Joint RS/Priesthood Meeting
Courage - The ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous.
"Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but as the determination to live decently. A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well. " (President Thomas S Monson, Courage Counts, October 1986 General Conference)
“Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway.” - Attributed to John Wayne
We are perhaps bombarded with vulgarity at work or school or other places in the world, which we can not necessarily control. On the other hand, we can be more in control of influences in our home and we are responsible and accountable to do so.
‘I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.’ (As quoted in John Taylor, “The Organization of the Church,” Millennial Star, Nov. 15, 1851, p. 339)
If you spend time with your kids, what is important to you becomes what is important to them.
"One of the most effective ways we can influence our sons and daughters is to counsel with them in private interviews. By listening closely, we can discover the desires of their hearts, help them set righteous goals, and also share with them the spiritual impressions that we have received about them. Counseling requires courage." (Elder Larry R Lawrence, Courageous Parenting, October 2010 General Conference)
“As a scriptural theme for this discussion, I have chosen Luke 17:32, where the Savior cautions, ‘Remember Lot’s wife.’ What did He mean by such an enigmatic little phrase? To find out, we need to do as He suggested. Let’s recall who Lot’s wife was.
“The story, of course, comes to us out of the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, when the Lord, having had as much as He could stand of the worst that men and women could do, told Lot and his family to flee because those cities were about to be destroyed. “Escape for thy life,” the Lord said. “Look not behind thee … ; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed” (Genesis 19:17; emphasis added).” (Elder Jeffrey R Holland, The Best Is Yet to Be, Ensign January 2010)
How much time do we give to the Lord?
Are we working for necessity or for comfort and recreation? Do the women of the Church have jobs outside the home for necessity or for comfort and recreation.
We are in the same environment as Sodom and Gomorrah in many parts of the world and because of technology those parts of the world can end up in our homes.
Sunday School
David showed up to fight Goliath with faith in God, but he also picked his battle appropriately. He brought the Spirit. He also had been prepared by learning to use a sling. We don't know what our battle will be, but we should do more than just sit idle in our faith.
Sacrament Service
"We need everyone. The tired or worn out or lazy and even those who are bound down with guilt must be restored through repentance and forgiveness. Too many of our priesthood brethren are living below their privileges and the Lord’s expectations."(President Boyd K Packer, The Power of the Priesthood, April 2010 General Conference)
Doctrine and Covenants 84:26
26 And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;
Doctrine and Covenants 107:18
18 The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church—
Priesthood keys are the authority to direct a portion of the church.
Header of Doctrine and Covenants 13
“An extract from Joseph Smith’s history recounting the ordination of the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood near Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1829. The ordination was done by the hands of an angel who announced himself as John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament. The angel explained that he was acting under the direction of Peter, James, and John, the ancient Apostles, who held the keys of the higher priesthood, which was called the Priesthood of Melchizedek. The promise was given to Joseph and Oliver that in due time this higher priesthood would be conferred upon them. (See section 27:7–8, 12.)”
One of the talks was based on a BYU devotional talk by Sherry Dew, You Were Born to Lead, You Were Born For Glory
"Sadly enough, my young friends, it is a characteristic of our age that if people want any gods at all, they want them to be gods who do not demand much, comfortable gods, smooth gods who not only don’t rock the boat but don’t even row it, gods who pat us on the head, make us giggle, then tell us to run along and pick marigolds"
…
"Friends, especially my young friends, take heart. Pure Christlike love flowing from true righteousness can change the world. I testify that the true and living gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth and you are members of His true and living Church, trying to share it. I bear witness of that gospel and that Church, with a particular witness of restored priesthood keys which unlock the power and efficacy of saving ordinances. I am more certain that those keys have been restored and that those ordinances are once again available through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than I am certain I stand before you at this pulpit and you sit before me in this conference." (Elder Jeffrey R Holland, THE COST—AND BLESSINGS—OF DISCIPLESHIP, General Conference April 2014)
"Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes."(Elder Joseph B Wirthlin, THE VIRTUE OF KINDNESS, General Conference April 2005)
"First of all, have faith. Faith is the first principle of the gospel because faith is a principle of power that influences, to at least some degree, the Lord’s intervention in our lives." (Sister Dew)
"It is not possible to sin enough to be happy. It is not possible to buy enough to be happy or to entertain or indulge yourself enough to be happy. Happiness and joy come only when you are living up to who you are."(Sister Dew)
"My dear young friends, I repeat that these are the days in which a true leader wants to live. These are days when opportunities to change lives and even destinies are nearly endless. You are running the anchor leg of the relay because you were born to lead. You were born for glory." (Sister Dew)
