Elaine Dalton gave a general conference talk about virtue. The thing that struck me about her talk was it was not just a virtue, but a RETURN to virtue. When I look around the world today I see many sad examples of people lacking virtue. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I want to be known as somebody who is virtuous. Sister Dalton say, “Virtue begins in the heart and the mind.” We really have to desire to be virtuous in order for our hearts to be set on it, but I believe if we try to live our lives with virtue or “a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards” we can be a huge force for good in this world.

Also, as a coincidence I opened my fortune cookie and it said, "Your virtues are a priceless treasure." I would have to agree.

Faith

Today I am teaching the kids ages 8-12 about faith. One of the suggestions in the manual is to tell some stories from the scriptures about somebody who showed faith. One of the stories it recommended was about the 2000 stripling warriors. I love this story. If you haven't read it in a while, I recommend it. These young men were born into families of faith. Their fathers had covenanted not to go to war and use weapons ever again and their mothers had taught them to have faith. When their fathers were in a position requiring that they might break their covenant, these young men offered to go to war so their fathers wouldn't have to fight. They went forth with courage and faith and fought with strength.

If that isn't an example of faithful families I don't know what is.