My Youth Conference Experience

Hi girls!

    So, I just got back from Youth Conference....and it was fantastic!
    On the first day, we went to the Draper Temple.  My ward was assigned the 7:00 AM session.  Since we live at a good distance from this temple, we had to meet at 5:30 in the morning in order to reach our destination on time.  It was so beautiful and calm and peaceful.   I enjoyed it immensely.
     After we finished at the temple, my neighbor, family friend, and stake presidency member, spoke to us.  He reminded us of how sacred the temple is and how privelaged we are to be able to attend it.  He also reminded us of the words spoken by President Dieter F Uchtdorf at a regional conference this year.  President Uchtdorf told us that CTR doesn't just stand for "Choose the Right" - it also stands for "Current Temple Recommend."  We all made a promise to consistantly have a recommend and be worthy.  We were given these cute little "CTR" wristbands to remind us.
     Then, that night, youth from my ward were invited over to my neighbor's house.  We ate food, played a game called "Koosh" - I think that is how you spell it.  It was very fun.  Then they turned on an appropriate movie and put it on a projector and displayed it off of the balcony of my neighbor's home.  It was very fun!
      Eight o'clock on Friday, we went to the stake center.  We got our t-shirts with our theme "SMILE" - Spiritually Minded is Life Eternal."  Then we plalyed games with our designated groups before heading off to Salt Lake City.  We got to choose from three various activities.  I chose to go to the SLC Cemetary.  It was so special to go to the burial grounds of many prophets in the Church - including Spencer W Kimball, Joseph F Smith, & Gordon B Hinckley.  We learned a little about a few of the deceased in that cemetary.  There was even a guy who was buried in a copper coffin filled with whiskey.  Weird, huh?!
      Then we went to Heber Valley Camp.  It was very nice there.  Travis, who played "Albert" in 17 Miracles (the short guy), spoke to us about going through trials with optimism.  He reminded us that there is always somebody who has it worse off than we do.  Then we watched 17 Miracles.
        Afterwards, we had ward testimony meeting.  All the girls were so impressed how all these young men stood up and bore their testimonies.  In my Mia Maids class on Sunday, we also all agreed that boys are very attractive while bearing their testimonies and crying! 
        Saturday: My group got up, had devotional, ate breakfast, and then played some interesting games....like Bobble Head, Wet Balloon, Beach Ball Volleyball, and "Frolf."  The Frolf leaders decided to sing the instructions to us, which made it all the better.  :)
        Then we did the challenge course.  SO MUCH FUN!   First, we played "Spider Web" and then "Shark."  Then, they harnessed us up, and we climbed up a very tall rope ladder.  Then, we walked across a long bridge (with about 2 foot gaps between planks) that was suspended about 30-40 feet in the air, maybe more.  Then, we clung onto a pole while the elderly sister missionaries switched our lines.  Then DOWN THE ZIP LINE (I did it backwards.)  I was screaming "YES!" as I went down.  And then I did ballet moves on it, as well.
     Over all, Youth Conference was a fabulous experience!

-Flame

Faith...

Faith...
Our first Young Women value that we state in our theme.

Why is faith so important?
To me, faith is knowing that God knows what is ahead and that I can do what He has called me to do.  It is believing He is putting me through these trials because He wants me to come out as a better person.  It is knowing that He loves me, that He is watching me, and that He hears me.

I don't know how much this applies, but I am going to share it anyway.

A few weeks ago, I received notification that one of my close friends was suicidal.  It was a very tragic time period and...phew, luckily she is getting better now.  But I noticed one thing that happened and caused her to turn to that option (which should never be an option.)

My friend had began to loose faith that there is somebody out there who knows her personally, who loves her, who cares for her, and who knows exactly what she was going through.  We tried and tried to tell her that God loved her, but she couldn't seem to find it in herself.  She kept asking if there was somebody who would understand her. 

I promise you - there is somebody who loves you and understands you.  Please, good sisters, don't loose your faith in His divine love, His perfected plan, and His infinite understanding.  He knows you.  I promise you - He is there.  If you will just have the faith to trust in His love, to climb into His everlasting outstretched arms, and to give your life to Him - knowing that He knows all you are going through - you will find peace, understanding, joy, and comfort.  It may not be easy, but life was never meant to be easy.  Have the faith to get to know Christ and your Heavenly Father.  Have the faith to give your life over to them.  Have faith in Their plan.  Have faith in their infinite knowledge.

:) Much love,
Flame

The power of prayer

Hey all!

Many authors that have been invited to do so, write on this blog. This is the first time that I have come up with something to write about.

I just wanted to briefly talk about the power of prayer.

Even when it is super late at night, and you feel extremely fatigued, you always need to get down and pray. Christ sacrificed so much for all of us that the least we can do is pray. I know that it is sometimes hard for me to get down on my knees when it's past midnight, but I always do so, and I feel it's blessings in my life. I also feel that doing so shows your dedication to your father in heaven.

I will be posting more on this blog soon, I hope this post doesn't seem too corny... :)

-C

Miamaids 2nd councelor
Former Beehive's president
Syracuse Bluff Stake
Hansen Meadows Ward