Integrity. A Strong Foundation.

Today is Mother's Day and I would like to send my greetings out to all of the mothers out there for all that you have done for your children or those you have watched over and cared for in your life. Everyone is a mother, it is a woman's calling. You all have cared for someone whether it is through babysitting or school teaching. But today, I thought I would speak on the topic of Integrity.

In a recent article in the Ensign, Elder Tad R. Callister writes, "Integrity is the foundation upon which character and a Christlike life are built. If there are cracks in that foundation, then it will not support the weight of other Christlike attributes that must be built upon it. How can we be humble if we lack the integrity to acknowledge our own weaknesses? How can we develop charity for others if we are not totally honest in our dealings with them? How can we repent and be clean if we only partially disclose the truth to our bishop? At the root of every virtue is integrity."

In a lesson in Priesthood, my Bishop encouraged us "When you have the opportunity to choose integrity, choose it EVERY TIME." (emphasis added)

"Integrity is not shortsighted—it is not just a temporary change of behavior; it is a permanent change of nature."

A person whose has integrity, is a person who has a full understanding of what is right AND follows that when they are alone and with others.

When no one is watching, Do you act the same way you would act in front of Jesus Christ?

"If it is wrong in the presence of others, it is just as wrong in their absence. The man of integrity who is true to self and to God will choose the right whether or not anyone is looking because he is self-driven, not externally controlled."

I love Elder Callister's wording. A man with strong integrity is self-driven, not externally controlled. As soon as we let Satan into our lives to influence our choices we are already crossing the lines and heading down the dark path towards captivity and death. (2 Nephi 2:27)

Watch these two great videos. And ponder about your life and see if you need to make different choices.

I know that if we all strive to change and repent of our sins we can have the companionship of the Holy Ghost with us always, and it will be easier and easier to make the right choice. And I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Power of Hymns

One of my favorite parts of Church is singing the hymns. Song brings such a great spirit and pairing that with singing about Christ is even better!!!! Hymns are there for us to feel the Spirit and love of our Heavenly Father. We can use them to uplift us when we feel down, to repeat in our minds when unrighteousness is around us, and we can use them in talks. There are many other opportunities to use hymns, and I would hope that we don't take for granted such inspiring words. Jay E. Jensen once said: "Hymns are “an essential part of our church meetings. [They] invite the Spirit of the Lord.” They often do this quicker than anything else we may do. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. said, “We get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer.”" (2007 April General Conference, The Nourishing Power of Hymns). This past conference my family and I saw it at the Conference Center. When we would head to a session, it was pleasant to be able to walk through temple square. Right across the street from the Conference Center is where the protesters are. Every year they rebel and yell. Which distracts from the spirit. But what I discovered and absolutely adored was that not too far away, there were college students in two lines singing hymns. I felt the Spirit so strongly by simply walking past! I wish we had time to do that! I love how strong the Church is. Whatever happens, whether good or bad, we're always there for each other and willing to help in any way we can. One of my favorite things to do is listen to church music at school. It helps me to remember that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father are watching over me and are there. It calms me down, and helps distract me from the inappropriate situations and words flying around. The First Presidency has taught: "We hope the hymnbook will take a prominent place among the scriptures and other religious books in our homes. The hymns can bring families a spirit of beauty and peace and can inspire love and unity among family members."
I would like to challenge all of us to listen to this great counsel given by the prophets of our day. I know that the Book of Mormon is the truest book, ever published on this Earth today. Let us all tell the world about this fantastic book! The Holy Ghost will give you words to speak when you don't know how to say it. I know that My Redeemer Lives and wants us all to return to Him. If we keep His commandments and love Him with all of our might, mind, and strength, His grace will be sufficient. And I say that in the name of the Good Shepard, Jesus Christ, Amen.