Walking by a shimmering blue lake or looking up at the distant blue mountains, I am reminded of all the things that Heavenly Father has created for us. In the spring, brand new flowers emerge; in the fall, leaves become a colorful sight. Heavenly Father put the best things together to make nature beautiful. He also instilled in us a divine nature, and when developed, it will make us as beautiful as the nature around us. Divine Nature, one of the Young Women values, reminds us that inside each of us are characteristics that will help us become like Christ.
I was so excited to become a Beehive. I'd finally get to be in the Young Women program and participate in all their fun activities. My attitude drastically changed after a few weeks of being a Beehive. In my ward, the girls who were in my grade at school - my friends - were all at least eight months younger than I was. Therefore, I was stuck in Beehives with girls that were a year older than me. I had never spoken extensively to any of them before, and none of us were putting forth the effort to be friends.The first few months of being a Beehive I spent in my room crying. I felt like no one wanted me in the Young Women program. In my mind, I was an outcast. But one night there was a knock on the front door. As the door opened, a small gift came into view. It had my name on it. The card read, "Love, Your Secret Sister." I received little gifts from this secret sister for about a week. From this sister's sweet thoughtfulness, I was able to realize that I was wanted; I wasn't the outcast I thought myself to be. Seeds of friendships with the older girls were planted, and eventually I became really good friends with each of them. My secret sister had developed and used the divine qualities that Heavenly Father had blessed her with, and by doing so, my life was also blessed.
As I have grown older, I am able to see and help more easily those who need my love. My secret sister set an excellent example for me to follow. Her nature was definitely divine.
Watching my Laurel leader in action is also an example of the value Divine Nature. She shows love and concern for each of "her girls," and each one of us looks up to her as a great spiritual leader.
One of her goals is to help each of the Laurels attain her Young Womanhood Recognition Award. When I first entered Laurels, I had many ideas about what to do for Laurel projects, but I didn't know how to decide which projects would benefit me the most. After many talks with my leader, I finally decided on which projects to do, and I feel that the projects I have chosen will help my testimony grow.
One of the projects that I chose was to put together a family history book. I spent many hours gathering information and pictures, talking to grandparents and organizing. A lot of time was put into getting everything typed on the computer and going through microfilm at our local family history center. I put everything in a binder and organized it into families. The work was worth the effort. I now have a nice history book complete with pictures, biographies, pedigree charts and family group sheets for five generations. My history book, as well as the love and kindness my leader has shown, will be treasured forever.
On days when everyone is grumpy, and it seems that an example of Divine Nature cannot be found, there is always the Book of Mormon. One of my favorite stories in this great book is that of the four sons of Mosiah. They were wonderful examples of the value Divine Nature. Great love and concern were shown when all of Mosiah's sons - Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni - chose to serve the Lamanites rather than becoming the next king of the Nephites. Ammon served as King Lamoni's servant while patiently waiting for the time to teach the king about the gospel. When the time did come, Ammon was able to convert King Lamoni as well as many of the other Lamanites.
Aaron tried to teach the hardened Amalekites. He and his companions suffered much at the hands of these people. However, Aaron never gave up. After being released from prison, Aaron had the opportunity to teach the gospel to the king over all the land. His diligence and hard work paid off when the king and many others were converted. Mosiah's sons "searched the scriptures diligently," (Alma 17:2) and "they were patient in all their sufferings." (Alma 20:35.) As a result, Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni had great success in the mission field, and "as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away." (Alma 23:6.) By developing their divine nature, the four sons of Mosiah were able to convince the Lamanites of the truthfulness of the gospel.
I love the gospel, and I'm grateful to have many positive examples in my life. Every day I am reminded of the value "Divine Nature" through the distant mountains, the Book of Mormon and the example of others. These reminders help me strive to develop the divine qualities that I have been blessed with. I firmly believe that by developing the divine qualities we have been blessed with, our lives will become more Christlike - our nature will be divine.
