Projet Dévouement: #ÉCLAIREZleMONDE 2016 (vidéo incluse)

En Novembre 2016, alors que je jetais un coup d’œil sur mon fil de nouvelles de Facebook, j'ai vu que l'Église venait de lancer la nouvelle campagne de Noël: Éclairez le Monde! Nous étions invités à suivre l'exemple du Christ en acceptant son invitation d'être la lumière du monde, comme lui même l'est, en servant à chaque jour de Décembre comme il a servi durant sa vie. J'ai adoré l'idée!

J'étais présidente des Jeunes Filles à ce moment, alors je voulais impliquer mes filles danse cette campagne. J'ai donc pris le Progrès Personnel et j'ai cherché comment inclure cette campagne à ce programme, afin que les filles puisse non seulement compléter des expériences du Progrès Personnel, mais puissent en même temps éclairer le monde. J'ai fini par créer un calendrier ou j'avais jumelé chaque idée de service proposé avec un but du Progrès Personnel. Je l'ai partagé en ligne, et dû à l'intérêt que ça a suscité, je l'ai traduit de l'espagnol à l'anglais et au français, et je l'ai envoyé à au moins 500 personnes autour du monde.

Je l'ai bien évidemment aussi partagé avec mes filles, qui ont embarqué dans cette campagne avec enthousiasme. Toutes nos activités du mois étaient basés sur des services à rendre afin d'éclaire le monde.

La première semaine de décembre nous avons créé une vidéo pour inviter les gens à joindre la campagne. Il y avait à ce moment un défi sur les réseaux sociaux, le "Mannequin Challenge", pour lequel les gens restaient en statue en on les filmait, avec une chanson populaire de fond (que je ne connais pas et qui de toute façon on m'a informé qu'elle n'était pas appropriée alors je n'ai pas cherché à la connaître). On a pris ce même concept, et on a filmé les filles en train de faire des petits services dans l'église, en ne bougeant pas (voir vidéo plus bas).

Ensuite, le premier dimanche de décembre, alors que les adultes avaient une leçon conjointe, les Jeunes Filles se sont occupées des enfants de la primaire. Elles leur ont fait colorier des images sur l'histoire de Noël et ont aussi fait des vidéos en demandant aux enfants de raconter l'histoire de Noël. Nous avons présenté la vidéo à notre soirée de Noël de notre branche.

La deuxième semaine de décembre nous avons fait des biscuits et des cartes de Noël que les filles ont pris avec elles pour donner à des personnes qui, selon elles, avaient besoin de savoir qu'on les avait dans nos pensée, qui traversaient des difficultés, qui étaient seules, ou bien des personnes à qui les jeunes filles voulaient montrer leur reconnaissance. Le dimanche suivant j'en ai vu deux sur le bureau de mon président de branche... Je crois que les filles étaient reconnaissantes pour son aide et support ;) Nous avons aussi fait une vidéo "mannequin challenge" lors de notre activité (voir vidéo ci-dessous)

La troisième semaine de Décembre nous avons fait ou apporté plus de biscuits, et préparé du chocolat chaud, et, avec nos livres de cantiques, nous sommes parties à l'entrée de la station de métro qui se trouvent en face de notre bâtiment, accompagnées de notre président de branche et des sœurs missionnaires. Nous avons donné du chocolat chaud et des biscuits aux passants, tout en chantant des chants de Noël. Cette journée fût aussi la PLUS FROIDE de l'hiver!!! Il a fait 33°C AU DESSOUS DE ZÉRO! C'était extrêmement froid. Nous avons dû prendre des tours pour rentrer nous réchauffer un moment, et le chocolat chaud et rapidement devenu du chocolat froid, mais ça a été je crois la meilleure journée pour réchauffer un peu les coeurs des passants qui devaient déjà endurer cette température hivernale. Nous avons fait ça pendant environ 90 minutes. Je peux vous dire que les filles étaient heureuses de retourner à l'église... mais elles veulent quand même répéter l'expérience cette année ;) 

Le vendredi suivant nous avions notre soirée de Noël de notre unité. Étant donné que nous avons tendance à commencer nos activité en retard, certaines jeunes filles, les sœurs missionnaires et moi-même avons commencé à faire du "caroling" aux tables de gens qui arrivaient tôt. Peu à peu la salle se remplissait, mais pendant ce temps nous chantions personnellement à chaque table, même s'il n'y avait qu'une personne assisse. Les gens ont été très touchés, certains ayant même des larmes aux yeux.

