completed all the goals over the six years he attends the Young Men program in the Church, he is eligible to receive the Duty to God Award. Of course the real reward comes in every single wonderful trait and lesson he has learned over the last six years. These traits and lessons will continue to bless him as he moves on to become a missionary, a husband, and a father. I can testify of this.

When a young man of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church as it is sometimes called, turns fourteen years of age and is found worthy he will be ordained to the office of a 'Teacher.' This is the second office in the Aaronic Priesthood. As a teacher the young man will retain the duties and responsibilities he had as a deacon (12-13 years old) and will gain new ones.

At this same time he will be given a new Duty To God booklet, designed especially to help the teachers progress from their duties as a deacon.

One of these new duties is the opportunity to prepare the sacrament, just as the Savior did for His disciples (see Luke 22:19-20). The young man will also have the chance to become a home teacher in the Church, and with a partner will be in charge of visiting assigned families in their homes to ensure their well-being.

Each young man is required to accomplish a certain amount of goals in several different areas in order to receive a certificate at the end of his two years as a teacher. The first area involves Family Activities.

For a teacher there are a total of eight goals, and each one must be completed. These goals vary from memorizing the words and learning to conduct at least three hymns each year, to learning to prepare and use a simple budget, then keeping that budget for at least two months. Parents are asked to work alongside their young men in order to help them accomplish these goals, and must sign them off as they are completed.

The next area is referred to as Quorum Activities. A quorum is the individual classes for deacons, teachers and priests (all callings within the Aaronic Priesthood). There are seven goals in all, each of which must be completed under the direction of class leaders. These goals include participating in at least one quorum service project each year. They are also encouraged to give at least one 4-5 minutes talk in their class or in the Latter-day Saint Church’s main meeting (sacrament meeting).

In the next area, Personal Goals, four new categories are set up for the young man to work on himself. In each of these four categories a requirement of eight goals apiece is put in place, totaling 32 goals for this one area.

The first category is spiritual development. We believe every young man should focus on his spiritual side, to help strengthen it and, at the same time, him. Some of the goals set up to help in this effort are to write regularly in a journal for three months, to regularly add to his mission fund in preparation to become a full-time missionary, and to develop a list of ten qualities he admires in his father or another adult and then to discuss them.

The second category is physical development. Some of the goals here include hiking for nine miles in one day (can be combined with scouting), teaching a younger sibling or member of his congregation how to play an indoor game or sport, and maybe teaching first aid skills to a family or class member. Not only can these things help develop a young man’s physical health, but it goes a long way toward helping his mental and emotional health as well.

The next category involves developments in his career, his education and his personal life. These goals are intended to help a young man become more self-reliant, such as taking a vocational interest test to help him prepare for a potential career. Some goals encourage him to develop his talents, such as learning to play a musical instrument. Other goals help create leadership qualities, such as attending a career night where the steps he will need to apply for a job are described.

The last category focuses on his citizenship and social development. These goals attempt to bring a young man’s focus outside of himself and look toward his community. For example, he could visit a legal court, and share his impressions of the experience with a leader. Or he could discuss ways to help prevent crime in the area. A frequent favorite of youth is to plan and participate in an etiquette dinner.

The Duty to God Service Project can be doubled as an Eagle Scout project if the young man is participating in both programs. These service projects should benefit their family or community and should be planned and carried out by the young man.

Last we come to keeping a Personal Journal. Back in spiritual development one of the goals set there was to keep a journal. You can see how these goals can entwine, helping to accomplish more than one at once.

For example, one goal is to give a talk, while another is to use a computer to prepare a talk. Yet another goal is to give an assigned talk or give a speech at school. These three goals can easily be combined.

There may be times the thought of making and accomplishing all of these goals will feel daunting, but it can be done. With a good support system many young men of this Church have been successful in gaining the certificate at the end of their two years as a teacher. Not only that, but they feel better about themselves, about all they have accomplished, and know that many people out there want to see them succeed.

The first calling in the Aaronic Priesthood is that of a Deacon in the Young Men Program. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church, a Deacon is a young man of the age 12 and 13. If raised in the Church, he has already begun the practice of making and setting goals while attending Primary in the Faith in God program.

Upon entering the Young Men Program the deacons will receive a booklet titled,

Aaronic Priesthood
Deacon
Fulfilling Our Duty to God.

Throughout the booklet are various scripture references to help the deacons understand the spiritual nature of their calling, such as is found in the Doctrine and Covenants.

“Thou art called to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward” D&C 14:11.

“To watch over the church, to be standing ministers unto the church” D&C 84:111.

Deacons are asked to accomplish goals under several different categories. Each of these goals is set up as a starting place, so that as they continue on to different positions in the Young Men (teachers, priests) they will be able to more readily complete more difficult goals.

The first category is Family Activities. There are seven goals in all listed, and each one is to be done with the family when possible. Some of these goals include developing a habit of reading the scriptures daily. The deacons are specifically asked to read in the Book of Mormon from 1 Nephi to Mosiah in two years. This can easily be done if the family sets up a regular time to read the scriptures.

Another goal to accomplish with the family can be preparing at least two meals for everyone. If he’s feeling really ambitious (and if Mom and Dad feel daring enough), he can even try washing and ironing his own clothes for a month.

Under the category of Quorum Activities, deacons are taught by priesthood leaders. There are seven goals in all, each intended to help them understand what their calling as a deacon requires, as well as the importance of holding the Aaronic Priesthood. One goal asks them to participate in at least two service projects each year with their fellow classmates. Another asks them to read Isaiah 58 as well as Doctrine and Covenants 59, then explain to their leader the law of the fast, and how fast offerings are used.

