Pornography

Yes I'm going to attempt to talk about this touchy subject. Why? Because there are way too many youth that I know that struggle with it. I'm not calling anyone out-it's not my place. But I will speak my own opinions about the subject. If you do struggle with this or any other sexual sin, please go speak with your bishop or branch president immediately. It's easier to receive help now, than put it off until right before something important like temple marriage or a mission.

First off, prophets and apostles warn about the dangers of it. That's a no duh. It's addicting, much like drugs or alcohol, it warps your brain. That's why it's so important to stay clear of everything that could even lead to it. Remember the venus fly trap looks like a normal harmless plant before it kills it's dinner. 

Secondly, I believe that since this is such a taboo topic no one takes the time to what pornography and sexual sins include. I have heard many stories from many of my friends that have stated that if someone had explained before hand that what they were doing was wrong, they wouldn't have gone there. The world will teach your kids what you don't (that goes for adults and teens). So many youth go to the internet to find answers to their questions, which is just like when the fly rests on a venus fly trap. They don't realize it but then it starts the downward spiral. Also having good communication between parent and child is key. Many of said friends above told me that if they could trust going to their parents with their questions, they would have. But they didn't. As taboo as it is, it needs to be discussed in the walls within your home.

I know most of my audience are teenagers, so to you I offer some advice. If you already have an addiction, go to your bishop. Just do it. It will be so worth it in the end. If you don't struggle with it but have a question, do go to your parents or leaders. They will give you answers that won't lead to a porn addiction. Of course the best advice I can give, is to stay away from all of that. But I know you go to movies and that you go to high school and there's filth everywhere. Even if you aren't friends with people who discuss it, you'll still hear it in the halls (mostly from obnoxious boys who are yelling). Curiosity killed the cat by leading it slowly to it's death. Ignore these the best you can.

Here's what the For the Strength of Youth says about all this fun stuff:

Do not allow the media, your peers, or others to persuade you that sexual intimacy before marriage is acceptable. It is not. In God’s sight, sexual sins are extremely serious.

Avoid situations that invite increased temptation, such as late-night or overnight activities away from home or activities where there is a lack of adult supervision. Do not participate in discussions or any media that arouse sexual feelings. Do not participate in any type of pornography. The Spirit can help you know when you are at risk and give you the strength to remove yourself from the situation. Have faith in and be obedient to the righteous counsel of your parents and leaders.
Wow it's like the prophets know what's up or something. Sorry my sarcasm is a little strong there. But on a serious note, follow their advice. I encourage you all to read the For the Strength of Youth on this matter.

Lastly, I want you to all know, I'm not blaming this on parents or kids. It's all Satan's fault. And if he can find one tiny crevice in the wall, he will slip in and work his way up throughout the whole structure and cause it to collapse without warning. We as members can all work together to prevent and stop the war against porn. For more info on the war against porn check out fightthenewdrug.org for ways to become a fighter.

Don't worry merry sunshines, next week will be a happier, more spiritual post. I felt the need to get this out of my system as it has been on my mind for the past couple of weeks. Stay classy fam.

Love,
Janae

Go & Do/Scripture Studying

I think one of life's hardest lessons is learning to trust the Lord. We know that He knows everything, but trusting in Him and His timing is hard. I'll admit, I'm not the world's most patient person, so trusting in the Lord's timing is especially hard for me. So waiting to receive an answer to my mission prayer was hard. One week I would feel like maybe He didn't want me to go and that's why I hadn't gotten an answer while the next week I would feel that it was a No Duh type of answer. I wanted to pull out my hair and scream WHY CAN'T YOU ANSWER ME??

Yelling and pulling out my hair wasn't considered a healthy reaction to the situation so I turned to the scriptures and of course, the General Authorities. Several scriptures helped me through this time and I knew they were the answer that I least wanted to hear: Be patient and wait; I'll tell you soon enough. 

1st Nephi 4:6- And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do. 

1st Nephi 9:6- But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.

These two have made it into my top ten of favorite scriptures (maybe a future post?). Heavenly Father knows everything. We had to be willing and patient to wait and look for His hand in our lives. I had to be patient in waiting for my answer to whether or not I should go on a mission. In fact, the answer came when I least expected it. But it took three months of praying, fasting, studying scriptures, and pondering to get my answer. I knew I had to be steadfast in doing those things so I would be in the right environment to receive my answer. In all honesty, I learned more about patience than I did receiving answers to prayers. 

