November 6

Principle: Preparation, you reap what you sow, small and simple things bring about great things. Law of the Harvest.

Apprentice Inspirements:

1.  Revisit D&C 88:78-80 and read through it, paying special attention to the connection between verses 78-79 and verse 80.  Note how the first two verses relate to the education we are to obtain, and that verse 80 contains a promise. 

What is that promise?  What connections do you see between gaining education and being prepared to magnify the calling/mission you’ve been called to? 
Write your thoughts in your truth book.

2. Watch the following short videos (each are just a little over 9 min.) and consider your options and plans for furthering your own education, whether it includes college or something else:

• Your Path to Continuing Education - part 1 
• Your Path to Continuing Education - part 2   

Write your thoughts and plans/hopes for furthering your education in your truth book.
 

3. Read two short sections from Preach My Gospel chapter 8:

How to Set Goals pg 146
Accountability pg 150-151

    (Here is the link to this chapter on lds.org, you’ll just have to scroll through quite a bit of info before reaching these two short sections.)

-Consider how these two sections apply to you.

4. Begin memorizing Galatians 6:7-9. You have the month of November to memorize it.

Loving this? Remember, Journeyman and Master level inspirements are just below for those who want to do MORE. :)

 
Journeyman Inspirement:

Do the Personal Study section at the end of PMG chp 8 pg 152, but change the word “Missionary” to “High School Student” as follows:
    “Take a few moments and think about your final day of your high school preparation.  When that day comes:
    What do want to say you have accomplished as a high school student?
    What do you want to have become?
    What difference would you want others to notice in you?
In your truth book, write an answer to each of these questions. Determine what you need to do now to realize these goals. Write the plans that come to mind."

Master Inspirement: 

Interview 2-3 adults that you admire (at least one should be a non-family member) and ask them the following question: “Looking back on your life, and especially your high school (and college years - if applicable,) what do you wish you would have done differently to prepare for adulthood?”

Ponder their responses and consider what things in your life you may find hard to do or follow through with (or perhaps things you haven’t even considered) that perhaps you will one day wish you had done. Write the thoughts and inspiration that come to you in your truth book.
   

October 30

Principle: You have purpose and God-given missions to fulfill in your life.

Apprentice Inspirements:

We’ve spent the month of October discussing life missions. As you reflect on what you’ve learned, what have you learned about your life mission? Very few teens know many concrete details about their life mission. But you can still have impressions and ideas about the direction Heavenly Father would like you to take.

Read the following three articles. Afterwards, reflect in your truth book on the following questions:

1. How does your education relate to your life mission?
2. What other preparations might you need to take for your life mission?
3. What is something you could do right now to move toward the mission God has planned for you?
4. Are there any changes you need to make in your life to take this step? (Consider how you spend your time, how you treat others, repenting of sins, other changes . . .)

 “Go Forth to Serve” by  Robert D. Hales (BYU Speech)

“In His Steps” by President Ezra Taft Bensen

“Choose Wisely” Elder Quentin L. Cook 

Loving this? Remember, Journeyman and Master level inspirements are just below for those who want to do MORE. :)

Journeyman Inspirements:

The roles of mother and father are divinely appointed callings and part of your eternal mission on this earth. After you read one of the following articles, answer the following questions in your truth book.

1. How do you feel about your calling to be a mother or a father?
2. What can you do now to prepare for this calling?

For the girls:
“Instrument in the Hands of God” by President James E. Faust

For the boys:
“Fatherhood, an Eternal Calling” by Elder L. Tom Perry

 
Master Inspirements:

Much of accomplishing a life mission is setting goals and doing what it takes accomplishing them. As you move toward your goals, you will often hit obstacles that seem difficult or impossible to overcome. Because Satan does not want you to accomplish good goals, he may use fear or despair to try and stop you.

Prayerfully consider a goal that Heavenly Father would like you to achieve but that makes you feel afraid or overwhelmed. In your truth book, write down at least one specific thing you could do in the next week to accomplish that goal. Commit to accomplishing that specific task and follow through.

After you complete the task, write down your thoughts in your truth book.

October 23

Principle: You have purpose and God-given missions to fulfill in your life.

The inspirements for Core Leadership are a little different this week.

All levels – Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Scholar – should complete all four activities. (See below)  If you are a Journeyman or Master scholar, take additional time to prayerfully ponder the assignments. Write any additional insights you receive in your truth book.