Next we come to Personal Goals. There are four different sections under this category, and in each section the deacon is to accomplish eight or more goals.

The first section focuses on spiritual development. Deacons are asked to bear their testimony at least once each year. They are asked to read an account of one of their ancestors and report on what they learned to their family or leader. They are asked to start a journal and write in it regularly for at least two months. Mormon men are encouraged to go on full-time missions (lasting two years) at the age of nineteen. To help them in this goal deacons can set the goal to be financially prepared.

The next section focuses on their physical development. More than ever this is becoming crucial in the health of our children and teens. Some of the goals a deacon can set are to learn a new sport, swim for 50 meters using two different strokes, or hiking for 6 miles in one day. They can prepare the equipment for an overnight camping trip by setting up a tent, cooking on an open fire or camp stove, and restoring their surroundings to what they were before the campout.

The third section teaches them way to develop personally, in their education, and career. Goals vary from making plans to improve basic reading and writing to learning emergency treatment for electrical shock, near drowning, or heat exhaustion among other things. They can learn to play a musical instrument, and follow it up by performing a musical selection in church.

Citizenship and social development round it out. Goals for this section can be explaining to a leader or parent what makes a good friend, including how to maintain that friendship as well as how to resolve conflicts. Another goal could be teaching the family to play a new game or sport. They could even clean up a part of the neighborhood.

Next we come to the Duty to God Service Project. Deacons are encouraged to choose a service project that will benefit their family or community. They need to be able to plan it out, prepare for it, and then accomplish it. All projects must be approved by both parents and leaders.

The last category promotes keeping a Personal Journal. This can be accomplished by setting a previous goal to keep a journal for two months.

It all probably seems like a lot, but remember they have two whole years to accomplish all of this. With the help and support of both parents and Church leaders, these deacons can accomplish every single one of these goals. I can testify it will only bless them in their lives, and in the lives of those they come in contact with.

The Duty to God program is intended to help the young men of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormon Church) to achieve the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood. There are several different areas of development to aid the young men in accomplishing this.

Priesthood Duties and Standards

In order to receive the certificate for deacons, teachers, and priests, other requirements are also asked. For the most part these duties and standards are the same for each age group.

1. Keep the commandments.

2. Live the standards in For the Strength of Youth.

3. Have daily personal prayer.

4. Read the scriptures.

5. Attend sacrament meeting, priesthood meeting, and other Church meetings.

6. Keep the Word of Wisdom.

7. Pay a full tithe.

8. Perform other assigned priesthood duties.

The next three duties differ for each class. For example, deacons are asked to pass the sacrament while priests are allowed to bless it. Deacons gather fast offerings while both teachers and priests are assigned to go out with priesthood leaders as home teachers (visit different families in the congregation). Both teachers and priests are also asked to enroll in the seminary program.

Family Activities

Under this category parents are asked to help their young man complete each goal. Some of these goals differ by age, though some remain constant. For example deacons, teachers, and priests are all asked to read For the Strength of Youth, and then discuss with their parents the importance of these standards and values.

Family participation in helping a young man achieve these goals helps keep the family closer together.

Quorum Activities

A quorum is the individual class in the priesthood. The teachers and leaders directly over deacons will help accomplish certain goals. The teachers and leaders over teachers will do the same, as will those over the priests. These goals are geared more towards helping the young men learn what their priesthood responsibilities are.

Personal Goals

Under personal goals are four new categories. In each of these categories eight goals must be completed (totaling 32 for personal goals alone). While there are many goals suggested, the young men are allowed to modify them if they are not possible. This can only happen with the approval of both parents and leaders.

The first category is Spiritual Development. These goals are intended to help each young man strengthen his testimony, to learn his priesthood duties as well as to understand the doctrines of the gospel. A goal could be something like identifying four scriptures that testify of Jesus Christ, and then talking about it with a parent or leader. They could start a journal, or start a family group record.

The second category is Physical Development. These goals are intended to help each young man develop healthy habits, to become physically fit, and even to practice safety and learn good sportsmanship. One goal I like which progresses as the young man gets older is to, as a deacon, run 2 kilometers (or 1 ¼ miles), and set a goal for improvement. As a teacher he would then be asked to run 10 kilometers (or 6 miles) in an hour or less. From there priests are to set a goal of running 5 kilometers (or 3 miles) in 30 minutes or less. You can see how starting out with 2 kilometers can easily progress to 5 in thirty minutes if the goal has been set and steadily worked on over the course of six years.

The next category is Educational, Personal, and Career Development. These goals are intended to help a young man become more self-reliant, discover and develop talents, and gain leadership qualities. The goals can be anything from improving reading skills to learning to play a musical instrument.

The fourth category is Citizenship and Social Development. These goals are intended to help the young men serve others, to improve their social skills, and to become an all-around better person. This can be done through things like learning to practice proper hygiene, or volunteering for several afternoons at a hospital, or even attending a community council meeting.

Duty to God Service Project

The young men are required to choose, plan, and carry out an approved service project that will benefit their family, their congregation, or their community. The great thing about these service projects is they can double as an Eagle Scout project for those also doing Scouting.

Personal Journal

Last, but certainly not least, is the keeping of a journal. Journals are to be treasured. They are a record of our personal lives. The young men are encouraged to keep details of spiritual impressions and feelings.

