Practice Virtue and Holiness

Practice virtue and holiness,
Thankfully, from the heart.
For, along the path of happiness
Gifts are needed. You've a part!



Virtue of the mind and heart
Has high moral standards as its start
Unto a holy sheen
That in the eyes, then, can be seen

Based on everyday reactions-
To others words, to others actions
Quiet dignity and inner strength
Comes to those who do not stray 

Virtue encompasses chastity

And purity-based morality
Practiced and nurtured in the home
For a nobler place to be shown...

Holy, this place, is the temple
Where our Father's covenant people
Can receive the Spirit's guidance
And be led unto His presence

Doctrine and Covenants 46


"Virtue is a prerequisite to entering the Lord's holy temples and to receiving the Spirit's guidance. Virtue 'is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards' (Preach My Gospel [2004], 118). It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don't hear often in today's society, but the Latin root word virtuous means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost."
Elaine S. Dalton
A Return to Virtue
Ensign, Nov. 2008, 79

A really good read:

World religions were asked to comment on their view of our nation and morality today:

https://www.rgj.com/story/life/2022/02/03/whats-status-morality-our-nation-today-faith-forum/6653207001/

As Part of a Whole

To the core, each soul

Is a part of a whole
Of our Heavenly Father

Each a son or a daughter

We Are Daughters of Our Heavenly Father

"As daughters of God we are each unique and different in our circumstances and experiences. And yet our part matters—because we matter."

—Elaine S. Dalton, "We Are Daughters of Our Heavenly Father", Liahona, May 2013

Face the Gale Force Winds

Face the gale force winds
That stand in your way.
Be not one who bends
From truth, do not sway.

Be NOT moved
Elaine S. Dalton

Kristina Follower of Christ

Young Kristina stood
And looked out to sea.
She well understood
 Her destiny.

It was very hard, knowing
She had to leave her family
Midst opposition blowing
But, for Zion she left happily.



Kristina, the name
Means , "Follower of Christ"
All alone, she came
Following His light.

First, she crossed the ocean
Then trekked the wilderness;
Out of pure devotion
For Zion, to witness.

Be NOT Moved
Elaine S. Dalton
May Ensign, 2013
 The original life-sized sculpture of Kristina stands on a pier in Copenhagen, Denmark

Paying Tribute to Elaine Dalton

Golden, you've put a smile on each face
And transfered energy for life's race
You've set us on a course filled with light
To the Savior with our virtues bright

Anyone want to thank Sister Dalton for her energy and leadership?
http://mormonwoman.org/2013/04/06/tribute-to-lds-woman-leader-elaine-dalton/


click on label below to see poems she has inspired through the years.

A Queen of the Quiet Years

http://youtu.be/_Jk4tpPGu_M

As I went forward

He held out his hand

His wife said not a word

Her smile was grand

I told him about me

Our eyes did not part

I spoke of my family

He looked in my heart

Then, taking his wife's hand

He said, "This is my queen!"

And now I understand

Just what deep beauty means

Her hair, white, was a crown

Her eyes sparkled, bejeweled

Through her, goodness endowed

Of life's best gifts, she was schooled

Optimism and trust showed

She knew who she was

From within she just glowed

That is what a queen does

Since then I have sought

Knowledge and virtue

From the best I've been taught

For I want to be like her too

Sister Elaine S. Dalton tells of how she learned as a young woman what true beauty means. As a young woman, you were born to be a queen.

Verse 1] He took his old love's hand Said "This is my queen" Silver threads like a crown Softest smile he'd ever seen Her laugh like morning air Her scars like secret maps Every wrinkle on her face A story he could trace and trace [Chorus] That's my queen in the quiet years Turning time into souvenirs With that brave Wide-open heart Facing every fear Teaching love by how she lives Turning losses into gifts That's my queen in the quiet years That's what deep beauty is [Verse 2] Her eyes They still threw sparks Little fireworks of grace She'd shine in kitchen light Sanctifying every place Hope folded in her hands Faith stitched into her days She moved so sure of who she was Lit the room in quiet ways [Chorus] That's my queen in the quiet years Turning time into souvenirs With that brave Wide-open heart Facing every fear Teaching love by how she lives Turning losses into gifts That's my queen in the quiet years That's what deep beauty is [Bridge] Since then I've been chasing wisdom Tracing footsteps she once knew Learning kindness like a language Trying to let the light shine through (oh yeah) If I grow into that courage If my soul grows steady too Every good thing in this life Will be something learned from you [Chorus] You're my queen in these growing years Turning doubt to souvenirs With your calm Unshaken heart Holding all my fears Teaching love by how you live Turning losses into gifts You're my queen in these growing years Now I know what beauty is

Elaine S. Dalton

Tenderly, I held you
When you came to be
Watching, I was there too
For your name and blessing

You wore a little dress
All lacy and white
And I must confess
You have grown up right

Here, now, sitting
Inside the sealing room
With a chandelier lighting
You are a brilliant bloom

Kneeling at the alter
Making promises
Unto Heavenly Father
Amidst witnesses

In a mirror before, then
With your eternal companion by your side
You both speak of those in heaven
And those awaiting this earth time

Oh, the wondrous beauty of
Each woman found with virtue
Precious spirits wait above
These guardians of the future

Return To Virtue

Be a guardian of virtue
Praising all that's good
Ever let your light so shine
Do as the Savior would

.,.,.,.,,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,..,.

