You Are Not Alone: The Atonement

Hello,
   Today, I'd like to talk about a topic that is very close to my heart.
    The power and infinincy of the Atonement.
     Please stop for just a moment and ponder what the Atonement means to you.  Why is it important?  Why did it have to happen?  How does it apply to you?
     Besides the amazing forgiveness and healing all of us can find in the Atonement and through Christ, there is one other thing that always sticks out to me.
     Christ has suffered every pain, every affliction, and every heartache I've ever had and will continue to have.  Thereby, I am never alone in my pain. Though it may feel like we are the only ones who understand the pain of whatever we are facing, I promise you - You Are Not Alone. 
     I love the words of the song "Where Can I Turn For Peace."
     He answers privately.  Reaches my reaching.  In my Gesthemene, Savior & Friend.
    I sang that song in Sacrament a few weeks ago and starting choking up at that part.  How amazing it is to think that He has been beside you and has felt exactly what you have felt all the way down the road!  In your trials, tribulations, pains, and even in your Gesthemene, He is your everlasting Friend, your loving older brother, your understanding redeemer, and your never ending Savior.
    I promise you, there is no place you can go where His arms cannot reach.  He is there, He loves you, and He knows what you are going through.
He lives to comfort me when faint;
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears;
He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives to bless me with his love;
He lives to plead for me above;
He lives my hungry soul to feed;
He lives to help in time of need.
-I Know That My Redeemer Lives



"The Master's Touch" by Greg Olsen

Handouts 5

Made with Creative Memories.  Feel free to print, look at, or whatever.  :)

Thomas S Monson; Should there be changes...handout 2012

-Thank You; Thomas S Monson Handout 2012

-Indeed be pioneers; Thomas S Monson Handout 2012

 

-A measure of our love for Him; Russell M Nelson 2012 (sorry about the typo. :P)

Secret Sister...Galore Plus More

:) I love Secret Sister.  I just got my secret sister assignment and I am so super psyched! Super excited!  So, here are some more ideas for that special secret sister at Girls' Camp!
-Much Love: Flame

1  Bath and Body Works has some awesome $2 travel sized lotions, body washes, etc.  And you can maybe even find it in your Secret Sister's favorite.  Super affordable and fabulous!  You could relate it to how we are all rough and calloused, but through Christ our rough edges can be smoothed.


2. Another awesome Bath and Body Works: LipLicious is a lip gloss and comes in multiple smells/flavors!  I think they are awesome and would be fantastic for any gift.  Depending on the flavor, they can start off at $3.00.  You could apply it to how our "lips" must only utter good things.


3. They also offer cute little candles that start at $2.00.  You could apply it to the "Flame" or to the Light of Christ.


4. Hairbows.  They can come pretty cheap and you can find them at any superstore like Target (as shown below).  If it flower-shaped, you could apply it to faith and how it blossoms.



5.  EOS Lipbalm Spheres are pretty awesome.  I've seen them all over and you can also find them at Target.  They are also like $3.00


6. Any cute toe supplies:

Personal Progress Ideas...plus!

Yeah,
  I'm (finally) getting more Personal Progress Ideas on here.  Most of these can work for multiple values.  Enjoy!
**Flame

-Mentor another girl.  If you know how to sew, cook, crochet, scrapbook - just about anything - you can mentor another girl.  Spend at least ten hours preparing lessons, actually teaching, and supervising her in her efforts to learn.

-Learn a special skill yourself. Tie-dying, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, etc.  And then you can even use it to serve somebody else.  Let's say you learn how to tie-dye: You can then tie-dye blankets, shirts, and other objects for kids in the hospital.  They can always use more color and love!

-Use your already developed skills to serve others.  If you know how to quilt, you can make quilts for the hospital.  If you are a poet, you can make a jumbo-font-sized book of original poetry for the old folks' home.  Use your talents to make others feel good!

-There's also a Good Works value experience that has you serve for 3 or so hours.  (It's number six.)  One good way to accomplish that experience is to volunteer to work at a wedding.  This is HUGE in my area.  Let's say Sister Cook's daughter Jenny is getting married. You can volunteer to greet guests, take gifts, and serve food.  It's way fun and a super easy way to get those hours in.

-Volunteer locally.  I know some hospitals take volunteers, along with old folks' homes, elementaries, and museums.  I volunteer at the Tree House Museum in Ogden, Utah and have been using my hours to get my Good Works' Project.

