One Bright Shining Hope

So I've mentioned this book before. I've even quoted it a couple times. But, I'm going to talk about it and what it's about a little bit more. Because it's an awesome, inspired book. And, every time I read it, it brings the Spirit so powerfully, always at the exact time I need it. For example: my Grandma Taylor gave me this book for my birthday two or three years back. It taught me great things I will never forget. And I used it all the time. I used it for talks or any other opportunity I could. But, just as anything in my room, it got kind of lost. I knew where it was. On my bookshelf. But I hardly ever go near my bookshelf, unless I have a book crisis and need something to read. But, a week or so ago, I was looking for my seminary journal. Which I still haven't found, and that makes me incredibly sad. Anyways, I was looking every where in my room, and I ended up coming across this wonderful book. So I read it. And what did I feel? The spirit. Overwhelmingly, I felt the Spirit. You see, I was feeling a little...spiritually dry. I was reading my scriptures everyday, but I guess I haven't mastered the art of scripture study, because I still wasn't feeling anything like I did every day in seminary. So I was dry. And had no clue what to do. But this marvelous book came along, bringing me the spirit just as strong as any day in seminary.



Now let me explain to you why I love this book so much. 1. It's written by Gordon B. Hinckley. I love that man. A lot. He was so amazing. And this book just made me love him even more. 2. I don't know if you can read it, but above Pres. Hinckley's name, it says "Messages for women." BAM. For US! Well, if you happen to be female. Sorry boys. But, I think this is so special. Some people give members of the LDS church a hard time, because women are taught that we should be stay-at-home moms, be homemakers, let the husband preside. This book is written for us, and tells us that, while, yes, that is our role, it is so much more than that. We make a difference. We can create change. The very first page of the book, the very first quote, says:

"It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord. They must begin in their own homes. They can teach it in their classes. They can voice it in their communities. They must be the teachers and the guardians of their daughters. When you save a girl, you save generations. I see this as the one bright shining hope in a world that is marching toward moral self-destruction."

Do you know how awesome that is?! Like really, it gets me so excited, so happy! We are part of the one bright shining hope! We have such an important role in this life. We are the ones who are the stay-at-home moms. So we end up doing a lot of the teaching. We end up playing a huge role in our children's lives. This book teaches the mothers and leaders just how important their job is. They can save, literally, generations, by reaching out to one girl. It teaches the young women who they should striving to be like. Do you think that if you aren't standing "strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper" now, that you're magically going to be able to do it when you're older, when you're married and have kids? It doesn't work that way. I know multiple people who have learned this. I've learned it. If I'm having this hard of a time feeling the spirit every day because I don't have seminary, am I going to be able to bring the spirit into my home when I'm a mother and need to have that atmosphere for my kids? Chances are, probably not. So I need to figure out a way now to feel the spirit and have it teach and testify me every day, so it will be a natural thing to do when I'm off on my own or married.

So, moral of the story: Ya'll should read this book. Female or not. It will teach you wonderful things. You will learn of your self-worth and of your importance. Because each and every person matters. And: Women are the bomb. We help raise the rising generation, mothers or not. Because really, how many guys are asked to babysit? So, if you're not a mother now, you can still make a difference in the lives of the little children around. Heck, you can make a difference in the lives of your friend around you. It's not just the kids who are important. Keep that in mind in your classes at church. Even the quietest Beehive is important and needs a friend. I love you all. Keep in mind who you are. You are part of the one bright shining hope of this life. Even you too, boys. You can make just as much as a difference. Stay steadfast. Keep the faith. And remember who you are.

His Eyes

I look at my hands,
I look at the scars.
I look at the feet
That have carried me far.

I look at my face
With both beauties and flaws
Then I look at my eyes
But there I must pause.

So there I do look,
And hope that I see
A deep, shining light
That has often led me.

I see this great light
In leaders, friends, kids.
I look in my eyes
And hope it's not hid.

This wonderful light,
It's the light of Christ.
It's the light of the man
Who paid a great price.

One gloomy, dark night,
This wonderful man
Carried a great burden
That no other man can.

