Heber Valley Camp for LDS Girls

Did you know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints actually owns and operates an LDS Girls camp in the mountains southeast of Heber, Utah?

The camp is called Heber Valley Camp and it is located on a tract of land that covers more than 8,000 areas. The building of the camp started in 2003 and each year they have added more facilities with the ultimate goal of housing more than 5,000 campers. Wow...that is a big LDS Girls camp!

On June 1, 2009 at Heber Valley Camp the general Young Women president, Sister Elaine S. Dalton celebrated with 2,300 LDS girls high on the mountain top, unfurling a banner to virtue. The Young Women value of virtue was added to the other values- faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, and integrity- last November. Sister Dalton felt inspired to teach the LDS girls the counsel from the Lord contained in the Doctrine and Covenants asking us each to walk in the paths of virtue.

She told the LDS girls that were with her at the camp, “"So while you are here at Heber Camp and while you are walking on those paths, I hope that you will think about what the path of virtue will look like in your life. Sometimes it will be narrow. Sometimes it will be steep. But you are climbers. And you are not meant to be valley dwellers. You are meant to be up here in high mountain tops overlooking the grand vista you have. You are here on this Earth now for a glorious season and for a glorious purpose."

Sister Dalton explained to the girls that she had visited the camp before it was constructed and had wondered if making the camp would really be possible. She added, “"the Heber Camp is more magnificent than I could have ever dreamed. You are standing on ground that was foreseen by prophets of God for the very purpose to build and strengthen you, to strengthen your faith and testimony of Jesus Christ so that you might become the leaders of the next generation."

The beauty of Heber Valley Camp is one in which the “mountains shout for joy.” The beauty of the camp is like the beauty of each LDS girl.

"These are no ordinary days and you are no ordinary young women," Sister Dalton said. "Remember that. Let that sink into your hearts in the quiet of Heber Camp. Then when you go back to your homes, don't let anyone persuade you otherwise.

"It is my prayer that this day, here in the tops of the mountains, you will resolve to arise and go up to the mountain of the Lord – the temple. That you will resolve to stand for truth and righteousness."

Find out more about Heber Valley Camp at this link.

Are You The Same As Other Mormon Girls?

Do you consider yourself the same as other LDS girls? I mean, are you alike when compared to your friends who are Mormon, too? Most of us consider ourselves unique, and might even take pride in being different. As I have the opportunity to meet and hang with many different "types" of LDS young women, I am amazed at how different they really can be. But what I love best, is that in those things that truly "matter", most LDS girls are very much on the same page. And that is a GOOD thing!

We can appreciate the differences in each other, by our talents, opinions, activities, looks, etc... but we must also value those things that make us ONE. These are the exact things that will ultimately draw others to us, as well.

Think about it? Have you recently had a difference of opinion with another member of the Church? Probably so. You know, we don't all think alike, regardless of our religious teachings. However, we become and remain unified by our understanding of eternal principles, that become all of our ultimate guides.

I don't always agree with other members of the Church, about this or that -- but I do know that for the most part, we are all striving to live the principles of the gospel in the best ways we know, and understand.

I enjoyed this video about"What Mormon Teens are Like", because of this very example of how our lives help to strengthen each other, and our desire to live the gospel every day!

What's Important To Most Mormon Girls

tDMg
LdsNana

Have You EVER Thought LDS Leaders Are Out Of Touch?

If you've ever thought that our LDS leaders are out of touch with reality, you might just change your mind after watching this video about Sex, Pornography, and Immorality!

Sometimes when we just listen to a talk during conference, it's easy to just let slide by what these inspired men are trying to tell us - thinking they don't get it. But listening to this disciple of Jesus Christ, along side of this stunning imagery - might just cause you to re-think - that these guys DO know a thing or two!


The Truth about Sex, Pornography, and Immorality


tDMg
LdsNana

Virtue: My Three White Dresses

In the 1993 October General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Elder L. Tom Perry gave an address called “Choose the Right.” In his talk he discussed the importance of choosing the right.

He testified, “I hope and pray that you great young people of the Church will have the courage to consistently choose the right! Moreover, I suggest that each of you find or create reminders to help you and your loved ones choose the right when a choice is placed before you. There is power in a tie tack, a CTR ring, or a white dress hanging in the closet if we associate them with our desires for purity and righteousness. Even more important than physical reminders is to have the conviction deep down in our hearts to live the kind of life that will cause us to make the right choices, not only for peace and happiness in the world right now, but also for peace and happiness eternally.

