Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Safe and Secure.

I don't know about you guys but I like to feel at safety. It feels comfortable and I feel happy. 

Three Questions:

1. Where is safety found?

2. Who can bring us that safety and comfort?

3. What can we do to obtain that safety and assurance that all will be okay?

Three Answers:

1. Wherever you're in a comfortable place where you feel at peace.

2. Parents, Family, Close Friends

3. Do what you feel is right.

The only security (in life) is to be where we ought to be, doing what we ought to be doing.

"Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair. That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.”" - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"“Whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived” 15 —and in the last days neither your heart nor your faith will fail you." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"That will be true when we face the storms of life and the prospect of death. A loving Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son have given us all the help They can to pass the test of life set before us. But we must decide to obey and then do it. We build the faith to pass the tests of obedience over time and through our daily choices. We can decide now to do quickly whatever God asks of us. And we can decide to be steady in the small tests of obedience which build the faith to carry us through the great tests, which will surely come." President Henry B. Eyring




Now lets look at these questions from a Latter Day Saint's perspective.

Three Questions:

1. Where is true safety found?

2. Who can bring us that true safety and comfort that we need to get through this life?

3. What can we do to obtain that true safety and assurance that all will be okay in the future?

Three Answers:

1. Through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

2. Jesus Christ and the leaders of our Church today.

3. We can pray to our Heavenly Father. We can study our scriptures. We can lean on our Savior for the comfort that we desire.

I would hope that we all Come unto Him. I love these two above videos. They show how you can come from any background, and find the peace and comfort through Jesus Christ. There are priesthood blessings that we can ask for that will provide further assurance that all will be okay. There is power and safety in doing the things that the Lord would have us do. He sets rules for us so we can grow closer to Him and be eternally happy. I love youa ll and I love the Book of Mormon. The blessings it brings into my life is beyond amazing. I know for a surety that this Church has the fulness of the Gospel. The blessings are laid out for you. All you have to do is have faith as little as a mustardseed. I know that our Father in Heaven is leading this Church. And I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Priesthood Duties! Father's Day Talk

So today I had the pleasure and great opportunity of speaking in Church! There were technical difficulties so here it is in text! Please read! I hope you enjoy and feel the Spirit! :)


I don’t have a list of the Priesthood duties to read off, but they are featured in the words that I will speak to you today.

Hales – Oct. 1995 GC
“Can you imagine how dark and empty mortality would be if there were no priesthood? If the power of the priesthood were not upon the earth, the adversary would have freedom to roam and reign without restraint. There would be no gift of the Holy Ghost to direct and enlighten us; no prophets to speak in the name of the Lord; no temples where we could make sacred, eternal covenants; no authority to bless or baptize, to heal or comfort. Without the power of the priesthood, “the whole earth would be utterly wasted” (see D&C 2:1–3; D&C 2:1–3). There would be no light, no hope—only darkness.”

2 Nephi 26:33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he ainviteth them ball to ccome unto him and partake of his goodness; and he ddenieth none that come unto him, black and white, ebond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the fheathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.

In Hales talk: The Journey of a Child’s Opportunities to be blessed through the Priesthood.

