Young Women's Lesson #21 - A Righteous Example Influences Others

The mutual theme this year is what? 1st Timothy 4:12

“be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

“When you keep the commandments and follow the Savior’s example, it’s like holding up a light. Your good example helps others to find their way in a darkening world. It takes courage to do what you know to be right even when it is hard, very hard. (“Stand for Truth and Righteousness,” Ensign, Nov. 1988, p. 94).

What kind of light do you think they are talking about?
- a little birthday candle?
- A bigger candle?
- A flashlight?
- Or a big torch that feels up an entire dark room?

Our YW logo is what?

It is a picture of a torch (with the face of a young woman) Have you ever thought of what that meant? Why a torch? It is because as YW we are to be examples… just like the quote we just read. As examples we helps other see the light in this darkening world, by what we do.

How can you be an example to those around you.

1st Timothy talks about 6 ways: word, conversation, faith, charity, spirit, purity.

Let’s discuss 6 other and similar ways (elaborate and discuss each example):

1) your behavior is decent and modest, and yet you are very fun to be with;
(2) your language is never crude but happy and interesting;
(3) you are well groomed, and that is appealing;
(4) you are focused on developing your talents and achieving your goals, not piercing and tattooing and flaunting your body;
(5) you play sports with gusto but never lose control;
(6) you don't seem to care about what the latest pop star wears or does because you have a certain style of your own.

Being good makes you feel good, and it also makes others feel good! Can I just tell you this—it is so much easier to do what is right than it is to do what is wrong. Life is so much less complicated when you are good.

STORY:
Tell the following true story:

“I’m 17-years-old and have been a member of the Church since I was eight. Living the gospel has never really been a problem for me until just the other day, when I had an unforgettable experience with a boy named Craig.

“… One day in algebra class, [a certain group of guys] decided to be especially rude to Craig, who sits right next to me. Craig is quiet, and he’s not the smartest guy in the class, so these guys loved to make fun of him. One day they decided to pass the word around that everybody in class was to ignore Craig. I usually helped him with the problems he didn’t understand, so when I heard their plan, I didn’t know what to do.

“… A few minutes before class let out, Craig leaned over and asked me how to do a certain problem. Every person in the room turned to see how I’d handle it. My heart started pounding, and my palms became moist. I wanted to do the kind thing by answering him, but I could just feel the pressure mounting as all my classmates waited for me to snub him.

“I felt my face getting hot and I knew it was red as I turned to Craig and explained how to do the problem. That was it. As soon as class was out, the guys started calling me names and really letting me have it. I couldn’t believe we were in high school. It felt like first grade, and I wanted to cry. But deep down inside I knew I’d done the right thing.

“The next day I dreaded going back to my algebra class. But when I got there, the same boys met me and told me they wanted to try the same trick again and begged me to go along with it. By that time though, I knew that what I’d done the day before was right, and there was no way I was going to play their game.

“When I told them so, I got the surprise of my life. My best friend, who sat nearby, told them she wasn’t going to cooperate with them either. Several other people joined us, and soon just about everyone in the class decided their plan was childish and stupid. Before the end of the class, everyone was talking to Craig, and even the boys who had started the whole thing were discussing some of the problems with him.

“From all this I learned that being a good example is not quite as easy as it seems, but one person can make a big difference. If you have enough courage and enough faith, you can influence a whole group when the pressure’s on” (Stephanie Christensen, “When the Pressure Is On,” New Era, Jan. 1988, pp. 8–9).

Discussion: Ask the following questions. Allow time for several young women to respond to each question.

* Why should we always try to set a good example, even when it is difficult?
* What help is available to you when setting a good example?
* How can you influence your friends for good?

Explain that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a great responsibility to reach out and set a good example. We know what is right and wrong and have the assurance that our Heavenly Father will always be with us when we do what is right. It is far better to be close to Heavenly Father by keeping his commandments than it is to be popular with other people by disobeying the commandments.

Discussion - Invite the young women to share times when they have been influenced for good by someone else or when they have influenced another person for good. You may want to relate some experiences of your own.

What are some helpers that we have to help us remember to be good examples?
- Strength for Youth
- Personal Progress
- Scriptures
- Leaders, friends, parents

The Savior taught us to "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."1 The divine light which you carry within your soul is inherited from God because you are His daughter. Don't dull the brightness of the spirit you came with from heaven. The Lord needs your goodness and your influence in this world.

Be an example in all that we do…. Word, conversation, charity, spirit, purity…. And be that light that shines bright in this darkening world.

The handout is supposed to be a torch. I tried to come up with something that was torch-like. I filled it with candy.

Current YW posters

I love etsy and mostly because there are such talented people that can share their fun items with all of us. One of those esty sellers is Type Type Type. She creates great LDS related posters for YW, primary and the youth. I thought I would share... in case you were interested and looking for something current and cute for your children or those you serve.

