As with the inclusion of women among those who offer prayers during General Conference last April, there is some feeling that this may be partly in response to efforts by a group of LDS women to be allowed to attend the Priesthood session in person. That request was declined, but with the announcement that the Priesthood session will be streamed live, we can all enjoy these messages without delay. Not only that, but it means greater flexibility of access for men who for whatever reason may feel unable to go to a Stake center, though church leadership is urging men and boys who are able to still attend in person at their meetinghouses, because it's not just about the messages but about the opportunity to gather with other brethren to commune with and strengthen each other (which, no doubt, is part of why Ordain Women doesn't think the live stream is fully satisfying).
Though I have never felt a personal desire to hold the priesthood, and am satisfied with the many opportunities I have had to serve in leadership, teaching, and ministering roles in the church (indeed I am aware of few other religions that place so much responsibility for the ministry on women), I am also sensitive to the concerns and desires of my sisters who feel differently, and I commend them for respectfully asking for further light and knowledge, and faithfully continuing to serve and worship as fully committed members of the church in the meantime. That, I believe, is the pattern for revelation that has been laid out for us in the scriptures and in the counsel of latter-day church leaders.
All that aside, I'm certainly not going to miss a chance to be part of a historic occasion like this. So even though I would kind of like to take a break for the evening (I've already had FOUR HOURS of church today!), I'll be back, live blogging the Priesthood session this evening.
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So, it's almost 5, and I'm back for more! My computer chair is getting a workout today. But I tell you what, I'm looking forward to listening to a Men's Choir! Scroll down to see my liveblog of the Priesthood session.
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So, it's almost 5, and I'm back for more! My computer chair is getting a workout today. But I tell you what, I'm looking forward to listening to a Men's Choir! Scroll down to see my liveblog of the Priesthood session.
Image from heraldextra.com
President Eyring announces that the services are being broadcast by satellite and via the internet to Priesthood holders throughout the world. Plus, you know, lots of men and women who don't hold the priesthood. But he doesn't mention us. I get that we're not the primary audience, and that's OK.
Ooh, an Aaronic Priesthood choir. That's new. Usually it's missionaries from the MTC or something. They look so cute, and so earnest! Except that one. He looks kind of bored, or maybe just tired.
L. Tom Perry, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
I recall a primary teacher whose great desire was to prepare us boys to receive the priesthood. She promised if we memorized all the Articles of Faith, we could go on an outing to a place of our own choosing. When we chose to go on a canyon hike, we didn't consider the difficulty that would pose to her elderly frame. But she was gamely true to her word. When we stopped for lunch, she taught us our final lesson--that memorizing the words of the Articles of Faith would be meaningless if we did not understand and apply their doctrine. Her emphasis on gospel study has stayed with me. True doctrine comes from God, the source and foundation of all truth. False doctrine comes from Satan, the father of all lies. He wants to deceive us and twist the truth so that some will lose their way. The scriptures teach us how to avoid false doctrine. True doctrine is to the church as a battery is to a cell phone. Elder Perry relates the story of the restoration of the gospel and of the priesthood. In addition to the still small voice of the Spirit, and studying the scriptures, church leaders are an additional source of guidance and revelation for us. The 13th Article of Faith provides special insight into how we should present ourselves and conduct our lives. Each Article of Faith adds unique value to our understanding of the gospel. Young men, use your bright minds to study the doctrines of the Articles of Faith and use them as a guide for your studies and your life.
Gerald Causse, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
A marvelous aspect of this church is that it is diverse and global. Our sacred heritage transcends our differences. We are equal heirs to the same special lineage. As members of the church we strive to be in the world but not of the world. This can sometimes make us feel like strangers. We have a divine mission to welcome and care for the outcasts and strangers. Those who were considered outcasts in His time were given special consideration from the Savior. In this church, there are no strangers, and no outcasts. There are only brothers and sisters, and we should treat each other as such. Because of technologies that increase speed of transportation and communication--changes that are designed by God to further His work--our friends, acquaintances, communities and congregations are becoming increasingly diverse. We all need to work together to build special unity. Unity is not achieved by isolating those who seem to be different or weaker, but by welcoming and serving those who are new and have particular needs.