Le dimanche suivant nous avons eu une courte leçon. Ensuite nous avons écrit des notes de gratitude pour notre présidence de branche que nous avons laissé collées sur leur porte. Le jeunes gens nous ont joint par la suite, et nous avons préparés des sacs de lunch et des boîtes avec des vêtements (en grande partie des vêtement d'hiver) que nous avions reçu comme donations. Quand tout était prêt nous sommes partis dans un parc qui est très populaire parmi les sans-abris, et nous leur avons offert du linge chaud et des lunch. Même d'autres passants, certains réfugiés arrivés récemment au pays, se sont arrêtés pour prendre des vêtements. Pendant que certains jeunes distribuaient les vêtement, d'autres avons marché pour distribuer les sacs de lunch qu'on avait. Étant donné qu'il nous restait encore des choses, nous sommes partis vers une autres station de métro qui abrite souvent des sans-abris autochtones, et nous leurs avons remis ce qu'il nous restait. Ils étaient tellement heureux, une a même commencé à danser (voir vidéo). Ça a été une expérience très édifiante, et les jeunes veulent aussi la refaire cette année! 

Finalement pour notre dernière activité avant Noël, nous nous sommes retrouvées à l'église, je leur ai donnée une liste de petits services à faire en 45 minutes, et elles sont parties en groupe en faire le plus possible. Les services étaient de sourire à des passants, donner des biscuits à des étrangers, saluer les gens dans la rue, laisser de notes aimables sur les pare-brises ou sur les portes d'entrée, appeler des membres de notre branche qui auraient besoin d'un appel, partager sur cette campagne de Noël sur Instagram ou Facebook, et d'autres services de la sorte. Chaque groupe avait un dessin d'un arbre de Noël et des autocollants brillants à coller sur leur sapin pour chaque service effectué. Elles sont ensuite revenues, nous avons discuté de l'expérience et avons fait un échange de cadeaux.

La vidéo ci-dessous montre certaines de nos activités de service faites pendant le mois de décembre 2016 pour Éclairer le Monde (ainsi que les deux vidéos "mannequin challenge" que nous avons fait).

Tout cela demanda beaucoup de planification. J'ai donc décidé de faire de la campagne #ÉCLAIREZleMONDE mon projet de Dévouement pour mon Progrès Personnel. J'ai mis au moins 70 heures à planifier ces activités, créer et partager le calendrier, et d'autres services que j'ai fait de mon côté ou avec d'autres groupes, tels que participer à un concert de Noël de mon pieu, ou apporter des sacs de lunch à des sans-abris, aider des voisins, aider des membres de ma famille, faire des petits services de Noël avec mes neveux, aller servir au temple, et bien plus. Et bien sûr j'ai beaucoup partagé sur mes réseaux sociaux la joie de participer à cette campagne et le bonheur que d'autres personnes m'apportaient car ils éclairaient mon monde. En espagnol le nom de la campagne est "Ilumina el Mundo", et j'écrivais tellement le hashtag Ilumina el Mundo sur facebook, que mon frère a publé sur mon mur que c'était confirmé, j'étais une Illuminati 😂 (voir les photos de ma page facebook plus bas).

Quand j'ai complété mon project, toutes mes jeunes filles ont signée mon Progrès Personnel. Ça avait vraiment été fantastique! Et elles étaient contentes de signer mon projet.

C'était intéressant que lorsque nous sommes allés donner des sacs de lunch aux sans-abris avec l'institut, le premier homme à qui nous avons parlé, Pierre, nous a dit que nous étions en train de BRILLER, que nous étions une lumière pour lui, et que nous étions en train de faire un beau service. Et nous lui avions même pas mentionné que nous étions en train d'éclaire le monde. J'étais vraiment contente d'entendre ça :)

Je suis vraiment reconnaissante de l'opportunité que j'ai eu de servir autant en décembre dernier, et j'ai hâte aux projets de service que nous allons pouvoir accomplir lors de cette campagne de Noël, afin d'éclairer le monde et d'aider les autres à sentir l'Esprit du Christ durant ce temps de Noël!

Joyeux mois d'Éclairez le monde ;)

Voilà de quoi avait l'air mon Facebook en Décembre dernier...

Good works Project: #LIGHTtheWORLD 2016 (video included)

November 2016, as I was scrolling my Facebook, I saw the news about a new Christmas initiative: Light the World! We were invited to follow the example of Christ by accepting His invite to be a Light, as he is the Light, to the world, by serving each day as he served. I loved that idea! 

I was YW president at that time, so I wanted to encourage my girls to participate in that initiative. So I took the Personal Progress and looked for ways we could complete some experiences while lighting the world. It ended being a busy few days of creating a calendar to light the world with the Personal Progress, combining each daily idea of service with a Personal Progress experience. I shared it online and many people were interested on it. I sent it to at least 500 people around the world, both in English, Spanish and French.

I shared it also with my girls, of course, and we all embarked in that initiative with excitement. All our mutuals were based on services we could do to #LIGHTtheWORLD.

The first week of December we created a video inviting people to join the initiative. The mannequin challenge had become very popular during those days, so we made ours (see video below) by showing small services we could do at our church building.