I promise you that you will receive everlasting happiness if you consistently choose to do what is right.”

In this talk he introduced a poem that was written for his granddaughter by her mother and recited at her baptism called,

My Three White Dresses

My mom bought me a white dress,

Not red or pink or blue.

She said it was a special dress

Like very other few.

There has been just one before,

A dress now put away,

That I wore some time ago

Upon my blessing day.

As a little baby clothed

In my first white dress,

My dad held me in his arms,

There to name and bless.So pure and clean was I just then,

With time to grow and learn

About the Father’s plan for me.

My glory I must earn.

Now I’ve reached the age to judge

The wrong road from the right,

And I am here to be baptized

In this dress of white.

So once again I’m free from sin.

The path is clear to me.

I’ll grasp the rod and hold on tight,

I vow with certainty.

Just as mud would stain my dress,

Sin would stain my soul.

The key is to repent or bleach,

For whiteness is my goal.

And if I try my very best,

Then richly blessed I’ll be,

Wearing inside God’s holy house

White dress number three.

So today I make this pledge:

I’ll strive to choose the right,

Through this sacred baptism ordinance

In my second dress of white.

(Linda Gay Perry Nelson, 1993)

Today cool LDS girls are reminded of that poem by this new great Mormon Message. I hope you enjoy it!

Ashley Moser Miss Hawaii Teen USA One Really Cool LDS Girl

What do you and Miss Hawaii Teen USA have in common?

Probably a lot, but one thing is for sure, if you are a cool LDS girl, so is she! Yep, the new Miss Hawaii Teen USA is Ashley Moser a really cool LDS girl!

Ashley lives in Hawaii and attends Punahou School, which is BTW the same High School that President Barack Obama went to! She also attends seminary every morning even though she has to get up at the crack of dawn and drive clear across the island to do it!

Ashley has been participating in beauty pageants since she was a baby. She actually was crowned first runner up in several pageants before winning this title as Miss Hawaii Teen USA.

Being in the public spotlight like Ashley is can bring a lot of exposure but it also can bring a lot of pressure with it too. Ashley chooses to see her new found fame as an opportunity for missionary service. She stated, "I'm very thankful for pageants. My mom did pageants. That's how she got a scholarship to BYU-Hawaii. She was not a member at the time so by going there, she found the gospel and my dad. As a result, our whole family is in the church."

Ashley Moser will go on to compete in the Miss Teen USA pageant this summer in the Bahamas. Make sure and watch for Miss Hawaii Teen USA, Ashley Moser, one really cool LDS girl!

What Mormon Teens Are Like

KooLDSGirlz would like to give a big sHoUT OuT to one really cool LDS girl who made a video about Mormon Teen Girls and what they are like....Check it out!

What do you thinK DiD She dO A gOOd jOb eXpLAinINg whAt A CoOl LDS GIrL is?

The April New Era- Education Issue

The April 2009 New Era is all about education and careers. If you read it you can find counsel, guidance, and encouragement concerning your school and studies, both spiritual and secular. This issue contains such features as:

• A message from President Henry B. Eyring on what true education means (“Real-Life Education”).

• A discussion with Elder Paul V. Johnson, Commissioner of Church Education, on the seminary and institute programs (“A Higher Education”).

• An article by Mary N. Cook of the Young Women general presidency on how education helps us serve in the Church (“More Fit for the Kingdom”).

• Articles offering practical advice on school, careers, and becoming independent ( “10 Steps to Finding a Great Job,” and “Practically Out the Door”).

And a really great article by Brad Wilcox called, Five Easy Ways to Make School Hard and Five Hard Ways to Make School Easy.

So make sure you check out the NEW ERA on LDS.org, the new Webpage design is really cool!

Hey... all my LDS Girl friends, graduation is just around the corner and you better start thinking about what you will be doing next year for school. Make sure you check out these great articles in the April New Era.

The Book of Mormon, A Great Life Planner

The Book of Mormon is a book written for instruction to us for our day. It was written by the hand of God, by prophets who knew us and what we would be facing in our time. It is the best way to learn, by example, the ways to return back to our Heavenly Father. It is also one of the best ways to understand Satan and the tactics he uses to try and trip us up. It is really a great book to get everyday instructions, helping us to be better prepared for life. Make The Book of Mormon part of your “life planner.”



