Decade of Decision

Elder Jeffrey R Holland came to Lethbridge to speak to the youth of Southern Alberta a few weeks ago. There was so many in attendance that we had to open 3 churches to house everyone. I read in a news report that said close to 2,500 were in attendance!! Wow. What a turn out!

I volunteer with a Young Women's group, so I was lucky enough to be able to attend. Even though the talks were directed to a different age group I was able to learn a lot.

Not only did I get to hear from an apostle of God but we also witnessed a miracle. We were having major wireless issues! Nothing would connect for the fireside to be streamed to different buildings. Sometimes nothing would work sometimes just visual or even just the audio would work. We heard the first few speakers through someone's one as they called a friend, at another building, and held the phone up to the pulpit. What a great reminder that where there is a will there is a way. We had prayers for the internet to work and they were answered! First time I have heard of anyone praying for internet but I'm glad they did. 

Elder Walker came as well and he had some wonderful points. One of my favorites was a story about President Hinckley asking Elder Holland a simple question. Did you remember to pray this morning? Often life decisions are results of the simple actions. Whoever you are, whatever roles you have if you remember to pray in the morning Heavenly Father will be with you guiding and protecting you. Keeping your priorities straight.

Elder Holland is such a powerful speaker. The majority of his talk was focused around this question. If you could go back to 12 years old what would you do differently to prepare for a life of service? Elder Holland stated that the years from ages 12 - 22 are the most influential and the time where the biggest decisions are made. The other years are for refining as your basic course will already be set.

I have pages of notes so instead of writing a novel I am going to share some of the things I learned in point form. Bear with me.

• Seek to be surrounded by those of the best influence. Love all but be conscious of friendships. 
• You date those you are comfortable with, your friends. Make sure those that are closest to you could be with you forever
• Church brings blessings and sees further down the road. An example is the dating guidelines. Recently a study at Columbia decided that the perfect time to start dating was 16 years and to start with groups. 
• Lead by example. Preach what you live.
• Going to the temple is the #1 priority.
• Decisions determine destiny. Ripple effect.
• Serve a mission!! (Elder Holland was extremely intense about this. If you want someone to be gentle "ask your grandmother." Elder Holland would pin you down, put his knee on your throat and drag you to the MTC. While there he would scratch at the windows so you know that he's watching. You will study Preach my Gospel. He was serious!!
• Live by faith.
• Trust your leaders. 
• You can always course correct but you have to choose to.
• Everyday counts.

I love my young women! I am blest to serve some of the most amazing girls that I know. I always knew that being called as a Youth Leader meant that I needed to try my best to be a good example. Being a good example is not enough. They are faced with many trials, struggles and choices eveyday. I need to be better and help them on their path. Helping them learn how to find the answers they need. I wish I could just give them the answers to the question they have but that wont help in the long run. Let's be honest here; they have some of the best questions I have ever heard. They must know how to search and follow on their own. Loving my girls will make a difference. I can show them that they can do it. I am not perfect and I am following Christ. They can do it too!

I have siblings that are currently in the decade of decision. I am not envious of them at all. I am not that far past my own decade of decisions but so many things have changed since I was in High School. My siblings are amazing and such a strength to me. I know that their path is rocky but they have been prepared to do what will make them the best people. The people that Heavenly Father needs them to be. I hope that they know I am there for them always and that they feel that they can lean on when needed. Siblings are some of the greatest blessings in the world. I am so blest to have 4 amazing siblings.

My son, Bee, is still a little guy. I have 10.5 years until he is in the most influential time of his life. This does not mean that I get to slack off until he hits 12. Oh no. I have so much to teach him while he is young so that when he reaches 12 he will be on a firm foundation. Everything I do needs to be for THE decade. Eek! What a big job we have as parents but I know with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ everything is possible. I am so glad that I was able to attend to learn how important it is to lay the proper foundation now instead of trying to make more corrections than needed.

I love the power and authority that the apostles bring with them. The spirit that they project is undeniable. I know that they are chosen men, to lead and guide those on the earth today. I know that they speak and hear Heavenly Father and the direction/answers that he wishes to provide us with. I feel so blest and loved knowing that my Heavenly Father prepares and sends these men around the world to guide and protect me. I am so grateful for my testimony and understanding of the gospel. My life would not be what it is without the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.