Also the first Sunday, while adults were having a combined lesson, YW watched the Primary children. They filmed children telling the story of the Christmas, and they gave them Christmas coloring pages. We edited the video and we presented it at our branch Christmas party. It was so sweet. (sorry, video only available in Spanish).

The second week of December we made cookies and Christmas cards to give out to someone we knew was in need. They each left with three sets of cookies with a card to think of someone who need it, who was struggling with something, who was experiencing a trial, who felt alone, who was sick, or in any other difficulty, or someone they wanted to thank for something. The next Sunday I saw my  branch president's office with two of those on my branch president's desk... They were grateful for his work and his support ;) We also made a mannequin challenge when doing thi activity (see video below).

The third week of December we made and brought more cookies, with hot chocolate, and we went to the metro Station in fron of our church building, with hymnbooks, and we sang Christmas songs with the sister missionaries and our branch president. We gave hot chocolate and cookies to people. It was also the COLDEST day of our winter. 33°C BELOW ZERO! It was extremely cold. We took turns to go warm us inside for some minutes while the others were singing. The hot chocolate quickly became cold chocolate, but it was the best moment to bring joy to people who were enduring that cold temperature. We did it for about 90 minutes. Let me tell you they were happy to go back to church afterwards ;) But they want to do it this year again! It was memorable! ;)

The next Friday we had our branch Christmas party. We have some difficulties to start our activities on time, and some people get there early and have to wait until we start, so some YW, the sister missionaries and I we decided to do some caroling at each table where there was at least one person. Little by little the room was being filled, but during that time those who where there early got to have us singing for them. Many were touched by this, and there were even a few tears.

The next Sunday, we had a short lesson, and then we wrote notes of gratitude for our branch presidency and left it on their door, then we got together with young men, we prepared lunch bags, we prepared boxes of clothes (mostly winter clothes) donations we had received during the month, and we went to a park in our city where there are a lot of homeless. While some were giving clothes to those who needed (many refugees also walked by and took clothes), others walked around to give lunch bags. We still have some stuff afterwards, so we went to a metro station where there are many Native homeless, and we gave them what we had. That was a sweet experience that they want to do again this year as well. 

And the last mutual before Christmas, we met at church and I gave them a list of services to do in 45 minutes. We had two groups, and they left church. They had a Christmas tree with star stickers and they had to put a star for each service they made. They did things like saying hi to people in the street, leaving nice notes or cars or doors, giving cookies to strangers, calling members of our branch who might need to know we were thinking of them, take a picture of them participating in this and sharing it on Instagram, share the #LIGHTtheWORLD website on their facebook, and other small services. They came back, we discussed about it, and then we had a gift exchange.

The video below shows all of those services my girls did during the month of December 2016 to Light the World (with the two mannequin challenge we did)

It took a lot of planning! I decided to make this #LIGHTtheWORLD month as my Good Works Project for my Personal Progress. I put at least 70 hours in all the planning of these activities, in the creation and sharing of the Calendar, and in other service projects I did on my own or with other people, such as participating on a Stake Christmas Concert, bringing luch bags to homeless with the institute, helping neighbors, helping in my family, doing small Christmas services with my nephews, going to the temple, and more. And of course, I shared about it on my social media, not only how I was serving but mostly how others were lighting my world. In Spanish light the world is " Ilumina el mundo" and I was posting so much about "iluminar" the world, that my brother wrote on my facebook "Illuminati confirmed" 😂 (see my pictures of Social media below).

When I finished, on December 25th, all my YW signed my PP. It was great! And they were happy to do it!

It was interesting that when we went to give lunch bags to homeless with the institute, the first man we met, Pierre, told us that we were SHINING, that we were a light for him, and than this was a beautiful service. And we hadn't even mentionned to him that we were trying to light the world. I was really happy to hear that! 

I am grateful for this opportunity I had to serve last December and I am excited for these services we will accomplish this year as we light the world and help others feel the Spirit of Christ on this Christmas. 

Happy Light the World month! ;)

This is how my facebook looked like in December...

#LIGHTtheWORLD with Personal Progress 2017

Here is finally what you were all waiting for: the "Light the World with the Personal Progress" Calendar. 

Here below are the details of each day, with the completion dates for the experiences that will take two-three weeks. I hope this can help you complete more experiences in your Personal Progress and learn to be a light, as the light we as daughters of God we have the potential to be. We can light the world as do the YW torch, and December is a prefect time for that.

You don't have to complete each experience, you can do those that you need to complete a specific value or those you are interested in.

Also this year, I found an idea of project for each value, based on the suggestions of the Personal Progress. It is found at the bottom of this post. 

Have a wonderful Light the World month. Don't forget to share your experience on social media with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP

To get the PDF of the Calendar and the details, click here

For more information about Light the World initiative, visit here.
For more information about the Personal Progress, visit here.