There is no doubt in my mind the young men of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are blessed by being asked to accomplish so much in their youth. Focusing on the spiritual side can only help in making them good missionaries, strong husbands, and compassionate fathers.

The Duty to God program was set up several years ago as a guide for the Young Men Program (boys age 12-17) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church) to help in their spiritual progression. Specifically its purpose is to prepare them to obtain the Melchizedek Priesthood, the temple endowment, a full-time mission, marriage, and fatherhood. No pressure, right?

Fortunately we’re not talking about our young men doing all of this tomorrow. At the age of twelve, and if found worthy, all young men may receive the Aaronic Priesthood and are then ordained to the office of a Deacon. From this point on through the next six years they are encouraged to participate in the Duty to God program.

Each young man will receive a four by six booklet. Unlike the Young Women who will keep just one book in their own Personal Progress program for all six years, the Young Men will be given a new book every two years as they advance in their callings. The first book is for the Deacons, age 12-13. The next book is for those who are Teachers, age 14-15, and the last book is for Priests, age 16-17.

In all three books there is a message from the First Presidency, or the President and his 1st and 2nd counselors who preside over the entire Latter-day Saint Church. I’d like to share a portion of this message.

“You have been called to make a difference in the world. As a son of God, with the power of the Aaronic Priesthood, you can be a wonderful force for good… You have a responsibility to learn what Heavenly Father wants you to do and then to do your best to follow His will… The Lord believes in you and has an important mission for you to do. He will help you as you turn to Him in prayer… You will feel a great sense of accomplishment as you fulfill your duty and prepare for the exciting challenges of the future.”

Over the next few posts I hope to enlighten you who are unfamiliar with the program as to all it can do for the young men of our Church. It requires a lot in regards to time, energy, commitment, and personal study. There are many goals to be met in various areas. Some of these will be done with the help of parents, others with the help of church leaders. Most of these goals need to be done on a personal basis.

One of the wonderful things about the Duty to God program is how well it fits in with Scouting. For those who have access to the Scouting Program it may feel burdensome to add the Duty to God program as well. As we explore some of the areas in the program I hope you’ll see just how well the two areas compliment one another.

“Our effort was to find something that would be compatible with priesthood principles and also with Scouting. Duty to God embraces Scouting, which is wonderful for our young men…. Duty to God focuses more on the spiritual – bringing young men to Christ. Scouting is primarily an activity program with some spirituality as well” (“Teaming Up for Youth,” Ensign, Jan 2002).

The Duty to God program blesses the lives of so many young men. It can help keep them grounded in the spiritual things at a time when the pleasures of the world are constantly being thrust in their faces. Brother Charles W. Dahlquist, current General President of the Young Men Program spoke of this very thing.

“With the challenges that are bombarding young men today – Satan’s attempts to weaken them and lead them astray – there has never been a greater need for the blessings that come through achieving the Duty to God Award. A young man who is dedicated…will not only be more focused on that which is good and right and true, but he will be more prepared to shun evil” (Charles W. Dahlquist II, “Fulfilling Our Duty to God: A Window of Opportunity,” Ensign, Sep 2006).

As a young man proceeds through the program he may receive a certificate for every book in which he has accomplished all the required goals. If at the end of the six years he has received all three certificates he can receive the Duty to God Award. will help them remember to pray, listen for answers to prayers, keep the commandments, and prepare to become a worthy missionary, husband and father.

“I will have the moral courage to make my actions consistent with my knowledge of right and wrong” (Young Women Personal Progress, p.54).

I have to admit it hasn’t been easy putting something together for Integrity. As a youth and member of the Young Women organization in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (more commonly known by the nickname “Mormons”) I always found it difficult to understand the deeper meanings of the word. I knew integrity had a lot to do with things like not cheating, or stealing, or breaking your word. I knew it meant we shouldn’t be hypocrites, like saying we should love our families when our everyday acts show we don’t love them at all.

Over the years I’ve also heard integrity described as those things we do when no one’s looking. Are you a person who takes those quiet, solitary times to read the word of God and other uplifting books, or do an unseen act of service for a loved one, or perhaps study for school? Or are you the person who delves into immoral acts, or wastes hours in front of the television, or reads unwholesome books?

In Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary we can read this definition of integrity:

“Firm adherence to a code of moral or artistic values: incorruptibility; an unimpaired condition: soundness; the quality or state of being complete or undivided: completeness.”
(italics added.)

One of the value experiences the young women of our church are asked to complete deals with discovering a deeper meaning of integrity:

“Look up the word integrity in a dictionary. Interview your mother, grandmother, or another woman you respect about her understanding and application of the word. Make a list of ways you can make your actions consistent with your knowledge of right and wrong, and record in your journal what it means to you to have integrity.”

When you consider the words incorruptible, sound, and complete, of whom do you think? Is there a man or a woman in your life who seems to encompass these words? Why do you think they adhere to these qualities? What do you notice about how they treat others, how others treat them, and their state of happiness?

The scripture chosen by leaders of our Church to go along with the value of integrity can be found in the book of Job.

“Till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me” (Job 27:5).

Job had it all: wealth, a wife, and family. He never let it go to his head, and continually supplicated to the Lord on behalf of his family in case they had sinned. The Lord allowed Satan to test Job. In an instant his wealth was gone, then his children, and lastly his health. Three of his friends, even his wife, repeatedly attempted to get Job to curse God for allowing all of this to happen.

