The talk for today is one that I've been (regretfully) skipping over for a couple days, because it's one of the longest talks I have, and because it's more about the priesthood than parenting. But I'm so glad I read it tonight. Yesterday, Robbie and Joe Weatherly gave a blessing to Taylor because he's been sick for 4+ days. I held Taylor in my lap while the blessing was given and I could feel the power of the priesthood circle around us. The power of God truly is on the earth today, given to worthy men of the Church to work miracles in the name of Jesus Christ.
As I was reading this talk, I felt the great responsibility my 3 boys have in the last days before the Savior comes again to the earth. Elder Packer: "Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present." Then it turned into the great roles Robbie and I play in teaching them correct principles that the can hold and use the priesthood, and act in the name of God.
There are several great stories in this talk that touched my heart.
The Power of the Priesthood by President Boyd K. Packer
I love the first scripture reference in his talk...
"Gideon had an interesting way of selecting his recruits. When the men drank water at a stream, most 'bowed down … to drink.' Those he passed over. A few scooped up water in their hands and drank, remaining completely alert. They were the ones chosen...Gideon’s small force succeeded because, as the record states, 'they stood every man in his place.' "
"...we are who we are, and we know what we know, and we are to go forth and preach the gospel."
"President Joseph Fielding Smith said, 'While it may be said … that we are but a handful in comparison with … the world, yet we may be compared with the leaven of which the Savior spoke, which will eventually leaven [or lift] the whole world.' "
- This is a great responsibility we have as member of the Church.
"Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. 23 When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present."
Great quote for dads:
"President Harold B. Lee stated: “It seems clear to me that the Church hasno choice—and never has had—but to do more to assist the family in carrying out its divine mission, not only because that is the order of heaven, but also because that is the most practical contribution we can make to our youth—to help improve the quality of life in the Latter-day Saint homes. As important as our many programs and organizational efforts are, these should not supplant the home; they should support the home.”
"The prophet Nephi also told of 'the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth” and said that “they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.' "
"Too many of our priesthood brethren are living below their privileges and the Lord’s expectations."
- We need to live worthy of the privilege God gave us in coming here to this earth, and live up to His expectations. Another great talk about this topic is Now Let Us Rejoice by Barbara Thompson (which I will review on another day.) "As Joseph declared, 'If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.' "
"Homes without the priesthood are to be watched over and ministered to by the quorums of the priesthood. In this manner no blessings will be found wanting in any dwelling within the Church."
"...power in the priesthood comes through faithful and obedient living in honoring covenants. It is increased by exercising and using the priesthood in righteousness."
"There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary’s mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."
"The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children might be happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood."
- This is where I know that Satan's plan has failed and the Lord's plan has succeeded! Protect the home, and do whatever is necessary.
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