In the United States, today is the day of LOVE. It’s Valentine’s Day! Truth be told, it’s never been my favorite holiday, but I do think we can’t talk enough about LOVE — and who doesn’t need a nudge to show that love to people they care about?

The title of this post comes from a classic scene in The Princess Bride where the evil Humperdink is faking love for a woman in order to get her to marry him and help him take over the kingdom. If you have seen the movie, you know how hilarious the scene is because the priest’s voice is so unexpected.

But tonight I’m sitting here thinking about how tragic the scene is, too. Humperdink has no time for the sermon the priest wants to give on true love and what it means to truly cherish someone else.

Sounds a bit like what is happening in our culture. It seems so much of our world has little time or interest in divine truths about marriage, about sexual purity and high moral standards, about honesty, about respect. More and more we see pornography pushed and peddled not on the fringe where it belongs, but in previews at wholesome movies, in stores where you buy milk and shoes, and continually through our TVs and various modes of product marketing. That normalization is now including mainstreaming what has to this point only existed in the shadows of society — violent, sexist, abusive sexual relationships. (Yes, especially today, I’m looking straight at you, 50 Shades. 100 million copies in multiple languages? Has our society gone mad?)

So I just wanted to put my voice out there today on the day of love to celebrate what love is. To me, love includes things like respect (for self and the other), honor, virtue (in marriage, too!), truth-telling, and truth-living.

Perhaps if we can fill the world more with pictures and words and videos and movies and quotes of what love really is, the counterfeits will be recognized more readily by more people.

So, what does “wuv, twue wuv” mean to you? I invite you to include a photo, video, or post through your own social media connections about what true love looks like. Of course, this applies to love in marriage, but can also apply to family relationships, friendships, and even the loving actions that exist between strangers.

Let’s celebrate true love today. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Read articles by Sister Elaine Dalton below:

A Return to Virtue

Zion is the Pure in Heart (transcripts in various languages here)

Elaine Dalton on Mormon Channel Conversations

LDS Living Interview with Elaine S. Dalton

– – – –

In a first-ever event of its kind, Sister Elaine Dalton, General President of the Young Women Organization (for ages 12-18) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be participating in an live chat tomorrow, February 23, 2012 at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST.  (In other countries Friday, February 24, 2012 at 1:00:00 AM – London England / Friday, February 24, 2012 at12:00:00 Noon – Sydney Australia / Friday, February 24, 2012 at 9:00:00 AM- Manilla Philippines) on the Voices For Virtue Facebook page. You can watch her via her webcam, and she’ll be able to answer your questions via chat. )

Voices for Virtue is a non-profit organization (not affiliated with the Church), that uses social networking to help teens and young adults celebrate and live virtuous lives.

There are three ways to participate in the chat:

1) Text “QUESTION” and your question to “53535”
2) Enter the LIVESTREAM chat room and POST your question
3) Email us at voiceit@voicesforvirtue.com

The post Elaine Dalton — Live Chat appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men [and women] to do nothing.” -Edmund Burke

Stephanie at Diapers and Divinity did it again. She wrote another home-run post (Pornography: Satan’s Power Tool) that I hope you’ll take a minute to read. She has numerous links and quotes, and one of my favorite parts of her post is her bold invitations to women, mothers, and wives (as well as resources for wives of men who are currently struggling with addiction). She writes with both charity and clarity.

Stephanie quotes from a BYU Women’s Conference talk Julie B. Beck gave — one that is on my mind and the mind of many other Mormon women I  have talked to.

We have a huge problem in our families with pornography and the influence that it is having in our families. The powerful feeling that has been coming over me is, “Sisters, fight—fight, sisters.”You have the responsibility in your homes. Many of our women are being drawn into this behavior also. At our last general conference, President Thomas S. Monson gave “a word of caution to all—both young and old, both male and female.” This is our responsibility. [emphasis from Stephanie]

Stephanie continues:

When I heard her say this, I felt the Holy Ghost.  This is part of our call as “lionesses at the gate” of our homes.  Even with our best efforts, this plague can affect our families, but it must be in spite of our best efforts.  The danger is too great to be ignored.