“As a newborn, the baby is tenderly cradled in loving hands as the father, grandfather, bishop, or another priesthood holder pronounces a name and a sacred blessing upon the child as the Holy Spirit inspires. Soon that child begins to attend Primary and Sunday School and receives lessons and instructions at the hands of faithful teachers—men and women who have been called and set apart by priesthood power to teach the ways of the Lord.
When the child reaches eight years of age, the age of accountability, he or she is immersed in the waters of baptism by one who holds the priesthood. The young boy or girl is then confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by one holding the holy Melchizedek Priesthood. In this ordinance, the child is given the gift of the Holy Ghost, which, if he or she listens to the still, small voice, will help him or her to stay on the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life.
Every Sunday, the growing child, together with other worthy Saints, receives the sacrament at the hands of priesthood bearers—the bread representing the body of Christ, and the water representing his blood that was shed to atone for our sins. As the young man or young woman continues to mature, he or she may seek spiritual counsel and guidance from the bishop and other youth leaders. Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women leaders are men and women who have been called and set apart by priesthood authority to lead and inspire youth in the Church.
When additional counsel or comfort is needed, or during times of illness, the young man or woman may receive a priesthood blessing from a father, home teacher, bishop, or other priesthood holder. A patriarchal blessing—given through an ordained patriarch—contains words inspired by God to His sons and daughters, serving as a guide and comfort for a lifetime and even with eternal significance.
If found worthy, a young man receives the Aaronic Priesthood—the preparatory priesthood—and, as he matures, is ordained as a deacon, then as a teacher, and finally as a priest. Later, he may qualify to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and be ordained to the office of elder. The young woman becomes a member of the Young Women organization and later of the Relief Society. All of these experiences give the young man or woman many opportunities to learn and serve—and to enjoy a brotherhood or a sisterhood that is more precious than typical friendships in the world.
The young man or young woman may be set apart as a full-time missionary and serve under the priesthood direction of a mission president, sharing a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ with all who will listen.
The greatest of priesthood blessings available to this young man or woman are found in the temple. There, they get a glimpse of heaven. In that holy place, although they are in the world, they are not of the world. In the temple, they see themselves as the offspring of royalty—as a son or a daughter of God. The joys of eternity, which can seem so distant outside the temple, suddenly seem within reach.”
As this righteous man or woman establishes a home with his or her eternal companion, they continue to enjoy blessings of the priesthood. Revelation from God is made known to them throughout their lives as they listen to and follow counsel of living prophets, seers, and revelators. The husband dedicates the family’s home “as a sanctuary … where family members can worship, find safety from the world, grow spiritually, and prepare for eternal family relationships” (Lay Hold upon the Word of God, Melchizedek Priesthood personal study guide 1, 1988, p. 155).”
3/7 below. Tips -> “Father’s Forever”
Model Manhood for Sons
“Fathers, you are the primary model of manhood for your sons. You are their most meaningful mentor, and believe it or not, you are their hero in countless ways. Your words and your example are a great influence on them. … Listen to them, and connect with them in regular, focused conversation. Talk with them in depth about their feelings and desires. Pray with them, and give them blessings as they face the important decisions in their future” (M. Russell Ballard, “Fathers and Sons, a Remarkable Relationship,” Oct. 2009 general conference). 
Build Relationship with Children
“As a father, I wonder if I and all other fathers could do more to build a sweeter, stronger relationship with our sons and daughters here on earth. Dads, is it too bold to hope that our children might have some small portion of the feeling for us that the Divine Son felt for His Father? Might we earn more of that love by trying to be more of what God was to His child?” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Hands of the Fathers,” Apr. 1999 general conference).
Testify of the Savior
“I make a special appeal to fathers: Please be an important part of talking to your children about the Savior. They need the confirming expressions of your faith, along with those of their mother.
“If a child is not listening, don’t despair. Time and truth are on your side. At the right moment, your words will return as if from heaven itself. Your testimony will never leave your children” (Neil L. Andersen, “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” Apr. 2010 general conference.
Story: Dean Burgess (Apr. 2008) “Do You Know Who You Are?”
“One Sunday following one of those warm and long sacrament meetings, the first counselor in our bishopric called me aside to talk to me. This unscheduled priesthood interview became a blessing in my life as I have pondered the question he asked during our brief but significant visit. Brother Bateman looked me in the eye and asked, “Dean, do you know who you are?” There was complete silence, and then he gave me a quick and powerful reminder, “You are the son of Reid Burgess.”
The meaning and significance of that question has burned in my heart for a long time, and I often reflected on it throughout my teenage years. This good brother’s question—“Do you know who you are?”—has given me inspired direction throughout my life and a commitment to bring respect and honor to my family and to the priesthood.
“Do you know who you are?”
Knowing who you are makes you spiritually strong, sound, and steadfast in your priesthood duties. You become confident with faith and determination to make right decisions. You have courage to stand up for what you know is right.”


EVERYONE’S DUTY: The Lord has declared that missionary work is the responsibility of all who follow Him (see Matthew 28:19–20; D&C 88:81). Members of the Lord's Church can, by the goodness of their lives and the strength of their testimonies, share the gospel message and help prepare family members, friends, and other acquaintances who are not Latter-day Saints to be taught by the full-time missionaries.

We Are All Enlisted:

“We are all enlisted till the conflict is o’er;
Happy are we! Happy are we!
Soldiers in the army, there’s a bright crown in store;
We shall win and wear it by and by.
Haste to the battle, quick to the field;
Truth is our helmet, buckler, and shield.
Stand by our colors; proudly they wave!
We’re joyfully, joyfully marching to our home.”