The very next morn
After the burden so great,
He died on a cross
To help our own fate.

I live my life so,
Maybe someday,
Words of gratitude, praise,
Words of love I can say.

I want to be worth
To tell Him these words.
So, in this long journey,
The light, I'll go towards.

So on that great day
When, face to face, we'll meet,
I'll fall on my knees,
With joy, Him I'll greet.

I'll look at His hands,
I'll look at the scars.
I'll look at the feet
That have helped me go far.

I'll look at His face
With just beauty, no flaws.
Then I'll look in His eyes,
And there, I will pause.

And I hope, will all hope
He will look back at me
And say, "Little sister,
I see me in thee."

I know I will weep,
And I hope He will say,
"Little sister, well done.
You've returned home today."

"Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this might change in your hearts?" Alma 5:14

A changed heart may not necessarily stay changed. The natural man wants to reject that changed heart. Just as a body wants to reject a transplanted heart. The body needs medications and constant care to keep the new heart. So, in order to keep a newly changed heart, have a daily dose of some spiritual medications.

Una familia feliz

So, I was just sitting on my couch chilling, and I looked up at the wall. The new - well, newish - family pictures finally got put up. So some things were rearranged. In the middle of the wedding pictures of my siblings and parents, there's an embroidered quote in a frame. And, for some reason, this quote struck me with unusual force.

"Our family is a circle of strength and love. With every birth and every union the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger."

After reading this, I started thinking about my family. I have a pretty awesome family. We are by no means perfect. Drama can come up quite a bit. I can complain about them a lot. I can stress out about what's going on. But, nevertheless, my family is just so wonderful. My family has made me much of who I am. My love for music and my musical abilities - A family trait. My sarcasm - Definitely learned in the Root household. My testimony - Developed in the home. You know, being the youngest has it's advantages sometimes. Yes, there have been lots of times that I have been ignored. That's just what I get for being the youngest and having totally different interests from my sisters closest to me in age. But then, I've had eight people who I can look up to. Eight people whose mistakes I can learn from. Eight people whose testimonies I can use to strengthen my own. Eight people who love me and are willing to do so much for me. Yes, being the youngest has some wonderful perks.

So, this is going to be kind of random. But I want to introduce you all to my family. Mi familia grande! Because my family is so incredibly important to me. I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today without them. The thought of being with any family but this one truly scares me. I often thank Heavenly Father for putting me in this family. I've learned so much from them. So, be ready for a freakishly long post. Like, super, ridiculously, long. Not just long like my other posts. So, bear with me. But it's going to be awesome. Why wouldn't it? It's the Roots!



So. This is the oldest of the Root kids. Jess. Or, Señor Root to the students of Mesa High. That's right. My big brother is a Spanish teacher. He was my Spanish teacher. Weird? Maybe a wee bit. But basically a normal thing in the Root household. But, I have a great big brother. Yes, he teases. Despite this, he is willing to help out in any way possible. For example, my parents went up to Utah to visit family, like a week ago. And the car broke down. Some belt thing broke and took out the whole engine. So, guess who drove up to Utah in a Suburban so that the truck could be towed home? That's right. Jess. He's a great guy. And his wife, Cami, is super sweet. She's little bit quiet...but that just may be because I'm a little bit quiet. But I remember when I was really little - and I wasn't quiet at all - I remember thinking that Cami was the coolest person ever! She's a great mom, and is a new office manager at work. Way to be Cami! Woot woot! And their kids are super fun. And like super smart. Noelia, the oldest, has some mad piano skills. She might be better than me in a few years. I'm a little intimidated. Diego (yeah, the really white boy. with the Hispanic name.) also plays the piano. Which is awesome. He has a great imagination too. Isaac is just a silly little goof ball, and is a wonderful big brother to his sister Elena. And Elena is super cute. She has the cutest smile. She's also obsessed the Dora the Explorer. In fact, if in a Dora costume, she LOOKS like Dora.