Be a guardian of virtue
Praising all that's good
Brighten up the world, too
Doing as the Savior would

General Young Women Meeting Highlights

Look into the mirror
Eternity's beyond
Becoming ever nearer
As with virtue we stand strong

Virtue is the Golden Key

Virtue is the golden key
That unlocks the temple doors
Where one can glimpse eternity
And link to ancestors

Virtue comes of being chaste
And glowing with integrity
While seeking the love of God, there to taste
Inspiration sweet with purity

Leading the world in a return to virtue
Sister Dalton exhorts young adults to always be examples of purity
By Greg Hill
Church News staff writer
Published: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009
click on above title to go to site

Deep Beauty Springs from Virtue

A deep beauty springs from virtue
It can't appear in any other way
It's a glow that shows what we do
Wear, think, honor, and in faith say

Sparkling like jewels... are the eyes
As of impurities there's not a trace
And joy radiates...though, hard, life tries
Virtue makes for a beautiful face

Elaine S. Dalton
Remember Who You Are
Ensign, May 2010,

The Son of a King was a Young Man

The son of a king was a young man
When he was kidnapped by evil men
He was tested morally for a half year
Then, to the throne, he could not be heir

But with an unshakable knowledge of his purpose
He would not do a single vile thing
Thus a "why not?" from the captors did surface
Which was answered with, "I cannot, for I was born to be king!"


'I have always loved the story of the son of King Louis XVI of France because he had an unshakable knowledge of his identity. As a young man, he was kidnapped by evil men who had dethroned his father, the king. These men knew that if they could destroy him morally, he would not be heir to the throne. For six months they subjected him to every vile thing life had to offer, and yet he never yielded under pressure. This puzzled his captors, and after doing everything they could think of, they asked him why he had such great moral strength. His reply was simple. He said, “I cannot do what you ask, for I was born to be a king.”12 '

12. See Vaughn J. Featherstone, “The King’s Son,” New Era, Nov. 1975, 35

From Brazil to Bountiful

From Brazil to Bountiful
Banners are being unfurled
Golden and beautiful
Truly...out of this world

On paths laid for progress
We have risen to the call
Climbing mountains to witness
To virtue we give our all

Together we have shared many choice spiritual moments. We have borne testimony in camps around campfires, in chapels, and in firesides. We have been warmed by the fire of our faith. We have climbed mountains and unfurled golden banners—from Brazil to Bountiful—signifying the commitment deep within our hearts to remain virtuous and to always be worthy to enter the temple. We have prayed, read the Book of Mormon, and smiled every day, and together with our mothers, grandmothers, and leaders, we are working on our Personal Progress. And we have only just begun!



Young women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, remember who you are! You are elect. You are daughters of God. You cannot be a generation of young women who are content to fit in. You must have the courage to stand out, to “arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations.”10 The world would have you believe that you are not significant—that you are out of fashion and out of touch. The world calls to you with unrelenting, noisy voices to “live it up,” “try everything,” “experiment and be happy.” Conversely, the Holy Ghost whispers and the Lord invites you to “walk in the paths of virtue,” “lay aside the things of this world,” “and cleave unto [your] covenants.”11

Doctrine and Covenants 25:2, 10, 13.

Confidence and Beauty

Confidence and beauty
Shines brightly upon your face
When you know and do your duty
And present your self with grace

Elaine S. Dalton
Remember Who You Are!
Ensign, May 2010, 120–23

There is no more beautiful sight than a young woman who glows with the light of the Spirit, who is confident and courageous because she is virtuous.

There Is No More Beautiful Sight

There is no more beautiful sight
Than a young woman glowing with light
Who is confident and courageous
Simply because she is virtuous

Elaine S. Dalton
Remember Who You Are!
Ensign, May 2010, 120–23

There is no more beautiful sight than a young woman who glows with the light of the Spirit, who is confident and courageous because she is virtuous.

