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For the Strength of Youth Series: Sexual Purity

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Intimacy between a husband and wife is a beautiful thing. It can bind you together in a way that strengthens you both and solidifies your relationship. It is both an expression of love and the means for the creation of children—both of which are amazing blessings. But intimacy outside of marriage is damaging to both relationships and to individuals emotionally and mentally which is why Latter-day saints place such an emphasis on staying sexually pure. The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet outlines some of the guidelines for Latter-day Saints of all ages. Being sexually pure is required for entering … Continue reading →

For the Strength of Youth Series: Dress and Appearance

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As LDS men and women, our attitude toward our bodies is different than many peoples’. We believe that our bodies are sacred—even temples—given to us as a gift from God. How we choose to clothe and take care of our bodies through our dress standards is an outer expression of our devotion to God and our respect for His gift to us. Dress standards are important in youth, but they’re just as important in adulthood. Modesty in dress is not antiquated or outdated, nor does it make you seem odd. The pamphlet outlines that immodest clothing includes: short shorts and … Continue reading →

Just When Could Youth Learn About Adoption and Life?

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In a recent blog, I suggested that students be prepared for practical life—learning about parenting and adoption, community resources such as basic and emergency medical care, food and financial assistance, etc. (I do not think becoming aware of programs such as food stamps and WIC makes people who could work more likely to depend on these programs. Indeed, in my experience many people who rely on these programs are working, sometimes full-time, in lower-paying jobs–such as child care or social services, I might add!) I will say here that I do completely sympathize with the lament that schools are asked … Continue reading →

General Conference: “Strengthen Home and Family”

In her talk, “Strengthen Home and Family” Sister Mary N Cook speaks specifically to the youth of the church. She does point out that her message does apply to all members however. She challenges the youth to find ways to strengthen their homes. She recognizes that some youth will be the only members in their families. She points out that it is even more important to be a good example and try to bring the family together this is the case. She goes on to remind the youth of a talk that President Hinckley gave earlier this year. He counseled … Continue reading →

Family Home Evening: Building Your Testimony

It is important to talk to your children about gaining and strengthening their testimonies. This family home evening lesson is going to focus on testimonies and how to build them up. It will also stress the importance of continuing to nourish your testimony once you have received it. You can prepare for the lesson by reading Alma 32:28-43. You may want to choose just one verse from the passage to open the lesson or you can begin by asking your children what a testimony is. You should make it clear that a testimony is a declaration of faith. Next you … Continue reading →

Free Ten-Day Trip to Israel for Jewish Youth

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Yes, you read that right. A completely free ten-day trip to Israel. What’s the catch? There isn’t one, really. If you are a Jewish youth, aged 18 to 26, Birthright provides a free “peer-group” experience in the Holy Land. You don’t even need to be a practicing Jew, just Jewish by birth. As a matter of fact, they’d prefer that you are a “less knowledgeable” Jew. The trips are their way of strengthening Jewish identity abroad. Young people spend the week and a half with Israeli students, soldiers, and community leaders. What I found really interesting was that there are … Continue reading →

Ten Signs Your Youth is Off to EFY

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If you have LDS teens, then you know all about EFY (Especially For Youth). It’s a wonderful opportunity for your teens to grow spiritually. Or, it is a fantastic chance to broaden the dating pool. The definition, of course, depends on who you ask (and who they are responding to). If you don’t keep up with the calendar, your teen can give you some great signs that EFY is fast approaching. 1. They ask if they can go ahead and purchase some nice school clothes now, instead of waiting for fall. They want to look their best! 2. Suddenly, your … Continue reading →

Should You Attend All Your Church Activities?

When it comes to church activities, how do you decide which ones to attend and which ones to let pass by? It can be difficult to decide what is right for each family. I know that many of my nonmember family members and friends comment on how busy church keeps our family. So how and when do I decide to skip activities? It is important to realize that the church is there to support the family. If the activities are getting in the way of you spending the time with your family then you need to choose which activities to … Continue reading →

Strengthen Our Youth

One important role that every adult in the church plays is to strengthen the youth. This is an important thing, since the youth will be the future leaders of society. They are also facing a world that is more wicked, then when we were youth. As parents it is important to lay a firm foundation so that your children know the gospel and can make their decisions based on that knowledge. Here are four things that you can do to strengthen the youth. 1) Family prayer and scripture study are very important ways that you can help to strengthen your … Continue reading →

Prepared Father?

Becoming a father was not foremost on my mind when I was growing up. Even the thought of beginning a relationship with a member of the opposite sex gave me so much stress, I avoided it. And yet I knew I probably would marry and have children, and I wanted certain things for them. I wasn’t much of a Scout, either, for a whole host of reasons, and so didn’t practice the Scout motto “Be Prepared.” This has had some negative effects on my life, as I now see the value of being prepared and the benefits the Boy Scouts … Continue reading →