Meet my sister Sarah. She's artsy and a great cook. And she and her husband James have incredible faith that I admire. There have been summers that I have stayed over at their house for a few days, and I've always loved it. James is crazy good with his hands. He can make probably anything. He built a little cabinet for my mom. He's built a hover craft. And he's just a super hard worker. Plus, with his sarcasm, he fits right in. And then Ryan, the oldest kid, is just super brilliant. He thinks super logically like his dad and I bet he's going to grow up to be a mechanical engineer. He's a percussionist in band. I'd like to think I influenced him in that decision. And then Jakob. Haha oh goodness, that kid is a ball of energy! And he's a big kid. Well, scrawny, but he has big hands and is pretty tall. He'll fill out one day, and I'd say he'd become a football player or a wrestler. Also, he's a wonderful artist. I bet he gets it from Sarah. (p.s. if I have a daughter, I'm naming her Sarah. I've ALWAYS loved that name. And Sarah has no claim to it. And, Sarah, sorry if the picture embarrasses you. But it's classic. I just had to show it.)



This is Christina. Stina. Crusty Tuna. Take your pick. She's the talkative one of the family. But it's a good thing. Sadly enough, she lives in Utah, and before that she lived in Chino Valley. So since she got married when I was like 7, I haven't seen a whole lot of her. But she's always willing to listen and help you with your problems. Then Troy, her husband, is a little silly. But he's a good daddy, and his four daughter absolutely adore him! And he's willing to serve anyone in any way he can. He'll drop anything in order to help a family member out. Noemi is their oldest girl. And she's super smart. Basically, all my nieces and nephews are brilliant. It's just our Root genes, I guess. She's a good big sister, and is getting baptized soon. Which I'm way excited for! Bekah is the next one and is a little sweetheart. She's a little conniving...but that's ok. That just means she's smart. Then there's Samantha. Also known as Monkey. She's the biggest ham ever! She's the cutest thing you will ever see and will flaunt it in front of any camera. And she makes me happy, because every time she would walk through my door when they come down to visit, she gets all excited and says "Hi Beth!" And then there's little Ysabel. I haven't seen her a whole lot, and haven't' held her that often. But she's adorable. I'm sad I don't get to see her grow up, or see her personality develop. But she has the sweetest smile.



This is Michael. Me and Michael, well, we have a special relationship. We used to fight. Like always. Over stupid things. But now, we get along really well. He's probably the brother I'm closest to. Michael is by no means a perfect guy. But neither is the rest of my family, and neither am I. But the thing I admire about Michael is his testimony. In every aspect of the Gospel I have ever heard him talk about, he believes so much. No, it's more. He knows. He's experienced. He's just a great guy, and he treats everyone with respect. One thing that I love: he gets so mad at Staci, his girlfriend, when she opens her car door before he can do it for her. Haha, he gets mad at me when I do that to. It just shows me how much respect he has for women. And it's just good to see that chivalry isn't dead yet. So, now, Staci. We're not related. Yet. But it will happen. She's already like a sister to me. She listens to me, which, as the youngest, honestly doesn't happen a whole lot. She'll just spend time with me. She'll play the piano, and I'll sing. I'll play the piano, she'll sing. She's just so wonderful. And the love she shows for my brother is amazing. She has such great faith, and I admire her a lot.

 

Mi hermano Seth. He also lives in Utah. And this picture is a little old. I, unfortunately, do not have any pictures of my brother's family with the newest addition, Faith. In fact, I have not seen Faith at all. I have not held her. Sad story. But, hopefully, soon. We'll just see. But Seth. He's like crazy good at the piano. He's part of the reason why I play the piano. He works very hard and is very persevering. He cares a lot for his family. And then his wife Joyelle. I haven't really gotten the chance to know her that well. But she loves her children very much. And, she has helped my family make some good changes. Like this whole saying "I love you" to each other thing. It was kind of a thing that was foreign to us just a few year ago. None of us are very good at expressing ourselves. But we all knew that we loved each other, so after we were like 5, we would just stop saying it. It gets a little harder to say as you grow up. At least for us, it was. But now, it's a common occurrence. As someone leaves we say, "Love you!" We get off the phone with someone, we say it. But only to family. Saying it to others, well, that's a different story. I can write it - it's easy to express myself when I write. But to say it to you, and you're not family, it's a wee bit hard. But that's one thing she's helped us with. And Buddy - or little Seth - is so cute. I haven't seen him very often, so I haven't really been able to form a relationship with him, but apparently, he loves the bean bags I made him for Christmas. Which makes me happy.



