Virtue

In mission prep this week, we focused on the Christlike attribute of virtue. Virtue is often coupled with terms like "chastity" and "morality," but I like to think of it more as purity in every regard- in thoughts, desires, actions, service, and intent.

Proverbs 31:10-31 tells of a virtuous woman. She is a woman who deserves the trust of her husband, who works willingly, and who is considerate. She reaches to the needy, and lives with strength and honor. I want to be like this woman. I want to invite purity into every aspect of my life, and to develop and act on righteous desires. My patriarchal blessing states that I will one day fulfill my innermost desire to become a mother in Israel. To do this, I will need to continue to live a virtuous life so that I will be worthy to marry in the temple with my lucky husband.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton is one of my heroes and another perfect example of a virtuous woman. Sister Dalton counsels us to never underestimate the power of our righteous influence. I believe that living virtuously is the strength and power of daughters of God, and that influence may be felt by my children, Relief Society sisters, boyfriend, or a stranger- really anyone who I come in contact with. I want to be sure my influence is a good one- one that will bring others closer to Christ.

I was challenged in class to include virtuous goals in my conversations with Heavenly Father. He encouraged us to pray for more virtue in the mornings, and report our progress to Him at night. This is something that I want to practice for the rest of my life, because I truly felt the influence of a loving Spirit throughout my days.

I know that living virtuously will help me be a better missionary, friend, sister, daughter, wife, and mother. Even though I haven't fulfilled all of these roles yet, I can continue to prepare for the temple and for my future family by implementing these attributes in my life now- each and every day.

Welcome, God.

I am writing my journal this week on my experience with Elder Ballard’s talk, “The Joy of Hope Fulfilled.” The main point that I received from this talk was that the Lord is in control. Elder Ballard quoted Doctrine and Covenants 6:43, which reads, “Fear not little flock. Do good. Look unto God in every thought.”

God has always been an essential part of my home, family, and life in general. I grew up in the gospel and I don’t think a day has gone by when I haven’t communicated with God in at least one blessing of the food with my family. However, in the last few weeks, I have found myself coming closer and closer to this admonishment in my own personal life. I now cherish my relationship with God because I depend on it. He gets me through the hard days and listens no matter what.

One of my dear friends has a habit of praying before every single meal, even at restaurants or in a noisy food court. He doesn’t do it to show off righteousness, it is always very subtle and humble. Recently, I pointed this out to him and said that I really admired that habit (it is one that I could definitely improve on). He told me about a scripture that he came across while on his mission. It is 2 Nephi 32:8 which reads, "For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray."

In a roundabout way, this scripture shows the power that can be drawn from having the Lord in our every thought. The Lord is in control and he is aware of me individually. Jesus Christ has atoned for me and His sacrifice gives me peace, comfort, and refuge. The least I can do in return is to let Him into my life and “look unto Him in every thought.”