Virtue-What Does It Mean? (Part 2)

Last week I talked a lot about virtue and gave lots of definitions and gospel examples of what virtue means. This week I will be short, I just wanted to share with you all one last thing about virtue. I wanted to share with all of you a video that the former Young Women's President of the Church (Elaine S. Dalton) speaks in. It is a video that comes from her "Return to Virtue" talk.* I think this message just brings it all home, and sums everything up. In this talk/video, she calls us all back to virtue. She talks about what this means and why we need to return to living virtuous lives. Click here to watch the video. 

I just wanted to say that I testify that living a virtuous life, being worthy to enter the temple, and only participating in those things that the spirit can participate in too is the life that you want to be living. I know that you are much happier when you live a worthy life, a life where you can have the spirit with you abundantly. I know that you will be able to do more things for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as well. I know that we are blessed for our efforts, and that once we have "returned" to virtue, we need to help others do the same. I know that The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on this earth and that by following the Savior and His example, we will be able to do amazing things. I know that being virtuous may seem hard and it may require some hard changes in your life, but I do know that it is worth it all to be worthy to be in our Father's presence. Don't put this off. The time for our Savior to come again is drawing near very quickly. I know this is true, and I leave this testimony with you, 

In the name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen 

Love, 

Samantha 

*Click here to watch and listen to the whole talk by Sister Elaine S. Dalton! It is amazing and worth every minute of your time! I love it! 

Virtue-What Does It Mean? (Part One)

 Doctrine and Covenants 121: 45 "Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."

What does it mean to be virtuous?  Many people, especially people my age, wonder this quite often. They ask themselves if they are living a virtuous life, if their standards are virtuous, etc. I myself have wondered if the life I live is one of virtue. I decided one day to learn as much as I could about virtue and what it means to live a virtuous life. This post (and next week's as well) are some of the things I learned and decided I wanted to share with you today. 

The dictionary gives the following definitions about virtue: 

1. moral excellence; goodness; righteousness.

2. conformity of one's life and conduct to moral and ethical principles; uprightness; rectitude.

3. chastity; virginity

4. a particular moral excellence. 

5. a good or admirable quality or property: the virtue of knowing one's weaknesses. 

Some synonyms that are given for virtue are: 

excellence, love, faith, goodness, kindness, morality, purity, righteousness, value, charity, chastity, hope, worthiness, respect, and trustworthiness. 

With all this information, what is virtue to you then? For me I wanted to know what the the LDS church said about virtue, so I went and looked at Preach My Gospel (a missionary handbook for the LDS church). This is what Preach My Gospel had to say: 

"Virtue originates in your innermost thoughts and desires. It is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. Since the Holy Ghost does not dwell in unclean tabernacles, virtue is prerequisite to receiving the Spirit’s guidance. What you choose to think and do when you are alone and you believe no one is watching is a strong measure of your virtue.

Virtuous people are clean and pure spiritually. They focus on righteous, uplifting thoughts and put unworthy thoughts that lead to inappropriate actions out of their minds. They obey God’s commandments and follow the counsel of Church leaders. They pray for the strength to resist temptation and do what is right. They quickly repent of any sins or wrongdoings. They live worthy of a temple recommend.

Your mind is like a stage in a theater; in the theater of your mind, however, only one actor can be on stage at a time. If the stage is left bare, thoughts of darkness and sin often enter the stage to tempt. But these thoughts have no power if the stage of your mind is occupied by wholesome thoughts, such as a memorized hymn or verse of scripture that you can call upon in a moment of temptation. By controlling the stage of your mind, you can successfully resist persistent urges to yield to temptation and indulge in sin. You can become pure and virtuous." 

I don't know what your thinking right now, but for me: Preach My Gospel pretty much summed it up for me. It teaches me that virtue is something originates in my thoughts and desires, that it is a pattern of life based on high moral standards, that in order to have the Holy Ghost with me; I must be living a virtuous life, that virtue is who I am when I am alone and no one is watching. Virtue is being clean and worthy spiritually and focusing on righteous and uplifting thoughts. Virtue is obeying The Lord's commandments and following the counsel of my leaders. Virtue teaches that I need to pray for strength to resist sin and temptation, and that if I am really being virtuous that I repent quickly of sins and wrongdoings, and I remain worthy of a temple recommend. When it comes down to it: being virtuous means that you are worthy to be in our Heavenly Father's presence. 