I know that this Church is true and through the worthy obedience to the duties laid out before us that every member will enjoy the blessings that come with it. I love this Church and this Gospel. And I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Sunday, June 9, 2013

My Priesthood Lesson: Quorums/Conversion/Missionary Work

I gave a lesson in Priesthood today. And with this new curriculum I had to prepare a lot more than usual. I hope you enjoy it! There might be some things that make no sense....which were just  personal notes for me. But I think most of it was taken out. So...here we go! 

What is the purpose of friends?

How does it feel to be supported and uplifted by others? Example?

How can you do that(uplift and support others)?

A quorum is a group of brethren that help and assist each other to stay on the path back to our Heavenly Father. We all need people in our lives to help us to choose the right and feel wanted.

There is something about being a part of a quorum. Quorums are set up for us to succeed.
 "You belong to a priesthood quorum of young men, where you can feel the brotherhood and friendship of other priesthood holders. The quorum is a protection for you against worldly influences. You are able to serve one another and participate in the ordinances of the priesthood. In your quorums you are also taught the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which help you understand who you are. Young men, honor the priesthood of God. (2008 April General Conference, Do You Know Who You Are?, Priesthood Session - Dean R. Burgess)
"Belonging to a Quorum" quotes

"I now belonged to a quorum of the Aaronic Priesthood. The members of my quorum became very best friends. That friendship and quorum brotherhood continued to grow through my youth as we learned and served together in our priesthood duties. We were all good friends and experienced a fun and enjoyable time being together in our quorum activities." (2008 April General Conference, Do You Know Who You Are?, Priesthood Session - Dean R. Burgess)

"Of the many places you are needed, one of the very most important is your priesthood quorum. We need quorums that provide spiritual nourishment to members on Sunday and that also serve. We need leaders of quorums who focus on doing the Lord’s work and on supporting quorum members and their families." (2012 October General Conference, Brethren, We Have Work to Do, Priesthood Session - By  D. Todd Christofferson)

"Years ago President Gordon B. Hinckley expressed something of a vision regarding quorums in the priesthood. He said: “It will be a marvelous day, my brethren—it will be a day of fulfillment of the purposes of the Lord—when our priesthood quorums become an anchor of strength to every man belonging thereto, when each such man may appropriately be able to say, ‘I am a member of a priesthood quorum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I stand ready to assist my brethren in all of their needs, as I am confident they stand ready to assist me in mine. Working together, we shall grow spiritually as covenant sons of God. Working together, we can stand, without embarrassment and without fear, against every wind of adversity that might blow, be it economic, social, or spiritual.’”

This is how we become a closer unit!!! Discussion of The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings people closer, and does not leave out, or decline others from the blessings we can receive from staying true to the Church.

"“You teenagers, embrace your new curriculum and teach one another the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Now is your time to prepare to teach others about the goodness of God.” (May 2013 New Era, Words to Live By)

"The fraternity of priesthood quorums can indeed be awesome. When I became a member of a Quorum of the Seventy, I assumed that I might be accepted by my brethren in the course of time if I were able to prove myself worthy of their association. I hoped someday to measure up and be approved. I was surprised to find myself immediately welcomed and from the outset treated as a brother, as an equal by men much more talented and accomplished than I. I have been supported and encouraged, loved and tutored in my quorum from my very first day of membership in it. Consequently, I feel a deep desire to contribute to the work of the quorum and to assist my brethren as much as I can." Todd Christopherson

"We must not delay or wait longer for this great day of fulfillment. Each of you who has received an ordination in the priesthood belongs to a quorum. If you live in a place where there are not enough brethren to form a quorum, you are a member of a priesthood group that will become a quorum. Resolve now to do all within your power to make of your priesthood quorum one worthy of the name and one faithful to its mission. Study with your brethren in the quorum class. Stand with them in the quorum fraternity. Work with them in quorum service. D. Todd Christofferson)

The church is organized for our success. We are all imperfect. That is why we have the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We can always lean on Him. We can be forgiven of our sins and get back on the path we need to be on! I can't think of anything greater than that. 