This is a timely message, and I feel that it has relevance also for occasions when we discover differences among those already in our midst, whom we had assumed to be just like us!
Randy D. Funk, of the Seventy
How will you receive spiritual power to serve as a missionary? The scriptures promise such power to all who are duly called to serve. The promise will be fulfilled on condition of humility and obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Lord commands us to be humble because the process of repentance and forgiveness begins with a broken heart. Broken soil is sown with seed that, when cultivated, bears good fruit.
Choir and Congregation: "Do What Is Right"
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency
I recall a primary teacher whose great desire was to prepare us boys to receive the priesthood. She promised if we memorized all the Articles of Faith, we could go on an outing to a place of our own choosing. When we chose to go on a canyon hike, we didn't consider the difficulty that would pose to her elderly frame. But she was gamely true to her word. When we stopped for lunch, she taught us our final lesson--that memorizing the words of the Articles of Faith would be meaningless if we did not understand and apply their doctrine. Her emphasis on gospel study has stayed with me. True doctrine comes from God, the source and foundation of all truth. False doctrine comes from Satan, the father of all lies. He wants to deceive us and twist the truth so that some will lose their way. The scriptures teach us how to avoid false doctrine. True doctrine is to the church as a battery is to a cell phone. Elder Perry relates the story of the restoration of the gospel and of the priesthood. In addition to the still small voice of the Spirit, and studying the scriptures, church leaders are an additional source of guidance and revelation for us. The 13th Article of Faith provides special insight into how we should present ourselves and conduct our lives. Each Article of Faith adds unique value to our understanding of the gospel. Young men, use your bright minds to study the doctrines of the Articles of Faith and use them as a guide for your studies and your life.
Gerald Causse, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
A marvelous aspect of this church is that it is diverse and global. Our sacred heritage transcends our differences. We are equal heirs to the same special lineage. As members of the church we strive to be in the world but not of the world. This can sometimes make us feel like strangers. We have a divine mission to welcome and care for the outcasts and strangers. Those who were considered outcasts in His time were given special consideration from the Savior. In this church, there are no strangers, and no outcasts. There are only brothers and sisters, and we should treat each other as such. Because of technologies that increase speed of transportation and communication--changes that are designed by God to further His work--our friends, acquaintances, communities and congregations are becoming increasingly diverse. We all need to work together to build special unity. Unity is not achieved by isolating those who seem to be different or weaker, but by welcoming and serving those who are new and have particular needs.
This is a timely message, and I feel that it has relevance also for occasions when we discover differences among those already in our midst, whom we had assumed to be just like us!
Randy D. Funk, of the Seventy
How will you receive spiritual power to serve as a missionary? The scriptures promise such power to all who are duly called to serve. The promise will be fulfilled on condition of humility and obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Lord commands us to be humble because the process of repentance and forgiveness begins with a broken heart. Broken soil is sown with seed that, when cultivated, bears good fruit.
Choir and Congregation: "Do What Is Right"
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency
When I was young, falling and getting up seemed to be part of one and the same movement. But as I have gotten older I have come to the conclusion that the laws of physics have changed--and not in my favor. Recently when skiing with my grandchildren, I fell, and was unable to get up on my own. My grandson was not interested in my explanation for why I could not get up by myself, instead grasping my hand and saying "Opa, you can do it now." And with his assistance I got up. Sometimes rising up and continuing onward may seem impossible. But sometimes we just need someone to look us in the eyes, take our hand, and say "You can do it now." We may think that women are more prone to feelings of inadequacy than men, but I don't think that is true. These feelings may bother us deeply. Men of promise have withdrawn from service because they became discouraged over a few failures, and thus missed the opportunity to fulfill the potential within them. "We all want to be respected and esteemed, we want to be champions. But mortals do not become champions without effort and discipline, or without making a few mistakes." The promise of repentance is the greatest message of God to men. "True repentance is about transformation, not torture or torment." Godly sorrow is necessary, but self-loathing is counterproductive. The adversary wants to confuse us about who we really are and what we really desire. He also tries to make us see the commandments as things that have been forced upon us. But if we see these things and choices as who we are and who we want to become, we have a better chance of rising to the challenge. Falling down is normal. But as long as we rise up again, we can become better, and be able to walk tall and continue on. You should hear President Monson pray for you.