Look for the three blessings that President Hinckley promises anyone who prayerfully reads the Book of Mormon....

“Without reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you previously have read it, there will come into your hearts an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.”
Gordon B. Hinckley

Why do you think reading the Book of Mormon would help give you these blessings?

Could you use an added measure of strength in any area of your life right now?



Take the challenge, read the Book of Mormon daily! See for yourself if the blessings come true.

Modesty Is Always In Fashion

"A mortal body is a valuable component of God's great plan of happiness.

In the premortal world, according to the Bible, spirits awaiting their mortal experience "shouted for joy."

"Why were we so excited? We understood eternal truths about our bodies. We knew that our bodies would be in the image of God. We knew that our bodies would house our spirits. We also understood that our bodies would be subject to pain, illness, disabilities and temptation, But we were willing, even eager, to accept these challenges because we knew that only with spirit and element inseparably connected could we progress to become like our Heavenly Father."

Satan's punishment for rebellion against God is that he was forever denied a body, so he works to tempt mortals to despise the great gift they are accorded. "He tries to do everything he can to get us to abuse or misuse this precious gift."

Respect for the body as a temple housing the spirit would result in "a dramatic increase in chastity, modesty, observance of the Word of Wisdom and a similar decrease in the problems of pornography and abuse. ...

"Modesty is more than a matter of avoiding revealing attire. It describes not only the altitude of hemlines and necklines, but the attitude of our hearts." Susan W. Tanner

Susan W. Tanner and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, discuss MODESTY.

"First of all, I want you to be proud you are a woman. I want you to feel the reality of what that means, to know who you truly are. You are literally a spirit daughter of heavenly parents with a divine nature and an eternal destiny. That surpassing truth should be fixed deep in your soul and be fundamental to every decision you make as you grow into mature womanhood. There could never be a greater authentication of your dignity, your worth, your privileges, and your promise.

Your Father in Heaven knows your name and knows your circumstance. He hears your prayers. He knows your hopes and dreams, including your fears and frustrations. And He knows what you can become through faith in Him. Because of this divine heritage you, along with all of your spiritual sisters and brothers, have full equality in His sight and are empowered through obedience to become a rightful heir in His eternal kingdom, an “[heir] of God, and joint-[heir] with Christ.”

Seek to comprehend the significance of these doctrines. Everything Christ taught He taught to women as well as men. Indeed, in the restored light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a woman, including a young woman, occupies a majesty all her own in the divine design of the Creator. You are, as Elder James E. Talmage once phrased it, “a sanctified investiture which none shall dare profane.” Jeffrey R. Holland

Jeffrey R. Holland "To Young Women

tDMg
LdsNana

General Young Women Meeting 2009

Did you happen to watch the General Young Women Meeting yesterday?

If not you still can!

The whole meeting can be seen on the Internet on this link.


If you didn't get to see it, or you want to see it again, go and do it today!

By the way the Young Women Choir was awesome! It was a group of totally cool LDS Girls!

Do You Ever Wonder Why?

Sometimes we, as LDS Girls, are faced with all kinds of counsel and we simply do not understand the reason for it. It makes us simply ask, “Why?”

LDS authors John Hilton and Anthony Sweat will be releasing a new book on April 1^st that is called “Powerful Answers and Practical Reasons for Living LDS Standards.”

These authors use quotes from Church leaders and real-life stories, giving the doctrinal “whys” to back up the standards that are found in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. There are answers to over 100 questions, like:

• Why do some people who break the commandments appear happy?

• Why shouldn’t I just “try” alcohol, just so I can see what it tastes like?

• Why is wearing two pairs of earrings such a big deal? Or is it?

• Why is it wrong to steady date someone if we both have high standards?

• Why is 16 the magical age–is it all that different from 15?

• Why is pornography a big deal if it doesn’t hurt anybody?

• Why shouldn’t I wear flip-flops to Church?

• Why do some people who pay tithing still not have a lot of money?

• Why should I talk to the bishop about certain sins?

They have a really cool website an even have a Facebook group account where you can join LDS youth in your search for answers.

So if you have questions... find out the answers!