LIGHT THE WORLD WITH PERSONAL PROGRESS - 2017

Friday December 1: “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Mat 10:8)

Individual worth 7: Heavenly Father has given you special gifts. Read 1 Corinthians 12:4–12; 13; Moroni 7:12–13; 10:8–18; and Doctrine and Covenants 46:11–26. Ask a family member, a Young Women leader, and a friend to write down positive qualities the Lord has given you. List your gifts in your journal, and write how you can continue to develop these gifts and use them to serve your family and others during this month as you light the world.

Good works 7: Through your good works, others will see your example and may want to know more about the gospel. Christmas is usually a good time to invite people to church. Pray for a missionary experience so that you can give to a friend the opportunity to receive the blessings of the Gospel as you have (You will have until December 11 to find someone to invite to a church meeting or activity and to complete the rest of this experience)

Saturday December 2: “I was thirsty and ye gave me drink” (Mat 25:35)

Individual worth 3: Many around you might be emotionally thirsty, needing to feel valued. Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 and 121:45. Do all you can to build others and make them feel of worth. Every day for two weeks, or if you wish until Christmas, notice the worthwhile qualities and attributes of others. Acknowledge them verbally or in writing. In your journal write what you have learned about the worth of individuals and how your own confidence grows when you build others. (Completion: 2 weeks / December 16)

Integrity 6: Living the law of the fast is an opportunity to practice integrity. Fast this week-end. Starting today, abstain from food and drink for two consecutive meals and contribute to your family’s fast offering. Have a specific purpose in mind as you fast. You might fast for a sick friend, to overcome a bad habit, to obtain a special blessing for yourself or someone else, or to give thanks. Begin and close your fast with a prayer.

Sunday December 3:  “Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days” (Mat 12:12)

Divine Nature 4: Memorize the sacrament prayers in Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79. During the sacrament, listen carefully to the prayers during sacrament next Sunday and to think about what it means to take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ and how doing this should affect your actions and decisions. Practice keeping your baptismal covenants. Begin by doing something each day to recognize and further develop your divine qualities and to help you always remember the Lord Jesus Christ. After two weeks record your experience in your journal. (Completion: Two weeks / December 17)

Monday December 4:  “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mat 22:39)

Individual worth 1: You need to love yourself and to remember that you are a daughter of Heavenly Father, who knows you and loves you. This will help you to love better your neighbour. Read Psalm 8:4–6; Jeremiah 1:5; John 13:34; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10; Abraham 3:22–23; and Joseph Smith—History 1:1–20. Write in your journal how these scriptures teach you that Heavenly Father knows you, loves you, and is mindful of you.

Good works 6: Spend at least three hours giving service to a neighbour. You might take care of children while parents do their Christmas shopping; shovel their driveway or help them with their Christmas decorations. Record in your journal the reactions of the person you served and possible goals for future service opportunities.

Tuesday December 5: “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Mat 15:4)

Divine Nature 5: Obedience is an attribute of the Savior. Strive to be more obedient to your parents. Read Luke 2:40–51 and John 6:38. Develop a pattern of obedience as you make a special effort to treat your parents with respect and kindness and do what your parents ask you to do without having to be reminded. After two weeks record in your journal how being more obedient motivated you to want to continue doing so and how it has helped you understand your divine nature and the divine roles of mothers and fathers. (Completion: 2 weeks / December 19)

Integrity 7: List the issues, trends, and problems that weaken the family. Read the First Presidency message, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”, and the section on family in For the Strength of Youth. Then research in the Church magazines the counsel of those whom we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. Write in your journal your plan to strengthen your present family and the values and traditions you want to establish with your future family. Begin a new Christmas tradition for your family.

Wednesday December 6: “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Mat 7:1)

Divine Nature 3: Make your home life better. For two weeks make a special effort to strengthen your relationship with a family member by showing love through your actions. Refrain from judging, criticizing, or speaking unkindly, and watch for positive qualities in that family member. Write notes of encouragement, pray for this family member, find ways to be helpful, and verbally express your love. Share your experiences and the divine qualities you’ve discovered with that family member or with a parent or leader. (Completion: Two weeks / December 20)

Integrity 2: Conduct a self-assessment of your personal integrity. Ask yourself the following questions: Do I avoid gossip, inappropriate jokes, swearing and profanity, and being light-minded about sacred subjects? Am I completely truthful, morally clean, honest, dependable, and trustworthy in my schoolwork and other activities? Pray daily for strength and for the guidance of the Holy Ghost to help you live with integrity. Write in your journal the things you can do to improve your personal integrity and at least one new habit you want to develop.

Thursday December 7: “Suffer the Little children to come unto me” (Mar 10:14)

Faith 2: Discover the principles of faith taught by the mothers of Helaman’s stripling warriors. Read Alma 56:45–48 and 57:21. Review what “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” says about a mother’s role. With a mother, grandmother, or leader, discuss the qualities a woman needs in order to teach children to have faith to come to Christ and to base their decisions on gospel truths. How can these principles help you in your life today and help you prepare to be a faithful woman, wife, and mother? Record your thoughts and feelings in your journal.