Let us know if you like this type of post!  Please comment to share your ideas!

Handouts 4

Here are some more Creative Memories Handouts.  Most of these are Thomas S Monson.  I noticed somebody was looking for some D&C 84:88 ones as well, so I created one of those.  Let me kow if you have any handout ideas.
:) Flame

-Doctrine and Covenants 84: 88

-Believe in the Words You Say 2012

-Diverstiy 2012

-We Live in Troubled Times 2012

Packages & Geodes: Lessons about the beauty on the inside

To start off, here's a quick analogy for you:

Your local mailman (or lady) comes to the door and shows you two different items:
  
A beautifully wrapped, bow-on-top type of box.
A plain, old cardboard box with a mailing address sticker on top.

He tells you that you can either have one or the other, but each packaging contains a different content.

Which one would you chooose if you didn't know the contents?

One thing about humans is that they are normally drawn to pretty things.  They want to be pretty.  They want to have the best looking car, the best looking house, the best looking spouse....

But that's not the point.

Sometimes the most beautiful and spectacular items are located in the humblest of packages.
....
Meaning that you can't always judge a book by its cover.

Some of the most wonderful people I've ever met are not beauty queens or body builders.  Some of the most wonderful and precious qualities are housed inside those who are not necessarily gorgeous.

It is like one of our scripture masteries from last year:  1st Samuel 16: 7

 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord ^aseeth not as ^bman seeth; for man looketh on the outward ^cappearance, but the ^dLord looketh on the ^eheart.

I love that scripture.  How often do we judge somebody because they are overweight, short, or have disabilities?  Do we try to get to know their heart?  If we were to see our fellow man through Christ's eyes, we'd see their potential, their inner beauty, and their gifts - not what package they come in.

If we were to be walking down the street together and see this rock (below), what would we think?  Oh, it's just another rock....it's of no significance.


But maybe if we were to look a little deeper, to "look on the heart", we would see something deeper.  In reality, that old, dirty looking rock was simply the packaging.  On the inside, we would see...
  That.
I hope all of us (including myself) learn to see more than just the package, but we try to  go past the outward appearance.

The Day Ever Little Girl Dreams of.....Temple Marriage

I've been dreaming about it since I was just a little girl....

And you probably have been too.

Hi Ladies,

    A few days ago, I got an email from a viewer talking about how much she appreciated the link to LDS Bride under our "Favorites."  She told me how she loves being able to find cute modest clothes.  That inspired me.
    
    In many Young Womens' lessons, activities, and meetings, we hear about being sealed in the temple.  For those outside of our religion, they may find it hard to see why we adore the temple and why it is our goal. 
    So why is the temple part of the ideal LDS Marriage?
 
    1. The temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are special holy places.  We believe they are the house(s) of Diety, where Christ Hisself walks.  We believe that through the holy dedicatory prayers and processes, that they are dedicated unto the Lord.  Those who enter must be worthy to enter and obtain a current temple recommend (or CTR.)  This does not signify that the temple patrons are perfected.  We go to the temple to be perfected.  Those who enter with pure hearts and open minds will be able to feel His Spirit in abundance.
    2. We want to be together forever.  Imagine this: You are once again a young child.  Your father one day comes up to you and says, "Here is a special china doll for you."  You love that doll. It is priceless to you.  But, your father said one thing that dampens it all: "You can only have this doll for a week."  That is like becoming part of a family and having a spouse who you love immensely and not being with them for the rest of time and all eternity.  We believe that families can be together...FOREVER!  In the holy temples, families are sealed together through the priesthood, a power given to worthy men through God.  And best of all - this marriage has no experation date.  This family does not have a timer.  We can be together FOREVER!

    I, like many of you good sisters and amazing friends, have put this eternal marriage high on my priority list.  It is worth it!  Being together forever, even if it means not being able to have a close non-LDS friend attend or not being able to get married on the beach, is most important.

    Not only must we seek for godly, Christ-minded, and wonderful men who bear the priesthood, honor their covenants, and think we are the bee's knees (awesome), but we must reflect that.  We must be worthy.  We must honor our covenants.  We must be the virtuous young women that young men would die for!
    