Steadfast and Immovable

Mosiah 5:15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

LDS Girls and Dating Dilemmas

Dating has always been a really interesting conversation among single LDS girls of any age. In fact there is a whole section dedicated to dating in the For the Strength of Youth guidebook.

The counsels that are given by our LDS leaders include:

• Date those with high standards and in whose company you can maintain your standards.
• Both Young Men and Young Women are responsible to help each other maintain high standards and protect each other’s honor and virtue
• Honor the sanctity of the priesthood and of womanhood.
• Do not date until you are at least 16 years old.
• When you begin dating go in groups or double dates.
• Avoid going on frequent dates with the same person.
• Make sure your parents meet those you date.
• Invite your dates to activities with your family.
• Plan positive and inexpensive dating activities.

These dating guidelines are given for the protection of both LDS girls and LDS boys. By following this counsel you can have “safe” dating relationships.

Now for some fun...I found this really cool Blog written by a man named Dave Johnston. He has started a question and answer Blog about dating and relationship advice, called Dear Bro Jo. He has received some interesting questions about dating that he has answered and given some really KOOL advice. Now remember...it is just his opinion...but it is fun to see what he has to say.

What do you think about LDS girls and the dating counsel given in the For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet? Is there any part of the counsel you find challenging? Why?

Has Texting Gotten Out of Control

Hey, I know that keeping in touch with those around you is made so easy by simply text messaging, but when does text messaging go too far?


What do you think are some rules that need to be made about text messaging?

The New Young Women Value Virtue

In November Sister Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women General President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, announced that a new value would be added to the Young Women program... that value is VIRTUE.

In a talk called “A Return to Virtue” she explained exactly what virtue is:

“Virtue ‘is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.’ It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don’t hear often in today’s society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost.”

Isn’t that Kool? I love how she explains that virtue is strength! In a world where many people view LDS girls as “weak” we are taught that in our virtue we are strong. That strength allows us to have the confidence we need to “stand for truth and righteousness.” It doesn’t matter what age you are “a virtuous woman is above the price of rubies.”

How do we return to virtue and stay strong in the world today?

President Hinckley explained, “I offer you a very simple recipe which, if observed, will assure your happiness. It is a simple four-point program. It is as follows: (1) pray, (2) study, (3) pay your tithing, and (4) attend your meetings.”

It sounds so simple right? It really is.... and the promises are so great when you do.

“Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

“The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever”

Virtue=Strength

Kool Young Womens Value Jewelry for Kool LDS Girlz

As I was searching for the Koolest things for LDS girls, I came across a really Kool couple of LDS girls who make Kool jewelry.

I loved the Young Women Scrabble pendants.

These cute things are made by Jen and Amber and are a part of some of their product line called “Just be jewelry”.

Make sure you stop over and see all the Kool things they make.

Twilight- I Finally Am Ready To Give My Book Review...

I can't believe that it took me this long to finish Twilight. I had to read it in between comings and goings, things to do and life! LOL As I mentioned in my earlier post, when I decided to finally break down and read Twilight -- I just had to figure out for myself, what all the hype was about???

Okay, I am going to be brutally honest here. Some of you LDS girls might not even like me after I confess such a thing. After all - most of you are gah-gah over Twilight! So, here goes...

It took me until pages 300+ to finally get into Twilight. Not that it wasn't somewhat interesting, but I could not give it a 10 like so many of the LDS Girls, who have read it before me. Now, don't get me wrong, by the time I finally started staying up late to continue reading (you all know what I am saying here) It was riveting!

I will give it to Stephanie Meyers... she knows how to write for LDS girls in particular. She never crossed the line of sexual morality... although, IF Edward and Bella had not the physical conflict, of him being a vampire and she a human - who knows what they would have done? So, their remaining chaste and appropriate in the book Twilight - was not from any kind of religious morality. You all understand this, right?

Nonetheless, because of the general morality of the book Twilight, LDS girls, and myself... allowed themselves to be BITTEN by Twilight!

Once bitten, and it is all over. I am still not sure of how I feel about the relationship that is portrayed between Edward and Bella, as yet? I want to feel that it is not really a healthy model for young women today in general. Yet, I understand the fantasy involved...

Every girl,wants to be cherished, protected and taken care of by someone who loves her desperately and she loves equally in return... desperately! This is the fairytale of every young girl... which follows her into womanhood.

