Shine Forth!

My husband called from work today and said, "Do you know what your daughter did?"  I took a deep breath and braced myself for the answer...  thinking something bad was coming.  Then he said he happened to be on FACEBOOK and saw a picture of she and a few of her friends in front of their high school.  I cringed, "What did they do?!"  I was happy, and relieved, with what followed.
*
I guess they had decided, on their own, to wear their t-shirts from Stake Youth Conference (which they attended over spring break) to school today.  Jeff, my husband, thought it was pretty cool and wanted to share his findings.  :)
*
Turns out that they have designated every Tuesday, "T-Shirt Tuesday".  What a great way to shine!  Possibly opening up discussions with their classmates.  Cannot wait to hear how bright the light was today! at school!


*
We would love to hear about the things
YOUTH are doing to SHINE in your area?

Mormon Prom

This weekend my daughter and her friends attended a Mormon Prom. They were joined with youth, ages 16-18, from four of the LDS stakes located in our area. I am not sure of the exact number in attendance - but it was a lot of youth!
*
Note:  I was not involved in the planning.  I am simply a parent of a youth who attended.  Thank you to those individuals who volunteered their time, their talents, and their resources to create a wonderful night for our youth!
*
Cover Photo
*
What is Mormon Prom?
Mormon Prom is an alternate "prom" experience for youth. A night where youth are surrounded with others who share the same values and high standards they are trying to live themselves. It isn't held in all areas, but I am happy we are in an area where one is held. I am not sure where this originated from, but I think this is wonderful. For all intents and purposes... the youth seem to think this is the prom of all proms!
*
*
This is what has been done in our area:
Mormon Prom is held on the night of the month's already planned Quad Stake Dance.  Youth 16-18 are invited to attend.  (kind of reminds me of the original Gold and Green Ball which used to be held). 
*
The boys ask the girls in classic form - in unique, fun, creative ways!  Which in turn, the girls respond in the same fashion.  :)   Brie's date, Kurt, showed up at our house while she was out for the night.  He decorated her bedroom with streamers - the question written out on a poster board and on her mirrors.  He had quite a few helpers.  Luckily, he called ahead and asked permission to decorate her room - giving me just enough time to make sure it was presentable and all personal items put away. :) 
*
Side-note:  All youth 16-18 are encouraged to take part, whether with a formal date or in a group.
*
This year there was a website set-up for registration.
One huge difference between a Mormon Prom and a tradition prom - the price.  Do you know of any young men who do not go to prom due to the cost.  I do!  And families who may struggle to pay for tuxedos, prom dresses, flowers, photographs, dinner?  Well, let your burdens be light(ened).  :)  I read an article where the cost of a ticket to Mormon Prom in their area was $10.00 and that included dinner!  Another area offered professional photographs for free.  How wonderful is that?  Our youth were not charged for anything.  They only needed to worry about what to wear and how to get there.  :)
*
In keeping with prom history, girls still stress over finding the right dress.  In this case, a modest one.  There are some who chose to go with the traditional full length dress.  Others, including Brie and her friend, Lauren, chose a more modern route.  So darling!
*
*
Brie searched high and low.  She tried on some really adorable dresses.  When asked by sales associates what the occasion was she said with a smile, "Prom."  In addition to the dresses she was interested in, she tried on a few dresses that were chosen for her by the sales associates.  The dresses were all cute and/or beautiful, but less modest.  She wasn't afraid to let them know she was looking for something she felt comfortable in and was modest. 
