A Return to Virtue

(A few random thoughts tonight)

I LOVED Sis. Elaine S. Dalton's talk in conference.
'A Return to Virtue'
A few of the points
~"I can do hard things" vs. "In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things."
~"..be the one to stand for right, even when it means to stand alone"
~"There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience."
~"..slowly desensitized" >Lahonti - poisoned by degrees (tolerate - accept - embrace)
~change the world through our virtuous influence.
~"Never underestimate the power of your righteous influence"

Listen to the Conference Talks
I am so thankful for General Conference, I NEED and look forward to it every 6 months.

another thought-
We are strong, and our testimonies are grounded, but I just want to cry all day when I see how wicked the world is. My heart aches at the disobedience of Heavenly Father's children.

I received the video in an e-mail today about Proposition 8. It amazes me that this is an issue. The video is to the people of California but it could affect us all. I am so thankful for my beliefs and the things I was taught about on the importance of the nature of the family. I am grateful to the Prophets, SEERS, and Revelators of the Church for publishing, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", when they did. They know what is to come and it is an amazing document.

some of what it says:
(click on the picture to view the whole proclamation)

"All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

"The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife.
"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

It says so many times MAN and WOMAN, HUSBAND and WIFE. I know marriage is ordained of God. That 'Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.' (1 Corinthians 11:11) I am so sad for the people who feel otherwise, that same sex marriages are okay or even good. I wish I could help them understand the beauty of marriage and family, the importance of husband and wife. The Proclamation says:

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

I guess all we can do is to be a good example. To declare in word and deed, to do our duty and vote. We need to do all we can.

"For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—(Doctrine and Covenants 123:12)

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (Doctrine & Covenants 123:17)

Children are so vulnerable and moldable, so innocent and trusting. If we don't act now, they could be the ones that are blinded by the 'subtle craftiness of men'. I pray that Heavenly Father will give me the wisdom and the words by the spirit when this subject comes up in our home. I am thankful to be a member of the church and have the Gospel in my life, and that I can teach it to my children. I am thankful for my testimony. I know that Heavenly Father loves us and that "In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things." I am thankful for my husband, and that together we can honor these sacred marital vows. That we can raise a family in righteousness, and that Heavenly Father has and will continue to show us the way to do that in a changing world.