181st Semi-Annual General Conference

Six months have come and passed since the last General Conference.  A lot has happened since April!  The friday before Conference, I finished reading The Book Of Mormon.  This summer, Young Women's Camp was held on a Ward-level rather than a Stake-level, and the Clovis YW Presidency and I managed to create a successful camp!  I've been a Sun-Beam Teacher and Nursery Teacher, to now have been released from both.  I have started a small business that seems to be growing slowly but surely!  I'm continuing to learn as I go, continuing to challenge myself everyday, and include my husband within this business with me!  My husband came with me to Wyoming to visit family for the first time since we married three-and-a-half years ago. 

One particular talk that was given that struck me, was one that was VERY similar to her original one she gave during the Young Women General Broadcast this Spring.  And the one thing she said that struck me the most was:

"The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother."

Elaine S. Dalton (General Auxiliary, President of Young Women Presidency) had given a talk this spring titled "Guardians of Virtue," a talk I later used with our Young Women at Camp, and in a personal Testimony following Camp.  In her "Guardians of Virtues" talk, she explained that the Young Women needed to "protect, shield, and defend moral purity because the power to create mortal life is a sacred and exalted power and must be safeguarded until you are married. Virtue is a requirement to have the companionship and guidance of the Holy Ghost."  With her talk this past Saturday Morning Session, she emphasized that our Young Women need to look to their fathers and how THEY love their spouse and Eternal Companion as an example for the life they should live and set goals toward.  Father's set examples for their daughters, assisting them to prepare for Temple and all the blessings that come with entering their doors.  She stated that Father's are the Guardians of their families.  She then explained that these Father's are the Guardians of Virtue, being Priesthood Holders, and need to practice Virtue, eliminating anything that would lead them away from being Virtuous. 

Personal Purity = True Love

Having been witness of many families (the majority of them having more d than sons), I have seen daughters watch their fathers in admiration as they show love and charity toward their wives.  I have seen how much of a Super-Hero their father is to them.  And, in time, I hope and pray that Mistah and I will have the ability to share these moments.

"Brethren, Fathers, Young Men...  How do you raise a girl?  Love her mother.  Lead your family to the Temple.  Be Guardians of Virtue, and magnify your Priesthood.  You have been entrusted with Heavenly Father's Royal Daughters.  They are Virtuous and Elect."

October 3rd and 4th General Conference Weekend

It is Saturday afternoon, and I have just listened to two sessions of awesome LDS Speakers.  And, it was nice to be alone, by myself, away from the sound of playing children, to be able to absorb the wise and influencial wisdom of our Prophet and Apostles.  Though many of the talks seem to be discussed at EVERY General Conference, the continuous repitition only reminds us how we are forever learning and facing challenges and obsticles that obstruct our path to the Celestial Kingdom.  Most of the discussions heard through this General Conference have been relayed to our Investigators and Ward Missionary "After-Baptism" Fellowshippers.  I am glad that, even though I was only baptized a few years ago, that I can relay to our most recent converts in their newly obtained knowledge and belief!  I always love to hear President Iring, for he, and the majority of our Elders, Presidents, and fellow Speakers are people of much wisdom.  We have a renound Cardiac Surgeon, a Chemist, amongst other greatly appreciated people, people who may not be "OF" the World, but brilliant beyond our Church.  People we can look up to, strive to be like, people who are strongly cemented into their beliefs, and will not allow the World to affect their way of life.

When Ryan comes home, there are many things we need to work on...  Scripture study, family prayers (wake-up, bedtime, etc), Family Home Evenings are a few that will be mentioned.  We will be visiting the Temple with the family for the first time since we assisted friends receiving their Endowments for their wedding.  That was the San Antonio Temple in August of 2008.  The last time I was even near a Temple was when I visited Albuquerque this summer with friends.  A very beautiful Temple, but sadly, I only saw the outside.  We definitely need to visit the Temple on a more frequent basis.  Even if that means making a monthly trip to Albuquerque with Ryan.  Lubbock is not so far away that we could make a few trips a month. 

I love Ryan so much, and believe that he is a strong Priesthood holder, a man deeply devoted to our Heavenly Father, with strong beliefs that will never be deterred by his friends in the Military.  I am proud of my Mister, proud of his decision to serve his country, to partake of a mission in Portugal, to push me to become a stronger person, more devote in my own belief.  I'm glad that I chose him to Confirm me September 17th, 2006 in our Presidio of Monterey's Young Single Adult Ward.  I am a better person because of him, and appreciate everything he does for this family.  I can't wait for him to come home, because as I've told him in a recent e-mail, as soon as he's home, he is officially MINE once again!