"We Are Brothers"




BD: "Conversion. Denotes changing one’s views, in a conscious acceptance of the will of God (Acts 3:19). If followed by continued faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism in water for the remission of sins, and the reception of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, conversion will become complete, and will change a natural man into a sanctified, born again, purified person—a new creature in Christ Jesus" (see 2 Cor. 5:17). (Bible Dictionary, Conversion)

"Committed Quotes"

"And so, brethren, the cry goes out: Gird for the battle. Take off the apparel of the world and clothe yourselves in the armor of righteousness. Let the priesthood authority you now hold become a powerful influence for good in your homes, in your wards and quorums, in your communities, and in your countries. Power in the priesthood is a product of righteousness; it is not an unearned gift." (1980 October General Conference, Purify Our Minds and Spirits, Priesthood Session)

"The Lord wants the members of His Church to be fully converted to His gospel. This is the only sure way to have spiritual safety now and happiness forever" Donald L. Hallstrom

"You can do it, my young brethren. You can become the men of righteousness and stature that your dreams and ambitions hold up before you. To accomplish this objective, you need to make some important decisions now, early in your life. This is the time to decide to decide!"(1980 October General Conference, Decide to Decide, Sun. Afternoon Session)

"When our lives are consistent with his gospel, we receive confidence through his Spirit to meet the challenges of each day. We can say with Nephi: “The Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him. … Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.” (1 Ne. 7:12.) (1980 October General Conference, Decide to Decide, Sun. Afternoon Session)

“As you love His children, Heavenly Father will guide you, and angels will assist you. You will be given power to bless lives and rescue souls. …
“Perhaps most important, you minister as you assist your father in his duties as the spiritual leader in your home. Give your full support and encouragement to family home evening, family prayer, and family scripture study. Do your part to ensure that the Spirit is present in your home. This will strengthen your father in his role and prepare you to be a father someday. If you do not have a father in your home, your responsibility to minister to your family is even more needed.”
“You don’t have to be a star athlete to minister to others. You received the power, the authority, and the sacred duty to minister the moment you were ordained to the priesthood. President James E. Faust taught, ‘Priesthood is the authority delegated to man to minister in the name of God’ [“Message to My Grandsons,” Ensign, May 2007, 54; emphasis added]. The Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels [see D&C 13:1]. (May 2013 New Era, For Young Men)

D&C 20:46, 58-59

"I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19. I am not suggesting that all young men will—or should—serve at this earlier age. Rather, based on individual circumstances as well as upon a determination by priesthood leaders, this option is now available. (2012 October General Conference, Welcome to Conference, Sat. Morning Session - By  Thomas S. Monson)

There are great blessings in store if we are willing to be fully committed to the work. Our missions are soon upon us. With the new missionary age....most of us sitting here could leave in two years. 730 days. And that requires work. Missions are hard, long, but worth it. I don't completely understand the blessings but I'm sure they are outstanding.

D&C 84:26 - duty of Aaronic Priesthood, What is the preparatory gospel?
leads to 1 Nephi 10:8- Focus on Prepare Ye the way of The Lord.
 *Fulfilling your Duty to God*


“As surely as the Lord has inspired more missionaries to serve, He is also awakening the minds and opening the hearts of more good and honest people to receive His missionaries. You already know them or will know them. They are in your family and live in your neighborhood. They walk past you on the street, sit by you in school, and connect with you online. You too are an important part of this unfolding miracle.” Andersen

"No missionary can be unrepentant...and then expect to challenge others to repent. The Spirit will not be with you....You cannot travel down forbidden paths and expect to guide others to the strait and narrow one." Holland
Helaman 4:24 - The Spirit doth not dwell in unholy temples.
Luke 7:14
When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:32)

"Ye Elders of Israel"
"1. Ye elders of Israel, come join now with me
And seek out the righteous, where’er they may be—
In desert, on mountain, on land, or on sea—
And bring them to Zion, the pure and the free.
[Chorus]
O Babylon, O Babylon, we bid thee farewell;
We’re going to the mountains of Ephraim to dwell.
2. The harvest is great, and the lab’rers are few;
But if we’re united, we all things can do.
We’ll gather the wheat from the midst of the tares
And bring them from bondage, from sorrows and snares.
3. We’ll go to the poor, like our Captain of old,
And visit the weary, the hungry, and cold;
We’ll cheer up their hearts with the news that he bore
And point them to Zion and life evermore. (Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 319. Ye Elders of Israel)

I know that this Gospel is true and that as we prepare each other for our missions through this new curriculum and this special bond we have together as brethren in the priesthood that we will come closer together and unto Our Father in Heaven who loves us dearly. I hope that every single one of my quorum members will stay true to this Gospel. It brings so many blessings into your life. Don't ignore opportunities to be spiritually lifted and strengthened. It gets me through hard days knowing that I get to see all of you on Sunday. And I hope that it is the same for you. And I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.