Certainly Job mourned for the loss of his wealth and grieved the passing of his children. With all that his body had been inflicted with he must have wondered why God asked it of him. Yet never did he utter any accusations against the Lord. Things could hardly have become worse for this man, yet through it all his faith in God remained intact. He was incorruptible, sound, and complete when the Lord saw fit to heal him. He maintained his integrity.

In the Book of Mormon - another testament of Christ - we are asked to “stand as witnesses of God, at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9), not allowing outside forces to determine how we will respond. We must not become hypocrites, who praise God and follow His ways when everything goes right, yet turn tail at the first sign of hardships.

Becoming a person of integrity may come easily for some. For others it can appear daunting, perhaps even impossible. I can testify this is not impossible. I can also testify that as we practice choosing the right in our dealings with our fellow men, with ourselves, and with God, we will find ourselves a happier people. God blesses us when we stand up for Him, especially when times have been tough.

“I will help others and build the kingdom through righteous service” (Young Women Personal Progress, ‘Good Works,’ p. 47).

I am particularly passionate about doing good works. There is such an amazing feeling of utter joy that comes to me when I am able to do something for someone I love. In fact, the more I love someone, the more I want to do things for him or her.

Service is the hallmark of every Christian religion, and is certainly no different for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormon Church, as it is often called). Service is encouraged in the various programs of the Church, beginning in Primary for children, going on through the teen years in the Young Men and Young Women programs, and continues on through our adult programs as well. It is perhaps one of the most powerful tools in spreading the love of God.

The scripture that goes along with the Young Women value of ‘Good Works’ can be found in the Book of Mormon – another testament of Christ.

“Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (3 Nephi 12:16).

Giving service sets you apart, makes you shine, causes you to become extra special in the eyes of those you serve. There are so many people in my neighborhood and my church who have become dear to me because of the services they’ve proffered over the years in my behalf. The thought that someone else in this world might think of me in the same way makes my heart sing.

You might be surprised at how many people serve you. The first Value Experience offered in the Young Women Personal Progress book encourages our teen girls to consider what acts of service are performed for them every day.

“Learn why service is a fundamental principle of the gospel. Read Matthew 5:13-16; 25:34-40; Galatians 6:9-10; James 1:22-27; Mosiah 2:17; 4:26; and 3 Nephi 13:1-4. Others often give service you may not notice, such as preparing meals, reading or listening to younger children, repairing clothing, or helping a brother or sister. For two weeks record in your journal the quiet acts of service your family members and others perform. Acknowledge their service in some meaningful way.”

Other value experiences encourage the girls to do other things. One is to plan, shop for, and cook the meals for two weeks. Another is to read Mosiah 18:7-10 and think of ways to comfort others.

I especially appreciate value #5, which asks the girls to read Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-28, and think of ways to apply the scripture to her own family. She is to pick a member of the family (I would encourage her to look at the one she gets along with the least) and serve that person for a whole month. One of the quickest ways to create a bond with someone is to serve that person. Service can work miracles.

In all our acts of service we must do as the scripture in 3 Nephi quoted above says, and do so with the purpose of glorifying our Father. It should be in His name that we accomplish these works, as Christ often did. Just as we should be willing to serve others, it is also important that we give others the chance to serve us.

My husband and I are trying hard to impart to our children the joy service can bring. Sometimes the object of our service knows it’s us, other times we try to keep it a secret. It’s not always easy to convince a four-year old he really does want to help rake up a giant pile of leaves, but our efforts over the years have begun to show great rewards. I can already see in my oldest the desire to help others, not with the thought of being given praise or money, but because she loves those she serves.

I can testify of the joy doing good works can bring into your life, if you do it for the right reasons. The feeling that comes of doing it can give more in the way of rewards than any earthly prize. I believe one of the most wonderful things about serving others is the more you do it, the happier you become.

“I will choose good over evil and will accept responsibility for my decisions” (Young Women Personal Progress, p40).

Every day we are faced with choices. Some are easy: what to watch on TV or DVD, what books we read, saving a little of the money we’ve earned. Other choices can change the course of our lives: what friends we choose, who we date, if we will remain morally clean.

As teens of today you are frequently faced with choices your parents and grandparents never did. My mother recently told me that anorexia, something we frequently hear about, wasn’t even a concept when she was a teen. Now it’s the first thing a young woman will turn to when she doesn’t feel as though she has the world’s concept of a “perfect” body. Yet the consequences of this disease are horrendous, at times deadly.

Consequence is a word rarely used by those who would encourage us to make bad choices. Smoking can lead to yellowed teeth, emphysema, and even lung cancer. But the so-called friend who wants you to “just try one” isn’t listing all of the possible consequences. Credit cards are frequently tossed through the mail, even to teens. But they don’t come with warnings to not spend more than you can afford to pay back, guides to help you see just how much you’d have to pay in interest, and how using credit cards recklessly has caused many to lose their cars, homes, and even families.

Every choice we make will lead us on a different course. What we need to do is decide which path we want to take, and be prepared to accept the consequences. If you choose to dress a little less modestly, how will it change your actions, your speech, and the way others perceive you? If you choose friends who hold the same basic morals, values, and ideals, how will this strengthen your own resolve to stay strong in important things?

In all our decisions we should be ever mindful of what God wants for us. We must study any choice out in our minds, taking time to read scriptures and spending much time in prayer. Even our little decisions can lead to big outcomes. It’s important for us to begin this method of bringing the Lord in on all our decisions starting with the little ones, so that when the big ones hit we’ll be much more prepared to choose the right.