Now that we have learned a little more about virtue, let's talk about what it means to be "A Guardian of Virtue". My bishop tells the youth in my ward that we need to protect the virtue of those we are with. (Especially when we are on dates.) I really like this pattern of thought. For me it means that I am responsible for making sure that the person/people I am with go home virtuous. (Or worthy to be in our Heavenly Father's presence.) This is a very important thing to me. This means that I need to be worthy too, that I need to be an example, and I need be willing to help others become more like our Savior. Sometimes this is very hard. Sometimes this means that you need to stand up for your standards even when no one else will stand with you. This is worth it. Heavenly Father will bless you significantly for your strength and your willingness to become like Him. 

To sum up today I want to share a song with you entitled: "Guardians of Virtue." This song was made for the Young Women in the church, but it still applies to the Young Men. It tells of how we were chosen to come to the earth during these days of trial and hardship and how we will do our best to be examples and help others to come unto Christ too. Click Here to watch the video and listen to the song. 

I just wanted to share my testimony with all of you that I know that being virtuous and living a virtuous life is something that has a price far above rubies. Being virtuous is one of the best things that you can be. If you know that you are not living the most virtuous life you could be living I plead with you to make the changes in your life that you need to in order to be virtuous. I know you will be blessed for your efforts and that The Lord will help you. Do not give up when it gets hard. Heavenly Father will guide you and bless you with the things you need and the people you need in order to become more like Him. He loves you. I know it is not easy. I have had to make changes in my life too, and it was not easy: but I am here to testify that it is well worth it. No matter what: it is always worth it to change your life so that you can be closer to our Father In Heaven and so that you can have His spirit with you always. I know it. I promise you will happier too. I want to leave this with you. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen 

Love, 

Samantha 

To All The Dear Fathers

He is our Father.

I have many things I would like to share this week, but seeing as it is Father's day I would like to share with you my thoughts and feelings about our Father's. I do want to say, this post will not be as long as the one I wrote for Moms on Mother's day. I feel as if I speak about fathers/adult males in our life a lot so hopefully this isn't too long and repetitive.

I want to start out with an experience that happened to me this week. This past week I had the opportunity to go with my stake on a pioneer trek! This was not an easy experience, but it was so worth it! I grew so much and learned so much in a short 3 days. One of the things that I learned was the love of my parents. (They got to be pioneer ma's and pa's.) One morning, the morning of the "women's pull, my dad shared a thought about our fathers and how much they love us and sacrifice for us. He reminded us that he loves us very much and that he is always there for us. This didn't hit me until I was going through the "women's pull". This is where the men in the group must stop pulling the handcart and let the women do it alone. This is usually a very hard part of the trail. We do this to help us see what it would have been like if our fathers and brothers had died or gone to fight in the war, leaving only the women to travel the hard and perilous trail here to Utah. When we got to this part of the trail, we were asked to not talk, and the young men and fathers were asked to walk on the other side of the trail. They had come earlier in the day to plow this part of the trail so that the dirt/sand was very loose and there was incline. We had to go around a corner as well. This was very hard for the women. It is an experience that is hard to explain in words. When we got to the part where the fathers and young men could join us again, my dad came and took hold of the handcart. I kept trying to help pull, feeling like it was still my job to help, but my dad could tell I was tired and hurting. My dad then looked at me and said: "Samantha, it's okay I got this. You can rest. I will pull for you." When my dad looked at me and said this to me, tears were brought to my eyes. I knew right then how much my dad loves me. My dad was tired too, but he loves me and my other family members enough to tell us all: "It's okay, I will pull this load for you." How true is it that our father's not only are willing to pull our "trek handcart loads" but our life's loads as well. They are willing to drop things that they are doing to help us and make our life's easier and more bearable too.

Even when our dads can't physically take our burdens away from us, they "pull" for us on the side-lines. Along with our amazing mothers, our fathers are our biggest "cheerleaders." They love us so much and would do anything for us.

I wish to take a moment and talk about our Heavenly Father. Of all the names He could have chosen to be known by or called, the one He wants us to call Him and know Him by is: Father. How precious this knowledge is; that He loves us so much that He wants us to be able to remember that we literally are His children and we call Him our Father.