There are many dangers around us today that require our best efforts. There are things we can do in our homes, our churches, our communities, our networks of friends and family. We can seek personal inspiration from God about how we might use our skills and talents, our passions and abilities, and great tools like social media (or just a simple snail-mail letter) to do some good.

So what can we do? I have been taking notice of what various Mormon women are up to, how they are taking a stand in their own way, and in their own circles of influence. I wanted to share a few of those things with you. [Edit: I’m going to keep adding to this list as I find more examples of women taking a stand. Help me add to it in the comments below!]

– Jocelyn has created and shared a beautiful Family Home Evening idea for young children: “God Gave You a Body” (she covers modesty, awareness about inappropriate touching (sexual abuse prevention ideas for young children), avoiding inappropriate media, and more — all in an age-appropriate way, all in ways that teach the powerful doctrine about the importance of our bodies in God’s plan)

– A college student (quoted in Stephanie’s post), wrote an article about the plague of pornography, to help people to be aware of how rampant the problem is.

– My friend has helped create an anti-pornography campaign in the parent-teacher association in her school.

– A Mormon woman is working on a new film for Christians to shed more light on pornography addiction, hoping to help reduce fear and shame associated with talking about it, with the hopes that more people can find healing. (If you are a Christian and have walked the path of addiction recovery and are willing to share your story, please let them know.)

– We’ve already featured the women at Beauty Redefined, who are trying to help people be more aware of how the media distorts truth about women and their bodies, and normalizes pornography. They encourage people to not only be educated, but also to speak up when companies participate in the sexualization/objectification of women. Other organizations out there are doing similar things if this is something that strikes a chord with you.

– We’ve also mentioned the desire Elise at MMB has to help bring hope to people personally affected by pornography use. She wrote a post this week.

– Voices for Virtue (which was started with one  Mormon woman’s idea, and is now 72,000 people strong) is a Facebook organization that has the focus of helping youth and young adults stay spiritually strong and sexually pure, and to get connect with others who are working toward the same goal. It’s also a place where those struggling can ask questions and get input from others. This month is “gold ribbon” month, with webcasts on various topics related to dating, chastity, and choices.

– A Mormon young woman took on a project to help organize a supply of modest prom dresses for young women in her community. (I love how she also has helped girls not have to spend large sums of money for a new prom dress!)

– BYU Women’s Services has held a 5K against abuse and pornography. (They are also doing a boatload of other awesome things. Take a look!)

– Emily at The Lioness at the Gate wrote a post about preparing ourselves and our families against the storm.

– Relief Society Lesson on Pornography by Megan Hanks

I know this doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of what good people are doing. What else have you seen people doing to take a stand for virtue? What can you do – in your own home, in your community, with your passions and talents and resources? How can you join the many others raising their voices to uphold moral values? Share your ideas here. Share links to what others are doing, too, including what other denominations and organizations are doing to take a stand.

I echo Stephanie’s words:

I just want to conclude with something else I know to be true.  Satan is powerful, but goodness is more powerful.  We have the power within us to withstand temptation and fight against evil.  We do.  So though the storm rages and the sledgehammer swings down upon us, the rock of our Redeemer will help us to stand.  [Women, and men], unite!

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As was recently explored in a talk/post written by Stephanie at Diapers and Divinity, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that virtue = power. When we talk about virtue, a key part of it means sexual purity, but it can also include other facets of pure, true, clean living. When virtue is part of who we are, how we think, what we choose to do, it can allow us to feel God’s power and presence in our lives, have clear minds free from addiction or unhealthy preoccupation with pornography, vulgarity, violence, or harmful substances, have the potential for healthier relationships, and feel the peace of taking a stand for goodness.