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

This is the scripture the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chose to put with the Young Women Value of Choice and Accountability. Through it our teen girls are encouraged to learn how to make decisions that will lead them further along the path the Lord would choose for them, rather than down whatever frightening and destructive path Satan would have them take.

Several of the Value Experiences in the Personal Progress program help guide them along the way. #5 brings in several scriptures to help them learn about the Holy Ghost.

“With a parent, Young Women leader, or friend, read and discuss Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 14:26; 16:13; Galatians 5:22-25; 2 Nephi 32:5; Moroni 10:4-5; and Doctrine and Covenants 11:12-14. Then record in your journal how the Holy Ghost can help you make good decisions in your daily life. Pray for and live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost.”

In value experience #7 the young women are encouraged to practice money management, but they are also given insight into the gift of agency.

“Making choices is part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us. Read Moses 4:14, 7:32 (found in the Pearl of Great Price), and 2 Nephi 9:51. Establish a pattern of wise money management by making a budget for saving and spending your money, including the payment of tithing. Live within your budget for at least three months. Set priorities that allow you to meet your most important needs before satisfying your wants.”

Learning to make good choices, and learning to involve the Lord, is only the first part of this value. Few people these days choose to take responsibility for their bad decisions and would rather blame everyone including God when it’s time to accept the consequences. Being accountable for the outcome of our choices is a hard lesson to learn, but vital for our spiritual growth. It’s an important link in training teens to become competent adults.

We have all been given agency, but it’s not free. It comes with a price. If we decide to make wrong choices, we must be prepared to pay that price. Choosing to make the right choices may not always be the easy path, but it is the one that will keep us close to the Lord.

At almost any time you can find me with a book in my hand. While I love to read for entertainment, I also love to learn about new things. Just recently I read a book on the Mayans, and another on Mormons and Masons. Learning new things fascinates me. Perhaps that’s why I’m so excited to talk about the next Young Women Value – Knowledge.

When reading through the Young Women theme of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church), knowledge is listed fourth, though it certainly doesn’t make it any less valuable than faith, or individual worth. The scripture listed with the value of knowledge can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants, a set of revelations given to our prophet, Joseph Smith.

“Seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118).

The thought that goes along with knowledge states, “I will continually seek opportunities for learning and for growth.”

Knowledge can be gained by several different means. Reading is a wonderful way to gain knowledge, especially for a book hound like me. I am especially grateful to have been born in a time when books are so readily available. I can’t imagine living when reading was not much of an option. I will give one caution: you can’t believe everything you read. So many of the things I’ve been sent through e-mails haven’t been true. Only through much study and prayer can we gain a true knowledge of those things we’ve been taught.

One of the experiences given to the young women of the Church to accomplish talks about learning why it’s so important to gain knowledge by reading the scriptures. We are encouraged to look up Proverbs 1:5 and 4:7, as well as 2 Nephi 28:30 in the Book of Mormon. We’ve looked one scripture up in the Doctrine and Covenants, but other examples can be found in D&C 88:78-80, 90:15, 130:18-19, and 131:6. After reading these scriptures think for a moment about why we need to gain knowledge.

A lot of people learn better through doing. Take a moment and list several talents you have, and other you’d like to develop. Read Matthew 25:14-30. What sort of new talents could you pick up that would help you care for your future family? Are you good with math? Try making and sticking to a budget. Do you enjoy cooking? Try planning out, buying for, and cooking a family dinner one night. Do you have a talent with music? Try playing something new like the guitar, piano, or violin. Learn to lead music, or memorize some of your favorite hymns.

All of these things help us to gain more knowledge. How important is knowledge? If you read D&C 130: 18-19 you’ll realize it’s the one treasure of this earth we will retain as we go into our next life.

“Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”

The great thing is we can constantly learn something new, and this knowledge can be used to bless the lives of those around us. Learn to knit scarves/hats and give them away as presents or to those in need. Learn basic repair of cars and you can save your family a whole lot of money on car repair. Learn about getting yourself healthy through exercise and you can encourage friends and family to follow your example. Knowledge doesn’t do you much good if you don’t do anything with it.

Just like the third servant in the Parable of the Talents, if we don’t take our natural talents, learn more about them, increase in our abilities, and share them with others, these talents will be taken from us. I can attest to this. I used to be a good singer. I’d like to stress the 'used to be' part. When family life became more important than singing, my voice became rusty.

Knowledge is a treasure. As teens you have such a powerful resource in your school classes. Take advantage of the time you have to learn, and start putting those things into practice. As you increase in knowledge your talents will increase as well.

I can testify that if you put in even a little bit of effort, God will bless you in ways you could never imagine.

“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10).

I think this is one of the most beautiful scriptures, and one of the hardest for any teen to learn.

The third value listed in the Young Women Theme of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon teen girls) is Individual Worth. The thought behind individual worth found in the Personal Progress book reads, “I am of infinite worth with my own divine mission, which I will strive to fulfill.”

All of us want to feel like there’s something special about us, something no one else can do just like we can. To counter this Satan wants to convince everyone there is nothing even remotely unique about them, nothing to set them apart. Sadly many of our youth believe him, even though God frequently tells us differently.

We all have gifts that make us different from everybody else. Sure they may seem a lot like the gifts others have, but no one can do them just like you. Heavenly Father hopes you can help yourselves, as well as all those around you with the gifts He's granted.

If everyone who had a great voice decided they weren’t good enough, we’d have no choirs, no singing. If everyone who had even a smidgen of talent in chemistry decided they couldn't do it, we’d have no knowledge of medicine, of how our bodies work, of how to continue to work towards a cure for cancer.

