Pioneer Day!

Guess what I found? Doesn't it make you proud to celebrate July 24th?

I thought that in light of all the commemorations ,

this one was quite appropriate.

A return to Virtue

This morning I was reading in Preach My Gospel and the Conference edition of the Ensign with Mary N. Cook's talk. Both resources were used in enlightening me on the topic of Virtue.

I was really impressed about this topic, which is found in the Christlike Attributes section of PMG. Virtue, like Charity, has kind of always alluded me. I know it's really important, and that it is perfectly embodied by our Savior, but I had no idea how I was supposed to acquire this to the extent that seems so necessary. In studying this, I read things about virtue being holiness, perfect cleanliness, acting independent of other ideals and holding fast to high standards. Virtue is power. So how do I acquire that?

I actually found a great deal of comfort in just the study of this topic. The ideal is becoming less nebulous for me-- losing none of it's luster, to be sure. That's where Mary Cook's talk helped me a great deal. While it's geared towards the Young Women, I found the counsel to be especially timely for me. Sister Cook encouraged daily habits that would invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost, noting scripture study, fervent prayer, and the invitation to smile. That, coupled with scriptures that illustrated the perfect Example of Virtue, Jesus Christ, made me want to work harder and be a little better.

With thousands of Young Women this year, I want to concentrate more on Virtue. Here I go... smiling all the way....

This image is by James C. Christensen, entitled "Virtue."

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.picturethisgallery.com/Artists/Christensen,%2520James/Virtue.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.picturethisgallery.com/Artists/james__christensen.htm&usg=__CfPDpo2scIACB3NWffzc2ciH0ZQ=&h=474&w=300&sz=27&hl=en&start=2&sig2=DiRvwCP_Nc4Nis5dFwzfiw&tbnid=BQq_psZFT60yRM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=82&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvirtue%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG&ei=kzJmStqNF4mllAfX6cGDBA

Bonafide Luau

Tonight Melinda and I went with my friend Sarah H. to the Mt. Vernon Stake center and we saw one of these lying roasted on a table. It was a young single adult's gathering unlike any other; hula dancers, pit pork, and plenty of misquitos.

The funniest thing I saw? My friend Cody has an iPhone with high-frequency bug repellent signal. And I think it worked....

As promised...Leesburg!

When Ashley was here, we visited: Leesburg!

Dadona Manor

South Street Under

Mom's Apple Pie

Black Shutter Antiques

Plus, she saw, with her very own eyes, my very favorite sign of life.

Apply Now!

Time is ticking as I now approach teaching applications with full momentum. I have spent the better part of this afternoon amidst four district's webpages, applications, online portals, and general information. It is somewhat disconcerting to realize that I am one of many applicants, and I hope my documents have enough in them to make me stand out.

Maybe I'll go listen to that song right now...it was always a perker at BYU.

What, you don't know which one I'm talking about? Well, ready yourself, and click here.