For the Strength of Youth

You may think I have checked out or lost my ability to count years but yes, you are a youth in the eternal scheme of things. Sister Metten shared several sections of this pamphlet the church has available for the youth with us today. She began by asking us what the difference is between actively teaching and passively teaching. The first is being involved in living what you believe as opposed to speaking beliefs to others but not living these beliefs.
A story found in the Book of Mormon in Alma tells us that a group of Lamanites made a covenant to put down their weapons and never take them up again or lose their souls. When danger approached, they remained true to their commitment, putting themselves in grave danger. Instead, their young men who had not sworn this oath, took up their weapons and defended their people. They lived as their mothers had taught them. What we learn as a child never leaves us.
In the first section of the pamphlet mentioned, we read Agency and Accountability.

Agency and Accountability

Wherefore, men … are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death.

2 Nephi 2:27

We are here on earth to prove ourselves and show God that we can keep his commandments. Several short sentences came to light as we read and discussed. " Have the moral courage to stand firm in obeying God’s will, even if you have to stand alone. As you do this, you set an example for others to follow." Developing strength in our youth will stay with us when we chose to use it.
 Several of  us commented that the following sentence is great in stating that we might be free to choose our actions, but we are not free to choose the consequences. There are so many places in our world today where consequences seem to be a thing of the past, an idea whose time has come and gone. We know, however, that that is not the case. There might be a delay of a consequence but it will arrive at our door eventually.
Also noted is the comment that we are responsible for the talents with which we have been blessed. Yes, you do have a talent and it is up to you to account for it when you meet our Father again. Think about what it is that only you can do/provide in your family or just for yourself, even.

Dress and Appearance

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1 Corinthians 3:16–17

Those of us in the group who are "mature" or "vintage" or even "old" may not have an issue with knowing what is modest, but have you considered why it is important to dress modestly so that you can share your beliefs with someone you know/love?
When we are well groomed/modestly dressed, we "invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost." See, it does matter what you wear. There were lists of what is modest and immodest. The final question  is one that caught my attention. If God were to come to you, "Would I feel comfortable with my appearance- - - - ?" ( I don't think that means in your gardening clothes or house cleaning couture.) In this society, we are met with many young AND older adults who really don't have a clear idea about what it means to be modest. It is up to us to teach our families so that others may find a good example.

Standards

Entertainment and Media

 

Entertainment and Media

If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Articles of Faith 1:13

If you are reading this, you are using some great modern technology. Can you control your/your children's use of these wonderful tools? Keep away from the forms of communication that can corrupt. i.e. pornography. "Choose wisely when using media because whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Select only media that uplifts you."
" Satan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous, or exciting. He tries to mislead you into thinking that breaking God’s commandments is acceptable and has no negative consequences for you or others." This one little thing won't hurt- a common excuse we might have encountered before. If we are so plugged in to the phone or whatever, we lose touch with family and real live friends, not those inside virtual reality. If there are issues like this in your family, try to replace some of that busy thumb usage with conversation and family activities of your choice. Isn't it a shame to sometimes be inspired to  turn off your phone only when someone on TV cries, "It is national unplug day!" Use this technological invention for good. Stay away from the ever present violence. Be careful not to dull your senses so that Satan can step into your life, pushing away the spirit of the Holy Ghost.
The Savior loves us and wants us to be happy and live a full life. We can choose who we serve but I testify that he wants us All to come back home to him.
Your bloggess,
Janice
https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/ForTheStrengthOfYouth-eng.pdf?lang=eng 
This link should get you to the booklet so you can read more of the guidelines for all youth from birth to death.