*
In one particular store, after trying on a dress that fit her wonderfully, but was not as modest, she told the sales associate she didn't feel comfortable in it.  As Brie went back into her dressing room to change into another dress, the woman looked at me - like I was the one to blame for Brie not liking the dress (she obviously does not know my daughter) - and said, "Come on. It's prom."  Trying to get me to let this one slide, because it was prom.  I thought to myself, why does a young woman have to wear an immodest dress just because it's prom?  The answer, no reason at all.  There are subtle pressures everywhere, aren't there?
*
Brie turned these moments into an opportunity to "shine".  While trying on a dress (finally deciding on the one she wore to prom) she explained to the associate that the dance she was going to was great because she and her friends didn't have to worry about listening to inappropriate music or awkward dance moves.  To overhear her "shining" in the world, not knowing I was listening in, was awesome!  And even more awesome was the response from the young associate, she was sincere in letting Brie know she thought that sounded wonderful!
*
The day of prom was filled with excitement.  A couple of Brie and Lauren's friends, who haven't reached the ripe old age of 16 yet, offered to be their personal stylists.  A huge thank you to Emily Cleveland (one of Brie's past YW leaders) who did an amazing job with their make-up!
*
*
Adorable girls!  My son wanted in on the photo.  He's a lucky little boy! 
*
*
Parents and friends were invited to gather for a photo session before the youth head out for the evening. Thank you to the Arnold family for offering up their beautiful backyard for photographs. (and the ice water) The photo above gives you an idea of those who gathered for their group's photo session. Such great support!
*
*
This group of youth were lucky enough to have a fun and generous couple offer to drive them around in their personal bus, "Miss B. Haven".   (Yah, I know. Cute name!)
*
*
Dinner was held before the dance (6:00 pm). Provided and served by the adult leaders/parents. Dance from 8:00-11:00. My understanding is, that in the past, the dinner has been held at one building - the dance in another. This year both dinner and dance were held at the same building. I wonder how the take-down/set-up went in between? :)
*
*
This group of friends had a great time at the dance, but left a little early because the boys had one more item on the adgenda.  They had their drivers take them back to the home where they had taken their photos.
*
*
I understand they danced under the stars (in the driveway) one last time before changing into more comfortable clothes.  The night ended with a game of flahlight tag and s'mores.   Hopefully they all returned home with "no regrets" at the end of the night.
*
What are the Guidelines?
The night is based on the standards found in "For the Strength of Youth" provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints, for youth ages 12-18.  In a nutshell:
  • good uplifting music
  • modest dress
  • appropriate (non-suggestive) dance
*
Where is Mormon Prom Held?
This all depends on the area.  This year in our area, Central California, Mormon Prom was held at the LDS Stake Center, which shares a parking lot with the Fresno California LDS Temple.
*
**
How do you plan a Mormon Prom in your area?
I suppose the idea needs to be shared with leaders in your area first.  :)  Then, once approved...  let the planning begin.  Remember to make it affordable for the youth, incorporate good music, encourage modest dress, expect appropriate dancing, and send the youth home with "no regrets" at the end of the night.
*
LINKS TO OTHER STORIES & RESOURCES
A Night To Remember, New Era 2007 - Michigan
A Brand New Year 2010: Dating, video - lds.org/youth
Mormon Prom Celebrates 7th Year, The Orange County Register - Southern California

Brandon Burgon: artist

It's funny what you can learn about people from reading FACEBOOK posts.  I knew I had a talented family, but I had no idea our cousin Brandon Burgon could create sculptures like this, until he posted photos in an album:
*
General Mormon Sculpture
by Brandon Burgon
*
Isn't he talented?  These are his own words, when asked by another one of our cousins where he sells his artwork, "Thanks! I appreciate the compliment. I just sale by word of mouth. I have absolutely no sales skills. I like doing the art works, just not the advertisment and sales."
*
"Brandon, I thought I would do a little advertising for you."  :)
*
Here are a few more of his sculptures:
*
*
Brandon and Max working together on his Matthew Dye sculpture.
*
You can contact Brandon by email:  burgonartworks@hotmail.com

O Be Wise - Leadership Training

I love birds, but have never been drawn to owls until I saw this trio at our local TJMaxx.  So cute!  I had to take them home with me.  :)  For now they are nesting on top of our piano - reminding us to "See, Speak, and Hear No Evil."  But mainly just being cute.
*
*
One night as I walked past the owls, inspiration took flight (because owls fly at night I suppose).  :)  I had read this talk, O Be Wise, from M. Russell Ballard.  Everything about the talk hooted, "Leadership Training" to me.  Here are just a few snippets from his talk (I suggest reading his complete talk to be fully inspired).  :)
*
He suggests six ways we can serve both wisely and well.
*
First, focus on people and principles—not on programs.
  • One of the most important things we do through the gospel of Jesus Christ is to build people. Properly serving others requires effort to understand them as individuals—their personalities, their strengths, their concerns, their hopes and dreams—so that the correct help and support can be provided.
  • Most routine information and coordination can now be handled through phone calls, e-mails, or regular mail so that agendas for council meetings and presidency meetings can focus on needs of the people.
  • Our goal should always be to use the programs of the Church as a means to lift, encourage, assist, teach, love, and perfect people. “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10). Programs are tools. Their management and staffing must not take priority over the needs of the people they are designed to bless and to serve.

Second, be innovative.
  • As we work to magnify our callings, we should seek the inspiration of the Spirit to solve problems in ways that will best help the people we serve. We have handbooks of instruction, and their guidelines should be followed. But within that framework are substantial opportunities to think, to be creative, and to make use of individual talents. The instruction to magnify our callings is not a command to embellish and complicate them. To innovate does not necessarily mean to expand; very often it means to simplify.
  • Being innovative also means that we do not have to be told everything we should do. The Lord said, “It is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant” (D&C 58:26). We trust you, ...to use inspiration. We trust that you will do so within the framework of Church policies and principles. We trust that you will be wise in counseling together to help build faith and testimony in the lives of those whom you serve.
Third, divide the work and delegate responsibility.
  • There is a difference between being responsible for getting the work done and doing the work yourself. For example, gone should be the days when the elders quorum president feels he needs to personally finish the home teaching visits that others have missed. The same is true for Relief Society presidents with respect to visiting teaching. Not only is this unwise; it isn’t home or visiting teaching. Home teaching isn’t about numbers or reporting visits to a home; visits and numbers are just a measuring stick. Home teaching is about love of people and service to and watchcare over our Heavenly Father’s children.
  • Assignments should be made, responsibilities should be delegated, and members should be allowed to fulfill their stewardship as best they can. Counsel, advise, persuade, motivate—but don’t do the work for them. Allow others to progress and grow, even if it means sometimes getting less-than-perfect results on the reports.

Fourth, eliminate guilt.
  • We must always motivate through love and sincere appreciation, not by creating guilt. I like the thought “Catch others doing something right.”
  • As mortals, we simply cannot do everything at once. Therefore we must do all things “in wisdom and order” (Mosiah 4:27). Often that will mean temporarily postponing attention to one priority in order to take care of another. Sometimes family demands will require your full attention. Other times professional responsibilities will come first. And there will be times when Church callings will come first. Good balance comes in doing things in a timely way and in not procrastinating our preparation or waiting to fulfill our responsibilities until the last minute.
  • Beyond that we need to remember that Christ came to remove guilt by forgiving those who repent (see Alma 24:10). He came to bring peace to the troubled soul. “Peace I leave with you,” He said. “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Through the miraculous Atonement He urges us to “take my yoke upon you, … and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
  • As the power of the Atonement begins to work in our lives, we come to understand that the Savior has already born the burden of our guilt. O that we may be wise enough to understand, to repent as necessary, and to let go of our guilt.

Fifth, we need to thoughtfully allocate our resources of time, income, and energy.
  • I would like to let you in on a little secret. Some of you have already learned it. If you haven’t, it’s time you knew. No matter what your family needs are or your responsibilities in the Church, there is no such thing as “done.” There will always be more we can do. There is always another family matter that needs attention, another lesson to prepare, another interview to conduct, another meeting to attend. We just need to be wise in protecting our health and in following the counsel that President Hinckley has given often to just do the best that we can.
  • The key, it seems to me, is to know and understand your own capabilities and limitations and then to pace yourself, allocating and prioritizing your time, your attention, and your resources to wisely help others, including your family, in their quest for eternal life.