Well, this is Robert. You think I'm sarcastic? Well, you should get to know him. He was called the devil in high school. He's also part of the reason why I play the piano. Having two brothers who are crazy good just makes you want to try it, I guess. Robert is often called the dutiful son by my mom. He always does what he is asked with a willing heart. He's steadfast in the church. I can see him as a bishop, stake president, as a general authority. And I'm not saying I can't see my other brothers like that. Because I can. But Robert, with his dutifulness, just shows that he's willing to do whatever my parents ask of him, so surely, he'll do whatever the Lord asks of him. And Leigh, his wifey, is just awesome. These past few weeks, we've gotten closer. She's good at anything she attempts, whether it's cooking, sewing, crafts, or photography. And I know she's going to hate me for writing this, but Leigh is a convert to the Church. But, for this reason, I admire her and the choices she has made. In all honesty, I have no clue if I would join the church if I was a nonmember and my family weren't members either. Because my family has helped my testimony become what it is today. And then their kids are so, so, so cute. Joel, the oldest, is a beast. But a good beast. He's big for his age. But he's a little sweetie. He's such a good big brother and looks out for "Cuca" all the time. He's a happy child - for the most part - and has a huge personality. Seeing him often brightens my day, because I love to see how much he's changed and learned each time I see him. And Lucas, or Cuca, is just as cute. He's just this chill kid, with the greatest smile and the greatest laugh. Really the only time he gets fussy is if he's hungry and you're not feeding him fast enough. But he's great. I can't wait for those two to grow up.



Next is Lisa. Lisa is a hoot. She has the soul of a black woman - when she's singing, at least. (p.s. not meant to be offensive in ANY way. It's just, well, if you hear a black person sing, they've got soul.) She's the reason why I have a job. Which I am eternally grateful for. That job will be a college fund and is the reason for my recent start with voice lessons. She helps me a lot. She's super dedicated to anything she cares about. And Jared, he's just freakishly smart. He understands so much about the Gospel, and will ponder random things, because he can, and he understands them. He's a great people person and makes tasty food. Their daughter Taylor is wicked smart. She's only 14 months old, and she does things that no 14 month old normally does. She's clever and sneaky. It amazes me the things she learns and understands.



This is my little big sister, Amy. Little, because she is shorter than me. Sorry, Amy, but it's one of my few bragging rights as the youngest. Amy is kinda like my idol. Haha, just kidding, but Amy has been someone I can look up to. Always. Her strength and determination to do what's right is just awesome. Her testimony of Christ is one that I strengthen my own on. She's been through a lot, but she's still very happy. She's the one that I call when I need anything. When I need someone to talk to, when I need advice. And she always is willing to help. She'll edit that essay, though I know she probably doesn't want to. She gives me advice when I can think of nothing else to do. She's always there for me. About a year and a half ago, she got in a car accident up in Flagstaff. We didn't know anything about it except that is was bad. Really bad. I thought she was going to die. It was, without doubt, the scariest moment of my life. Actually, the fact that she didn't die is amazing, But that's another story. So, anyways, we used to fight like crazy when we were little. But once I hit junior high, she was the guiding light for me. She's a wonderful sister, and a wonderful example.



Well, I saved the best for last. My parents. They have done so much for me. Putting up with me. Leading my in the right direction. Now, I don't know what you guys think of me. But I know not a whole lot of you have seen me at my worst. Some of you have seen me pretty grumpy. But for the most part, I like to pretend I'm a whole lot better than I am. At home, though, it's kind of a different story. I'm not horrible all the time. I try to be good. Unfortunately, though, I can be a holy terror at some instances. But, my parents are patient and loving. They understand that's it's just a teenage phase. (At least they hope.) They have always been great examples to me. As much as I complain, even though there are things I wish they didn't do, or did do, or would allow, I know they are doing what they feel is right. They aren't out to make my life horrible. The opposite, in fact. They want to help me make the right decisions, help my life be the best it can be, to help ME be the best I can be. I'm hard on them sometimes. But through it all, though I don't act like it, though I sometimes forget it, I know they're doing what they think is best. They love me so much. I know they do. And I love them back!