To those of you who do not have a father currently in your presence, or who wish they were fathers but that time has not yet come for you: Do not doubt or worry. Your time will come soon. The Lord works on a different time table than we do, trust that your day will come to be a father, even if you cannot be a father to a biological child: you can be a father. If you are not married: you can still be a father figure in a child's life. There is probably now, or will be soon, a child that looks up to you and needs your influence in his/her life. I know it is not easy to not have a child of your own, but your day will come. Do not loose hope or trust in your Father in Heaven. If you have lost your father, if your father cannot be with you physically for any earthly reason: Trust in your Heavenly Father. You will see your father again. Families are forever. Heavenly Father knows what He is doing, and He will send you a spirit of comfort and love to watch and protect you, especially during your times of trail and sorrow. You father is not far. He still loves you. He still watches over you. He is not lost or gone. He is proud of you. You are still his child. Do not loose hope. I know that today is not an easy day for you: but I do know that your father wants you to be happy, even if you cannot be together physically today. His spirit is with you always. Do not give up, do not loose hope, do not doubt Heavenly Father's plan for you and your father.

I want to share with you this video that talks about fathers and everything that they do for each of us. Click Here for watch this short video.

I just want to wrap up by saying thank you to every man who has been a "father figure" in my life, whether you are an uncle, close friend, grandpa, etc. I want to thank 4 men specifically for their influence and example in my life.
1. My uncle Jeff. You are the reason I started dancing. You told me to follow my dreams. Thank you for helping me want to be a better person and for helping me have a desire to follow Christ. You are one of my best friends and I know I can always count on you. I love you!
2. My uncle Jeremy. Now you watch me from Heaven, but I cannot ever thank you enough for setting such a great example for me. You have some of the most amazing kids ever and I know it's because you are such an amazing dad and have left such an amazing legacy. I will never forget you and the love and care you showered on us. Thanks for always being my "Tickle Monster". I love you.
3. My Grandpa Holt. Grandpa's are great dads with a little more experience right? Well in that case, you must have been the most amazing dad ever. You are such an amazing example to me of what I want when I am older. You have taught me lots of life lessons. We go fishing in the summer, and we have BBQs too. You are a wonderful cook and you love everyone no matter what. I love you too Gramps!!
4. (Last but certainly not least) MY DADDY!! Dad, I just want you to know that I love you so much. You set the prime example of what kind of husband I want someday and what kind of father I want for my own children. You are the most hard working and skilled man I know. Mom is sure lucky to have you. I could never ask for anything more. I know that I am pain sometimes, but at the end of the day you still wrap your arms around me and tell me you love me. I am so blessed that no matter where you go or how long you have been gone, that you always return with honor and you remain worthy to do the Lord's work at any moment you may be asked. You being a worthy priesthood holder has changed and blessed my life from day one. Dad you have such a special spirit and I love you. I don't know how you do all you do, but I do know that no matter what you do you always give it your very best and you do all things with passion. You have been a major, major key to my success and helping me learn and grow in the gospel. You and mom are my best friends and I know I can always count on you. I am so thankful for you dad. Words cannot describe the relationship I have with you. I will never forget those nights when I would ask you to sing me to sleep and you did it every time! I will always be your little girl, and you will always be my best friend. I know I can always count on you. I love you daddy. Happy Father's Day!

In closing I just want to say: I know that the church is true. I love it and I know that it is because of the church and my Father in Heaven that I have the family and the Father I have today. I know that each of us has a plan for us specifically and that if we choose to follow Heavenly Father we will blessed and we will be able to be the best we can be. I love you all. Happy Father's Day to every dad out there!

In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

Judge Not and Have Charity Towards All

Judge not: Love instead!

This past week I have had a lot of experiences that I felt would be really appropriate to share with all of you, but as I thought about what I should be sharing, as I prayed about it and pondered my thoughts of the week: I felt strongly that I should share a message of "charity and judging not" today.

This week has been a week full of emotion and "mini" trials for me. I have had to remember to not judge others because I do not know the whole story of why they may be acting the way they are. I know I am not perfect and I am still learning, so maybe this spiritual thought is for me to learn from too: because I know that I judged others without reason this week.

When we judge others negatively we are not looking at them the way God sees them. We are looking at them as the world sees them. When we compare ourselves to the world we will never be happy. We can even judge ourselves. Judging negatively, whether it be others or ourselves never helps us or those around us to be happy or grow spiritually. It only tears down our self esteem and makes us sad. Sometimes we judge negatively without even knowing it. Sometimes we judge negatively based on limited facts and then when we find out all the facts: we feel stupid for thinking or saying what we did about a certain person or their action. Judging negatively doesn't bring us closer to our Heavenly Father: it pulls us from Him and makes us sad. There is a Hymn entitled "Lord, I Would Follow Thee" that talks about this. In the second verse it reads: "Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see. Who am I to judge another? Lord, I would follow thee."  In order to not judge negatively, we need to learn to see others as God sees them and to love them with the pure love of Christ. 