Sixth, a word to you leaders about extending responsibilities to members and especially to recent converts.
  • President Hinckley said that every new member of the Church needs a responsibility. Whatever responsibility may be extended should not overwhelm new members but should give them ample opportunity to become comfortable in the Church by learning its doctrine and by rubbing shoulders with friendly members. It should anchor them to the restored gospel through increasing their testimony and giving meaningful service.
  • Brothers and sisters, may we focus on the simple ways we can serve in the kingdom of God, always striving to change lives, including our own. What is most important in our Church responsibilities is not the statistics that are reported or the meetings that are held but whether or not individual people—ministered to one at a time just as the Savior did—have been lifted and encouraged and ultimately changed. Our task is to help others find the peace and the joy that only the gospel can give them. In seven words, Jesus summarized how we can accomplish this. He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
*
(He then closes his talk with these words...)  Be wise with your families.  Be wise in fulfilling your Church callings.  Be wise with your time.  Be wise in balancing all of your responsibilities.  O be wise, my beloved brothers and sisters.  What can I say more?  May God bless us with wisdom to love His Son, Jesus Christ, and wisely help accomplish His work.  Amen
*
LEADERSHIP TRAINING IDEAS
  • You could break the training up into 6 mini lessons, allowing others to help in the training.
  • If you choose to use this as a leadership training for your young women, maybe the Laurels could each be given an area to teach. Would be a great way to pass off a Personal Progress value or earn an Honor Bee.
  • How about displaying a nest and/or tree limb on the table.  Adding the "6 wise owls" of leadership as they are discussed.
Inked Egg
from the talented Julie Q - The Orange Owl
*
"THANK YOU" IDEA
If you happen to have a quest speaker this might make a nice "thank you" gift.  Isn't this CTR necklace from RingMasters adorable?  Engraved on the back is the scripture, “O be wise; what can I say more?” Jacob 6:12. 
NEW products are here!
Women’s 'O Be Wise' CTR Necklace
$14.95 from RingMasters
*
REFRESHMENT IDEAS
Owl Cupcakes
I think this is the most adorable owl cupcake!
Maybe it's the keylime eyes.
idea found here
*
Owl Cookies
...using a Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter.
There is also an example of one using a tulip-shaped cookie cutter.
So cute!
* 
MISCELLANEOUS FINDS
printable template and easy to follow directions
*
 
Toilet Paper Roll Owls
Fill 'em up with your favorite penny candies.
from Kerry's Paper Crafts

My Mini Room

If you have any girls interested in Interior Design, something like this might be fun...
*
When my daughter was in elementary school, she had to create a diagram of her bedroom.  This was such a fun project - especially when looking at the finished product.
*
If you look closely you will see that she printed off tiny photos of book covers from books she was currently reading.  She even printed off a tiny photo of Christ to place on the wall next to the door.  She created a laptop computer from carboard and scrapbook paper.  The Venetian blinds, pillows and comforter were also created using scrapbook paper.  The desk and dressers were fashioned out of cardboard (with stick pins - trimmed - used as drawer handles).  Accent pieces were borrowed from Polly Pocket.  :)
*
As far as an activity goes, the girls could all come with a box of some sort.  Have scrapbook paper, extra cardboard, glue and a few other "extra materials" on hand.  Have a mini lesson on Interior Design (which could be adapted to PP - KNOWLEDGE #2) .  Then they could spend the rest of the night creating their mini rooms.
*
*
RESOURCES FOR PLANNING
Decorating on a Budget
Design, New Era 1971
Let Light Shine through Cleanliness and Beauty, Ensign 1974