What are your gifts? What do you think is special about just you? Look beyond the obvious talents like singing, or writing, or playing basketball. Sometimes the less obvious talents are the ones that bless people the most. Do you have a gift for selfless service, or working hard? Are you able to learn things easily, or do you find yourselves good at teaching instead? Do you have a smile for everyone and anyone? Do you pick up on languages easily? How are you at being sociable, or grateful, or happy, or good with children?

There are countless numbers of gifts I can’t even begin to imagine, let alone mention in just one post. So many of your gifts are given so you might bless everyone around you.

One value experience listed in the Personal Progress book helps teens focus on what they can do with their gifts in the future.

“In your journal make a list of your hopes and dreams for your future home, family, and education and some important things you would like to accomplish in your life…Then record a plan that will help you achieve your goals.”

Already this value experience has you thinking of your future. What do you want to do with your life? Where would you like to go to college? Do you plan to finish school before getting married? How many children do you want? When we focus on our future it gives us a purpose. As we set this purpose, or this plan, to paper and begin setting goals to help us make it, feelings of worthlessness begin to disappear.

Another value experience encourages teens to look outside themselves and help others to realize their own individual worth.

“Do all you can to build others and make them feel of worth. Every day for two weeks notice the worthwhile qualities and attributes of others. Acknowledge them verbally or in writing. In your journal write what you have learned about the worth of individuals and how your own confidence grows when you build others.”

To go along with this we are given a scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants, a book also considered scripture by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the very same scripture listed at the top of the post.

“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”

I want to leave this scripture with you as a reminder that we are all special individuals. We all have worth. If you begin to doubt this, pray. God can take the negative thoughts about ourselves disappear. He has given us so many precious gifts that make us truly unique. I promise you, being unique is a good thing.

Divine Nature is the second value listed in the Young Women (girls 12-17) theme. It is a most sacred value, as we are talking of those aspects of God we are to emulate. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) teaches we are the literal spirit children of the Father. We were created in His image. Therefore we can also train ourselves to develop many of His same qualities while here in this life.

“Be partakers of the divine nature. . . . Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity” (2 Peter 1:4-7).

In my last post we discussed how to develop faith, turning it into a perfect knowledge. The process of becoming one with Christ certainly doesn’t stop there. As we see in the scripture listed above there are other godlike qualities we must continue to develop.

Once we have this knowledge, it is time to work on temperance. Webster’s Dictionary describes temperance in two ways. First we must find moderation in action, thought, or feeling. Second we must develop habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions.

Like any truly good thing in life (like faith), becoming moderate and temperate will take time. The Lord certainly doesn’t expect us to be perfect in everything immediately. He does expect us to make sufficient attempts at becoming so. What I like about temperance is with it comes patience. It’s almost automatic. I myself struggle with patience, but I’ve discovered that as I try to become more temperate, patience naturally follows. I’m far from having either quality down pat, but I’m trying.

One of the required Personal Progress value experiences the Young Women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are asked to complete in Divine Nature is:

“Make your home life better. For two weeks make a special effort to strengthen your relationship with a family member by showing love through your actions. Refrain from criticizing or speaking unkindly, and watch for positive qualities in that person. Write notes of encouragement, pray for this family member, find ways to be helpful, and verbally express your love.”

This one value experience is riddled with the qualities our Lord showed us in His life. There are numerous examples of Him showing love through His actions. To those who were honestly trying to live a good life he spoke kindly to them, praising their good qualities. He prayed for others and served them every chance He could. He was especially gifted when it came to expressing His love.

Other divine qualities the Young Women are encouraged to develop are keeping their baptismal covenants, being obedient to parents, become a great example of a peacemaker. They are even asked to look up certain scriptures and find these divine qualities on their own. Can you do the same?

Try looking these up and see what God would have you emulate: Matthew 5:9, John 15:12, Galatians 5:22-23, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 John 4:21, and Moroni 7:44-48. I would encourage you to pick one and try living it for two weeks. Keep a journal to see what changes are made in just that small time.

I myself didn’t fully understand what my own Divine Nature really meant for several years. Now I know, and I’d like to bear my testimony of it to you, that we are all sons and daughters of God. We can become like Him, if we but follow the course He has set out for us. I know that at times it will be hard, but oh how it will be worth it.

If you struggle with knowing who you are as an individual, with finding your place in this world, I would encourage you to instead begin looking to who you are as a child of God. It will start you on the right path, and bring you far more joy than you could possibly imagine.

“Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith he hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21).

This scripture describes so beautifully what faith is all about. We none of us start out knowing that we are sons and daughters of God. We don’t have a perfect knowledge that God lived and that He will come to earth again. We don’t start out knowing these vital things. Yet something within each of us desires to know. It is in this desire that our faith begins.

The thought that centers around the value of Faith in the Young Women program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, “I am a daughter of Heavenly Father, who loves me. I have faith in His eternal plan, which centers on Jesus Christ, my Savior.”

In the book of Alma, which is found in the Book of Mormon – another Testament of Christ, we can read about what happens when this hope, this desire to know the truth begins. In chapter 32 our faith is compared to that of a mustard seed. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? It’s tiny. About the size of those little colored sprinkles you can put on a cake, or perhaps that of the head of a metal pin (not the ones with the colored blobs on the end). This is how big our faith can start out.

“Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me” (Alma 32:28).

