“We need to stand tall and be firmly fixed in perpetuating Christlike virtues.” (Bishop H. David Burton (Ensign, Nov 2009)
“All over the world women are living lives of virtue and purity. It shows in your eyes and radiates in the light that shines forth from your countenance. Never has there been a time in the history of the world when virtue is more needed.” Elaine S. Dalton (Liahona, Apr 2009)
Instructions:
1. Complete three selections from any of the 2011 or 2010 experiences.
2. Complete the service project.
3. Fill out the evaluation form and give it to your Ward Relief Society President.
2011-2012 VIRTUE PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS EXPERIENCES
1. Read Moses 5:11 and 2 Nephi 2: 22-25 . These scriptures are about the Fall of Adam and Eve. After reading the scriptures, ponder how knowing that Adam and Eve rejoiced in that decision can help you to find joy and peace in this life of many trials and tribulations. Think of how their joy can help you to endure to the end. Record your thoughts in your journal or share them with a friend.
2. In the October, 2007 General Conference, President Henry B. Eyring spoke about gratitude. He suggested that writing down a daily thought of gratitude would benefit all of us. Read his talk, "O Remember, Remember." Write down daily in a notebook or even on a piece of paper one thing you have been grateful for that day. Do this for three weeks and share your feelings or record in your journal about gratitude and how this practice has helped you to feel more grateful.
3. In the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord declares that He delights “in the song of the heart” and that He will answer “the song of the righteous with a blessing upon their heads” (D&C 25:12).
Elder Merrill J. Bateman of the Seventy said:
“I enjoy classical music. I appreciate listening to a great orchestra playing Beethoven, Mozart, or Tchaikovsky. But the classical experience is qualitatively different than listening to one of my favorite hymns. The difference may be due partially to familiarity, it may be the poetic message of the hymn, it may be that the music and words open the door for the Spirit to speak to spirit. Whatever it is, most hymns touch my inner being, bringing peace, feelings of gratitude, and a sense of awe for the goodness of the Lord. I cherish the sacred feelings that accompany Church music”
Read "The Power Of Hymns" by Elder Bateman (Ensign, Jul 2001). As you read ponder the following questions:
How does the playing and singing of sacred music affect your moods and feelings in comparison to other kinds of music?
How do the different hymns affect the mood in our weekly worship services?
Why does listening to Hymns bring me closer to the spirit?
What memories do you have of music uplifting or strengthening you in times of trial?
(Personal note: Make sure you have Kleenex available as you read the story of Heather)
Read "The Nourishing Power of Hymns" by Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy (Liahona, May 2007). Look for opportunities to apply Elder Jensen’s ways to worship more meaningfully through music. If possible, participate in a ward or stake choir. You can also use the Interactive Church Music Player to view, listen to, transpose, and print the Church hymns and children's songs.
4. A virtue that is sometimes difficult to have is that of forgiveness. Read the account of W. W. Phelps and Joseph Smith who had a falling apart and then both forgave and reconciled. This account can be found on the internet at "Dealing With Personal Injustices" Lessons from the Prophet Joseph Smith” by W. Jeffrey Marsh, Religious Educator 4, no. 3 (2003). Life and Teachings from the Life and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith; (Joseph Smith Forgives WW Phelps), and also History of the Church, Volume 4, pages 141-142, and pages 162-164, B. H. Roberts.
Ponder this story and think about Christ’s admonition to forgive seventy times seventy. Think about times when you had trouble forgiving and apply this story to yourself.
5. Plan a lesson on Virtue for a Family Home Evening or talk to a bishopric member about giving a talk in Sacrament meeting on your study of Virtue on what your personal righteousness experience has taught you about virtue, and how this knowledge builds and strengthens you and helps you to feel the Lord’s love for you.
6. Design your own selection to help you learn more about Virtue and apply the knowledge to your daily life. (Please describe your selection on the evaluation form)
2010 VIRTUE PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS EXPERIENCES
1. Sheri Dew, former Counselor in the General Relief Society taught:“It is possible that there is no key to accessing the power of God that is more important then purity. The Lord has been clear about the importance of purity.” In the Sermon on the mount, He declared, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). The Apostle Paul taught the Corinthians, “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Because of her purity, the angel Gabriel proclaimed Mary, the mortal mother of the Savior, “Thou that art highly favoured …blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1:27-28).
Read “The Influence of Righteous Women,” by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Ensign, September 2009 and “Living as Women of Virtue,” Visiting Teaching Message, Ensign, February 2002. From the section “An Example of Faith,” read President Uchtdorf’s description of his mother-in-law, Carmen Reich. Then read Sister Reich’s testimony, and consider the gospel principles she lists. What are some of the characteristics of a righteous woman? How have righteous women influenced your life for good? Using examples from the articles, review ways that women can be righteous influences on others. Ponder the “power of the influence” of women of the Church and the importance of living lives of virtue. What virtues are important for women to cultivate?