Divine Nature 2: As a young woman you are blessed with divine feminine qualities that can become a better example to the little ones and give them the desire to come unto Christ. Increase your understanding of and appreciation for womanhood. Read Proverbs 31:10–31and two talks on womanhood from a conference issue of the Church magazines. Review what “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” says about being a wife and a mother. Then ask your mother or another mother you admire what she thinks are important attributes for being a mother. List the attributes in your journal. Then choose one of those attributes and strive to develop it. After two weeks report your success to a parent or leader. (Completion: Two weeks/December 21)

Friday December 8:  “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Mat 5:44)

Divine Nature 7: Learn the definition of the word peacemaker. Then find and read five scriptures that teach about peacemakers. Become an example of a peacemaker in your home and at school as you refrain from criticizing, complaining, or speaking unkindly to or about others. Pray each morning and evening to Heavenly Father for help to do this. After two weeks write in your journal what new habits you want to develop, how being a peacemaker is part of your divine nature, and how you will continue to be a peacemaker. (Completion: 2 Weeks / December 22)

Saturday December 9: “I was sick and ye visited me” (Mat 25:36)

Good works 8: Plan and participate in a special event to serve people with health issues. You could make Christmas card to send with toys to a children hospital, or go carolling at an elderly residency, o to single or sick members from your ward. Involve other friends and members in this event. Write your feelings about this experience. (completion: after the activity)

Sunday December 10: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life” (John 5:39)

Faith 8: The Book of Mormon is the most correct of all books and the book that will get you closer to God. It shows the path to Eternal Life. Ask the missionaries for some copies of the Book of Mormon. Write your testimony of the Book of Mormon on it, inviting those who will read it to study it with faith and with the desire to know of its truthfulness. Testify of how the Book of Mormon brings joy to your life and a better understanding of how to get Eternal Life. Keep a couple of copies to give, after seeking inspiration from the Lord, to your friends as a Christmas gift, and give the missionaries the other copies so that they can give it to investigators. Write your experience in your journal.

Choice and Accountability 1: A daughter of God can make wise decisions and solve problems. Read 1 Nephi 15:8; 2 Nephi 32:3; Alma 34:19–27; Ether 2–3; and Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–9. During this Christmas time, follow a pattern of regular scripture study and prayer to receive help in making personal decisions such as choosing good friends, being kind to others, getting up on time, or other decisions that can help you light the world. Discuss with a parent or leader how regular scripture study and prayer helped you make correct decisions and prepare for eternal life. (Completion: December 25)

Monday December 11: “I was a stranger and ye took me in” (Mat 25:35)

Knowledge 8: Start today to learn a new language that will help you to befriend a refugee or someone from another culture. Get a book to learn that language or try some websites to help you. Get also a Book of Mormon in that language and memorize your favourite scripture in that language. Practice basic sentences in that language for a month, and if you know someone who speak that language ask the person to help you learn how to pronounce the works. Recite your favourite scripture in that language. Write in your journal how it has helped you to open your mind to a new culture and how it can help you serve strangers. (Completion: 1 month / January 11)

Good works 7: Through your good works, others will see your example and may want to know more about the gospel. Christmas is usually a good time to invite people to church. Pray for a missionary experience. (You began this on December 1) Read Matthew 24:14; 28:19; and Doctrine and Covenants 88:81. Invite a friend who is not a member of the Church or one who is less active to go with you to a Church meeting or activity (you could invite her to your ward Christmas party or the Sunday for Christmas program. Introduce your friend to others, and make sure he or she is involved. Share your testimony of the gospel, and invite him or her to come again. You can also invite that friend to your family home evening and invite other members or the missionaries from your ward to share for a special lesson that night. (Completion: when the person comes to the activity or meeting)

Tuesday December 12: “Blessed are they that mourn” (Mat 5:4)

Good works 3: Read Mosiah 18:7–10, and in your journal list three ways you can comfort others or help them bear their burdens. Do the things on your list during this Christmas time, and tell a family member or leader about the experience and how your attitude and understanding have changed. Commit to follow this during the new year (Completion: December 25)

Wednesday December 13: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Mat 7:12)

Divine Nature 6: Develop your divine qualities; they will help you to know how to better treat others. Read Matthew 5:9; John 15:12; Galatians 5:22–23; Colossians 3:12–17; 1 John 4:21; and Moroni 7:44–48. Memorize your favourite verse from one of these passages. Identify the divine qualities mentioned in all these scriptures and list them in your journal. Select one quality, and for two weeks strive to make it a part of your daily life. Record your progress and experiences in your journal (2 weeks / December 27)

Knowledge 2: To help you discover how you can do good to other, list in your journal talents you have and others you would like to develop. Read Matthew 25:14–30. Learn a new skill or talent that will help you care for your own future family or home (for example, playing the piano, singing, budgeting, time management, cooking, sewing, or child care). Share with your family, class, or Young Women leader what you have learned.

