I hope everyone had the chance to hear the General Young Women\u2019s Meeting.\u00a0 Even though we may be Relief Society age, it\u2019s still important to be involved and aware of the Young Women and the things they are going through, and struggling with.\u00a0 By going on to www.lds.org you can see the video presentation of the entire meeting.\u00a0 It is well worth your time.
\nI was so impressed to see how everyone focused on the value of virtue.\u00a0 I personally like it when anyone is focused on anything (and consistent about it\u2014somehow it has more impact).\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Sis. Dibbs suggested earning your own Personal Progress award.\u00a0 Having never served in YW, I never HAD to achieve it, but it can\u2019t hurt to fulfill some of these worthy goals.\u00a0 \u00a0
\nBy the way, did you notice that Sis. Dibbs told us a nice story about our newest apostle\u2019s wife?<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are inviting all young women, mothers, and, in fact, all women who desire to join us in this cause of virtue to complete the new Personal Progress experiences and project for the value of virtue.\u201d\u00a0 (Did we all hear Sis. Cook say this?\u00a0 She is calling for ALL women to stand for the value of virtue.\u00a0 Does that mean us?\u00a0 Are we listening?\u00a0 Are we ready to act?\u00a0 Maybe she just means those directly involved with YW\u2026I don\u2019t think so.)
\nSis. Cook gave this good advice:\u00a0 \u201cOne way we can withstand the pressures of the world is to \u2018stand\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0in holy places, and be not moved\u2019.\u00a0 Stay away from situations where you are likely to be tempted, mocked, and scorned. A commitment to remain virtuous will give you strength to withstand peer pressure. As we\u2019re advised in For the Strength of Youth: \u2018Have the courage to walk out of a movie or video party, turn off a computer or television, change a radio station, or put down a magazine if what is being presented does not meet Heavenly Father\u2019s standards\u2019\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(This is such great advice, but not just for the youth.\u00a0 Adult women need to keep this same standard.)<\/p>\n
She also reminded any of us, who have had problems, set-backs, rebellious natures, etc., that we can repent and come back, for God is waiting for us.\u00a0 I noticed that was said a lot during conference as well.\u00a0 If that isn\u2019t a loving invitation to just \u201cgo for it\u201d and return to church, I don\u2019t know what is.\u00a0 We should also be aware of those who are trying to make that move and help them, be with them, and encourage them along that scary road.<\/p>\n
Sis. Dalton gave us news straight from the horse\u2019s mouth, her sons.\u00a0 \u201cA virtuous returned missionary is attracted to a virtuous young woman\u2014one who has a testimony of Jesus Christ and is committed to a life of purity.\u201d\u00a0 We have to be there teaching our daughters every step of the way, from the time they are very young (crawling), until\u2026forever (it should never NOT be a concern to us).\u00a0 Even as adults, we need to continue that standard, because people are forever watching, and looking to us as examples.\u00a0 This world needs good examples.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn order to be virtuous, and remain virtuous, you must be true to your divine identity and establish patterns of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.\u00a0 These standards are eternal, and they do not change. They have been taught by prophets of God. In a world filled with relative truth, the Lord\u2019s standards are absolute. They are given to each of us to keep us on the path leading back to the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(Sis. Dalton says \u2013 Relative Truth \u2013 aren\u2019t you just sick of people who rationalize the most basic standards?\u00a0 The Lord\u2019s standards are INDEED absolute.\u00a0 And doesn\u2019t that sentence sound like music to you, full of reassurance, conviction, and security.)
\nPres. Monson talked about the courage we will need in three aspects of our lives:<\/p>\n
\tFirst, the courage to refrain from judging others;
\n\tSecond, the courage to be chaste and virtuous; and
\n\tThird, the courage to stand firm for truth and righteousness. <\/p>\n
Women have a serious weakness when it comes to judging, gossiping, and criticizing one another.\u00a0 We can\u2019t help it.\u00a0 Clearly it takes courage to step away, change the subject, and refrain.\u00a0 No more rationalizing.
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\nPres. Monson quoted Ted Koppell, former host of ABC\u2019s Nightline program. \u00a0\u201cWe have actually convinced ourselves that slogans will save us. \u2018Shoot up if you must; but use a clean needle.\u2019 \u2018Enjoy sex whenever with whomever you wish; but [protect yourself].\u2019\u00a0 No. The answer is no. Not no because it isn\u2019t cool or smart or because you might end up in jail or dying in an AIDS ward\u2014but no, because it\u2019s wrong.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0What Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai were not the Ten Suggestions, they are Commandments. Are, not were.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(Truth can come from anyone; isn\u2019t it just refreshing to hear it at all?\u00a0 Following is a warning we should all listen to.) \u00a0\u201cUnless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith.\u201d (Pres. Monson asks us to have courage as we live the high standards we set for ourselves.\u00a0 We\u2019ve been asked to endure to the end.\u00a0 Well, I guess Heavenly Father knew it wasn\u2019t going to be easy.)<\/p>\n
Sisters, we need to stand on our very own testimonies, but we have each other to lean on, encourage, and succeed with.\u00a0 We are all in the same boat.\u00a0 We all have similar struggles.\u00a0 We are equally challenged.\u00a0 Let\u2019s help one another.\u00a0 Let\u2019s help our youth.\u00a0 Let\u2019s help our very young ones.\u00a0 Let\u2019s do this, and do it well.
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I hope everyone had the chance to hear the General Young Women\u2019s Meeting.\u00a0 Even though we may be Relief Society age, it\u2019s still important to be involved and aware of the Young Women and the things they are going through, and struggling with.\u00a0 By going on to www.lds.org you can see the video presentation of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,19],"tags":[158],"class_list":["post-703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-conference-talks","category-relief-societyyoung-women","tag-yw-virtue"],"yoast_head":"\n