Some people have asked me how I do it. How am I so spiritual and how do I have all these cool experiences? The answer is easy. I know you all know it. I read and pray everyday. Scripture study and daily prayers are the keys to getting yourself into a spiritual mindset. I often study in my room, with MoTab playing (I'm a musical person, so I learn best when there's music involved). I create an environment where the Spirit can come and reside and teach me. I approach studying with an open heart and mind with a willingness to learn. 

Then I study. Pretty simple. I start reading and I have my scripture markers handy because I like to mark everything I like, even if it means my scriptures end up looking like a coloring book. If I really love a scripture, I'll go find a nice picture of flowers or something nature and put it as the background to it. I like to have them on hand. I'm not saying this is the sure fire way of getting a good study session and feeling the Spirit- this is just what works for me. 

Maybe take the cookie cutter mold for studying and apply it to how you learn best. Maybe you're a visual learner- go get some pictures of the stories you read. Maybe you're auditory; listening to the scriptures is great (as long as you don't fall asleep). So many times we are told to just read our scriptures, but we are never told that we can adjust our study methods to best feel the Spirit and learn the most. The whole point of studying your scriptures is to learn from them. So do what you need to do so you can learn best. 

Sorry that this post was all over the place. That's what happens when I get the urge to write and it just comes out spilling all over the place with no real organization. I hope you all have a fantastic week. Remember your Heavenly Father loves you very much! 

Love,

Janae 

Is a Mission Right for Me?

Missions. It seems that since the age change, everyone and their sister have been getting their calls (haha appreciate my lame joke please). You may be in the whirlwind that has seem to capture many youth as to whether they should serve or not. Mind you, this applies to girls and boys. I, myself have been in that same whirlwind. I'm here to offer some help. Of course you will need to consult with Heavenly Father and listen to the prompting of the Spirit, but maybe you were in a place with no answers like I was. Well buckle up children, and let me shed some light.

One of the first things to do before even praying and fasting to decide whether or not to serve, is to realize that you don't have to be perfect to go on a mission. What? Crazy I know. The Lord doesn't want perfect people. He wants imperfect people that He can help mold and shape, through trials, into someone greater. Ask any RM. They will tell you that they have grown so much because of their mission.

Now that we got that misconception out of the way, lets get down to business to defeat Satan! Yes that little bugger will probably try every excuse in the book to get you to not even consider a mission. Worthiness, spirituality, maybe even financial, he will use all of theses as excuses for you to not go. Trust in the Lord and come to accept that if He wants you to serve, He will make it happen.

Many of you may be thinking, "Well this still doesn't help me." Let us clarify some more. D&C 4:3- "If ye have the desire, ye are called to the work." The Lord says that if you want to serve, He will take you and let you serve. However, He may have greater things planned for you. This is where it gets tough. My bestie/sister Dev told me to just make up my mind and say I'll go. That way I only have to get approval from the Lord instead of directions. He did put us on earth to make decisions of our own (agency).

That's what I personally did. I said, "Okay Heavenly Father. I'm gonna go on a mission." Now granted I have a year before I can even report. But I did it nevertheless. My answer took about 3 months to get. I prayed for an answer nightly and fasted for it. Nothing. Then one night I was walking to my room to go to bed and it hit me. "You're going to go on a mission." I was excited. I had finally got my answer!

You may have to wait months to get an answer. You may get one right away. The Lord knows what He's doing. While waiting for an answer, do your part. Read your scriptures everyday and say your prayers. It may seem small and simple but that's how you show the Lord your willingness. Another thing I did, was I read mission books. 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission and 30 Ways to Love Your Mission are my favorites. These are more for anyone and everyone preparing or debating. Girls, Do Not Attempt in Heels and Sisters: A Modern Girl's Guide to Serving a Mission are my top two favorite ones. Even if you don't end up going, you have still learned.

If you are one of the ones debating between marriage and a mission, Dev has more words of wisdom for you. "Preparing for a mission also prepares you for marriage." I couldn't agree more. Now I am neither married, nor an RM, but I do not doubt the truth in her words. No matter how young you are, you are never too young to start preparing for a mission. Even if you do not end up going, you will be spiritually stronger (and that's not a bad thing).

I testify that if you earnestly want to serve and prepare to serve, the Lord will put your efforts to good use. He loves you and wants each of His children to hear the gospel. "Look unto me in every thought. Doubt not, fear not." He will guide you through the promptings of the Holy Ghost. And lastly, a quote to sum it all up.

He will always help you. In all of your decisions, and in everything, He wants the best for you. Until next week my dears.

Love,
Janae