     I know I've had this part planned out for a long time:  THE DRESS!
     Now, it's not like the dress is all that matters, of course.  The man and the location are the important factors.  But, the dress is fun and it is hard to find modest wedding dresses.  So, in honor of my friend's comment....here are a few Latter Day Bride favorites of mine. 

:) Flame


Click on them to see in greater detail! :)
                


*Do you have a favorite modest wedding dress company, a favorite dress, or something to say about eternal marriage? Comment/email and let us know!*

Handouts 3

Again, made with Creative Memories!  Enjoy!  Let me know if you need these translated...I will make handouts in the future that are actually in foreign languages!
:) Flame

-Who's on the Lord's Side? 2012

-1st Nephi 11: 8 2012

-Golden Ticket 2012

-Forgotten 2012

Handouts 2

More handouts.  These are ones I made with Creative Memories.  Please enjoy.  Right click and "save as" so you can print and use them!
:) Flame

-He Knows You 2012

-We are greater than we suppose 2012

-Butterfly 2012

-Matthew 3: 16-17

Handouts

Hi Ladies,

So here are some "handouts" (or what I sometimes refer to as "passouts") that I found online.  If you go to our "Favorites" bar on the right and click on "LDS Handouts", it will take you to their blog.  It's fantastic.  I hope to get a few of my own handouts on here in a bit!

:) FLAME

I Will Stand

Hello Ladies,
 
    So, in a few weeks (I'm counting down!) I will be privileged to attend my third year of Latter-Day Saint Young Womens' Girls' Camp!  Yeah!  I look forward to this experience every year and start planning and packing weeks in advance. 
     Of course, I will give you the whole spiel once I get back and give you all the juicy details.  But, for now at least, I want to just talk to you about my stake's theme this year:
                                                I Will Stand
  I'm super hoping to get some cute little handouts for you guys that you can print off and put on your fridge, but we'll see.
   What does it mean to stand?
    To me, at least, it means that you are taking your stance in truth and righteousness.  It is you are standing up and showing the world what you believe and that you aren't ashamed to live it.  It means standing for virtue, standing for righteousness, and standing for Christ.  Not only are you standing for Christ when you make the pledge to stand, you are standing with Christ.
    I love this scripture:
    Doctrine & Covenants 84:88
   .....there I will be also, for I will go ^bbefore your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my ^cSpirit shall be in your hearts, and mine ^dangels round about you, to bear you up.
      To me, I think that is a true promise that comes to you when you stand with Christ and for Christ.  He will be with you and you will have the Spirit in your heart.  His angels will be your chaperones and they will aid you in times of trouble.
     Also, one important thing about "I Will Stand" is one point I think can be easily overlooked.  Look at the second word: Will.  It doesn't say "I Will Try to Stand" or "I May Stand."  No, this is a firm covenant. I Will Stand.  I will stand with Christ and I will stand for Christ.  I will stand for truth and righteouness and share my light - my flame. 
     I hope all of us can take up that commitment. It won't be easy.  I cannot say I am perfect at this either. But I know that His promise, given hundreds of years ago, still applies and still stands...it always will, as long as we stand.

Sincerely,
Flame

Speaking of Cookies....

So,

Since in my last post "NEW!" (which you should read) I talked about my awesome cookies and sharing them, I've decided to give you some awesome cookie recipes.  Enjoy....

Much Love,
Flame


1. Almond Butter Cookies: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/almond-butter-cookies-3/detail.aspx

              
Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour, or regular whole wheat flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup smooth, unsalted almond butter
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 36 raw whole almonds

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray two baking sheets with cooking spray. In a large bowl whisk together the flours, salt and baking soda. In another large bowl beat together the butter, almond butter and sugars until fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg and beat until well combined. Gradually stir in the flour mixture, blending well.
2. Shape the dough into 3/4 inch balls, and place on the baking sheets. Place an almond in center of each cookie and press down lightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. 

2. Amariette Cookies


   Ingredients

• 7 egg whites
• 2 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 pounds ground almonds
• 2 tablespoons almond extract
• 1 cup chopped almonds
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Beat egg whites and sugar until fluffy. Add the ground almond and almond extract, mixing well. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, roll in sugar and put a piece of almond or candied cherry on top.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees F) until firm. Bottom should be light brown.                           

New!

Hi Girls,
  We are now introducing our new section in the Flame!  We're very excited.
   This section is posted under the "Flame" category on our wonderful topic bar along the top. 
   What is this new beauty going to be called?
   ....
   ....
   Drum roll....
   .....
   ....

