Temple Marriage

What a SUPER fun night we had Tuesday. Sister Dutton put so much hard work into mutual. I am grateful for her dedication to the activity. It was so exciting to see you girls dressed in wedding dresses. You all looked so beautiful. It was fun to see your excitement for marriage.

I remember, just like you, being excited to get married. It was so fun to think about what my wedding colors would be, what I wanted my dress to look like, what my ring would look like, how my reception would be decorated... I think I probably planned dozens of weddings in my mind. 

When I did become engaged it was a lot of fun to plan my wedding and reception. I remember wanting it to be so memorable and beautiful. The things I thought I would remember about my wedding and reception, I don't however. Those things now are not as important to me. 

 Almost 5 years later, my greatest memory of my wedding day is being in the temple with my husband. Before we went into the sealing room, my husband and I sat in the Celestial room together for a long time. I was so nervous at first, but the longer we sat in there together, on this pretty yellow/gold couch, the more comfortable and at peace I felt and I even began drifting off to sleep on his shoulder. It is my greatest memory from that day because sitting in the temple with him I recognized how much joy I felt. It was so wonderful to sit next to the man that I loved in the Lord's house and know that we could be together for eternity.

 I can promise you that the experiences that you and your eternal companion have in the temple will be some of your most cherished memories. 

Marriage may only be a few years away for some of you, others it will be many more years away... No matter how far into the future it may be, I hope that you will always be excited for marriage. But not just any marriage, a TEMPLE MARRIAGE. There is no greater blessing on this earth than being sealed to the right person, at the right time in your life, in the right place. I am sure that no fame or fortune even compares.

Please hold on to your handouts from Tuesday nights activity and follow Sister Dutton's direction for writing a letter to your future husband. We will soon finish our marriage time capsules! What a wonderful gift to open when you become engaged!

Love, Sister Chambers 

Serving The Lord

When my husband set me apart as the 1st counselor in this young women's presidency he said something in the blessing which caught my attention. He said (not a direct quote) "You will understand why you were called into this position." When he said that it really caused me to reflect that there was a purpose for this particular calling. I have remembered frequently that blessing and tried to pin point what I should be learning in my calling or what I should be doing that the Lord needs ME to do. I considered that maybe I would not understand the full purpose for my calling as 1st counselor in the young women's presidency until I was released. When Sister McDaniel announced last Sunday that she was moving, I knew that I would be released and began thinking about what my husband said during my setting-apart.

 An experience occurred just the week prior to Sister McDaniel's announcement between her and I. It caused me some serious reflection and a moment where I thought, "Who is the person that I want to be? AND am I willing to do what I need to do to become that person?" The Holy Ghost told me last Sunday that that experience has been part of the answer to understanding why I was called into this position. 

But as I have reflected even more about my calling and all the things I have learned and experiences gained, what is apparent to me most is:

I HAVE A TESTIMONY OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN MY LIFE.

 I think that there are several things I have done, learned, and recognized in the short time of being in this calling that have increased my testimony.

1-  A great factor in me recognizing how strong my testimony is, is you girls. As I watch you in your junior high and high school years I have thought back a lot to my own life during those years. I did believe that the church was true. I did go to young women's on Sunday and mutual during the week. I worked on my personal progress and I did attend all 4 years of seminary. I never did anything "really bad". But seeing how strong my testimony is now, I recognize that back then, I didn't really have much of a testimony. During my time in this calling I have had such a GREAT desire to try to foster in you girls a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I wish when I was your age I had been more valiant in my testimony. It could have helped me so much with things that I struggled with. I think of how many people I could have helped back then. And I wonder where I might be today if my testimony had been then what it is now. 

When I was your age I remember thinking that it would be easier to read the scriptures when I was older and not so busy. It would be easier to pray in the morning and at night because I wouldn't be so tired. It would be easier to share the gospel as an adult. It would be easier to do A LOT of things when you are older because adults have an easy life and can do whatever they want. 

Well... it doesn't get any easier to live the gospel the older you get. At 25 it can be hard to wake up in the morning and say prayers, to not gossip about your friend, to find something modest to wear, to watch a clean movie, to study your scriptures... Start those habits of obeying the Lord's commandments now. If you do, it WILL be easier to keep the commandments as an adult because you have been in the habits already for several years. 

At first it may seem difficult to keep the Lord's commandments. But when you begin to do it you recognize how much easier it really does make your life. The blessings that the Lord extends to those who follow him are tremendous.