A Facebook group called Voices for Virtue (over 72,000 people strong), is rallying for virtue this month, inviting others to join in with them in the effort. There will be four webcasts as part of this rally for virtue, featuring speakers Elaine Dalton, Brad Wilcox, John Hilton, and (TODAY), Dr. Thomas Holman, who will be speaking on Dating, Relating, and Marriage.

For more information, check out this Facebook announcement, and join Voices for Virtue on Facebook.

Voices for Virtue is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They welcome people of all faiths and walks of life, with a particular focus on youth and young adults (but all age groups on Facebook are welcome). 

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Video Courtesy of KSL.com

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Will I let my girls have cell phones? Texting service? A Facebook account? Is Hannah Montana too sassy and too old of a show to let my eight-year-old watch? Is there anything decent on the radio these days? How can I raise daughters who value intelligence, virtue, and integrity more than the latest fashions or celebrities? Am I modeling the behaviors I value the most in women?

One of my favorite quotes comes from Margaret Nadauld, a former President of the Young Women’s program from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

“The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.”

I completely agree with Sister Nadauld. I love associating with tender, kind, refined and faithful women and the world definitely needs more of them. When I meet women of this caliber I watch them intently and try to pattern my life after theirs. I have many good examples within my own family and local congregation. My goal is not only raise good little girls, but to be the mother of excellent women. I hope my influence as well as the influence of the women I associate with will be enough of a role model to combat the negative messages my girls receive in the media. If not, I will watch and pray always that the Lord will aid me in our common pursuit of bringing souls (including my own kids) to Jesus Christ.

As a mother of three daughters, with another daughter quickly on her way, my life may well be filled with obnoxious eye rolls and slammed doors, emotional outbursts and buckets of tears. Even now, I can’t think of a time of day when someone is not crying at my house. My girls may temporarily say they hate me when I won’t buy them certain clothes or allow them to attend immoral events. But I hope that over time my girls will recognize that when I say “No” I’m also saying “I love you.”

My mother-in-law sent me this YouTube video this week. I wanted to share it with all of you as well. It made me think about Margaret Nadauld’s quote and about my own daughters, whom I love tremendously.

A special thanks to Jenny Phillips for creating this video and sharing it on YouTube.

The post Mormon Motherhood: Raising Daughters appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:

Faith
Divine Nature
Individual Worth
Knowledge
Choice and Accountability
Good Works
Integrity and
Virtue

We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values,
we will be prepared to
strengthen home and family,
make and keep sacred covenants,
receive the ordinances of the temple,
and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.

-Young Women Theme of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Every Sunday for a majority of my life I have recited this theme, and my daughter now recites it too. Although it is short it teaches a multitude of concepts valuable to a growing teenage girl. This theme springs from a program suited to the needs of girls that are quickly becoming adults in a complicated world, the Young Women’s Program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Because our society is full of ills and confusing ideas, I am grateful that I had this bountiful program as a support during my youth, that my teenage daughter has it to reinforce the values we teach at home, and that I have the opportunity to serve other young women, my sisters, in this special organization that God has created for his precious daughters.

As a teenager I became aware of the ways that my home was different from the idyllic family life the church espouses. This gap that sometimes existed between the ideals taught and my imperfect family life was difficult to navigate and understand. The wonderful leaders I had in the Young Women program and the virtues I learned there helped me increase in my testimony of Jesus Christ, while still participating in an imperfect family (as we all are!). On days that I felt lost and alone, I remembered what I learned at church, that I am a daughter of God and he is always there for me. In the years since graduating out of the YW program (at 18) I have been amazed by the influence it still has in my life. The skills I learned, the fun I had, the examples of righteous living I witnessed, the scriptures I read, the list goes on and on – it all continues to influence my life in great ways,

Now my teenage daughter is a Young Woman in the church. While her dad and I do all we can to teach her at home, we know that in this world it is not enough. We need support from another source, and so does she — and the youth program provides it. Recently one of her leaders said, “I’ve noticed such a huge difference in your daughter since the summer. She really is growing and increasing her testimony. But you probably already know that.”