You hear the Word of God, and something within you stirs. You want to know if it could possibly be true. So you plant the Word in your hearts. If it’s a good seed, and if you don’t simply cast it out and refuse to listen to the Spirit, it’ll begin to grow within you. You’ll know the seed you’ve planted is a good seed. Your understanding of this thing will be enlightened.

Does the process stop here? Of course not. The seed is beginning to grow, but it hasn’t gone any further. You don’t have a perfect knowledge. What you do have is an increase of your faith.

Be mindful. If the seed (or word) you’ve planted doesn’t grow, if you don’t feel enlightened, then it’s a bad seed and must be tossed away.

My two favorite verses are in 33 and 34, which read:

“And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good. And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.”

I especially love, “Your knowledge is perfect in that thing.” We can be led to a knowledge about everything. We need not stumble around in this life not knowing who we are, where we’ve come from, why we’re here and where we’re going. We can have direction and personal revelation and so many blessings in our lives as we gain more and more knowledge. Our tree will grow, bloom, and flourish as we continually feed it with the Word of God.

As we gain knowledge our faith in that area becomes dormant, but that doesn’t mean we lose our faith. It just means there’s more to explore and learn, more to place our faith in. Why do I love those words so much? Because I’ve lived them.

I was seventeen when I first really put them to the test. Only at that age did I pray to my Heavenly Father to discover if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was truly His restored church. He answered me that day. My faith is no longer necessary in that area for I know. Yet it doesn’t mean I’m done learning. I still have faith in so many things of this gospel, but I do not yet have a perfect knowledge.

Too many people out there think they know what the "Mormon" Church is all about, and in so doing toss the seed aside. If you want to know, if you really want to know, than come with a humble heart and a contrite spirit. Read the Book of Mormon. In this you will plant the seed. In this you will begin to build your faith.

I can understand why faith was listed first out of the seven values given to the Young Women of the Church, for it is with faith that we begin our spiritual journey.

It’s difficult for me to put into just a few words what the Personal Progress program can do for a young woman. For those who don’t know much (or anything) about it, the Personal Progress program was designed for the Young Women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). The Young Women program of the Church consists of girls age 12-17.

In recent years the Personal Progress program was revamped to help make it a bit less complicated for the girls to accomplish. When girls turn twelve and enter Young Women, they are given a small, 4x6 book titled, “Young Women Personal Progress – Standing As a Witness of God.” Therein lies the theme around which the girls will attempt to pattern their lives for the next six years.

Inside the front cover of the Personal Progress book is a copy of “The Living Christ” which is a testimony of the Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this modern age. This declaration was officially released on January 1, 2000, and stands to strengthen the testimonies of all members of this Church. Also within the first few pages of this book is “The Family A Proclamation to the World.” This declaration was first released in 1995, and is intended to help strengthen our views on the family in the face of an ever-changing world.

Next we come to a welcoming address given by the First Presidency of the Church. It’s beautiful words encourage the Young Women to search in various ways their noble callings in this life, particularly through discovering talents through personal prayer, scripture study, serving others, and others. Most of all it is understood how important all of these things will be in preparing to becoming a wife and mother, and strengthening our homes and families.

All of these things can be obtained and accomplished through setting a series of goals over the six years they are in the Young Women Program. All of these goals will revolve around seven particular values stated in the Young Women Theme:

“We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will ‘stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all thing, and in all places’ (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are: Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works and Integrity. We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.”

These seven values are intended to help the young women more fully understand precisely who they are, why they are here on this earth at this time, and precisely what things they should be doing as a daughter of God to enrich the lives of others.

To complete the program the girls are instructed to live the standards listed in the “For the Strength of Youth,” complete six Value Experiences and one Value project for each of the seven values, keep a personal journal, and record their testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. After all of these have been accomplished and signed off by a parent or one of the Young Women leaders they must still be interviewed by the bishop/branch president (leader over the congregation).

Within each of these values there are three Value Experiences that must be completed. One example for Faith would be:

“Living gospel principles requires faith. Choose a principle such as prayer, tithing, fasting, repentance, or keeping the Sabbath day holy. In your own home or another setting, plan and present a family home evening lesson about how faith helps you live that gospel principle. If possible, ask a family member to share an experience that has strengthened his or her faith. Share your own experiences as well. In your journal write down one of those experiences and describe your feelings about faith.”

Three more experiences must also be completed, but these are voluntary. The girls can pick from a list, or can come up with one of their own. After the six experiences are accomplished in that one area a value project is their next goal. Project ideas come directly from the girls, though they need to be signed off by a leader. Each project must revolve around one of the seven values, and must be at least ten hours long. It can be anything from participating in a school play (Individual Worth) to putting together a large service project (Good Works).

I will go further into the seven values, the scriptures and themes that go with them, and in what ways they can make your life better. These few words really can’t even begin to hit upon what centering your life on these seven values can do to help you in the day-to-day particulars. I can only testify that these values can help you make choices that will help you stand up for those things the Lord would have you choose. Doing this can only bring joy into your lives.

About fifteen years earlier Brigham Young, then president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints otherwise known as the Mormon Church), had set in motion the official organization of the young women of the Church. He saw in them a troubling trend in becoming too focused on the things of the world. After the Retrenchment Society was put together their community saw a wonderful transformation in the girls into productive, helpful members.

In 1900 he began to worry about the young men of the Church as well, particularly in the winter months when there was far too much time to fill up. When it came to the social aspect of their lives there really wasn’t anything to help direct them. It was then the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association was formed, which later became the Young Men’s Program.