 

This is a special place. Why? It's the place that my parents were sealed for time and all eternity. It was here that my parents made it possible for me to live with my family for forever. To be sealed to my brothers and sisters. If I have totally bored you with the randomness of this post and the decision to write about my family, then just remember this: Families are forever. Families are important. They are vital to Heavenly Father's plan. We cannot make it to the Celestial Kingdom unless we are sealed to a spouse. Yes, my family is not perfect. We have problems up the wazoo! But what family doesn't? We are still a happy family. We are still a forever family. I'm not going anywhere without them, and they aren't going anywhere without me.

This change thing isn't being my friend...

So, I know I've totally failed on the whole once a month, write about someone in my life who has integrity thing. Well, you're going to get two for this month, since May missed that post. And this one, well, this one is special. The first one for this month will be about one of my leaders. She is a very special person to me. And I know I said I didn't originally want to write about leaders, but, well, things happen. Circumstances change. And I want this leader to know just how important she is, not only to me, but to the rest of us young women of the Lazona ward. You see, this leader is none other than the fabulous Sis. Martineau. I would show you guys a picture, but I wanted one with both of us. And since I usually avoid the camera like the plague, I could not find any - or even recall any being taken!- of the both of us. Which is something that is going to be changed in the near future.

So, what inspired this change of heart and inspired this decision to write about leaders? Well, Sunday, Sis. Martinaeu gave us some sad news. News that kind of, once again, makes me resent the fact that change must happen. Sis. Martineau is moving. Not far, but far enough that she will no longer be in Lazona ward. Why is this such a big deal to me? After all, I should be used to it. I've had numerous amounts of leader changes. Well, Sis. Marineau has made a huge impression in my life. She's been in the Young Womens program just about the whole time I've been in it. She was put in it maybe a month after I turned twelve, and there was a short period that she wasn't in it, due to a cute little baby. So I've had this wonderful woman to look up to for just about 5 whole years.

So. Integrity. I asked a few friends what they thought of when they hear the word integrity. One said cleanliness, and personal goals to keep you clean. Well, Sis. Martineau is a wonderful example of this. Because when I think of Sis. Martineau, I think of the temple. She has stressed this importance of the temple so much. And the importance of being clean and worthy to enter into it. In fact, much of my testimony of the temple has come because of her. I mean, yeah, I always knew the temple was important. I never imagined being married in any other place. But I remember after a lesson she gave thinking, "Wow. The temple is awesome. There is no other place I would rather be. The temple IS the place to be." So I have her to thank for that.

Another said that they think of someone who stands for what they believe is right. Someone who isn't afraid of what people think, but instead cares only of what Heavenly Father thinks. Sis. Martineau lives what she believes. She is always steadfast and true. She will make her voice be heard if something needs to be said.

This next one is possibly my favorite answer. She said that integrity is doing what is right no matter what. It's taking knowledge and using it to better yourself by standing up for what you believe. It's applying everything learned in seminary, church, and home and then doing your best to BE your best. Another thing I think of when I think of Sis. Martineau, is Personal Progress. And what's Personal Progress for? Well...personal progress. The point of it is to bring together all your knowledge and apply it in your life. To make you a better person. To make you the best you can be. Sis. Martineau has made a huge effort to get us to realize this importance of doing Personal Progress. Not because we get a spiffy cool/pretty necklace when we finish, but because it makes us a better person.

