Day Thirteen

Read: Teen Commandments

1. Don't let your parents down - they brought you up.
2. Choose your friends with care - you become what they are.
3. Be master of your habits - or they will master you.
4. Treasure your time - don't spend it, invest it.
5. Stand for something - or you'll fall for anything.
6. Select only a date that will make a good mate.
7. See what you can do for others - not what they can do for you.
8. Guard your thoughts. What you think - you are.
9. Don't fill up on this world's crumbs. Feed your soul on living bread.
10. Give your all to Christ - He gave His all to you.

Young Men read: The Painting

Once there was a Father and son who were very close and enjoyed adding valuable art pieces to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed, elder man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holiday with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward to, would visit his house no longer.
On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you." As the two began to talk, the solider told of how the man's son had told everyone of his, not to mention his father's, love of fine art. "I'm an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this."
As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man's son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail. Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.
During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy's life would live on because of those he had touched. He would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart. As the stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the world clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! Unmindful of the story of the man's only son, but in his honor; those paintings would be sold at an auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift. The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim, "I have the greatest collection."
The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the room came, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a picture of his son. Let's forget it and go on to the good stuff." More voices echoed in agreement. "No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take the son?"
Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. "Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy, so I'd like to have it. I have ten dollars." "Will anyone go higher?" called the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone." The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and we can bid on these treasures!"
The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean it's over? We didn't come here for a picture of some old guy's son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! I demand that you explain what's going on here!" The auctioneer replied, "It's very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son . . . gets it all."

Young Women read: Jenny's Pearls

Jenny was a bright-eyed pretty five year old girl. One day when she and her mum was checking out at the grocery store, Jenny saw a plastic pearl necklace priced at $5. How she loved those pearls. When she asked her mum if she could buy it for her, her mum said "well, it cost an awful lot of money. I'll tell you what, when we get home we can do a list of chores to help you pay for the necklace. And don't forget next weekend when grandma comes to visit she might give you a dollar coin, too." Jenny agreed and her mum bought her the plastic pearl necklace.
How she loved her pearl necklace. She wore them everywhere, at kindergarten, to bed, and even when she do an errand with her mum. The only time she doesn't wear them is when she takes a shower, because her mother told her it would turn her neck green.
Jenny have a loving father. Every night he would Jenny her favourite story. One night after reading Jenny her favourite story, he asked her "Jenny, do you love me?" "Oh yes daddy, you know I love you" Jenny replied. He said "Well then, give me your pearls." "Oh no, not my pearls." Jenny answered. "But you can have Rosie, my favourite doll. Remember her? You gave her to me for my birthday. You can have Rosie if you want to, daddy." she added. "That's okay darling." Her father replied. He brushed her cheeks with a kiss good night "Sweet dreams little one."A few days later after her story, her father asked Jenny again "Jenny, do you love me?" "Oh yes daddy, you know I love you." Jenny replied. Her father said "well then, give me your pearls." " Oh no daddy, not my pearls. But you have Robin, my toy horse. Her hair is so soft, and you can play and braid it and everything. You can have Robin if you want her daddy." Jenny replied. "That's okay darling." Her father brushed her cheeks with a kiss "Goodnight little one, God bless."A week later, when her father went to Jenny's room to read her favourite story, Jenny's lips were trembling. She held out her hand and there was her beloved pearl necklace. Her father took the necklace on one hand, and on the other slip out from his pocket a velvet blue box. Inside were real genuine pearl necklace. He had had them all along, he was just waiting for Jenny to give up her cheap necklace.
So it is with our Father in Heaven, He want to bless us with real treasures in life. We need to think what we hold on to in our lives and ponder what God might give us in their place.


Questions to ponder:
· Do I really love Christ?
· Do I keep ALL the commandments?
· Have I put another God before Christ?


Scriptures to read: John 13:34-35, John 14:15,3, 3 Nephi 13:20-21,24, 33