A Temple Wedding For SHeDAISY's Kassidy Osborn

Kassidy Osborn is one really cool LDS Girl. That’s right, she and her two sisters Kristyn, and Kelsi make up the country music group known as SHeDAISY. Raised in Magna, Utah, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, they now live in Nashville, Tennessee and are working really hard on their new album to be released soon called, A Story to Tell.

You would think that would be the big news, but NO WAY! The big news is Kassidy got hitched, yep, you got it, she got married to her longtime boyfriend Derek Williamson. You will never guess where they tied the knot...give up? They were married in the LDS Temple in San Diego, California.

"For being one of the most important days of my life, it couldn't have been more perfect and beautiful!", says Kassidy.

Congratulations Derek and Kassidy!

SHeDAISY will be performing at the Stadium of Fire on the 4^th of July in their home state of Utah.

Make sure to watch for their upcoming new album, A Story to Tell... it should be awesome!

And if you want to keep up on all the SHeDAISY news follow them on TWITTER!

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.

LDS Surfing Champion Joy Monahan

Did you know that the Women’s Longboard world champion, Joy Monahan is one cool LDS girl? Being raised in Oahu Hawaii, Joy is the first Hawaiian female to gain the ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion title.

Joy Monahan attends BYU Provo, so training for her sport can be trying at times...no waves!

Joy is not only really cool because of her surfing skills, she is also a really great example of someone who really tries to live what they believe. Featured in the May 2009 New Era magazine, an article called “Pure Joy” talks about Joy’s commitment to modesty.

“When a Hawaiian swimsuit company approached surfing pro Joy Monahan and offered to be her sponsor, the Honolulu native had some reservations. ‘I told them, ‘I really only wear modest one-piece suits.’’ So they worked with Joy to design a swimsuit that was both modest and functional for surfing. They even named it after her, and it has since become one of the more popular swimsuits of their line.

It’s also the one Joy wore last July in Biarritz, France, where at age 23 she topped 47 international competitors to become the Women’s World Longboard Champion. The first surfer from Hawaii to win that honor, she calls the experience the fulfillment of a longtime dream.

‘I just started to cry when I heard the final horn blow and I knew that I had won,’ she says with a smile that stretches almost as long as her surfboard. ‘I’d worked so hard on that goal.’

Joy stands out not only on the waves, but also among her peers for her high standards. She says that most people know she won’t do things like smoke or drink, and they respect her decisions.

‘At the awards ceremony after the championship, the girls were spraying each other with champagne. Most of the girls knew that I didn’t drink, but one girl poured a beer on my head,’ she explains. ‘The other girls were like, ‘You can’t do that to her!’ So she came back with a water bottle and sprayed me with water instead.’

Being ‘the Mormon girl’ and sticking to her principles isn’t always easy, Joy says. ‘For example, it’s hard, wherever you live, to be modest because so much of fashion is very revealing. It takes a little bit of courage to stand out and be different.’

But it’s worth it. ‘Whether it’s easy or it’s hard, do what you know is right. Then you can feel good about yourself.’

Joy lives up to her name. She’ll quickly tell you that the joy she feels comes from living the gospel. ‘It changes lives and makes them better. Along with my family, it’s my number one priority.’”

Thank you Joy Monahan for being one really cool LDS girl.

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

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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


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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!

Zion's Trek

Have you ever participated in a Zion’s Trek activity?

Do you know what a Zion’s Trek even is?

A Zion’s Trek is an activity that commemorates a part of the history of the LDS Church and the westward movement. In other words, it is an activity where you get to experience what it was like to be a hand cart pioneer.

To participate in this activity you usually dress the part.

You spend your days pulling a hand cart holding all your belongings and supplies in it.

Perhaps you get a little taste of what it felt like to be a pioneer yourself.

This weekend was the Murrieta Stake of California’s Zion’s Trek.

This link is for a great newspaper article written in the local newspaper about the event. Make sure you check it out!

Here is some of the response from the kids who participated:

"It's an adventure, and you get a taste of what the pioneers went through, and a greater appreciation of the sacrifices they made," said 17-year-old Alton Skaggs.

"It was freezing last night, and I was thinking, ‘They didn't have sleeping bags,'" Katelynn said about her ancestors.

"The small stuff, like water, you become pretty grateful for," said Kyle Frizzell, 17.

If you have been on a Zion’s Trek tell us what your favorite part about it was.... What did you learn?

Uplifting Music

HeY TherE aLL mY LDS gIrL FRiEndS...Do you love music as much as I do?

The problem for me is... there is a bunch of music out there that is simply not COoL! Sure, it might have a catchy beat... but the words are not great at all! Come on... you know what I am talking about, don’t YoU? Don’t make me give examples now!!!

Does it really matter what kind of music you listen to?

Elder Boyd K. Packer taught that inspiring music brings worthy thoughts.... so think of what the opposite of that statement might be.... Uninspiring music brings__________. I will let you finish that one!

Elder Packer shared some specific ideas about music.....

• You cannot afford to fill your mind with the unworthy music of our day. … Such music as that is not worthy of you.

• You are a son or a daughter of Almighty God. He has inspired a world full of wonderful things to learn and to do, uplifting music of many kinds that you may enjoy.

