I hope everyone had the chance to hear the General Young Women’s Meeting.  Even though we may be Relief Society age, it’s still important to be involved and aware of the Young Women and the things they are going through, and struggling with.  By going on to www.lds.org you can see the video presentation of the entire meeting.  It is well worth your time.
I was so impressed to see how everyone focused on the value of virtue.  I personally like it when anyone is focused on anything (and consistent about it—somehow it has more impact). 

Sis. Dibbs suggested earning your own Personal Progress award.  Having never served in YW, I never HAD to achieve it, but it can’t hurt to fulfill some of these worthy goals.   
By the way, did you notice that Sis. Dibbs told us a nice story about our newest apostle’s wife?

“We are inviting all young women, mothers, and, in fact, all women who desire to join us in this cause of virtue to complete the new Personal Progress experiences and project for the value of virtue.”  (Did we all hear Sis. Cook say this?  She is calling for ALL women to stand for the value of virtue.  Does that mean us?  Are we listening?  Are we ready to act?  Maybe she just means those directly involved with YW…I don’t think so.)
Sis. Cook gave this good advice:  “One way we can withstand the pressures of the world is to ‘stand . . . in holy places, and be not moved’.  Stay away from situations where you are likely to be tempted, mocked, and scorned. A commitment to remain virtuous will give you strength to withstand peer pressure. As we’re advised in For the Strength of Youth: ‘Have the courage to walk out of a movie or video party, turn off a computer or television, change a radio station, or put down a magazine if what is being presented does not meet Heavenly Father’s standards’”.       (This is such great advice, but not just for the youth.  Adult women need to keep this same standard.)

She also reminded any of us, who have had problems, set-backs, rebellious natures, etc., that we can repent and come back, for God is waiting for us.  I noticed that was said a lot during conference as well.  If that isn’t a loving invitation to just “go for it” and return to church, I don’t know what is.  We should also be aware of those who are trying to make that move and help them, be with them, and encourage them along that scary road.

Sis. Dalton gave us news straight from the horse’s mouth, her sons.  “A virtuous returned missionary is attracted to a virtuous young woman—one who has a testimony of Jesus Christ and is committed to a life of purity.”  We have to be there teaching our daughters every step of the way, from the time they are very young (crawling), until…forever (it should never NOT be a concern to us).  Even as adults, we need to continue that standard, because people are forever watching, and looking to us as examples.  This world needs good examples.

“In order to be virtuous, and remain virtuous, you must be true to your divine identity and establish patterns of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.  These standards are eternal, and they do not change. They have been taught by prophets of God. In a world filled with relative truth, the Lord’s standards are absolute. They are given to each of us to keep us on the path leading back to the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.”         (Sis. Dalton says – Relative Truth – aren’t you just sick of people who rationalize the most basic standards?  The Lord’s standards are INDEED absolute.  And doesn’t that sentence sound like music to you, full of reassurance, conviction, and security.)
Pres. Monson talked about the courage we will need in three aspects of our lives:

First, the courage to refrain from judging others;
Second, the courage to be chaste and virtuous; and
Third, the courage to stand firm for truth and righteousness.

Women have a serious weakness when it comes to judging, gossiping, and criticizing one another.  We can’t help it.  Clearly it takes courage to step away, change the subject, and refrain.  No more rationalizing.
 
Pres. Monson quoted Ted Koppell, former host of ABC’s Nightline program.  “We have actually convinced ourselves that slogans will save us. ‘Shoot up if you must; but use a clean needle.’ ‘Enjoy sex whenever with whomever you wish; but [protect yourself].’  No. The answer is no. Not no because it isn’t cool or smart or because you might end up in jail or dying in an AIDS ward—but no, because it’s wrong. . . . What Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai were not the Ten Suggestions, they are Commandments. Are, not were.”      (Truth can come from anyone; isn’t it just refreshing to hear it at all?  Following is a warning we should all listen to.)  “Unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith.” (Pres. Monson asks us to have courage as we live the high standards we set for ourselves.  We’ve been asked to endure to the end.  Well, I guess Heavenly Father knew it wasn’t going to be easy.)

Sisters, we need to stand on our very own testimonies, but we have each other to lean on, encourage, and succeed with.  We are all in the same boat.  We all have similar struggles.  We are equally challenged.  Let’s help one another.  Let’s help our youth.  Let’s help our very young ones.  Let’s do this, and do it well.