Thursday December 14: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mat 6:21)

Integrity 5: Learn about standing as a witness. Read Mosiah 18:9. Then record in your journal how you can personally “stand as [a witness] of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.” Choose a personal behavior that you need to improve so you can be a better example and to discover where you should have your treasure and your heart. Develop integrity in your life as you practice your new behavior for three weeks. Record your progress in your journal. (Completion : January 4)

Choice and Accountability 3: Agency, or the ability to choose, is one of God’s greatest gifts to His children. Read about agency in Joshua 24:15; 2 Nephi 2; and Doctrine and Covenants 82:2–10. With a parent or leader, discuss the blessings and responsibilities of agency and how it helps you to choose where you want to have your treasure and your heart. Record in your journal your understanding of agency and the consequences of choices and actions.

Friday December 15: “Blessed are the merciful” (Mat 5:7)

Faith 5: Jesus Christ is a merciful God. He offered Himself to perform the Atonement because He loves us and wants to save us. Increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ by reading Isaiah 53:3–12; John 3:16–17; Romans 5; 2 Nephi 9:6–7, 21–26; Alma 7:11–13; 34:8–17; and Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–20. In your journal write your feelings about the Savior and what He has done for you. Share your feelings in a testimony meeting. (Complete on January 1/7 – Testimony meeting)

Good works 1: Learn why service is a fundamental principle of the gospel. Read Matthew 5:13–16; 25:34–40; Galatians 6:9–10; James 1:22–27; Mosiah 2:17; 4:26; and 3 Nephi 13:1–4. Others often give service you may not notice, such as preparing meals, reading to or listening to younger children, repairing clothing, or helping a brother or sister. For two weeks record in your journal the quiet acts of service your family members and others perform. Acknowledge their service  and mercy in some meaningful way. (completion : 2 weeks / December 29)

Saturday December 16: “[I was] naked and ye clothed me” (Mat 25:36)

Choice and Accountability 6: Study the Young Women theme and what it teaches you about who you are, what you are to do, and why you are to do it. List in your journal what you will do each day with regard to your standards, especially about the way you dress, to be morally clean and worthy to enter the temple. Record in your journal how these choices will help you remain free and happy.

Sunday December 17: “Ye shall meet together oft” (3 Ne 18:22)

Individual worth 6: Help your family meet together to do some family history and prepare to meet your ancestors. When you participate in family history, you come to understand your identity and individual worth. Visit with your living relatives to learn as much information about your family history as possible. Then complete a pedigree chart of your family and list the temple ordinances that have been completed for each person.

Virtue 2: Virtuous living “at all times and in all things, and in all places” qualifies you for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, to “meet oft”, or always with him. When you are baptized and confirmed, you are given the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide all aspects of your life. Since the Holy Ghost does not dwell in unclean tabernacles, living a virtuous life is a prerequisite to having the companionship of the Holy Ghost (meet with him) and receiving the blessings of temple ordinances. Read the following scripture references and identify the promised blessings: John 14:26–27; 15:26; 2 Nephi 32:1–5; and Doctrine and Covenants 45:57–59; 88:3–4; 121:45–46. In your journal record what you have learned, and write about a time when you felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Monday December 18: “Forgive men their trespasses” (Mat 6:14)

Faith 3: Living gospel principles requires faith. Read about faith in the Bible Dictionary or True to the Faith. Faith in the Savior Jesus Christ leads to action. In your own home or another setting, plan and present a family home evening lesson about how faith helps you live the principle of forgiving others. If possible, ask a family member to share an experience that has strengthened his or her faith. Share your own experiences as well. In your journal write down one of those experiences and describe your feelings about faith.

Tuesday December 19: “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad” (Mat 5:12)

Individual worth 5: Participate (or prepare today to participate) in a Christmas performance, whether is narration/play of the Nativity, o going to sing to your neighbours or at a Christmas program, etc. How did your participation in this activity strengthen your feelings of individual worth and self-confidence? Record your thoughts in your journal. (completion: after the performance)

Knowledge 6: Memorize two of your favorite Christmas hymns from the hymnbook. Learn the correct conducting pattern for the hymns (see Hymns, 383–85) and then conduct them at least two times at a family home evening, in a Young Women or other Church meeting, or at seminary. Read the scriptures listed at the bottom of each hymn. (Completion: after conducting two times)

Wednesday December 20: “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luc 12:15)

Individual worth 2: Learn about the importance of patriarchal blessings by studying about them in True to the Faith and recent conference talks. Find out why they are given and who can give them. Discuss with a parent or Church leader how to prepare to receive a patriarchal blessing and how it can teach you of your worth and identity and be a guide throughout your life. If you have not received your blessing, prepare to receive it. It will help you to discover what should really matter in your life.