   "We are the Flame."

   If you look under "Flame," you'll see my very first post.  It talks about how this blog's name came from Hilary Week's song "I Will Stand."  In this special song, it says, "We are not just the candle - we are the flame."  So, our new section is a compilation of testimonies, experiences, and so forth from various girls. It shares how we share our flame.  PLEASE: If you have a special story, experience, or testimony to share, please email it to: gomerxoxo@yahoo.com   We love your feedback and hope to see you in our new "We are the Flame" section.

  So...I guess I better start this all out.  :)

  My name is Julie.  I am a fairly blend-in girl (despite my friend's contradictions.)  I love school.  I love reading and writing, singing, playing the piano, and composing.  I can either be A) solemn and sweet  B) absolutely crazy and fun.  I am currently serving (as of 2012) in my Mia Maid's class presidency as 1st Counselor.  I find making calls to my assigned girls extremely fun and rewarding.  I love meetings, organizing things, and being unique.
  
   But most of all, I love the flame God has given me.
 
   I've tried to hide it. I've tried to blend in.  I've tried to be a normal girl.  But God has a different plan for me.  He wants me to use my talents, broaden my views, and be ready for whatever surprise He throws at me next!

   Why am I the flame?

  I am the flame because I (despite my jitters and clicking knees) share what He has given me.  I believe that God doesn't give us awesomeness to hide in a cookie jar and lock away in the closet. No, He gave me awesomeness to share.  My talents, my gifts, my service, my uniqueness - my awesomeness.  He made me unique and gave me these gifts to USE them.  My flame is sharing my gifts and living up to my potential. Despite how I want to keep my delicioius awesome cookies all to myself, I must share them and find the great joy that comes in living with flame. 

    Cookies are meant to be shared.  :)


    Well, there it goes. MORE TO COME!

Share the Flame

Hi Ladies,

I am asking you a favor (well, 2).  Simple, simple favors.

1. Please comment and give feedback: We have various polls, commenting areas, and opinion listings on this blog.  Please join in and give us your feedback on how to make this blog better.

2. Please share this blog with your friends: Let people know about this.  We can't do it on our own.  Talk about us on Facebook.  Tell your Young Womens group about us.  We love it when people are able to view our blog!

:) Much love & appreciation:
FLAME

Cute Little Quotes to Make Your Day

I realized I haven't done a strict quote post for a while.  Sorry, trying to get a good balance of it all!  Let me know if you have a quote to put on here or if you have any ideas!  Today, I decided to post some blinkies. 
-Flame

      

Mormon.org Profile

Hello,

So, I don't know how many of you know about this.  But, on mormon.org, one of the LDS Church's websites, there are profile pages.  Each page is made by a different person, talking about their experiences in the gospel, how they like the gospel, and so forth.  It's a great missionary experience and way super easy.  I'm even on there!
All you have to do is go up to the "profile" button on mormon.org and click "create a profile."  It is super easy and fun!  Please do one!
How can you find me?  Click "meet a Mormon" and then type in the search box Julie composer Utahn.  It will pull up my picture. You click on it to access my profile.  It has a link to this blog on it...so yeah!
:)
Flame

Follow Flame

Hi Girls,

   Us Flamers are extending an invitation to all of you to become "followers" for the Flame Blog.  That means you can get updates and so forth.  Also, we strongly encourage you to give us your feedback!   Comment, email, or take the polls.  If you have any ideas...please let us know.

-FLAME

Sister Appreciation: I can be your hero

I love this video!

This summarizes how every girl wants to be treated.  It is hilarious! My mom absolutely loved it and made my brother watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENrtSdWejNQ

Scripture Totes

I personally love my scripture tote.  It carries around all the little hand-outs from Young Womens.  It holds my falling-apart-well-loved scriptures.  And of course, it has mints for Fast Sunday so I don't kill all the girls in presidency meeting with my demon no-food-fast-Sunday breath.  Here are some cute ideas and references.  Just a few of them...as to not overdo it.
-Flame

I love the flowers and polka-dots.  Very adorable.
http://itsagirlthing1.blogspot.com/2009/09/scripture-toteanyone.html



I like the buttons on this one.
http://lvcraftygirls.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-scripture-totes.html


http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/2012/01/ruffle-scripture-bags.html
I like the ruffles!