• Pay careful attention to the music you program for your activities.

• There is so much wonderful, uplifting music available that we can experience to our advantage. Our people ought to be surrounded by good music of all kinds.

• If you are blessed with musical talent, develop a wide range of good music.

Why not go through your [music] collection? Get rid of the worst of it. Keep just the best of it. Be selective in what you consume and what you produce. It becomes a part of you.

So GiRlFriEndS...why not take the music challenge... get rid of the junk and start collecting some CoOl good music instead!

Why not start with this....

A New Book Called "Daughters of God"

Hey Cool LDS Girls... just in time for Mother’s Day... A new book that features three of Elder M. Russell Ballard’s talks about women of the Church has just been released.

The book is called “Daughters of God”. In the book Elder Ballard covers topics of various aspects of womanhood, including motherhood, divine daughterhood, and individual value outside of marriage and family.

Some suggestions Elder Ballard makes:

* Live more in the moment rather than rushing to get the next activity or item on your checklist.

* Don't overschedule you or your family's lives because "families need unstructured time in which relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place."

* Find time to cultivate your own talents and interests because "if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others."

* Pray for your children, asking specifically how God would have you raise them.

So for you cool LDS Girls who are future wives and mothers of the church, what better counsel can you get than from an apostle of the Lord. AND if you are still trying to figure out what to get your cool LDS mom for Mother’s Day... this might be just what you are looking for!

Spiritual Crocodiles

Elder Boyd K Packer gave a talk in General Conference in 1976 that is still a classic one for today, called Spiritual Crocodiles. In it he told of an experience he had while he was in Africa on Church business in relation to some scary crocodiles. A young ranger had volunteered to take Elder Packer around and show him some of the sights. This is an experience he related he had with the ranger:

“The antelope, particularly, were very nervous. They would approach the mud hole, only to turn and run away in great fright. I could see there were no lions about and asked the guide why they didn’t drink. His answer, and this is the lesson, was “Crocodiles.”

I knew he must be joking and asked him seriously, “What is the problem?” The answer again: “Crocodiles.”

“Nonsense,” I said. “There are no crocodiles out there. Anyone can see that.”

I thought he was having some fun at the expense of his foreign game expert, and finally I asked him to tell us the truth. Now I remind you that I was not uninformed. I had read many books. Besides, anyone would know that you can’t hide a crocodile in an elephant track.

He could tell I did not believe him and determined, I suppose, to teach me a lesson. We drove to another location where the car was on an embankment above the muddy hole where we could look down. “There,” he said. “See for yourself.”

I couldn’t see anything except the mud, a little water, and the nervous animals in the distance. Then all at once I saw it!—a large crocodile, settled in the mud, waiting for some unsuspecting animal to get thirsty enough to come for a drink.

Suddenly I became a believer! When he could see I was willing to listen, he continued with the lesson. “There are crocodiles all over the park,” he said, “not just in the rivers. We don’t have any water without a crocodile somewhere near it, and you’d better count on it.”

The guide was kinder to me than I deserved. My “know-it-all” challenge to his first statement, “crocodiles,” might have brought an invitation, “Well, go out and see for yourself!”

I could see for myself that there were no crocodiles. I was so sure of myself I think I might have walked out just to see what was there. Such an arrogant approach could have been fatal! But he was patient enough to teach me.

My young friends, I hope you’ll be wiser in talking to your guides than I was on that occasion. That smart-aleck idea that I knew everything really wasn’t worthy of me, nor is it worthy of you. I’m not very proud of it, and I think I’d be ashamed to tell you about it except that telling you may help you.”

I loved this talk especially because they made it into a really cool video for Seminary... Do you remember watching this one?

"You live in an interesting generation where trials will be constant in your life. Learn to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. It is to be a shield, a protection and a teacher for you. Never be ashamed or embarrassed about the doctrines of the gospel or about the standards we teach in the church." Elder Boyd K. Packer

Watch OUT for those SPIRITUAL CROCODILES that are all round you today! They can be deadly!

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

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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!

Is Abortion FUN?

Perhaps I am crossing the line here, posting this kind of irreverent video about ABORTION... but I don't think so.



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LdsNana

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.

Giving My Baby Up For Adoption - "The Hardest Thing I Have Ever Done"!

Tamra is a young woman, who found herself pregnant, and not married. She referred to her unwanted pregnancy as a "crisis" in her life. Too many young girls today, find themselves in a similar situation, and unfortunately opt for having an abortion. These young women are often convinced that abortion is the best decision for everyone involved.

For Tamra, abortion was not an option, but neither was keeping the baby and raising it herself. Tamra made a very difficult decision, to do the right thing - which was also the hardest choice.


This video, produced by LDS Family Services - is Tamra's Love Story....

If You Are Pregnant...

Its not uncommon to feel that your only options are abortion or raising your child on your own. There are other options; and the decision is yours.

No one else will live daily with your decision, which is why no one else can make this decision for you.

The best thing you can do for you and your future child is to educate yourself about your options and feel confident that you have found the solution that is right for you.

For more information, please visit:

ItsAboutLove.org

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LdsNana