Young Women Lesson on Bearing our Testimonies

 Lesson on Testimony 

1. Game: What am I? 

THIS, accompanied by the Spirit, is one of the more powerful teaching tools we have. 

THIS DOES NOT burst upon us suddenly. Rather it grows, as Alma said, from a seed of FAITH

THIS is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost.

Some people speak of THIS as if it were a light switch-it's either on or off; you either have IT , or you do not. In reality, THIS is more like a tree that passes through various stages of growth and development. Elder Creig C. Christensen

"Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of THIS. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion.

David A. Bednar

Bearing THIS is foundational to our faith. 

2. Our lesson today is on TESTIMONY

JOURNAL: write your testimony  

JOURNAL: turn page and write the date and TESTIMONY at the top.

A few months ago,I gave a lesson about testimonies.  We talked about ways we can testimony to our friends. We ended that lesson with a quote that says “Bear your testimony everyday of your life and when necessary use words.” Today we are going to talk about the USE WORDS part. 

2 Nephi 25:26

26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins

ASK: How many of you are comfortable walking up to the pulpit to bear your testimony?  

Today we are going to SIMPLIFY that tasks.

3. THREE TIPS

Keep it simple.

A testimony is made up of simple statements of truth; pure testimony does not involve entertaining the congregation with humor, giving a "travel log," or sharing a talk-like sermon. 

We are studying the NEW TESTAMENT this year and I love that in the first chapter in LUKE, MARY bears her testimony. 

Luke 1:46-47, 49 

46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour

49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

Elder Scott: "Share principles that help those you love to press forward along the path to eternal life. Remember, we all grow line upon line. You have followed that same pattern in your understanding of the gospel. Keep your sharing of the gospel simple”.

Use “I KNOW" Statements.

A testimony is most simply and most powerfully shared in "I know" statements. 

As President Ballard explains; “My experience throughout the Church leads me to worry that too many of our members’ testimonies linger on 'I am thankful' and 'I love,' and too few are able to say with humble but sincere clarity, 'I know.’"

We can have testimonies of every aspect of the gospel, from tithing to Sunday School to reading the scriptures. However, as Elder Uchtdorf shared; “A testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will always include these clear and simple truths:

HAND  

    • God lives. He is our loving Father in Heaven, and we are His children.

    • Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and the Savior of the world.

    • Joseph Smith is the prophet of God through whom the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored in the latter days. President [Russell M. Nelson], his counselors, and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are the prophets, seers, and revelators in our day

• The Book of Mormon is the word of God.
• Holy Ghost

No matter what we're bearing testimony of, the truth of the Church and all its teachings are rooted in these five points of doctrine. Sharing our testimonies along with the foundational truths they are based on, will increase the power of our words. 

Bear Testimony Often.

Whether someone's testimony is deeply rooted or just starting to grow, bearing testimony strengthens it. 

President Packer declared; “Oh, if I could teach you this one principle: a testimony is to be found in the bearing of it!” 

The most critical thing we can do to strengthen our testimonies and to share it more powerfully is to bear it—often! Share it not just in sacrament meeting, but also at home and with friends, online or in person. Share it in whatever words come. Share it knowing that the spirit will testify of truth to the hearts of those listening. And that, in the end, is really what will make your testimony powerful. 

CONCLUSION:

“You may sometimes be tempted to say ‘Will my influence make any difference?  I am just one.  Will my service affect the work that dramatically? I testify to you that it will.  You will never be able to measure your influence for good.” President Thomas S Monson

Chris & Reita Story "It was like pulling teeth to get Dawn to talk about her religion."

"Those who have a testimony of the restored gospel also have a duty to share it. Dallin H. Oaks

JOURNAL: if time - re-write your testimony

Lesson - Faith In Adversity

 Young Women Lesson 

How Can WE Face Adversity with Faith?

Sept. 12, 2021

_

 

Intro: Video Neil L Anderson talk WOUNDED

Watch first 3 minutes of talk.

On March 22, 2016, just before eight o’clock in the morning, two terrorist bombs exploded in the Brussels Airport. Elder Richard Norby, Elder Mason Wells, and Elder Joseph Empey had taken Sister Fanny Clain to the airport for a flight to her mission in Cleveland, Ohio. Thirty-two people lost their lives, and all of the missionaries were wounded. The most seriously wounded was Elder Richard Norby, age 66, serving with his wife, Sister Pam Norby.

Elder Norby reflected on that moment:  “Instantly, I knew what had happened.