2-  I have studied my scriptures more as I have been in this young women's calling. Teaching at least once a month has helped me to search the scriptures more, to read the words of the prophets more frequently, and to seek the Lord's help in prayer. Every lesson that I have taught I have had a testimony of. When you really search out a topic or principle and as you study it out, especially seeking the Lord's help, the Holy Ghost will help you to understand its truthfulness. 

 Studying my scriptures more has helped me to apply them into my own life. Even though the lessons are tailored for those of young women age- they apply to everyone. I have learned so much through the lessons that have helped me make better decisions.

When we discussed being honest even in the little things, I recommitted myself to being more honest in all of my doings.

When we have discussed the atonement I decided to start praying more often and thanking my Heavenly Father for that wonderful gift and to look for ways that I could hand over my burdens to my Savior Jesus Christ. 

When we were learning about the Plan of Salvation I took a lot of time to reflect on all of the truth in that doctrine and to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for his Plan. I want to live my life so that I may live with him and my Savior and my family in the celestial kingdom.

Discussing topics like tattoos, piercings, alcohol, drugs, and immorality I would sometimes think that those topics didn't apply to me as much as it did you girls. But temptation is out there for all of us. And thinking that a certain commandment or principle doesn't apply to you anymore because you are older or married isn't a good thought process. That is what Satan wants us to think and that is the first step towards sin. I have recognized in my own life ways that I can avoid falling into Satan's traps. 

 3-  Prayer has helped me as I have prepared lessons. But it has also helped me as I have tried to help you girls. I pray frequently that I can be sensitive to your needs and know how to best serve you. Sometimes I have received a prompting from the Holy Ghost to call one of you, write you a note, say something to you on Sunday, or other things. It may have been an experience that you remember. Perhaps I answered a prayer of yours with something I once said to you. Perhaps I boosted your spirits during a sad day. Perhaps I helped you want to be more valiant in your testimony. Or maybe what I did didn't have any effect on you at that time. But I have been prompted several times to help each one of you. Most of the time I have not understood why I should do what I did. I hope that in some way I have been able to bless your lives.

I am not sure if I will be called to stay in young women's or if I will serve in another capacity. But I know that I have been blessed by serving in this organization with you young women. I am grateful to my Father in Heaven for giving me all of the experiences I have had in young women's and I am glad that I have taken many opportunities to increase my testimony. I do understand some of the reasons why I was serving as 1st counselor at this time. And maybe I will understand even more so as time goes on... I hope that you know that I have a testimony and that I love you girls.

Love, Sister Chambers

Saturday, April 20th

An update on tomorrow's activities!

We are having a pancake (and bacon) breakfast for Miss Jenna tomorrow morning at my house at 7:30 am! We are so so so so excited for Jenna to join us in young womens!

Afterwards, about 8:30 the young men will meet up with us at my house and we will say a prayer together as a group and leave together. I know some of you are planning on going with your parents and that is fine. But we have been asked by the stake to have a prayer as a ward prior to leaving.  Brother Andersen and Brother Chambers will be taking the youth from our ward who won't be going with their parents. Also, if you need to leave before noon that is fine. But please let Brother Andersen and Brother Chambers know because we are responsible for you and they will get worried if they do not know where you have gone.

I am excited to know that so many of you will be coming to the leaf raking activity. It is wonderful you are so willing to serve! And don't forget- yummy pizza afterwards!

I am sorry it took so long to clarify exactly what the plans were for tomorrow!

Love, Sister Chambers

I found this and LOVED it and had to share!

The Restoration

Hello Young Women,

This month our lessons will be about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here is a handout that explains a lot about the restoration. If you will study it before class on Sunday I know that you will learn and understand so much more about the restoration. It will also bless the lives of everyone else in class as you share what you have already learned.

Click on this link to see a larger version.
Sunday, April 14th our lesson will be, "Why was the restoration necessary?"

Love, Sister Chambers

Integrity

"...till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me." Job 27:5

When I was in young women's, Integrity was a hard value for me to understand. The story that Sister Dutton has shared of her choosing not to receive her Youngwomanhood Recognition award is a perfect example of showing integrity. She shared the story at New Beginnings. If you have not heard it, you should ask her to tell you.

 I have been thinking about integrity a lot lately. My husband has a lot of integrity. He is always happy to do what is right despite the consequences. At his job he has several times shown his integrity and done the right thing despite the fact that no one else was and that other people would be upset with him.

What do you think causes someone to act with integrity?

