Virtue

Virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:40

  
Virtue, Virtue Virtue
What a beautiful aspect of life.  Something that we always want to have and work towards.  This scripture pretty says it all.  

Its seems this is one of the reasons why it is so important to choose and have good friends.  Virtue loveth Virtue. We seek out those who are virtuous and aim to be more like them. I am blessed with such wonderful friends.  They are virtuous and full of the light of Christ, maybe that's just another reason why I love being around them. I know they won't pressure me into doing anything that is against my standards since we share similar high standards.  Once we find those friends, it seems we must hold on so that we don't lose each other and only continue to be virtuous together, strengthening each other and standing up for one another. 

 

He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious.

Doctrine and Covenants 78:19

  
Be Grateful

One of the 9 Bee's from President Gordan B. Hinckley.  It is so true that as soon as we notice all of the wonderful blessings in our lives, nothing else seems so bad.

Often the phrase: First World Problems
Referring to the fact that so often we complain about this and that or whatever seems to be going wrong that second or that day when really, we are SO blessed for all that we have, and especially for the circumstances and living situations. The education, food, large homes or large compared to so many other places! There's so much we have, opportunity for work without causing harm to ourselves or being put in dangerous situations! I know a HUGE blessing in my life is the gospel of Jesus Christ restored to the earth.  Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and living somewhere where it only takes 15 minutes to get to church, and I am able to so easily attend each week.  We are surrounded by blessings and gifts from God. We only need to stop and think of them for a second and it seems that whatever issue was bugging turns from a mountain to a molehill.  What a wonderful thing Gratitude is!

The Last Samurai

To the least of what I expected, this was a brilliant film. Filled deep with inspiration, so here are my favorite lines.

Algren: So you will take your own life? In shame? Shame for a life of service? Discipline? Compassion?
Katsumoto: The way of the Samurai is not necessary anymore.
Algren: Necessary? What could be more necessary?

Algren: There is some comfort in the emptiness of the sea, no past, no future.

Katsumoto: The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life.


Colonel Bagley: Just tell me one thing, what is it about your own people you hate so much?

Emperor Meiji: Tell me how he died.
Algren: I will tell you how he lived.

Simon Graham: But I like to think he may have at last found some small measure of peace, that we all seek, and few of us ever find.

"All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith."
~Doctrine and Covenants 103:36

If you are not working towards your own goals, you can not expect for them to appear in front of your face for you. Without your own effort, nothing can be accomplished.  There is so much to do in our short mortal lives, that to waste what little time we have with useless complaints instead of meaningful service or diligence would make our lives pointless.  If we are not putting in the effort we can't expect God to do all the work for us.  We can learn from the brother of Jared's example as he came up with the solution before he went and inquired of the Lord.  As it is also our part to come up with our own solutions and suggestions before we can go to the Lord for help.  Instead, we can be diligent and faithful to bring joy to others as we help them join us on our path towards the kingdom of our father. With each others company we will help hold each other up and share our mutual standards and beliefs.  With the strength of us together we can make it.  Helping out along the way. I've got your back, and I will always help you when you need it.  Together we can make it back to where we belong. <333

~deviantart~