Knowledge 1: Learn about the importance of gaining knowledge and the value it gives to your life by reading Proverbs 1:5; 4:7; 2 Nephi 28:30; and Doctrine and Covenants 88:78–80, 118; 90:15; 130:18–19; 131:6. Think about why you need to gain knowledge and understanding about how to apply gospel principles to your present and future home and family life. Write in your journal what you have learned about knowledge, and discuss it with a family member or Young Women leader.

Thursday December 21: “For I was an hungered and ye gave me meat” (Mat 25:35)

Good works 2: Service is an essential principle of family living. Help plan your family’s menus, obtain the food, and prepare part of the meals for two weeks. During that time help your family gather to share mealtimes. Report to your class what you have learned. (Completion : 2 weeks / January 4)

Friday December 22:  “That which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do” (3 Ne 27:21)

Divine Nature 1: What are some of the divine qualities of a daughter of God? Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”; 2 Peter 1; Alma 7:23–24; and Doctrine and Covenants 121:45. In your own words, list the divine qualities, also called attributes of Christ, discussed in your reading. Think about how you can discover and develop each of these qualities to follow the example of Jesus Christ. Record your ideas in your journal.

Virtue 3: Prepare to be worthy to enter the temple and to participate in temple ordinances. Read Alma chapter 5. Make a list of the questions Alma asks. Answer the questions for yourself, and make a list of the things you can and will do to follow the example of Jesus Christ and prepare yourself to be pure and worthy to enter the temple and receive all the blessings our Heavenly Father has promised His beloved daughters.

Integrity 3: The Savior is the perfect example of integrity; He did what He promised the Father He would do. Read 3 Nephi 11:10–11. Study the lives of other individuals in the scriptures who lived with integrity. Read Genesis 39; the book of Esther; Job 2:3; 27:3–6; Daniel 3 and 6; Acts 26; Doctrine and Covenants 124:15; and Joseph Smith—History 1:21–25. In your journal identify the ways these people demonstrated integrity. Think of a time when you had the courage to show integrity, especially when it was not easy or popular. Share your experience and your feelings about it in a testimony meeting or lesson or with a parent or leader.

Saturday December 23: “I was in prison and ye came unto me” (Mat 25:36)

Virtue 4: Because the Savior loves you and has given His life for you, you can repent. Repentance is an act of faith in Jesus Christ. Read Moroni 10:32–33, the book of Enos, and the section on repentance in For the Strength of Youth. The Savior’s atoning sacrifice has made it possible for you to be forgiven of your sins. Read the sacrament prayers in Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79. Determine to partake worthily of the sacrament each week and fill your life with virtuous activities that will bring spiritual power. As you do this, you will grow stronger in your ability to resist temptation, keep the commandments, and become more like Jesus Christ. Determine what you can do daily to remain pure and worthy, and write your plan in your journal.

Choice and Accountability 4: Repentance help you become free from sinc and not to be prisoner of Satan. Read about repentance in Isaiah 1:18; Alma 26:22; 34:30–35; Moroni 8:25–26; and Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–20; 58:42–43. Record in your journal what repentance means to you. Study the process of repentance, pray for guidance, and apply the principles of repentance in your life.

Sunday December 24: “Ye must watch and pray always” (3 Nefi 18:15)

Faith 1: The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Learn about faith from the scriptures and living prophets. Read Hebrews 11; Alma 32:17–43; Ether 12:6–22; and Joseph Smith—History 1:11–20. Read two general conference talks on faith. Exercise your own faith by establishing a habit of prayer in your life. Begin today by praying with gratitude for having the Lord Jesus Christ in your life, and commit to regularly say your morning and evening prayers. After three weeks of following this pattern, discuss with a parent or leader what you have learned about faith and how daily personal prayer has strengthened your faith. In your journal express your feelings about faith and prayer. (Completion by January 14)

Choice and Accountability 5: The Holy Ghost will help you make correct choices. With a parent, leader, or friend, learn more about the Holy Ghost by reading and discussing Ezekiel 36:26–27; John 14:26; 16:13; Galatians 5:22–25; 2 Nephi 32:5; Moroni 10:4–5; and Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–14. Then record in your journal how the Holy Ghost can help you make good decisions in your daily life. Pray for and live worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Monday December 25: “Let your ligth so shine before men, that they may see your good Works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mat 5:16)

Good works 4: Teach a lesson about service in family home evening or in another setting. Use pictures, music, examples, or demonstrations in your lesson. Discuss with your family about your Light the World experiences during this month and what are your feeling about it. Invite your family to fix specific goals to keep being a light during this new year, so that the recipients of your services might glorify Christ. Make a visual aid of these goals with your family that will help you to remember your commitment.