Past Random Reports

Random Report - Dated April 29th, 2009.

Backyard The concrete is poured, the bushes, flowers and tree are in and the grass is down. It is so pretty. Honestly, such a nice yard. They even put lights on all the trees and re-did our plants in the front yard. Things still left to do.. is slate laid on both patios. And then the jungle gym and BBQ and trullis (sp?). When the slate is down, I will take pictures and share.

Hannah's birthday Party This Saturday is the big event. I think I have most of it under control. We are having a face painter come (which was much cheaper than I thought), the girls will get to decorate wands, decorate pretzel wands, and get coronated as a new fairy with wings, halo, pixie dust and a new fairy name (all with a certificate). I think it is all going to be so much fun.

Hannah's Birthday her real day is Sunday and she gets to give her 3rd talk in a year in Primary (2nd in two months.. uggh). Hopefully it will be a relaxing day, so we can recover from the weekend.

Upcoming Week I have to teach Enrichment on blogging on Thursday night. I have my own baby shower on Friday the 8th and another model home sale for Chris' company. So, the fun just continues and continues.

Other Random things Ella is counting to ten. Which makes me so happy, although the words are a little unclear, but I know what she is trying to do.

I think we are officially in spring/summer. I don't know that we will go below 70 degrees again. The next week is high 70s, low 80s.

Hannah had to take something that started with the letter "u" for show and tell. We couldn't come up with anything and then Hannah came up with "underwear". I thought is was clever and so funny and wish we could do it, but I told her "she couldn't be the girl that brought underwear to school, it just wouldn't be right", although I was tempted because I thought it was funny.

We found out that Hannah's dance recital dress rehearsal and actual performance are on a Sunday. So after much thought, we have decided against her performing. It is so sad, since she is excited and we have sunk a lot of money into it, but we decided she is getting old enough that now is the time to teach the lesson about keeping the Sabbath Day holy. So it begins. So, mom and dad might get a special performance while they are visiting, so she can use her costume and perform her dance for an audience.

My c-section is scheduled for June 10th officially. So, we will see. Chris is going to have an eventful birthday (although it won't be cenetered around him) and Father's Day will have even less fan-fare. But he wants Jake's born on that day more than anything, so I think he knows what he is getting himself into as far as sharing birthday celebrations, etc.

Oh, in case you didn't know, we are naming the baby Jacob Christopher Williams. Jacob happens to be Danish for James (Chris' dad's name), so it works great.

I am much less prepared for this baby than the other two. I have just barely started to think about changing the room from pink to blue. The poor guy will be surround by pink when he gets home, unless I get on it. But I think I have a plan, hopefully it will work. Not much motivation going on these days.


Random Report - Dated April 8th, 2009

It is spring break, so this week is a bit different for us. The girls home all day... if only we had a backyard.

My tummy is always there. i feel it all the time and the worst at night. 2 more long months.

Ella is so funny these days. She saw Chris juggle and thought she should try it. She moves her arms up and down and then throws the balls. She is coming out of her shell and more and more like Hannah. People come up to us at church all the time and say how outgoing, fun and happy she is. And I get more ohhs and ahhs from her in public. What a difference a few months make.

I want to start sewing again... I just need to start. I found the cutest dress you make out of your husband's old shirts. I think that will motivate me.

Polly pockets are all the rage in our house right now. The girls love Polly Pockets.

I have to start giving Hannah's party some serious thought. The yard won't be done by then, so now i don't know what to do. Any suggestions? I hope I can convince her that a Tinkerbell party might not work now.

Hannah has named her baby doll, Baby Sophia. She goes everywhere with us. And she is the perfect little mother. She hushes her to sleep, tells me when she is tired, rocks her and is quite cute. She has informed me that I am Baby Sophia's mom.. and I need to take care of her. I keep trying to tell her otherwise, but she insists. I think it is time for a baby brother.

Hannah and Ella fight a lot about sharing, but other than that they are really, really great friends. It is just so fun to watch!

This weekend, we have planned - decorating easter cookies, dying eggs, easter egg hunt and of course a big easter dinner. I have a bit to do this week.

I have three unfinished quilts that I need to have finished (backs put on and stitching). When am I ever going to do it or feel justified in spending the money to have them made.

My logo business has been doing so well. I had 9 clients a couple of weeks ago. I still have 5 and multiple projects for each one. It is kind of fun and I feel like a i have a real business that provides some real money to play with.

We had a nice thunderstorm last night. Thunder and lightening for half the night. It was awesome, considering we only get a storm like that once a year and it will probably be the last one of the year.

I think that is it...

Random Report Dated March 17, 2009

here are random thoughts and going-on's with us.

I wish I could find a place that has caffeine diet coke from a fountain drink... I am craving it so badly.

