The Priesthood OrganizationThere is a difference between being ordained to an office in the priesthood and receiving keys of the priesthood. President Joseph F. Smith taught:
“The Priesthood in general is the authority given to man to act for God. Every man ordained to any degree of the Priesthood has this authority delegated to him."
His TalkSome of those principles are:
• Trust in God and in His willingness to provide help when needed, no matter how challenging the circumstance.
• Obey His commandments and live to demonstrate that He can trust you.
• Be sensitive to the quiet prompting of the Spirit.
• Act courageously on that prompting.
• Be patient and understanding when God lets you struggle to grow and answers come a piece at a time over an extended period.
I also turned to Elder Bednar...I love to listen to him speak..
I think he is talking right to me..
His council on the tender mercies of God.
His Talk
I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them.
I repeat again, the Lord’s tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness and obedience enable us to receive these important gifts and, frequently, the Lord’s timing helps us to recognize them.
Faith the First Principle of the Church.
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes?
The Christlike Attribute for this week is Hope.
David A. Bednar, “More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 17–20
Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each 
other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes.
“Priesthood,” True to the Faith, (2004),124–28
The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power He redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).
John F. Cary, “Ten Tips for Terrific Talks,” Ensign, Dec. 1993, 62–63
Debbie’s turn to speak in sacrament meeting had come. As the youth speaker, she walked to the pulpit, arranged her books and papers, and literally proceeded to faint.
There are countless ways to approach a speaking assignment. Reactions like Debbie’s can be prevented if speakers will overcome most of their fear before standing up to speak. Here are some ideas to help you prepare and deliver your message better.
1. Prepare. The most important preparation comes from the Spirit, and prayer especially should have a high priority. Remember that sacrament meeting talks should center on Christ and gospel-related topics. In regular, daily prayers you can ask for help with your talk.
2. Brainstorm. Review all the ideas that have surfaced during your few days of carrying the subject around in your head. You might have jotted down story titles or descriptions, bits of quotes or scriptures you have remembered, personal experiences, examples, key questions, articles, poems, or hymns.
3. Let ideas incubate. If you have several weeks to prepare, ponder the subject for a few days. As you drive, jog, or walk, consider how your topic can be made relevant to Church members. Sift through your memory for ideas and record them, even if briefly, when they come to mind.
4. Research. Continue gathering material for your subject by using indexes, the scriptures with the Topical Guide, and the Church magazines. You can also search the indexes of priesthood and Relief Society study guides as well as other books on your shelf.
5. Expand research. Now is a good time to ask family and friends if they have any good ideas to share.
6. Sift and order. Concentrate on refining. You may have far more material than you can use in one talk, but you have probably already started to mentally sift through the ideas that appeal to you most.
List broad headings that summarize the various groups of ideas. Don’t worry about scratching out and moving ideas at this stage.
Now rearrange these headings in a logical sequence. Decide which material you won’t have time to include. Prioritize so that you don’t spend 90 percent of your allotted time approaching the subject, leaving only a few minutes to speak on the heart of the topic.
7. Prepare an outline. List a heading followed by the items or ideas that come under it. Arrange the talk so you will be able to say some things in your own words and look at the audience frequently.
8. Plan a creative beginning and end. Decide how best to interest the congregation from the start. Create readiness to listen by starting with a story, an interesting quote, or a question that will arouse curiosity.
Now look at your ending. Don’t finish with a “whimper” by not knowing exactly how you will conclude. Plan a summary of your message, perhaps linking back to your opening thought.
9. The final stage. Time yourself in a practice run. You may be inspired with new ideas or be prompted to use quotes or ideas you previously discarded.
You are now familiar with your talk. Consequently, you will be able to make eye-to-eye contact with the congregation as you speak, whether you are reading a quote or just glancing at your notes occasionally. You’ll be able to speak naturally and with expression in your voice.
10. Practice makes perfect. The more times you prepare for talks in this way, the easier it becomes. You will probably personalize the method suggested here. Don’t wait to be asked to speak, though. Simply choose a few topics and prepare some great talks you can condense onto small cards and keep in the back of your scriptures for emergencies. You’ll do a wonderful job!
***Please make sure to use something to store these in that won’t be mistaken for food items by others!! Can make you sick!!***
Windex
2 TBSP non-sudsy ammonia
1 tsp dish soap (Joy or Dawn are best)
1 pint rubbing alcohol
Few drops of blue food coloring
Combine all into a gallon jug, then fill the rest with water. Pour into sprayer as you need it.
Homemade Laundry Detergent
½ cup Arm & Hammer powdered Laundry detergent
½ cup 20 Mule Team Borax
½ cup (or 1/3 bar grated) Fels Naptha Bar Soap
In a large saucepan heat 6 cups of water. Add grated bar soap, stir until melted. Add laundry detergent and borax. Stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. In a 2 gallon bucket, add 6-½ quarts of hot water; pour soap mixture into water and stir well. Soap will jell after it sits, but it is easy to stir or shake before use.