2. King Benjamin warned his people: “If you do no watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish” (Mosiah 4:30). Sheri Dew, former counselor General Relief Society declared: “The order of the things King Benjamin warned his people about is significant. Thoughts lead to words, (including the conversations we have with ourselves, which are often the most destructive), and words in turn lead to our actions or deeds.” The great redeemer, Jesus Christ, himself marked the path for right thinking – leading to correct actions when He implored: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36 emphasis added); “Learn of me; Listen to my words, Walk in the meekness of my spirit, and ye shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23 emphasis added).
Read“Purity in Thought and Deed” Visiting Teaching Message, Ensign, Aug 2000. In the section “Controlling our Thoughts” ponder the important counsel Bishop H. Burton gives on purifying our thoughts and our lives. How does the Holy Ghost help us to control our thoughts and actions? Read again King Benjamin’s warning to his people Mosiah 4:30. Ponder what this scripture tells you about the importance of staying awake and alert to our thoughts, words, deeds and actions. Record thoughts and impressions in your journal.
3. Read Matthew 22:37-38; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:19; Moroni 7:44-48. The Relief Society motto – “Charity Never Faileth” is a shining beacon to all women. For thousands of years, people have read Paul’s great discourse on Charity and tried to model their lives after it. The writings of the prophet Mormon clarify what charity is and how to obtain it. He defined charity as “the pure love of Christ” and taught that the Father gives it to those who “pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart” and to “all who are true followers of his son, Jesus Christ. Charity is a gift we receive as we learn to follow Jesus Christ and as we love Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls. Charity is who the Savior is. It is His most defining and dominant attribute.
Ponder the following virtues that are a result of being filled with charity and record thoughts and impressions in your journal:
When we are filled with charity, we find balance in our lives (Luke 7:37-39, 46-50, Luke 10:38-42; Mosiah 4:27)
When we are filled with charity, we are wise in the days of our probation (Mormon 9:28; JS-Matt.1:37; Hymn no. 336).
When we are filled with charity, we are strong and of good courage (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hymn no. 30 and no. 259)
When we are filled with charity, we are kind one to another (Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 7:1 JST; Hymns no 220)
When we are filled with charity, we are humble and grateful (D&C 112-10; Mark 9:34-35; Hymn no. 92 and no.171)
When we are filled with charity, we are of good cheer (Matthew 14:22-27; John 16:33; Hymns no. 227 and no.275)
4. Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for blessings or benefits we have received. As we cultivate a grateful attitude, we are more likely to be happy and spiritually strong. We should regularly express our gratitude to God for the blessings He gives us and to others for the kind acts they do for us.
Read Psalm 100:3-4; Luke 17:11-19; Mosiah 2:19-22; Alma 34:38; D&C 59:7 and “An Attitude of Gratitude,” by President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Feb. 2000. Ponder the blessings we receive when we accentuate the positive and cultivate a grateful heart. President Monson admonishes us to show gratitude to our mothers, fathers, teachers, friends, country, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the next two weeks either by word or in writing, express gratitude to those that have shown you a kindness or otherwise influenced your life for good and pray only prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving. Record in your journal blessings received and your thoughts and feelings.
5. The thirteenth Article of Faith (A of F 1:13) lists several virtues and principles of the gospel, two of these are Hope and Endure. Using the Topical Guide and one or two General Conference talks study about Hope or what it means to Endure. Ponder the importance of these principles as we strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
6. Many people feel that the commandments are burdensome and that they limit freedom and personal growth. But the Savior taught that true freedom comes only from following Him: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). God gives commandments for our benefit. They are loving instructions for our happiness and for our physical and spiritual well-being.
Read about the importance of obedience in True to the Faith. Study President James E. Faust teachings in “Obedience: The Path to Freedom,” Ensign, May 1999. What are some of the freedoms we enjoy as we strive to obey revealed truths? If there is disobedience in some area of your life, pray to your Father in Heaven for forgiveness, counsel with your Bishop or other priesthood leader as necessary and strive to correct the wrong action
7. To forgive is a divine attribute. It is to pardon or excuse someone from blame for an offense or misdeed. The scriptures refer to forgiveness in two ways. The Lord commands us to repent of our sins and seek His forgiveness. He also commands us to forgive those who offend or hurt us.
Using the Topical Guide study the virtue of forgiveness. Think about your relationships. If there are any hurt feelings or resentments associated with any of them that you are unable to let go, for two weeks earnestly pray to the Father for forgiveness in your heart.
Service Project –
President Spencer W. Kimball said,:
“If we seek true happiness, we must expend our energies for purposes larger than our own self-interests. Let us ponder prayerfully how we may effectively and lovingly give service to our families, neighbors, and fellow Saints.” (Ensign, Sep 1993)
There are many ways to give simple service to others. If you need ideas, your Relief Society President may know of service opportunities in the ward or stake. (No time measurement is given for this service project because service opportunities vary in length and intensity. Please use your judgment as a guide.)
Service Project –
President Spencer W. Kimball said,:
“If we seek true happiness, we must expend our energies for purposes larger than our own self-interests. Let us ponder prayerfully how we may effectively and lovingly give service to our families, neighbors, and fellow Saints.” (Ensign, Sep 1993)
There are many ways to give simple service to others. If you need ideas, your Relief Society President may know of service opportunities in the ward or stake. (No time measurement is given for this service project because service opportunities vary in length and intensity. Please use your judgment as a guide.)