The Young Men’s program is set up much like the other organizations of the Latter-day Saint Church. A presidency consisting of men of the Church is called. This includes the president, 1st and 2nd counselors, and a secretary. Teachers are also asked to come in and help lead.

The young men range in age from 12-17 years old and are split up into three different classes, or quorums. The names of these quorums will probably sound familiar to many of you. The youngest are the Deacons at 12-13. Next come the Teachers at 14-15, and then follow the Priests at 16-17. From the members of these quorums individual presidencies are then set up. The only difference is in the Priest’s Quorum where the bishop (leader of the congregation) is the president.

As the names signify, young men who are found worthy by the bishop and other leaders of the church are then given the Aaronic Priesthood (visit "What is the Aaronic Priesthood" for a more complete post). This is a heavy responsibility, and should not be taken lightly.

There are two separate programs the young men are involved in to help them set and accomplish goals. These goals will help to guide them in making better choices throughout these years. The first is the Scouting Program. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is actively involved in the scouting program beginning in Cub Scouts and following through to Boy Scouts. Many of the men in our Church at one time or another became involved in scouting, became Eagle Scouts, and even went on to continue as leaders.

The other program is specifically for the young men of our Church. It’s called the Duty to God program. It was created with the soul purpose of helping the young men prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, the temple endowment, a full-time mission, marriage and fatherhood. It encourages the young men to set and achieve worthy goals geared towards meeting this end.

I can personally testify to what the Young Men Program can do to help guide the male youth into worthy men. I have a father, two brothers, and a husband who are remarkable living testimonies to this end.

The Young Women’s organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) was organized back in 1869. Brigham Young, then president of the Church, began to worry that his daughters and the other young ladies were too caught up in the trends and fashions of the world.

“On 18 November 1869, he holds a meeting with his daughters. He asks them to set an example by spending more time learning about the gospel and gaining important life skills rather than chasing after trends” (Caroline J. Benzley, “134 Years Young!,” New Era, Nov 2003).

Thus began what would later become known as the Young Women’s program. Isn’t is rather sad that the reasons for forming this organization so many years ago still stands true for today? Young women still focus far too much on the trends and fashions of this world, and need extra help and guidance to help bring them back to what’s really important. We would much rather see them stand as a light unto the world.

To this end was the Young Women program formed. There are many adult leaders, depending on the number of girls. You have the Young Women President, her 1st and 2nd Counselor, and a Secretary. Generally the girls are split up into three age groups: Laurels (age 16-17), Mia Maids (age 14-15) and Beehives (age 12-13). Within these age groups another presidency is set up within the class. Responsibilities are set up to help the girls learn leadership skills, as well as how to reach out to friends and church members who aren’t coming or are struggling.

Every Sunday the girls all meet together for “Opening Exercises.” One of the Laurels will conduct, outlining who will give a scripture/thought, who will give the opening prayer, what song will be sung, and who will help lead all the girls in the Young Women Theme.

Young Women Theme

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to love the Young Women Values, which are:

We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.

This theme stands as a reminder of what the girls should be looking to focus on week after week, and in what areas they should work on. To help them in this goal the Church developed the Personal Progress program, which I will go into at a later time.

The youth of today are being bombarded by so many nasty temptations and sins it can be terribly difficult for them to keep their moral compass pointed North. It is the hope of the Church to give these young women both leaders and goals to help guide them through these difficult years, so that they may, as the Young Women motto declares, “Stand for Truth and Righteousness.”

Just as in every other aspect of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church as it is more commonly known, the youth have special programs set up specifically for them.

Both of these programs had unofficial beginnings within the restored Church. For the most part they were intended to help guide the youth in helping their parents and families. It wasn’t until 1875 that the Young Men and Young Women programs were properly organized by former Latter-day Saint president, Brigham Young.

It was actually in 1869 that President Young noticed a disturbing trend among the young women of the Church, and especially in that of his daughters. Their focus seemed to gravitate to more worldly interests: young men, socials, and clothes (sound familiar?). Feeling there had to be a way to help turn the minds of the daughters to more eternal and service-oriented things he organized the Young Ladies’ Department of the Cooperative Retrenchment Association. Quite a mouthful, don't you think? They adopted the term Retrenchment Association or Retrenchment Society to shorten it up a bit.

The turnaround in the girls was a beautiful thing to see. As President Young watched how the young ladies were now blessing the Mormon community, he began to think on the welfare of the young men. At first the young men in the Church hadn’t shown as great a need for an official organization. President Young began to notice that during the growing season, Spring through Autumn, there wasn’t too much concern as the young men were fairly well employed. Yet during the Winter season there was far too much time on hand and far too little to help productively pass away the hours.

Out of this idea came the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association, and a renaming of the Retrenchment Society to the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association.

President Young stated:

“Ours is a religion of improvement; it is not contracted and confined, but is calculated to expand the minds of the children of men and lead them up into the state of intelligence that will be an honor to our being.” (Deseret News, 15 June 1864)

It wasn’t until 1974 that the current names of the youth organizations were adapted. Now they are known as the Young Men program and the Young Women program. Though previously only intended for those fourteen and older, it now encompasses all youth aged 12-18. Each program encourages the youth to actively participate in helping themselves improve.

I myself can testify to just how wonderful this program can be. Several of my leaders helped guide me in things I was just too embarrassed to take to my own parents (how many teens really open up to Mom and Dad on an ongoing basis?). I built many close friendships there, and learned to better deal with those girls I had a harder time getting along with. Truly these programs were inspired by God. Without them I know many youth who would have been lost.