Choice and Accountability 2: Read the pamphlet For the Strength of Youth. List in your journal each standard of righteous behavior the pamphlet outlines, and record why it is important to choose to live those standards. Practice living righteous standards by choosing three standards in which you need to improve and that you commit to live to light the world this new year. You might choose to be more selective about television, music, books, or other media, or you might improve your modesty, language, or honesty. After three weeks share your progress with your family, your class, or a leader. (Completion: Three weeks / January 15)

Projects

Faith

·         Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. Each day of December, to center your thoughts of Christ, take some time to memorize “The Living Christ” (see page 102). As you do, consider the Savior’s influence in your life and how your faith in Him has increased. Practice following the Savior’s example during this month by committing to serve him each day of December as you participate in the Light of the World initiative. Share your experiences on social media and your testimony of how memorizing this strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ, with the hashtag “#LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP.

·         Complete a visual arts project that illustrates your faith in Jesus Christ. Each day of the Light the World initiative do something to serve others and observe how others serve as suggested by the Light The World advent calendar. Take photographs of these services each day and make a photo album (printed or digital) of the services you see. Each day share on social media one of your pictures with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP. At the end of the initiative, complet the photo álbum and write an introduction to it where you explain the purpose of “Light The World” and a final though with your testimony of how this strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and committing yourself (and inviting other to join you) to Light the Word this new year as you follow the example of Jesus Christ.

Divine Nature

·         During December, use the Light the World initiative to serve someone in need, such as a young mother, a person with disabilities, or an elderly person. Share regularly on social media how serving others helps you to be a light in the world as Christ would, using the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP. Record in your journal how your service has helped you recognize the divine nature in yourself and in others.

·         Working in harmony with others is a divine attribute (see D&C 38:27). Carry out a project that will promote unity in your extended family, your school, or your community by inviting that group to be light to others during December as they prepare for Christmas. Share with them ideas of how to serve each other or to other people during the month and work together to do it, following the church’s advent calendar suggestions. Share your experiences on social media with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP. Record in your journal how you can make a difference when you work in unity with others. 

Individual Worth

·         As part of the Light the World initiative, in December take the time to share one of your gifts by instructing or tutoring someone in an academic subject, music, a sport, or an artistic skill. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP

·         In December, carry out a project to improve the living situation of someone in need. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #LIghtTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP

·         Direct or participate in Christmas choir, pay, talent show or exhibit with your family, ward or community as part of the Light The World initiative. You could focus the performance on how Christ was a light to the world and how you can do as He did. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP

Knowledge

·         Learn how to organize, clean, and maintain a home from your mother, grandmother, or another woman you admire. Then apply what you have learned by cleaning/organizing/maintaining your home. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP

·         Learn about the proper care of clothing, including how to wash, iron, and make basic repairs and alterations. Apply the skills you learned by collecting clothing to donate to the needy in your community such as refugees or homeless. Wash, repair and modify the clothes to donate them in good condition. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP

  

Choice and Accountability

·         Using For the Strength of Youth and under the direction of your parents or leaders, organize or participate in a discussion group, fashion show, or other event to help you and other youth choose to live the Lord’s standards and be a light to the world. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP

Good Works

·         Light the world in December by serving daily according to the advent calendar shared by the church as part of the Light The World initiative. Plan a project where you can serve other yourself or with your family and friends. Your could plan visits to hospitals or elderly residencies, or to new members or less active members from your ward, or members with special needs, to sing Christmas carols. You could do a food drive, or make sandwiches and other snacks to give lunch bags to homeless. You could do a toys drive to give to children of families in need, or you could, with the help of your parents or leaders, get a list of items that families in your ward need and ask for donations to then leave it at their door, as a Secret Santa. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP

                                                                                     

Integrity

·         Having integrity means keeping your commitments. Identify and keep your commitments to others as you participate as a member of a team or organization or in a leadership position in your school or community in a special project to light the world in December. Find ways of how you can light the world each day and keep your daily commitments by observing the needs around you and taking opportunities to serve, whether it be at home, in school, at church or in your community. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP

·         Using 1 Timothy 4:12 as your guide, organize and carry out a service activity that will help you practice being “an example of the believers as you light the world of people in your ward or your community in December. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP

Virtue

·         The book of Mormon teach you about Christ and will help you to better light the world, an example of virtue. Each day of December, as you prepare for Christmas, and during your Christmas break, take at least 10 minutes to read and study the Book of Mormon. This will invite the Holy Ghost in your life and it will help you to be a light. If you haven’t start to read your Book of Mormon yet, this would be a perfect moment to start. If you are already reading, it would be a good moment to continue your reading. If you are studying for seminary, it might be a good moment to catch up your reading assignment or to work on your seminary homework if you do home study. If you have enough time during Christmas break, you might be able to complete your reading before the end of the year. Don’t forget to write your thoughts as you read, specially about the example of the Savior and what He and those who followed Him do to live virtuous lives and be a light. At the completion of your reading, whter it be during Christmas time or next year, record your testimony and mention how it helped you to be a light. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #LightTheWorld and #LightTheWorldWithPP