You see, the thing about Sis. Martineau, is that I see all these things in her. And it's wonderful. But what makes the greater impression on me is the fact that she wants, so very much, for us to learn the things she knows. To be the best we can be. To reach our full potential. She lives what she teaches. And she teaches what she lives. Sis. Martineau has played a huge part in who I am today. Not only has she strengthened my testimony of the temple, but she has strengthened my testimony of the Savior. She's become someone I can look up to, that I can trust, that I can lean on. I repelled down a freakishly high cliff, terrified the whole way down, because of her. I have almost completed my Personal Progress - because of her. Heck, me playing the piano a whole lot more in Young Womens and stuff is because of her.

Sis. Martineau, you have been a wonderful example in my life. The day you leave Lazona ward will be a sad day for us, but a day for rejoicing for your new ward. You are such an amazing person. That you for being a light in my life, for being someone I could always look up to. And for all you reading this, if any of you feel I have helped you or made an impression in your life, there's a pretty good chance that this marvelous lady should be thanked. You have been a great leader, Sis. Martineau. Thank you so much. I love you!

Best friends ever!

At youth conference, we had these little classes based on the Strength of Youth. I chose to go to the one about friend. And let me tell you, it was probably the most spiritual experience of the conference. Including the fireside on Sunday. We started out writing down the qualities of our ideal best friend. Now, when I think of best friends, three people come to mind. Jesus Christ, Lanelle Alldredge, and my future spouse. Now, granted, I don't know who my future spouse will be, but I have four wonderful brothers, a wonderful daddy, and wonderful leaders like my Bishop and past seminary teachers. So I know what a good and worthy priesthood holder should be like. And I know my future spouse will be my best friend. So I have a picture in my head of what he will be like. And Lanelle, well, she IS my best friend here on Earth. Well, I have many really, really good friends. But she's on the tip-top of the list. She's seen me at my best, and often times at my worst, and loves me despite it all. We can be total brats to each other, but then two seconds later, be laughing and complimenting each other. She makes me laugh when I need it most, and brightens up my day. She strengthens me by the way she lives and her steadfast example. We can be totally sarcastic with each other and tease each other brutally, but we always know that we love each other. She tells it to me straight when I need it, because sometimes bluntness is what I need. Basically, we're going to be best friends forever. And then that brings us to Jesus Christ. But I'm going to leave Him for later. (Wow, that sounds like blaspheme. But there's a point to it, I promise!)

After we made the list, we talked about what makes a friendship. Love was the obvious answer. Friends love each other. Otherwise, it'd be a not-too-fun friendship. So how do we make sure we love our friends and make that love increase? People came up with all sorts of answers, but the one that we focused on, and possibly the most important one, was service. As you serve you begin to understand those you're serving better, and then you begin to love them even more. As you serve, you develop charity. You feel the pure love of Christ for those you serve. So, we should be serving those around us, of course. But we should make an effort to serve our friends. Our love for them will increase. We will grow closer to them. But they aren't the only ones we will grow closer to. When we serve, we'll grow closer to Christ. So, we discussed why that happened and why we developed charity. Then this scripture came up:

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" Matthew 25:40.

So, who's this King? Well, who is the King of Kings? Jesus Christ, right? So, this brings us back to him.

Jesus Christ is my best friend. Like the best friend ever. This is because of what He did for me, because of the Atonement. Since He suffered for me and has gone through everything I have, He has earned that title. He automatically becomes the Best Friend Ever. He's given me the opportunity to repent and have eternal life. But, the thing we must think about, the question I must ask here is, am I Christ's best friend? Am I doing what it takes to become His best friend? Actually, how do I become His best friend? Well, the previous scripture answers that question. Service. But then, how does serving others serve Christ? Because it does. In a very literal way.

Think back to all the Christ did for us. Specifically in Gethsemane. Didn't He go through everything we have and will go through, in a very personal way? Didn't He feel our sorrows, our pains, and also our joys? He went through all that we have. He has felt exactly what we have. So, in a very real and literal sense, when you serve someone, you are serving Christ. When you lift some one's burden, you are lifting a part of Christ's burden. In contrast, when you hurt someone, or bring someone down, you are doing the same to Christ. I don't know about you, but I'd never want to do that to Him. I'd prefer to help Him out.