*Makes almost 2 gallons
*One batch=68 loads
*use ½ cup per load Homemade Dishwasher Detergent 1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax 1 cup baking soda citric acid (Mix a little in to avoid cloudy or spotty dishes) Mix together well. Use 2 TBSP per load. Fill rinse dispenser with white distilled vinegar.
Bishop H. David Burton
Presiding Bishop
We need to stand tall and be firmly fixed in perpetuating Christlike virtues.
What do you think of when you think of Virtue?
Bishop Burton brought out these thoughts---
"Today I wish to speak about personal traits we call virtues. Virtuous traits form the foundation of a Christian life and are the outward manifestation of the inner man. The spelling in English of many individual virtues concludes with the letters ity: integrity, humility, charity, spirituality, accountability, civility, fidelity, and the list goes on and on. Relying on literary license, I refer to the virtues ending in ity as the “ity” virtues. “Ity” is a suffix that means quality, state, or degree of being."
President James E. Faust suggested that integrity is the mother of many virtues. He noted that integrity can be defined “as a firm adherence to a code of moral values.” He also suggested that “integrity is the light that shines from a disciplined conscience. It is the strength of duty within us”
It is difficult for a person to display virtuous traits if he or she lacks integrity. Without integrity, honesty is often forgotten. If integrity is absent, civility is impaired. If integrity is not important, spirituality is difficult to maintain.
I Loved today's lesson and your coments as well! I love this gospel and how we can be a help to each other. Satan has his helpers! I am glad that you are mine! I am going to work on the "ity" virtues!
Read Bishop Burton's Conference Talk at http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1117-24,00.html
Elder Kent D. Watson
Of the Seventy
Learning to be temperate in all things is a spiritual gift available through the Holy Ghost.
In response to the Prophet Joseph Smith’s inquiry, the Lord instructed: “And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.” “I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things.”
Likewise, a temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength. With increased spiritual strength, we are able to develop self-mastery and to live with moderation. We learn to control, or temper, our anger, vanity, and pride. With increased spiritual strength, we can protect ourselves from the dangerous excesses and destructive addictions of today’s world.
Read the whole Talk at http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1117-13,00.html
The Conference Center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was used for the first time on April 1st and 2nd during the 170th Annual General Conference. President Hinckley called it "a great new building for a great new century."
How much do you know about the Conference Center? Test your knowledge.
1. How big is the lot the Conference Center sits on?
6 acres
10 acres
12 acres
2. When was ground broken for the Conference Center?
April 6, 1997
October 2, 1997
July 24, 1997
3. How many people (not including general authorities and the Tabernacle Choir) does the Conference Center seat?
21,000
30,000
34,000
4. How many pipes does the organ in the Conference Center have?
5,000
7,667
11,322
5. What kind of wood is the pulpit in the Conference Center made of?
Cherry
Oak
Walnut
6. What motif, not appearing anywhere else in the Conference Center, was placed on the Conference Center pulpit at the request of Gordon B. Hinckley?
Beehive
Wheat
Handcart
7. How big is the meadow on the roof of the Conference Center?
2 acres
3 acres
4 acres
8. How much electrical wire was used to wire the Conference Center?
50,000 miles
Enough to circle earth twice
All of the above
9. How many parking spaces are there in the Conference Center parking structure?
13,000
19,000
21,000
10. When was the Conference Center formally dedicated?
October 2000
July 2000
December 2000
Self-reliance is a simple concept that encourages each of us to take responsibility for our own needs—physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and economic.
"We become self-reliant," explains Julie Beck, president of the Church's organization for women, "through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being."
Church leader Elder Robert D. Hales outlines ways we can become self-reliant:
As we become self-reliant, we will be prepared to face challenges with confidence and peace of mind.
a. 10 inches b. 1 inch c. 5 inches d. a foot
Answer: a. 10 inches of snow melts down to about an inch of liquid rain.
The Apostle Paul admonished, “By love serve one another.” Recall with me the familiar words of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon: “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”
The Savior taught His disciples, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”
Many years ago I heard a poem which has stayed with me, by which I have tried to guide my life. It’s one of my favorites:
I have wept in the night
Suggestions for scripture marking:
SMALL
The Standard Works should be a personal handbook of instructions. Annotations (notes you write in the margins) serve to clarify, explain, and bring attention to passages of scripture. Cross-references serve to relate passages of scripture for verification of a principle or principles. In order to allow for future marking and additions, writing should be small.
NEAT
Others may look into your Standard Works. What kind of an example will those scriptures be? Marking neatly shows consideration for valuable property. It also helps you to organize and to find things better.
SIMPLE
There are many complicated systems of marking; some use many colors and many tools. Sometimes these complicated systems take more time than they are worth and require more tools than are easy to carry. Keep your system uncomplicated and useful.
The circling (or underlining) of a word or a short phrase may make your marking more practical, more useful, than just boxing in or shading an entire verse. Your marking should indicate more than just a passage has been marked: it should also tell why it has been marked. Highlighted key words can help in doing that.
National Geographic Photographer