Actually I did need her to tell me that! Although I’m with my daughter every day, it can be hard to gauge her overall growth. The leaders in the Young Women program act as a back-up example for my daughter. She sees that her dad and I aren’t the only ones telling her that she is precious, that God loves her, or that she should stay chaste. One aspect of the young women’s program is especially helpful to me as a parent, the Personal Progress Program. It is a series of goals based on the values in the theme that prepare girls for a successful life and strengthen their relationship with Christ. With life being as complicated as it is, we could tie ourselves in knots trying to address all her needs alone. The Young Women program is full, encompassing many areas of study (not only the gospel, but such things as education, community service, the arts, etc.) while at the same time being tailored to the needs and talents of each young woman. Through completing the Personal Progress Program my daughter will become strong in her testimony of Jesus Christ and well rounded.

With the Mormon Church being a church of lay clergy (not full-time or paid), every member has the opportunity to serve. Many of the responsibilities I have held in the church have been with the young women. I love teenagers! They are so fun, ever ready for a laugh, they make me feel young, and their growing testimonies are strengthening to my own. In this difficult world they valiantly stand up for what they know is true. When they do make mistakes they know that they can repent and that their Heavenly Father is ever ready to love and support them. Young women are precious to God, I feel his love for them as I serve.

(two young women after a flour fight in my kitchen)

Recently the world leader of the young women’s program, Elaine Dalton, said:
“Our desire is to help young women be worthy and pure and to prepare every young woman to receive the blessings and ordinances of the temple. We will work tirelessly with your daughters, with you, and with priesthood and Young Women leaders to protect and strengthen and prepare our precious young women to be virtuous and pure and live the standards that will help them be free and happy and allow them to reach their divine potential. We know that we are all elect daughters of God. We also know that each one of us has a great work to perform.”

It is wonderful to have the support of a church that has these ideals in mind for me, my daughter, and all young women.

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Articles of Faith #13
[I] believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, [I] may say that [I] follow the admonition of Paul—[I] believe all things, [I] hope all things, [I] have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, [I] seek after these things.

I have had a hard time for the past few years. Life events have stretched my hope and strength nearly to the breaking point. This Article of Faith has been on my mind a lot during this time. In particular, I have been thinking of what virtue means to me.

To me, virtue is something that keeps you standing tall, even if you feel tattered, ragged and besmirched with mud thrown from misunderstanding hands. It is an inner loveliness that surmounts all other forms and measures of beauty. It incorporates integrity, faith, duty, dedication, the Spirit of God, seeking everything praiseworthy, and all the things mentioned in this Article of Faith.

More than anything, I think it is the power derived from all these things.

Several times in scripture, the word “virtue” is used almost interchangeably with “power.” When the woman touched Jesus’s hem, He perceived that the virtue had gone out of Him—that some sort of power had gone from Him to her, healing her. In The Book of Mormon, in the book of Alma, they “try the virtue of the word of God“—preaching had more power than any other source of power they knew to change the hearts of men.

In one final example, Joseph Smith, the prophet through whom the Church was restored, tries to teach us how God’s power, the priesthood, is channeled; it comes through virtue and living according to virtuous principles.

I believe these principles apply to accessing the power of God in our individual lives. There is no true power except that which is gained through integrity, faith, and pure charity.

I am slowly being taught by the Spirit that by doing my best to follow God’s will, to live true to my faith in Him and my covenants, despite my failings, I can have access to the Savior’s virtue, and thus become, through His grace, more virtuous in my life. I can become changed — purified, sanctified, and eventually exalted.

Interestingly, I feel the struggles and pain I have been experiencing are helping me understand the virtue and power of God more. I am grateful for that. I am seeking to draw upon that power for hope and strength to face my trials, and to become better.