We Have Only Just Begun

We have only just begun
To understand who we are
We've a testimony of the Son
And shine golden, like a star

In the premortal realm
We defended Father's plan
And prepared for now to help
Thus we've confidence we can

We can make a difference
And stand out among the crowd
With God's love bright'ning our countenance
We're preparing to become endowed

When we look into a mirror
We see beauty deep with virtue
Glowing with light and Spirit
Feeling atoned for and of value

We repent oft to be clean
Unto radiance, we turn around
Ever born to be a queen
Righteousness is our crown

Elaine S. Dalton
Remember Who You Are!
Ensign, May 2010, 120–23

There is no more beautiful sight than a young woman who glows with the light of the Spirit, who is confident and courageous because she is virtuous.

There is no more beautiful sight
Than a young woman glowing with light
Who is confident and courageous
Simply because she is virtuous

The world places so much emphasis on physical attractiveness and would have you believe that you are to look like the elusive model on the cover of a magazine. The Lord would tell you that you are each uniquely beautiful. When you are virtuous, chaste, and morally clean, your inner beauty glows in your eyes and in your face. My grandfather used to say, “If you live close to God and His infinite grace—you won’t have to tell, it will show in your face.” (author unknown) When you are worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost, you are confident and your inner beauty shines brightly. And so “let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and … the Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion.” Doctrine and Covenants 121:45–46.

Confidence and beauty
Shines brightly upon your face
When you know and do your duty
And present your self with grace

We have been taught that “the gift of the Holy Ghost … quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections. … It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features.” Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, 10th ed. (1965), 101; emphasis added.

There Has Never Been a Better Time

There has never been a better time
To live on earth than this
Nor a finer generation to find
So filled with Christ's light for witness

Having made choices which qualify
For the gift of the Holy Ghost
Among us are those who exemplify
Attributes that shine the most

"Having been called out of darkness
Into His marvellous light"
Challenges are at their highest
As opportunities reach new heights

Forming a high standard for the nation
With light shining from higher ground
There is hope and dedication
Where the gospel light is found

Welcoming life to embrace
As a gift to enjoy
Purity lights up a face
With goodness and joy

It Shows in Your Face
Elaine S. Dalton
Ensign, May 2006, 109

1 Peter 2:9
Ye are a chosen generation,
a royal priesthood,
an holy nation,
a peculiar people;
that ye should shew forth the praises of Him
who hath called you out of darkness
into His marvellous light

Trusting Our Father

Trusting our Father...
We draw nigh unto Him
For, truly He is our Author
And, our lives come of Him

When we are refined
There is beauty to behold
For... in virtue we find
Our hearts are as gold

May we shine with purity
Showing our true worth
We've value...in surety
Made precious through good works

Refined by Life's Experiences

"Never before has there been a greater need for virtue and purity in the world.

"The value of virtue has been given a symbolic color, like the other values. The color of virtue is gold because gold is pure. It shines. It is soft, not harsh or brash. It is precious. Gold must be refined. As you live a pure and virtuous life, you will be refined by your life's experiences, and as you 'trust in the Lord' (Proverbs 3:5) and draw closer to Him, He will 'make [your] hearts as gold' (Roger Hoffman, "Consider the Lilies")."

Elaine S. Dalton, "Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord," Ensign, May 2009, 120

Topics: Virtue

The Daughters of Divinity

The Daughters of Divinity

Are destined for eternity

Let them be found in the House of the Lord

Dressed in white and worthily adorned

As guardians of virtue

We are queens of our bodies true

And with a destiny to strive for

It's expected we do more

Come let us now go up

Unto the House of the lord

And learn within there of

That which moves us heaven ward

The virtuous life yields power

Confidence and light

As the Holy Ghost more showers

Guidance to choose the right

Take the invitation

And be willing to there climb

For the final destination

Is glorious to find...

Now, some of you have slipped

To the hard ground below

Acknowledge where you tripped

Repent and seek to grow

Know the power of the word

Is enlivening to the mind

As it is light to be discerned

There to leave darkness behind

Be a living witness

How the soul is then transformed

Unto a path of fitness

Being spiritually informed

On the trail of recovery

There are answers in holy writ

It is there for discovering

Through faithful pursuit of it

Come, let us go up

Leaving none behind

With the Lord, let's sup

His feast, ours to find

Elaine S. Dalton
Come Let us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord
Ensign, May 2009, 120

Come Let us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord

Come, let us oft go up
To the mountain of the Lord
There to find strength enough
To live as one favored

Come, let us oft wash clean
For those once upon the earth
And prepare them for a holy sheen
Unto covenants of eternal worth

Come, let us oft ponder
The beauty of purity
For therein we don't wander
From our path of surety

Come, let us praise virtue
And write our loyalty upon a banner
As on gold cloth, we commit to be true
And show all the Lord's high standards

Then let it wave beneath the clouds
And reminds us of our focus
That when immorality crowds
We can realign from what chokes us

Come let us find the road less traveled
With cairns placed along to find our way
On this path we'll not get lost or raveled
As they're placed to assure us lest we delay


Elaine S. Dalton
Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord
Ensign, May 2009,