In a regional broadcast to Eastern Canada Sister Ann Monson, daughter of Thomas S. Monson, spoke to the Young Women and Young Men. While in Toronto she saw a group of young hockey players, each had a huge bag packed full of equipment. One bag was so full it couldn't be closed and inside it she saw the young man's helmet and eye guard. Sister Monson then listed the items we need to pack in our own bag of spiritual preparation. (Broadcast was May 2, 2004. Item descriptions are in my own words.)
An important part of our spiritual preparation is to study the scriptures. This article gives 12 different ways we can improve our scripture study.
As we often read and follow the standards in this pamphlet our spiritual preparation will increase. (Scroll down to the "Other Youth Resources" section.)
Working on and achieving our goals is an important item to pack in our bag of spiritual preparation. (Scroll down to "Young Women" and for Young Men scroll down to "Aaronic Priesthood")
Our patriarchal blessing is our personal liahona to guide us in our spiritual preparation. Read it often. See this article to learn more about patriarchal blessings. If you don't have one yet prepare yourself to receive one!
Keeping a journal, especially of our spiritual progress, will help us when times are tough. When we read our past entries we can see how things worked out and how we have spiritually grown.
Prepare yourself to enter the temple by being a full tithe payer. Increasing our faith in this commandment will help us to be more in tune with the spirit.
Be worth to enter the temple to perform baptisms for the dead. Temples are the house of the Lord and in them we can more easily feel the spirit and receive inspiration.
Record your testimony in your journal or in your scriptures. Often share it with others including non-members, your family, and at church. When we bear our testimony it becomes stronger as does our spirituality.