Dude, this is awesome. I can't recall the last time I heard a man of such manly stature offering such frank insight and advice about manhood to his peers. I wish every man could hear this talk. (Not that any of this doesn't also apply to women, but I know a lot of guys, and feel that it will have particular resonance for them.)
Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency
Priesthood holders sometimes get overwhelmed by the many obligations they are under. The parable of the Good Samaritan is a story that can help you in such situations. The Lord will give you compassion for those in need, he will provide others to assist you in your work, and he will repay all those who join with him in helping those in need. You can be inspired to know who to ask and who not to ask for assistance in tending to the needs of your congregations. And you can be inspired to know how best to help those under your care. You cannot help others repair spiritual damage unless your own faith is vibrant, so it is necessary to continually treasure up the words of life. Our own trials help us to develop compassion so that we can better succor those we are called to serve.
Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
First Monson story of this Conference! Contrast the Utah sheepherder who rode casually behind his sheep, while the yappy dogs did the work of keeping the flock on track, with the European shepherd who led his flock, and his sheep followed him. It is the latter type with which the Savior identifies when he calls himself the "true Shepherd." And such is the type of shepherd that we ought to be--one who leads with love and is willingly followed by those under his care. Home Teaching is one of our most urgent opportunities to provide inspiration and care. Second Monson story of Conference! I'm not summarizing them because summaries are inadequate. You have to listen to him tell them. Home Teaching is more than a mechanical monthly visit. We can and must do better. A true home teacher is a true friend. As home teachers, our greatest exemplar is the Savior.
Choir: "God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand"
This experiment with liveblogging has been really great for me so far. I usually keep a conference notebook, but it's neat to get to share these impressions with my friends, and I hope if you feel inclined that you'll share your thoughts about Conference with me. I'll be back at 9am, and again at 1pm tomorrow for the final two sessions.
Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency
Priesthood holders sometimes get overwhelmed by the many obligations they are under. The parable of the Good Samaritan is a story that can help you in such situations. The Lord will give you compassion for those in need, he will provide others to assist you in your work, and he will repay all those who join with him in helping those in need. You can be inspired to know who to ask and who not to ask for assistance in tending to the needs of your congregations. And you can be inspired to know how best to help those under your care. You cannot help others repair spiritual damage unless your own faith is vibrant, so it is necessary to continually treasure up the words of life. Our own trials help us to develop compassion so that we can better succor those we are called to serve.
Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
First Monson story of this Conference! Contrast the Utah sheepherder who rode casually behind his sheep, while the yappy dogs did the work of keeping the flock on track, with the European shepherd who led his flock, and his sheep followed him. It is the latter type with which the Savior identifies when he calls himself the "true Shepherd." And such is the type of shepherd that we ought to be--one who leads with love and is willingly followed by those under his care. Home Teaching is one of our most urgent opportunities to provide inspiration and care. Second Monson story of Conference! I'm not summarizing them because summaries are inadequate. You have to listen to him tell them. Home Teaching is more than a mechanical monthly visit. We can and must do better. A true home teacher is a true friend. As home teachers, our greatest exemplar is the Savior.
Choir: "God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand"
This experiment with liveblogging has been really great for me so far. I usually keep a conference notebook, but it's neat to get to share these impressions with my friends, and I hope if you feel inclined that you'll share your thoughts about Conference with me. I'll be back at 9am, and again at 1pm tomorrow for the final two sessions.
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