It is late. It had been a long wonderful day. Tonight I went to the Priesthood session with 3 of my 4 sons (1 is on mission). We then went out to dinner. A terrific night.
Since I was at the church, I had to take note the medieval way – with a pen and paper, in the dark. So bear with me as my permit for my Urim & Thumin has expired.
First thoughts:
President Uchtdorf conducted, and in true Uchtdorf style, his tie was color-coordinated with the yellow flowers in the Chia Herb Garden behind the podium.
Right out of the gate, Elder Oaks gave the de factor “End-All” speech about the Priesthood. It was masterful, direct, and inarguable. (And by inarguable, I acknowledge that some people will still argue, but it will only be in open defiance, not misunderstanding.)
He established his position by explaining the difference between Priesthood keys, and authority. The keys belong to the Savior, who delegates them to the 15 men we esteem as prophets. They, in turn delegate them to servants all the way down to our level.
Those “keys expand and limit authority,” based on what they are used for.
Authority differs from keys in that people who hold keys give Priesthood authority to those who need it to further God’s work. Then he made this crucial point:
“Women can be given binding priesthood authority in their priesthood callings.” “Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties.”
He then transitioned to the idea that people argue that they have a “right” to the Priesthood. He intensely stated that “Whoever exercises priesthood authority should forget about their rights and concentrate on their responsibilities.” Boom, Baby! (He didn’t say “Boom, Baby!” I added that part for effect.)
He then went on to talk about men and women being equal, but having different responsibilities, and burdens. He stated with great clarity the very thing that some women hate hearing: Women do not receive the Priesthood, but they have the power to create.
Sorry for the rough notes. Watch it, or read it ASAP.
Elder Donald Hallstrom gave a great talk about one of my pet peeves: The man who says “That’s just the way I am.” He talked about our responsiblity as Priesthood holders to figure out what we need to do to change, and what changes are required of us.
Brother Randall Ridd was introduced by President Uchtdorf as a member of the YW Presidency (I guess he is not infallible!) He gave a great talk – pointed mostly at the youth, but applicable to all – about the internet.
My favorite part was that he talked about how we are all writing our own Book of Life, but every time we are on the computer, someone else is creating a Digital Book of Life that tracks everywhere we go, everything we do, every click, what we watch, what we listen to. (A little creepy!)
He gave some fantastic counsel about putting our phones away and paying attention to what we are in – exploding the myth of multi-tasking. All teenagers (and most adults) need to hear this talk.
He finished by tying into the idea that we need to learn how to control our desires. It was a very modern informed discussion about the tech dangers out there and how to survive them.
President Ucthdorf told another great airplane story, and my deacon loved it. (I’m not going to retell it.)
He went on to talk about Rip Van Winkle, and asked if we are sleeping our way through the restoration. He highlighted three reasons we get sleepy:
1) Selfishness
2) Addictions
3) Competing Priorities
There is simply too much at stake to be indifferent or detached.
President Eyring spoke about his childhood heroes, starting with sports, and ending with Priesthood heroes. He highlighted three characteristics that a Priesthood hero needs: ( I flagged this to re-read ASAP.)
1) Prayer
2) Service
3) Honesty
President Monson looked and sounded healthy and spry. His main topic was about being courageous disciples. A few key phrases:
• Do the right thing because it’s right!
• Only put ourselves in places where the SPirit would be comfortable, if not, get out!
• He asked, “Brethren: Are you the same person wherever you are, whatever you are doing?”
He spent quite a bit of time about that idea –
He also made the distinction that echoed Elder Holland from this morning: “Courage, NOT compromise brings the smile of God’s approval.”
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The second that the word “amen” left President Monson’s lips, a herd of men and boys headed for the doors. I don’t want to sound judgmental, but what a bunch of rude morons.
Note: The brethren like to give us lists to help us keep track of what we are supposed to do.
I also don’t recall any talks to the youth about serving missions – weird.
Great night, looking forward to tomorrow!
I’d like to ask a favor of all Priesthood holders reading this.. My grandson if 14. He lives away from me with his mother, a member but not active, and her boyfriend and his baby half brother. He is a Deacon, but seldom gets to go to sacrament because his mother doesn’t take him regularly. He never gets to watch the Priesthood meeting because his mother doesn’t encourage it.
The next time you plan to attend the Priesthood session at your meetinghouse or watch it at home with your sons, would you invite my grandson to watch it with you. You may not know him, but you may know someone like him who really needs to socialize with Priesthood holders and hear from Church leaders but doesn’t get to. You can influence a life and make some grandmothers’ hearts so joyful.
I am thrilled that the Priesthood Session is now available to all members of the Church, of all ages and both genders.
All the Young Women who listen to the Priesthood Session henceforth can be fully informed of the Lord’s expectations of His sons. Thus those YW who hearken can be better prepared to recognize a young man headed in the right direction, who is following a plan of how he is expected (and intends) to serve. Such YW then are better prepared to be an influence for righteousness on the YM and ultimately a knowledgable and thus more capable help meet for their husbands.
I wonder how many of Our YW realized what an opportunity has been opened to them with the general broadcast of the Priesthood Session? And how many of them just said “Oh, that Session is for the boys.” and did not even listen?
I wonder how many YM realize that now all the YW who are inclined to listen may know the Standard against which YM are to be measured. It works both ways. YM now should expect YW to be aware of the standards and be actively involved in encouraging YM to be in adherence to those standards. Perceptive YM will see the sort of influence YW exert, as a yardstick for measuring the YW. Hopefully many of our YM are wise enough to listen to the Women’s Conference with the same intent.
While not a direct call to serve a mission, I felt the example of the young man whose girlfriend declared her future husband must be a faithful returned missionary, and the example of the young man whose vision of the pre-existence caused him to break off an engagement and go on a mission, along with many, many others, all combined with the same effect.
Going on a mission was the only right choice.
Maybe we’re at the point that we only want the ones who don’t have to be told it’s the right choice.
Elder Uchtdorf’s talk was about missions for those young men (and old, I guess) who were listening with ears and heart. You lose prospective missionaries because their priorities are elsewhere. I have a couple of good priests under my charge that seem so focused on things other than missions — school, friends, video gaming — that I fear greatly they will fail to engage in the work at hand, and sleepwalk themselves out of the great things they could do and become in the Lord’s service. What an inspiring and insightful talk by Pres. Uchtdof. Hope my young men had their eyes and hearts open!
Good point!
Inarguable indeed, and doctrinally forthright, though I felt a pang of sorrow at the realization that it would,sadly, not be enough for many of the disaffected.
I watched in on BYU. That’s the most understanding speech on the Priesthood I have ever heard. And I hope all of those silly women heard it.
Men & Women in God’s eye’s are equal with different responsibilities…
Awesome. Glad my son is a deacon now so I have an excuse to watch this session. I too enjoyed Bro Uchtdorf story. It was a new one to me 🙂
I loved Elder Oaks’ talk about the priesthood. It was very clear and succinct. I do not feel left out or less than because I don’t hold the priesthood. I am thankful for the portion of the keys that give me the authority to act and teach as a counselor in my Primary presidency. I am thankful for the keys my husband and son have in their callings. I am even more grateful for the authority they have to use their priesthood to bless and protect my family. All of the talks were amazing. We are blessed as sisters in the gospel to have leaders who can counsel our husbands on topics that cause them to reflect and self examine were they are and how they can continue or repair to better our families. Another fantastic session today!
Thank you for this synopsis, now I don’t feel bad that I was turned away at the conference center!
Jk 😉