Priesthood Power

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the April 2012 General Conference.

We raised four boys to adulthood and every one of them had, and has an interest in guns, explosives, and such. They all have or are serving in the military. They all own guns; and shooting activities are always part of our family reunions. As they were growing up I tried to impress on them that while guns and bombs are powerful, there is something much more powerful and they possess it.

Just recently my sister asked me what my favorite Old Testament story is. That's easy, it's the story of Elijah and the Priest of Baal. I told her that if I could time travel that's what I'd like to see! Elijah is the coolest prophet ever! Then she asked what is the personal message to me. "The priesthood is the most powerful force!" 

Elder Adrián Ochoa spoke to the "Aaronic Priesthood", asking them to "Arise and Use the Power of God." I loved it!! So much so that I sent the link to our oldest son, who is the most vocal about needing more guns to protect his family and possessions. 

What greater power can you acquire on earth than the priesthood of God? What power could possibly be greater than the capacity to assist our Heavenly Father in changing the lives of your fellowmen, to help them along the pathway of eternal happiness by being cleansed of sin and wrongdoing?

You are often told about your great potential. Well, now is the time to put that potential into action, to make use of the abilities God has given you to bless others, bring them out of obscurity and into the light, and prepare the way of the Lord.

I am reminded of what President Russell M. Nelson said to the men in April 2016,

I urgently plead with each one of us to live up to our privileges as bearers of the priesthood. In a coming day, only those men who have taken their priesthood seriously, by diligently seeking to be taught by the Lord Himself, will be able to bless, guide, protect, strengthen, and heal others. Only a man who has paid the price for priesthood power will be able to bring miracles to those he loves and keep his marriage and family safe, now and throughout eternity.

The proclamation on the family says that husbands are to preside, provide and protect. It is through the use of priesthood power that men can do so. The priesthood is truly the most powerful force in the world. Through it miracles are wrought. 

 

 

 

I Believe I Can, I Knew I Could

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the October 2002 conference.

President James E. Faust shared the classic children's story of The Little Engine That Could. I used to read that to our children endlessly. It was a favorite!

Likening the story to the priesthood holders he said, "At times all of us are called upon to stretch ourselves and do more than we think we can." I know we all can relate to that. This earth life is hard, and doesn't get easier with age. It won't get any easier the closer we get to the Savior's return. 

"To get on the right track," he says, "we must honor and sustain those who hold the presiding priesthood keys. We are reminded that many are 'called, but few are chosen.' When are we chosen? We are chosen by the Lord only when we have done our best to move this holy work forward through our consecrated efforts and talents. Our efforts must always be guided by the righteous principles set forth by the Lord in the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants: . . ."

Today I thought about all the things I have learned from being a mother, especially of sons who have not followed the gospel path. I have "endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things." 

President Faust teaches, "I hope we can all be like the 'Little Engine That Could.' It wasn't very big, had only been used for switching cars, and had never been over a mountain, but it was willing. . . . Each of us must climb mountains that we have never climbed before."

I have learned that being willing is most of the battle, against the natural man, against the pull of the adversary, and against the ways of the world. When we willingly serve, accept God's will, and press forward with steadfastness in Christ, we are given the strength to get over those mountains.

Power in the Word

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2000 conference.

I'll be brief because I'm packing to go help our son and daughter-in-law in Iowa. 

I loved every talk! So many good things in each. I especially liked Elder L. Tom Perry's talk about the power of the word no matter what technology is used to give it to us.

One challenge remains the same from the time of King Benjamin to the time of President Grant to today--that is, the challenge of each individual and family, through personal and collective study, to internalize the messages of the gospel of our Lord and Savior. Salvation is not in the facilities or technology, but in the word. Only in the power of the word will it impact our lives and help us to live closer to our Father in Heaven.

It is wonderful to be in this beautiful new facility and to have new technology which carries conference sessions throughout the world. But it is the message we receive which, if we study and practice, will bring us the light of the gospel as further preparation in our great quest for eternal life.

That is the benefit I've found in participating in this review of General conference talks. I study and am encouraged in living the gospel and following the Savior more closely. It's not enough to just listen to conference and think, "Oh that was nice." And then go on our merry way until the next time. We must seek and learn, repent and improve, inch by inch along the path of mortal life until we graduate from this boarding school and return to our heavenly home.