But, this is not real life. This should not be a disappointment though. I think that is is just fine, to desire this kind of love. This may sound kind of silly to some of you cute LDS girls, but perhaps you will get it...

I really believe, that each one of us will eventually have the capacity to love and be loved in the way that our hearts desire -- and that will come, because of the Savior's great love for us. He has Atoned for our major imperfection. My husband is wonderful, but still -- he is not Edward! LOL But he will be so much better -- if I am patient with his flaws. Hopefully, he is patient with me too.

We have been stuck together for 30 years now... and we are both very flawed:-) Isn't it wonderful to know somewhere deep inside ourselves - that perfect love, is part of the eternal plan of happiness?

I think that this could be one of the reasons, that the story told in Twilight - finds such appeal, to particularly young women.

Since I have been bitten, so to speak - I am ready to start reading NEW MOON now.

Hey... I'm hungry!

tDMg
LdsNana

The Divine Institution of Marriage

For LDS girls of the Mormon Church, the Divine Institution of Marriage is considered not only sacred, but it is one of their greatest goals in life. Now, that is not to say that LDS girls and young women don't have other goals, such as personal development through education, etc... But, there is no doubt that marriage, in the proper order of an LDS girl's life - is what most every LDS girls dreams about.

I wanted to give all LDS young women a heads-up on some very important commentary - that was just published today, on the LDS newsroom, about the Divine Institution of Marriage and what that means to members of the LDS Church. This is the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, regarding what is going on with the same-sex marriage issue, which is currently - literally - being fought!

There is a great battle taking place, in our very midst. It is most likely very similar to that which we each stood for in our pre-mortal lives. It is a battle or war of words, philosophies and ideas. It is very easy to get swayed by the popular trends of the world in which we live in. For instance, even many good members are of the Church, are of the opinion that we should live and let live - when it comes to lifestyle choices.

Okay... that is fine.

But wait a minute! Where is the line to be drawn, in this kind of thinking? Particularly when that kind of thinking could cause you to lose everything that you hold dear... even the ability to enjoy the Divine Institute of Marriage that you dream about someday.

I really want LDS girls to think very carefully about potentially choosing to go with a popular trend and not stand for traditional marriage as our leaders have asked us to actively do...

Remember, it is your posterity that you are Standing For - and this is Something that is worth your best efforts to maintain. What kind of a world are YOU creating NOW for your own children to be raised in... think about it?

Temple Marriage is a sacred institution, ordained of God - for the Eternal Happiness of You and your posterity:-)

tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon

Cool LDS Girls Are "Different In Happy Ways"

"To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help, to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home—which is society’s basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife."
Spencer W. Kimball

I loved this new video from You Tube... when I saw it... it reminded me of the cool LDS Girls I know today! I hope you like it as much as I did!



President Spencer W. Kimball who was a prophet of the church when I was young... gave this following prophetic statement back in November 1979...

"Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world."

That is what I think you are... Cool LDS Girls who will influence the world.. because you are different- in happy ways- than other girls.

Celebrate your differences! You Rock!

LDS Girls Doing Cool Things To Help Others

I found this really cool story about LDS Girls who made a difference just today! I was cruising the Internet and found this story, and I thought I would share it with my LDS Girlfriends here at KooLDSgirlZ.

Apparently, back in September 2007 a group of Young Women from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Saipan branch were looking for a project they could do in the “Good Works” area of the YW Values and found a great one.

A new dialysis center was being constructed in the area called the Dr. Jose T. Villagomez Center for Public Health and Dialysis. In this particular area of medical treatment the rooms must be kept very cold in order to keep it germ free. This was a concern for the patients; they are often made uncomfortable by the low temperature.

So can you guess what this group of LDS Girls did?

Yep, they organized a project to make lap quilts to be donated to the dialysis center.

The quilts were made from aloha fabric on the island, which gave them a real island look, by the LDS girls. Then the quit tops were sent to a group of LDS Women in Salt Lake City, Utah (The Mill Creek Ward), who tied them and bound them for the LDS Girls and sent them back to Saipan so that they could donate them to the center.

This project was a cool group effort between two different LDS Girl groups separated by the Pacific Ocean but joined in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The connection was made by a really cool LDS Girl, Jac Wilde Pate who was a former female missionary that served in Saipan on her mission.

Just look what can happen when cool LDS Girls work together... what do you think? Any of you cool LDS Girls have any other great stories to share?...Post them here!