This pure love of Christ is called Charity. Let me use a scripture to explain to you what charity means. This scripture is found in the Book of Mormon, in the book of Moroni in chapter 7 verse 45. It reads:  

"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

This scripture teaches us what charity is and is not. Charity is not puffed up, it does not seek for it's own good. Charity is all about putting other's needs before your own and loving them no matter what they look like, how they act, what they think, etc. Charity is loving no matter what. Every single day. The only people who have complete and perfect charity are the Savior and our Heavenly Father and our Heavenly Mother.

I want to share with you two videos today that will help you understand why we should not judge and instead why we should have charity towards all. The first video is about not judging others. It is entitled: "Looking Through Windows" Click Here to watch. 

The second video is about having charity and loving all. It is entitled: "My brother Hyrum." Click Here to watch. 

In these 2 videos we learn from our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, that we need to love others with the pure love of Christ. We need to have Charity towards all: both men and women, and we need to refrain from judging others. I know that if we can learn to not judge others and have charity and love them instead we will be much happier people and we will be able to have the spirit with us more, and we will also be able to recognize the spirit more. I know that if we can love others for who they are and we do our best to have a charitable love towards all that we will be able to have more friends, we will be happier people, we will have stronger families, etc. I know that this is true. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on this earth and that by learning more about the gospel and doing our best to have His spirit with us always and learning to love others no matter what that we will be blessed and we will be able to do all things that we are asked to do, no matter how hard. I love the gospel and I have a testimony of the Savior and His everlasting love for me and you. I know He knows you and loves you. I challenge you to not judge others and to love all. I know it will bless your life. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen 

Love, 

Samantha 

Hope For Good Things To Come

Anything is possible with God by your side. Don't give up.

I want to share with you all two Mormon Messages today. I don't really know what to say about these videos, I just know that I need to share them at this time. I am aware of some people's situations and how they are going through a hard time right now and need a little boost: so I hope this is what you need.

The first video is called: "The Power of Hope" from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. In this message Elder Uchtdorf shares with us how through Christ, we never need loose hope for better things to come. He shares with us that no matter how bleak and dark our lives seem today, that because of Christ: the end of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. He wants each of you to know that he loves you and he wants you to hang on and remember to never give in, never give up; that the love of our Savior pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow and gladdens every heart. Click Here to watch this short and powerful video.

The second video is from Elder Jeffery R. Holland. In this video, he talks about how we all have times that we need a little hope and we need to know that things will get better in times ahead. He tells the story of a young family who are traveling to a new place to live. He tells of some trouble that they run into and how the father goes to get help. The father is given advice from a farmer that touches his heart and humbles him. He tells of a "flashback" experience and what he learned in that moment. This is the message I want to share with each of you. Blessings will come, don't quit. The Lord knows what He is doing and He will watch over you, and lead you to where you need to be. Don't give up. Click Here to watch video number 2.

I want each of you to know that I love you. I know that life isn't easy and that we each have to do things in our lives that we never thought we would have to deal with. I want you to remember that thought I shared a few weeks ago about "our trials being compliments from God." Remember that He loves you very much and He would never give you anything too big or too much for you to handle. YOU can do this. This life was given to you because you are strong enough to live it. I know that at times it seems that all our efforts and our help/service to others is wasted time and energy: but don't you ever quit. The things you do for others are never a waste of time and effort. When we are serving others we are serving our Heavenly Father. (Mosiah chapter 2 verse 17-This is found in the Book of Mormon) Time spent serving our Heavenly Father is never a waste. You are not a waste. Do not ever give up. I love you and I want you to know that I am here for you. Better things are in our future if but hold fast to the gospel and love the Savior and do what He asks us to do for Him. Follow Him, and where ever that might be or lead you: it is where you are supposed to go and better things will come. Trust in Him with all your heart and you will be blessed. Let the Lord know that you are willing to do His work whatever and where ever that work may be. Just don't ever give up. When life gets hard and the storms of life are raging: don't turn away from God: turn to God. He loves you more than you will ever know and He desires to be there for you and help you. It's your job to let Him in.

I know these things are true. I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with all my heart, being, and soul. Do not ever give up hope. If you feel like you don't have strong enough faith: hold fast to the faith you do have. That will be good enough for now, and in time it will be strengthened and you will find yourself able to do great and amazing things for the Lord. He loves you. I want you to know that. I love you. I leave you with this, my testimony, In His sacred name
Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha