Self Reliance, November Providing the Lord’s Way & Finding Solutions to My Problems and Challenges Self Reliance, November

Providing the Lord’s Way When Jesus Christ came to earth, He spent much of His ministry caring for the poor and needy. Through His Church, the Lord has provided a way for us to care for those in need. He has asked us to give generously according to what we have received from Him. “The Lord’s way of caring for the needy is different from the world’s way. The Lord has said, ‘[Caring for the poor] must needs be done in mine own way.’ He is not only interested in our immediate needs; He is also concerned about our eternal progression. For this reason, the Lord’s way has always included self-reliance and service to our neighbor in addition to caring for the poor” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Providing in the Lord’s Way,” Ensign November 2011, 54)

He has also asked His people to “visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief” (D&C 44:6) Church members are encouraged to give personal compassionate service to those in need. They should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, serving without being asked or assigned. (D&C 58:26-27)

What blessings do we receive when we serve with a willing heart? Do you think the Savior served others because he was “assigned” to?

When you are the one being served, how does it feel? Sometimes allowing others to serve us can be a challenge. Why should we be willing to let others help?

What is the purpose of the Church’s Welfare Program? “The real long term objective of the Welfare Plan is the building of character in the members of the Church, givers and receivers,…. Church Handbook In order to become like the Lord we need to accept opportunities to follow his example of true service. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto Me.” Matthew 25:40

When we hear of those in need, our hearts feel sympathy, we have compassion for those who are hurting. President Eyring has said: “Because the Lord hears their cries and feels your deep compassion for them, He has from the beginning of time provided ways for His disciples to help. He has invited His children to consecrate their time, their means, and themselves to join with Him in serving others.” We have been INVITED to help…But the choice is ours. What will you choose?

Another Service Project? How will you respond?

Ideas for how we can serve others: Participate in service projects with a positive attitude. Pay your tithing and fast offerings. Find ways to serve others in our homes and neighborhoods Seek out those who are lonely. Offer to watch children so parents can go on a date or to the temple. Offer to help your parents with things they need. Spend time with those who are sick or elderly.

How Can I Find Solutions To My Challenges & Problems

Self-reliance includes the ability to find solutions to our own problems & challenges. Our Heavenly Father is mindful of the challenges we face. He loves us and wants to help us. We should pray for guidance as we seek answers to our challenges in the scriptures & the words of the prophets & apostles.

What are some of the trials or problems Young Women might face? Trying to improve grades Self esteem Making new friends Word of Wisdom Getting along with family Chastity Making a team Loneliness Personal Progress Depression Accomplishing goals Illness or health problems Does the Lord want to help us with these things? How do we know?

From the For The Strength of The Youth Pamphlet: Your emotional health is also important and may affect your spiritual and physical well-being. Disappointment and occasional sadness are part of this mortal life. However, if you have prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or depression, talk with your parents and your bishop and seek help. In all aspects of your life, seek healthy solutions to problems. Do all you can to safeguard your physical and emotional health so that you can fulfill your divine potential as a son or daughter of God.

When we have a problem, What do we do? Healthy Solutions Unhealthy Solutions Pray Read scriptures Talk to Parents or Leaders Talk to friends Exercise Work hard Sleep too much Take pills/drugs/drink to escape problems Lash out in anger Stop praying/going to YW or Church Give up

Do you feel like the scriptures have answers to your problems? The Savior taught His followers to think about the scriptures for themselves and use them to find answers to their own questions. Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 11:28-30, Alma 37:35-37 Alma 38:5 Do you feel like the scriptures have answers to your problems?

Keep this is in your scriptures so that next time you have a challenge you can turn to the Lord for inspiration, comfort, and guidance.

Scripture Study & Prayer In this October’s conference President Monson said: As we read and ponder the scriptures, we will experience the sweet whisperings of the Spirit to our souls. We can find answers to our questions. We learn of the blessings which come through keeping God’s commandments. We gain a sure testimony of our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of Their love for us. When scripture study is combined with our prayers, we can of a certainty know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true.

Turning to Church Magazines is also helpful: We are going to split into small groups of 2-3 think of a challenge or problem that young women today face. browse the topic index in the most recent conference issue of the New Era, Ensign or Liahona, looking for topics that could help address that problem. search one of the talks related to those topics and share with the class a statement that could help a young woman overcome her challenges.

Never Give Up! You Never Walk Alone! “My dear sisters, your Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there” Pres. Monson