I have given this some thought and have decided that those who act with integrity do so because they know who they are. They are women who know they are daughters of God and they understand that the Lord needs them to be examples of truth and righteousness. They are men who know they are sons of God, who hold the priesthood, the power of God on this earth, and understand that as such they should do as he would do.

I know that in my husband's case, he truly cares more what the Lord thinks of him than what others may think.

For some, integrity may come easier. My husband's parents were, and still are, great examples of integrity for him. In fact, just the other day I was reminded of that as I talked with a patient of mine. I learned that he knew my in-laws so I told him that my father in law was just called as a mission president. He remarked that he would make a great mission president because he obeyed rules too strictly. He then relayed a story to me about a decision my father in law had made as stake president, that affected him and his family. He was very unhappy still about what had happened. He ended with, "I understand that he was doing what was right, but sometimes you have to bend the rules to spare people's feelings."

One of Satan's tools to get us to commit sin is to make us justify it. And certainly a justification of "I don't want to hurt someone's feelings" is appealing.

 A few years ago, Brother Chambers was taking a college English class. A girl approached him and asked if Tom Chambers was his brother. He said he was. She told my husband a story about his little brother and his integrity. Freshman year of high school Tom and this girl took an English class together. One day the class was taking a test and the teacher left. When she left, many of the students started discussing the test and copied answers. When the teacher returned Tom told the teacher what had happened. Those students were very angry with Tom. She admitted that she had been angry with him too, but now several years later, she admired him and wished she had the courage to show integrity like he did.

How can we show more integrity?

Being married to someone with integrity helps me to show more integrity. It is important to surround yourself with those who have high moral standards and who value integrity. Be one who makes it easier for others to act with integrity.

Pray for help. The Lord will bless us to achieve our righteous desires.

 Read your scriptures. They are full of examples of those who showed integrity and those who did not. It is clear from the scriptural examples that the Lord is pleased with and blesses those who show integrity.

In a temple recommend interview there are many questions to answer. One of my favorites is, "Are you honest in your dealings with your fellowmen?" I remember when I was first asked that question, I went home and reflected on it quite a bit. There are many ways in which we can be dishonest with others. I made a commitment at that time to try harder to be more honest in ALL of my interactions with others, and even in those cases in which it is just me and the Lord who know... How wonderful it is to say to the Lord that you are honest in your dealings, and "have the moral courage to make [your] actions consistent with [your] knowledge of right and wrong." 

Love, Sister Chambers

Mutual, April 2nd

Dear Young Women,

I am so sad that I had to miss mutual this week! I was very, very sick. 

I am so grateful for Sister Dutton taking over the mutual activity for me. It was so nice to be able to count on her! She texted me a picture of the work you girls did- the birthday sign looks even BETTER than I imagined! Great job everyone! I will be finishing it up tomorrow and then it will be ready for the next young woman's birthday!

Thank you, Marlee, for making the General Conference packets and journals. Marlee did that for a 10 hour personal progress project. 

I am excited for General Conference. I know that General Conference can answer any question that we might have. Pray before you watch and pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Sometimes I find that I receive an answer straight from a speaker. Other times, my answer has nothing to do with what the speaker has said- I have simply been earnestly seeking and put myself in a situation where the promptings of the Spirit can be felt more readily.

Last conference for mutual we talked about different things we do to prepare for conference. One thing my husband's parents taught me was to dress in church attire. The way you dress reflects how you act. I find that if I wear my pajamas and am snuggled up on the couch with a blanket, I can fall asleep... But if I wear nice clothes and sit on the couch, instead of lay, I am much more attentive. I remember many of your suggestions: praying beforehand, praying with family, fasting, writing impressions down in a journal.

Please take this opportunity to listen to what our Heavenly Father wants us to know!

I also heard that Miss Sara got an injury. Darn it! I am so sorry.

And finally... Happy 13th Birthday to Dallas!! I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you! I hope it was very, very special! I can't believe you are already 13! When I first moved into the ward I remember being your Primary teacher. I was so impressed with your knowledge of the scriptures. I was sure you knew some scripture stories better than me. We are so blessed to have you in our ward and young women's group.

Have a wonderful week!

Love, Sister Chambers

I hope they call me on a mission....

I LOVED having the missionaries come and teach us on Sunday!  Just hearing them talk and share their testimony made me miss my mission SO SO much!  I hope that all of you young women will pray and consider making a mission part of your plans!  There is not a day that I am not blessed from the experiences I had while on my mission! I read this great message and thought I would share! It has some great insights! It any of you have any questions about life as a Sister missionary please just ask!  Its one of my favorite topics to talk about!