“I tried to run for safety, but I immediately fell down. … I could see that my left leg was badly injured. I [noticed] black, almost spiderweb-type, soot drooping from both hands. I gently pulled at it, but realized it was not soot but my skin that had been burned. My white shirt was turning red from an injury on my back.  “As the consciousness of what had just happened filled my mind, I [had] this very strong thought: … the Savior knew where I was, what had just transpired, and [what] I was experiencing at that moment.”

There were difficult days ahead for Richard Norby and for his wife, Pam. He was placed in an induced coma, followed by surgeries, infections, and great uncertainty.Richard Norby lived, but his life would never be the same. Two and a half years later, his wounds are still healing; a brace replaces the missing part of his leg; each step is different than before that moment at the Brussels Airport.

Why would this happen to Richard and Pam Norby?2 They had been true to their covenants, served a previous mission in the Ivory Coast, and raised a wonderful family. Someone could understandably say, “It isn’t fair! It just isn’t right! They were giving their lives for the gospel of Jesus Christ; how could this happen?”

Although the details will differ, the tragedies, the unanticipated tests and trials, both physical and spiritual, come to each of us because this is mortality.

1. Illustrate Scripture on the Board

Matthew 5:45 (Jesus Christ speaking - Sermon on the Mount)

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Illustrate this scripture on the board, sentence by sentence

Set it up to add the sand and rock for Primary song

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin spoke in General Conference. In his talk he says,

"You may feel singled out when adversity enters your life. You shake your head and wonder, “Why me?” But the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt.”

II. Don’t Compare - all challenges are hard

Miscarriage story TRACI: 

Complaining to my friend Traci at work.  Crying and on a pity party. I remembered that she had lost a little boy. I immediately felt dumb. My “storm” was so much smaller than hers. My friend taught me a very valuable lesson that day.  She said, 

“Every challenge is hard.  Heavenly Father knows just what we need and what we can handle.  He also knows what will refine us and change us for the better.  So, even though our challenges are different, the heartache, the frustration, the fear, the anger, the sadness, are all felt the same.”

Pass Paper

Write down a challenge or a “storm” in your life that you have endured.   

III. What are you Learning? 

Miscarriage Story GLORIA: 

During this time when I was devastated about this miscarriage, I was talking to my neighbor Gloria.  She like Traci listened to me cry and complain.  At the end of my pity party, she validated my feelings and then she asked me a question that I will never forget.  She asked;

“What are you learning?” 

I wasn’t ready to learn yet, but it got me on the right path. 

Paper

  Write down what you learned from that challenge?

IV. Personal Experiences

Personal Experiences:

I have asked a Delaney Dolphin and Kris Maxfield to share their personal experiences with trials and what they learned from them.

V. Scriptures Answers WHY

Ask: WHY do bad things happen to good people? 

Using the scriptures, lets answers that question

Doctrine and Covenants 29:39 

(Joseph Smith received this revelation just before a conference)

39 And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet

2 Nephi 2:11

(Lehi is speaking to Jacob about free agency)

11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.

Doctrine and Covenants 122:7

(Joseph Smith receives this comfort while imprisoned in Liberty Jail)

7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

VII. Answer HOW do we endure these storms. 

                Doctrine & Covenants 121: 7-8

“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; “And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”

Using our primary song, answers the second question: HOW?

How do we “endure it well”? Strong foundation

Add Sand and Rock to Illustrate the scripture/primary song

                But BOTH got the STORM!

1. Pray for strength 

2. Repent to be worthy of the Comforter

(John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.)

3. Go to the Temple

4. Study your Scriptures

5. Have Faith

6. Serve others - 

(President Hinckley: “Forget yourself and go to work.” ) 

7. Remember who you are 

(Neil L Anderson: Look backward, remembering that you proved your worthiness in your premortal state. You are a valiant child of God, and with His help, you can triumph in the battles of this fallen world. You have done it before, and you can do it again.)

MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE LESSON!!!

            8. Depend on your Savior - allow Him to CARRY you 

Doctrine and Covenants 98:1 LET

1 Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;

VIII. Personal Story: Losing my mom 

My mom passed away over 13 years ago this year.  She was 58 years old.  I was 35. From the day she was diagnosed with Melanoma to the day she died was only 3 months.  I can still remember those three months as if they happened yesterday. 

I remember pleading my case with Heavenly Father and begging Him not to take her from us.  I made all sorts of “deals” and promises. We fasted and prayed for a miracle.  

I knew it was going to be hard, but I don’t think I realized how hard it was going to be.  Somedays, I feel this trial will never end.  Although its been 13 years, there are days I miss her so much its paralyzing.  

A dear friend, Betsy Clayton gave me with a gift after my mom died.  It is one I cherish.  It is exactly what I needed.  It has been a reminder to me many times since my mom's passing 

 

Plaque: 

Sometimes God calms the storms.  

Sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms the child”

Conclusion: 

Testify: Always depend on your Savior.  Although he won't calm the storm, he WILL calm and comfort you. LET Him.

Put frames together with paper with trials on the back.

Velum paper over cute paper in frame.

Young Women Intro

I got released as the Relief Society 2nd counselor and was made a Young Women 2 advisor.

I got to introduce myself via ZOOM 

I am so happy to be a part of Young Womens.  It has be 18 years since I last served in YW.  I know A LOT has changed and I am excited to learn from you.

Sister Tousley has asked me to introduce myself to you today.  I can’t wait to meet face to face and have each of you introduce yourself to me so that I can get to know each one of you better.  

My introduction is brought to you by the letter D

My name is: DAWN 

My maiden name is: DORIUS 

My nickname growing up was: DAWNIE DOO

I have lived in DRAPER for 12 years

I'm married to a DASHING DENTIST

I have 3 DARLING children 

I love DOGS Molly, Daisy, Penny

Growing up I was terrible at making DECISIONS.

When I was little, my dad would take me to the toy store and tell me I could have ANY toy I wanted.  I would get in the car empty handed because I could never choose. 

I love to DECORATE and organize

I love DIET COKE - DIRTY DIET COKE 

I love to DANCE

I was a cheerleader and on Dance Co at Brighton High School

I danced at the University of Utah

After I got married and had kids, I was a Dance Teacher.

My Favorite scripture is found in the D&C 82:10

As I said before, I was never very good at making decisions.  It was easier to let others decide for me. At restaurants, I would order whatever my friend was having.  If my sister wore an outfit on Monday, I wore it on Tuesday. 

As I got older, I began to realize that the choice I made mattered to the Lord.  When I would struggle to know what to choose, this scripture brought me a lot of comfort.  It basically says: 

“If I can depend on you (to do what I say) then you can depend on me”. 

If we CHOOSE to be obedient... 

If we CHOOSE to follow my Savior... 

If we CHOOSE to make righteous decisions... 

He promises to be there to comfort us and to guide us and more importantly, he will BLESS us. 

DARE TO SERVE

My last story is when I was 20 years old.  My life was pretty good.  I had a great job, I was in college, I was dating lots of boys.  But the one thing I wanted, more than anything, was to be married.  My mom was married at 19 years old.  My sister at 20.  All my friends were getting married and it was what I really wanted. 

And then my uncle, who was in my ward and in our bishopric, came to me and asked if I had thought about serving a mission.  My quick response was ABSOLUTELY NOT!!  It wasn’t something I wanted to do. The weeks that followed were filled with me rejecting many promptings from the Holy Ghost. 

I finally gave in.  I knew what He wanted me to do.  I was terrified and a little grumpy about the situation, but I wanted him to know that he could depend on me. 

I served in Independence Missouri Deaf Program

I met some of the greatest people.  

My testimony grew.  

I was SO HAPPY! 

It was THE BEST DECISION I have ever made.  

And as you can see in this picture, ... this was at the baptism of Sheila Jakes and Chad Brady.   

The missionary that baptized them is my dashing dentist. :) 

I promise that the choices you make today will effect your tomorrow.  And I testify that your Heavenly Father is aware of each one of you and the choices you make matter to him.  I know if you CHOOSE to follow the Savior and be obedient to the things you know are right and true, the Lord will always bless you.  

HEARING HIM through Friends

Recently our prophet has encouraged us to focus on the ways we HEAR HIM.
I am grateful for my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know it is true.  I don't question or doubt.  It isn't in me.  I know I am one of the lucky ones.

I have thought about the prophets question and wondered if I knew how my Heavenly Father spoke to me.  Was I always listening?  Do I Hear Him when he is trying to reach me?

This last month has been a challenge.
March 14: we had to put Daisy down.
I adored my little Daisy.  She was like a child to me.  I get embarrassed to admit it but it is what it is and I absolutely LOVED that dog.
She was sick. I knew it.  I didn't want her to suffer.
After several sleepless night, I approached Aaron and told him that after taking her to her scheduled appointment, if her numbers were worse, we should probably put her down.
Although the vets advised the same, ultimately, I made the decision.
That decision has eaten me alive for the past five weeks.
I have cried EVERY SINGLE DAY.
I beat myself up and feel so much guilt and regret.
I wish so much that I could go back in time.

Sunday morning
Aaron and I were talking about my sadness.  I had tried to hide from my kids and Aaron when I am emotional or having my daily bawl session.  But Aaron knows me and knew I was struggling.  I finally sobbed and told him how embarrassed I am.  How I wish I could move on.  How I wish I could stop crying.  How I put up a front and say "I am okay", but I am not.
I tried to blame some of my emotions on this quarantine, but again, Aaron knew better.  Of course he tried to console me and remind me that I wasn't to blame, but he allowed me to cry.