The post We Believe: Virtue as Power appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

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“Future happiness and even the future of nations is linked to children. Families with children need to be re-enthroned as the fundamental unit of society. We simply must value children more than we do.”
Elder Russell M. Nelson Participates in International Conference on Families

Elder Nelson’s wife, Wendy Watson Nelson, also spoke at this conference, The World Congress on Families, which was held in Amsterdam “We need families who look to God and who remove anything from their lives that is spiritually corrupting….” Sheri Dew also participated, and spoke on the importance of sexual purity. “A virtuous life is…one of the most powerful keys to strengthening families and therefore to strengthening our world…. [T]oday I invite you to consider that the single most pervasive threat to the stability and future of the family is sexual immorality in all its forms. Nothing would do more to strengthen the families of the world than a resurgence of moral virtue, particularly sexual purity….”

Transcript from Elder Nelson’s talk

Transcript from Sister Nelson’s talk

More quotes from Sister Dew’s talk

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“When all is said and done, the most important thing about you and your testimony is that you base your beliefs on what Jesus Christ taught, and you try to follow Him by living your life in a way acceptable to our Heavenly Father and to the Lord. This is your foundation. It was Joseph Smith’s foundation. He said: “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, he was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”
Elder Ballard Speaks at BYU Graduation (transcript here)

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Mormon Missionaries Provide Language, Hosting Assistance at World Games

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Annette has many roles in her life. First and foremost, she says she is a stay-at-home-mom: “That’s my most important role. But I’m also a novelist, freelance writer, and editor –something a bit easier to do now that the kiddies are in school.”  For the last three years, she has been serving in the church as a counselor in the Relief Society Presidency in her ward (congregation). Now she teaches the 17-year-old Sunday School class with her husband, which she finds very enjoyable.

Annette does not have much free time, since writing takes up most of it, but she loves to read and knit (as well as write!). Family is very important to her. She loves to go out with each of her children, one at a time, even if it’s just for errands or a special treat. On weekends they play a lot of board games, and lately she has been showing them a lot of classic movies (such as: Some Like It Hot and Singing in the Rain) and getting the kids hooked on them.

The following is Annette’s description of a spiritual experience she had:

“One of the earliest moments of what I feel was a real connection and communication with God was when I was sixteen and approaching jaw surgery. I was completely terrified, and the very mention of words like ‘doctor,’ ‘hospital,’ and ‘surgery’ made me instantly burst into tears. The day before the surgery was a Sunday, and my father gave me a Priesthood blessing. It promised that angels would be in the operating room guiding the surgeon’s hands and that through the experience I would learn wisdom, compassion, and understanding.

“From that point on, I didn’t cry again. I had a simple knowledge in my heart that everything would be okay. I was still nervous about the unknown, sure, but if I got emotional, I’d remember the peaceful feeling from the blessing, and the tears dried right up–even at the most intense moment when they wheeled me away from my parents. I won’t say that the next few months (horrid nausea, ICU, liquid diet, mouth wired shut, etc.) were easy by any means, but every time I was on the verge of complaining or whining, I’d be reminded of what I was to learn from the experience–wisdom, compassion, and understanding. And I believe I did.”

To Annette, being a Mormon Woman means having the vision of what a valuable being a woman is, what her place is in the Plan of Salvation, and why she is here. Motherhood, to her, would not be as significant, nor would it be as enjoyable. She says, “I wonder if my marriage would survive the ups and downs without an eternal perspective, knowing why marriage is so important, and the covenants I’ve made with the Lord about it.” She says she loves knowing that she is a beloved daughter of God and has “infinite worth,” as the Young Women value states [go here to read the Young Women’s Theme and to learn more about the values stated in the theme (please note that the value “virtue” was recently added to this theme)].

Such knowledge brings her life purpose and peace. She says she doubts there is any other organization in the world that honors women simply as women more than the Mormon Church does, and she is grateful to be a part of it.

For more Portraits on Mormon Women, please click here.

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