I have killer charlie horses every night in my legs... they hurt so bad... I feel them for days afterwards!

Hannah and I made paper plate animals today.. it was fun.

Hannah likes to use the words "cool", "awesome" and "freak out".

I went and took pictures of the girls with all our pretty blossoms that are out. the photoshoot did not go smoothly. I dont' know that I got any frame-able photos, but some cute ones just to have.

I have 4 logo clients right now. It is so much fun, but I am being told by my husband it is time to pay taxes on that income.

It is mid-70's all week.

I am feeling my belly these days. It is definitely there and the next 3 months will be long and uncomfortable.

Hannah wants to have a Tinkerbell party this year... not what i want to do, but it is her birthday, so I guess we will have one.

Ella is doing better, learning a lot of my words... although they dont' sound like the actual word. But we know she is trying. She has started to say prayers too... but she also likes to play "duck, duck, goose" during the prayer too.

We didn't wear green today, but we probably should have. I am going to have to get better at things like that.

We finally got the sketch for our backyard... it is going to be so beautiful (if we do it all). I can't wait!

that is it for now... just thought we would share some of the things we are up to and thinking about.

Logo Designs on Hold

This is so hard for me to do, but considering Baby Jake will be joining our family in about 2 weeks, I have to stop taking new logo clients. It is so hard for me to turn people away, but now is the time. I hope to be back to work creating again sometime end of July/beginning August.

If you can wait and would like to be put on a waiting list for when I start taking clients again, just shoot me an email and I will put you on the list.

So, for now, here are some concept ideas for projects I have completed lately...if you want to see what what they choose for final logos... click here. Also, if my Polish site looks funny to you, can you leave me a comment here to let me know. On my computer it looks okay, but I don't think it is on other computers. thanks so much!

Random Report

We have a family website where as a family we keep in touch and write about life's moments and happenings. It is such a great way to keep in contact with each other. So, every once in awhile, I write a Random Report on our life and what we are doing. I thought I better start including it on my blog, since this is my journal and it is the little random things that will be fun to read decades in the future. So, mostly for me and my family... here is the latest report.

time to share life's random moments.

Two nights ago, Chris went into check on the girls before he went to bed (like he always does) and when he went into Ella's room this is what he found (he came to get me so I could see). Ella "butt" naked with her "bottom" in the air straddling her blanket fast asleep. He reminded me it was funny after I saw the puddle of "pee". It was funny after he did the laundry. Ella loves to take off all her clothes and run around naked. I on the other hand... only see an accident waiting to happen.

Last night I had the Young Women over for a spa/pizza party night. I told Hannah that the Young women were coming over and her response "This is the best day ever". We did homemade facials, ate a ton of food, painted each other's nails and sort watched a movie. Hannah got her nails painted (blue, i might add) and loved every minute of playing with the girls.... until 11:00 pm. Lucky, girl if you ask me.

It is a 3 day weekend and Chris has to be up for church stuff two of the three days at 7:30 am. Kinda not fair. I feel bad for him.

When Ella tries to communicate all it is is whining and crying. It has become a bad habit. I am not sure why she feels the need to cry every time she tries to communicate. I am starting to think I need to get her evaluated. She is very lazy in her speech. She doesn't end her words so "dog" is "da" and "please" is "ple" But the interesting thing is that when we read the scriptures each night, she repeats the words we say and she does very well in her pronunciation. Why would she be good at that and not talking. I am starting to get frustrated.

Hannah is in a new stage where she loves nightgowns. No more PJs, it is nightgowns now.

I got the girls hair cuts before the baby comes, so I wouldn't have to worry about it. I went really short on Ella's bangs. She looks like Lady GaGa or someone with really short, straight cut bangs. Sometimes I think it is cut and modish, other times... I worry I ruined her hair :-) But either way, I won't have to get them cut in 3 weeks and they are out of her face.

Ella is loving the backyard. She could play out there for hours. She comes in and out of the house and is constantly saying "bye, bye" and then goes out and plays. Then comes back and says "bye bye" and does this over and over again.

It is going to be hot for the rest of the summer. We should be about 80 degrees... but all we have seen for the past week or so and the next week is 92-95 degrees. Not fun, too hot!

We got our carpets cleaned and I love knowing that everything is clean again. The guy was so nice and gave me a great deal on my house and now I feel like my nesting is almost complete... well, kinda.

I had to make another set up chair covers for our new table. I never finished my last set (because I couldn't get myself to do it... the last chair was unfinished for 5 months, that is how badly I didn't want to do it.) and now i have to make 6 more and they are harder. I have been working almost every free minute to get them done. And of course I ran out of piping and have my last chair to finish. But this time I am going to finish them and hopefully before the baby comes. I am so close. I have to wait until Thursday for the new shipment of piping... I can't wait for this project to be done.

Well, I probably could keep going and going.. so I will stop.