I never questioned God about this.  I didn't shake my testimony.  I didn't feel like I needed Heavenly Father to say "I am here - it's okay". I wasn't searching for answers.

Back to Sunday morning
After my melt down, I went about the day.  We did our home sacrament meeting.  We did Come Follow Me Mosiah 4-6.  We ate a nice lunch and I played Wackee 6 with my kids. I didn't cry again.  I wasn't looking for answers.  I wasn't praying for comfort. I did what I do every day.  I cry and then hide my sadness and go about the day.

Sunday night
I got in bed.  That was the first time I had checked my emails.

I have a friend that I still consider one of my BEST FRIENDS/SISTER even though we don't talk much anymore.  She lived right next door to me during dental school.   She now lives in Texas and although many miles separate us, when we do talk, it is as if we lived right next door and we don't skip a beat.

We haven't talked much lately, but this was her email:

Hey Dawn, 

This has been one of my favorite songs lately. For some reason today I kept feeling like I should share it with you. Maybe you've heard it? It's kind of a tear jerker, but has the best message about faith, hope and healing through our trust in Christ and his atonement. I thought you would love it. Alyssa 

https://youtu.be/lWxI6HRcEz0

Naturally, I clicked on the link.
As the song played, I read the lyrics provided in the link.
As you can imagine ... TEARS
Not because of Daisy this time - Because I knew I was HEARING HIM.
I love Alyssa with all my heart.  I dare say she is probably one of the BEST people I have ever met.  She doesn't hesitate when she feels a prompting.  She HEARS HIM ask and she does.

As I said my prayers Sunday night, I thanked my Heavenly Father for Alyssa.  I thanked Him for friends messages.  I also thanked Him for letting me know he is aware of me.  He knows how I am feeling - EXACTLY.  I HEARD HIM and was so grateful.

LDS LIVING Article

LDS LIVING wrote a great Article about 18 Mormons on Reality TV that Stood for their Standards. 

I loved seeing Kenzie's name on the list.  She has made be very proud and is a great example to me. 

Click HERE to read the entire article

Click HERE to see the magazine LDS LIVING

American Idol

You can’t talk about Mormons on reality TV without mentioning American Idol and David Archuleta. However, the famed singer wasn’t the first Mormon to compete on the show. Carmen Rasmusen Herbet made it into the top six during the 2003 season of American Idol. During the show, her modest dress standards repeatedly put her at odds with the show’s wardrobe stylists. In fact, a stylist was quoted in Us magazine as saying, “She has a fantastic figure, so [her religious guidelines] are restricting.” But Carmen stood her ground every time—an impressive feat for a teen in a high-pressure showbiz environment. “I really think I found strength beyond my own,” Herbert says. “I wanted to do what was right. I wanted to dress modestly. I was taught to stay true to my values and stay true to myself—even after I went out into the world.”

Five seasons later in 2008, LDS singing sensation David Archuleta was also criticized for his values, in particular, his humility—skeptics thought it was an act. Immediately, David’s friends came to his defense. “People just didn’t understand how David could be shocked when the judges complimented him,” says Dean Kaelin, David’s voice coach. “People thought, ‘How could he not know how good he was?’ Not only does David have a beautiful voice, he is just a good, good kid. That was a shock to America. People couldn’t accept that he was just a humble kid.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

David Archuleta: Still Making Headlines

After his success on American Idol, David Archuleta saw tremendous success both in his music career and out in the mission field.  In addition to his mission to Chile, Archuleta continues to stand for his beliefs and inspires through his music and his considerable charitable work.  

--> Order David Archuleta's most recent album, "No Matter How Far," from deseretbook.com today.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Though Archuleta lost to David Cook in the show’s finale, he’s gone on to have a successful singing career—and even put his work on hold to serve a two-year mission in Chile. He returned home with honor in March of 2014. Other Mormons on the show include LDS singer Brooke White who competed on the same season as Archuleta and endeared herself to the judges and fans when she explained that he’d never seen an R-rated movie or had a drink of alcohol. She was eliminated after making it to the top five.

And just last year, Latter-day Saint Kenzie Hall had a shot at performing on the show after being selected to advance out of 40,000 applicants. However, in a surprise twist, the show eliminated five of the 15 female contestants without ever allowing them to sing for America’s votes. Though disappointed, she told the Deseret News, “All along, I knew I had to rely on my Savior because He sees the bigger picture. And I had a good experience, I think, because I kept to my standards, and I’m proud of that.”

Photos courtesy of LDS Living; Deseret News. Left: Carmen Rasmusen Herbet. Right: Kenzie Hall.