<3 Sister Dutton

Preparing to Serve: Suggestions for Young Women

If a mission is the right thing for you, here are some ways you can continue the preparation you've already begun as a disciple of Christ.
Francesca had long thought about serving a mission, but she was only 19, and the option of a mission was still two years away. Not knowing what could change during that time, she was preparing to serve however Heavenly Father might want.
When President Thomas S. Monson announced in the October 2012 general conference the change to age eligibility for missionary service, Francesca was one of many who counseled with their parents and priesthood leaders, sought spiritual confirmation that the opportunity was right, and started the recommendation process.
If you, too, have felt a desire to serve and that a mission is what Heavenly Father wants for you, then you may have already realized that your efforts to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ have set you firmly on the path of successful mission preparation.
Here are some suggestions for additional preparation you may want to consider.

Starting the Process

Missionary service is an opportunity, not an obligation, for women in the Church. Prayerfully counsel with your parents and priesthood leaders about your decision of if and when to serve. Once you’ve decided it’s right, you will work with your bishop or branch president throughout the missionary recommendation process.

Gospel Knowledge and Testimony

Your regular study of the scriptures, participation in the Church, and attendance at seminary have provided a firm foundation of gospel knowledge. If you aren’t already, begin studying Preach My Gospel—particularly chapter three and its scripture references. As you prepare in your studies to invite others to receive the restored gospel and come unto Christ, you will strengthen your own knowledge and testimony.
Prepare to share the gospel by taking every opportunity to share what you are learning right now. Regular opportunities are found in the Personal Progress program, in the new Come, Follow Me curriculum, in visiting teaching if you are in Relief Society, in accompanying the full-time missionaries during lessons where possible, and in inviting others to learn more about the restored gospel. Teaching family home evening lessons from chapter three of Preach My Gospel is also a great way to prepare.

Personal Worthiness

Personal worthiness is key to being open to the influence of the Holy Ghost as you prepare to help others come unto the Savior. Your ongoing preparation to be worthy to enter the holy temple is important whether you are preparing to serve a mission or not.
“When a young woman is worthy to enter the temple, then she is also prepared to serve a mission,” said Young Women general president, Sister Elaine S. Dalton, in an interview with the Church News. “The temple comes first! A missionary experience helps provide a setting in which she keeps the covenants she has made in the temple as she dedicates her time, talents, and personal resources to building the Lord’s kingdom.”
During the missionary recommendation process, young women who are preparing to serve should counsel with parents and priesthood leaders to decide when the time is right to receive the temple endowment. In addition to living in line with temple worthiness standards, young women can prepare by studying the temple preparation handbook.

Physical Health

Your mission will require a high level of activity. Improving your physical fitness, if necessary, will increase not only your ability to perform the work but your enthusiasm for it as well.
Physical preparation can be different for every missionary. As part of the missionary recommendation process, be sure to ask your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Emotional Health

Learning to cope with challenges and the stresses of living and interacting with others is an important skill whether you serve a full-time mission or not. Your parents and priesthood leaders can help you evaluate how prepared you are to handle the stresses of mission life and identify the weaknesses you may want to focus on.
Preach My Gospel, the Missionary Handbook, and The District (a missionary documentary available online) can help you understand and prepare for the missionary lifestyle before you enter the field.

Financial Preparation

Church leaders have long counseled prospective missionaries to prepare to pay for as much of their missionary service as possible. You and your family should consider your financial circumstances carefully. Counsel with your bishop or branch president if you have questions. While financial challenges outside of your control don’t automatically disqualify you from service, Heavenly Father expects you to do what is within your control.

Dress and Grooming

Not only is it important to save money for the monthly cost of a mission, but also for clothes and other supplies you’ll need in preparation.
As representatives of Jesus Christ, all missionaries are asked to present themselves appropriately. Be aware of the dress and grooming guidelines for sisters.
Wait to gather clothing and supplies until you have your call so that you will know what is suitable for the climate where you’ll serve. Remember to keep your clothes and supplies to a minimum, because too much luggage can make moving during transfers more difficult.

Additional Preparation

To find additional suggestions and resources for preparing to serve a mission, visit lds.org/missionary.
See examples of dress and grooming standards for sister missionaries.
Learn more about missionary life by watching The District, a show featuring the daily life of missionaries.

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