The love that you feel for the person you have served, is, I believe, you feeling the love that Christ feels for you. And maybe the love He feels for the person you served. Because as you serve someone, you take a look into that person's life and begin to understand them better. So, as you do that, you do that with Christ also. Because Christ has intertwined Himself into the lives of everyone around us. As we serve others, we are showing our love for, not only them, but Christ. Which brings us closer to Christ.

I'm sorry, I know I've kind of been all over the place with this post. And I don't know how much of it makes sense. But hopefully the Spirit has been able to testify to you the things that it testified to me in that class during youth conference. To end, I'd like to share this quote by President Hinckley.

"Never lose faith in your opportunity to lift those who are in need, to give strength to those who are weak, to give encouragement to those who falter by the way."

Serve those around you. Serve your friends and increase your love for them. And increase your love for Christ. There are so many in need of your light and your strength. We have been commanded to love everyone. So shouldn't we strive to serve everyone? Don't look for ways people can be your best friend. Look for ways you can be their best friend. And strive to become Christ's best friend. I want nothing more than to be able look into Christ's eyes and hear Him say "Welcome home, little sister. Welcome home, best friend."

Her price is far above rubies

So this past week or so, there's been a lot going through my head, with youth conference and an awesome Sunday, and stuff. There's a lot I've been wanting to post about. So, since I have no life and I have nothing to do before and after work I'll probably be posting a lot this week. Like maybe every day. But we'll see. The first thing I'm going to post about is my young women's lesson from yesterday. A shout out to Sis. Martineau, it was a fantastic lesson. I always love your lessons. :) So, down to business. The lesson: virtue.

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31: 10

What is virtue? Most people attribute virtue with purity and chastity. In the Personal Progress book, in one of the virtue value experiences, it says "Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It includes chastity and purity." So, yes, virtue is chastity and purity. But it is also much more than that. When I think of virtue, I picture this:



President Hinckley, in his book One Bright Shining Hope (which every woman, young or old, should read) said:

"There is nothing in all this world as magnificent as virtue. It glows without tarnish. It is precious and beautiful. It is above price. It cannot be bought or sold. It is the fruit of self-mastery."

So, this picture makes me think of virtue, because since a virtuous person is pure, they will shine and have a light like no other person. They will shine like gold that will never tarnish. But virtue, simply stated in the words of Sis. Martineau, is righteous living. It is living as Christ lived. He IS virtue. He was - and is - the most pure thing to walk on this Earth. He shined his light so brightly for others to see. He is THE light. He IS righteousness.

Virtue is so important to have in this life. In order to go to the temple, to be sealed for time and all eternity inside of it, we must be living a virtuous life. In order to find a worthy spouse, we must be living a virtuous life. In the words of Sis. Elaine Dalton, "virtuous young men are attracted to virtuous young women." I don't know about you, but that's the kind of man I want to attract. A virtuous one. One that is pure and true. One that has gone through the refiner's fire, and has come out strengthened and more clean and more pure than before. And as long as I am living a virtuous life, I will. It even says so in the scriptures.

"virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light" Doctrine and Covenants 88:40.

The way we live now is so important to the world. It will determine who we become. It will determine the people we attract. It will determine the way we affect people and what our legacy. A few years ago, the young women were challenged to do a return to virtue. If you have not yet taken this challenge, please do so. Strive to live a life full of purity, full of light and righteousness. A virtuous life is a life that will touch the lives of others. A life that will help change people, and even help change the world.

And, though this seems kind of random and out of order, I want to point out how I feel that integrity and virtue come hand in hand. They are not the same thing, but they are necessary to each other. In order to have virtue, you must have integrity. Virtue is based on high moral standards. Integrity is setting those standards and living them. Strive to be the best you can be. Have integrity, and stay strong in what you believe. Have virtue, and be a light that can help make the world a better place. A virtuous woman is precious to Heavenly Father. She is valued above any other precious thing. Above rubies, emeralds, diamonds, gold, silver, pearls, any thing you can think of. Virtue is more precious than that. So how important is it for you to have virtue? Very important.