NOTE:  For Those Who Missed Class (Oct 16), here’s what we did in class. (The inspirements are below.)

We did an activity in class that I'd like you to do at home. Please take at least 10 to 15 minutes and ponder the following questions in your truth book. Then move on to the inspirements for this week.

“When I was a little kid (ages 5 to 9), what did I like to do?”

“When I have free time, what do I like to do now?”

After you have considered these two questions, review what you have written. What spiritual gifts do you see? Look for both the obvious gifts as well as the subtle gifts.

For example, if you like to gather the neighborhood kids together for a pickup basketball game, an obvious gift might be that you are good at basketball. Less obvious gifts might be the ability to inspire others to join an activity, the ability to encourage others to do their best, or the desire to improve skills in an activity you enjoy.

Inspirements:

    1. If you have received it, prayerfully read your patriarchal blessing. In your truth book, list spiritual gifts that are mentioned or implied.
   
    If you have not received your patriarchal blessings, prayerfully consider if you should begin the process to receive it.
   
    2. Ask 3 to 5 people (at least two outside of your home) “Tell me about a moment when you saw me at my best.” Write the answers in your truth book.
   
    3. List your five favorite books and five favorite movies in your truth book. What are some common themes that you see in the stories that you listed? Write down these themes and any thoughts you have about them.
   
    4. Every day, others around you need help. Because you are a unique person, you will notice certain needs more than others. Think back to times when you have helped, or wished you could have helped others. Write about two or three of these situations in your truth book. Do you see any common themes? Write about what you notice.

October 16

Principle: You have purpose and God-given missions to fulfill in your life.

Apprentice Inspirements:

The following articles, scriptures, and activities will enhance your understanding of spiritual gifts and weaknesses. I have listed these in a particular order, and I recommend studying in the order that they are listed. If at all possible, please complete all three activities.

          1. Read “There Are Many Gifts” by Marvin J. Ashton, and Moroni 10: 8-19.

In your truth book, note any spiritual gifts (either mentioned in these readings or your personal thoughts) that you feel might apply to you.

          2. Review and continue memorizing D&C 4 (you have until the end of October!)

3. Watch at least two of the following videos. They are not in a particular order. Select the ones that seem the most interesting to you.

For each video, list in your truth book spiritual gifts and talents that you see in action. Pay particular attention to both the obvious and the subtle gifts.

“Despoina’s Story” – As one of six Latter-day Saint youth in Cyprus, Desponia’s standards are challenged daily. Desponia, a 15-year-old young woman, shares her conversion story and explains how she fills her life with faith to stand as a witness of God.

“Extraordinary Gift” – Kuha’o, a blind 15-year-old boy prodigy, freely shares his God-given musical gift to bless the lifes of everyone who listens.

“God Will Lift Us Up” – Rather than focus on her medical condition, Brittany has found comfort in serving others and trusting the Lord.

“Your Day for a Mission” – At 18, Sid Going was a shoo-in for New Zealand’s national rugby team, but he chose to serve a mission first. Elder Neil L. Anderson tells why Sid made this decision and shares his testimony that the blessings of a mission outweigh any sacrifice.

“Dayton’s Legs” – Out of love, a 13-year-old boy in Arizona pushed himself to the limit so that his friend, who has cerebral palsy, could participate with him in a triathlon.

“195 Dresses” – Have you ever noticed how hard it is to find a modest prom dress? One young woman in Arizona came up with a solution for her community.

“No Cussing Club” – One boy’s crusade to encourage clean language has far-reaching effects.

Loving this? Remember, Journeyman and Master level inspirements are just below for those who want to do MORE. :)

Journeyman

• Read 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14. In your truth book, reflect how spiritual gifts, charity, and service are related.

Master

• Read Ether 12:23-27 and Elder Bednar’s talk “In the Strength of the Lord.” (You can watch Elder Bednar’s talk if you prefer on YouTube.)  In your truth book, discuss how Elder Bednar’s explanation about the enabling and strengthening power of the atonement can help you with your weaknesses.

Click here if you’d like to see the music video of David Archuleta’s song “Glorious” that is in the movie “Meet the Mormons.” (It’s the song Sister Perkey played in class.) You can also download a free mp3 of it on that same page, or at MeetTheMormons.com/Glorious. :)