The worth of souls

Many of my friends are off at Girls Camp this week. I'm more than a little jealous. My stake isn't going to Girls Camp until October Break (long story). But hey, maybe I'll get to see snow for the first time! (Another long story.) But the reason why I am jealous, is because I've been thinking about last year at Girls Camp. Probably the most wonderful experience of my life. It was my first year as a YCL - youth camp leader. They say that as YCLs, you can change the younger girls' lives. That you can make a huge influence on them. And it's true. I love all my YCLs still. I still look up to them. I love, love, love them! And the fact that some of them read this blog makes me extremely happy. But I discovered last year that, as a YCL, those girls change your life so much more than you will ever change theirs. Last year I learned a valuable lesson - actually, more than one, but I'm focusing on one - that I genuinely loved learning. So, being the kind soul that I am, I decided that I'm going to share my experience.

Now, from what I've heard about from others, Pueblo Stake does things a little differently than other stakes. We always have Girls Camp as a stake. We're all mingled together, sharing cabins and stuff. So, as a YCL, there's a pretty good chance you'll be over some girls you don't know. This happened to me. Actually, I didn't know any of my girls. I was over the 2nd years. There were two girls from my ward who were 2nd years. Of course, they happened to be in the other cabin. So I knew, literally, none of my girls. At first I was just like "What?! Why?! I know girls in every cabin of the 1st year. I know girls in every cabin of the 3rd years. I know girls in the other 2nd year cabin. Why the heck did I get put over THIS cabin?! I apparently was forgetting the process that the leaders go through to place the YCLs. The process of praying. So, on the first day of camp, I reluctantly made my way to my girls' cabin. Then on the last day of camp, I was basically running to their cabin. And very reluctantly left it. The difference between those days? I saw those girls in a completely different light.

You see, those girls, despite the fact that they had no clue who I was, were so accepting. The very first night, as we said good night to them, I was hugged so tightly. It made me think, "They really seem to love me. But I didn't do anything except put a stick in the ground and show them how to find north, south, east, and west." Then I remembered how I always felt about my YCLs. I always immediately adored them. I thought they were the coolest people in camp, besides my sister, but that was a special case. It didn't matter that I didn't know some of them. I just automatically looked up to them. Because they were my YCLs. That's what they're there for. So I was like "Geez, is that what they think of me?" And it completely changed my attitude.

As my attitude was changed, my eyes and heart were opened. I saw those girls in a light that I have tried to carry over to everyone around me. I saw those girls purely as daughters of God. As nothing else but that. Some of my girls have had a rough life. But I saw such strength, and such greatness in them. It was they that started me seeing the great hope of this rising generation. Each and every one of them had - well, have - such great potential. And I wanted to help them see that potential in them. I wanted to help them see their great worth. I saw/see those girls the way their Heavenly Father see them. And I love/d them so much. And it made me realize something about myself. Because if I love those girls so, so, so much, then Heavenly Father, who loves infinitely, loves those girls WAY more than I do. Which means he loves them a lot. Which then means that Heavenly Father loves me like that too.

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" Doctrine and Covenants 18:10.

So, that is the valuable lesson that I learned. That the worth of souls is great. Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of us. It truly is the most precious knowledge that I have. Because if I didn't know that, then why in the world would I do anything? Why would I believe anything of this Gospel? In fact, this knowledge is what makes the Gospel believable. I'm the youngest of nine kids. I've never been a big sister. But those girls are my little sisters. Truly, they are. We are sisters, because we are daughters of Heavenly Father. Each of us are brothers and sisters, because each of us are sons and daughters of God. So, yes, siblings to fight, tease, annoy each other, etc. But they also love each other. So very, very much. Just keep that in mind, next time you think or say something about someone. Because that someone is your brother or sister. And if that doesn't work? That someone is a child of God, and He loves that person very, very much.

And also, please, please, please don't forget your own worth. Don't forget who you are. Because Heavenly Father loves you just as much as He loves me, or your best friend, or the crazy cat lady down the street. You are important. And I love you! And so does Jesus, Heavenly Father, and Heavenly Mother. You've got it pretty good!