April 2012 General Conference -Priesthood Session

David A. Bednar -The Powers of Heaven

• The priesthood is the authority of God delegated to men on the earth to act in all things for the salvation of mankind.
• Priesthood is the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls.
• There can be no true Church without divine authority.
• Ordinary men are given the authority of the priesthood. Worthiness and willingness--not experience, expertise, or education--are the qualifications for priesthood ordination.
• The priesthood is inherently active rather than passive.
• "It is not enough to receive the priesthood and then sit back passively and wait until someone prods us into activity. When we receive the priesthood, we have the obligation of becoming actively and anxiously engaged in promoting the cause of righteousness in the earth.
• "One breaks the priesthood covenant by transgressing commandments--but also by leaving undone his duties. Accordingly, to break this covenant one needs only to do nothing."
• Men who bear God's holy priesthood should be different from other men. Men who hold the priesthood are not inherently better than other men, but they should act differently.

Richard G. Edgley -The Rescue for Real Growth

• "Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee."

Adrian Ochoa -Aaronic Priesthood: Arise and Use the Power of God

• You know that you are at your best when you are in the service of God. You know that you are happiest when you are anxiously engaged in a good work. Magnify the power of your priesthood by being clean and being worthy.
• For a stronger and more devoted voice, a voice not only against evil ..., but a voice for good, a voice for the gospel, a voice for God.
• In this war, the best way to defend against evil is to actively promote righteousness.
• Underestimate the far-reaching influence of your testimony. ... You have the capacity to notice the unnoticed. When you have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel, you can out and rescue others.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf -The Why of Priesthood Service

• The basic gospel principles need to be part of our life's fabric, even if it means learning them over and over again. That doesn't mean that this process should be rote or boring. Rather, when we teach the foundational principles in our homes or in church, let the flame of enthusiasm for the gospel and the fire of testimony bring light, warmth, and joy to the hearts of those we teach.
• The what of priesthood service teaches us what to do. The why inspires our souls. The what informs, but the why transforms.
• Brethren, God is faithful. Through the Holy Spirit, He will speak to our minds and hearts concerning the path we should follow during each segment of our lives.
• Let us be the ones to act and not be acted upon. Preaching is fine, but sermons that do not lead to action are like fires without heat or water that cannot quench thirst.
• "the value of an idea lies in the using of it."
• You are not alone. Your Father in Heaven cares about you and desires to bless and uphold you in righteousness.

Henry B. Eyring -Families under Covenant

• We may deceive men but we cannot deceive the Holy Ghost.
• The Holy Ghost is one who reads the thoughts and hearts of men, and gives his sealing approval to the blessing pronounced upon their heads. Then it is binding, efficacious, and of full force.
• Above all else, children need to know and feel they are loved, wanted, and appreciated. They need to be assured of that often.
• Another crucial source for that feeling of being loved is love from other children in the family. Consistent care of brothers and sisters for each other will come only with persistent effort by parents and the help of God.

Thomas S. Monson -Willing and Worthy to Serve

• "The priesthood ... is ... the power of God delegated to man by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and act legitimately; not assuming that authority, nor borrowing it from generations that are dead and gone, but authority that has been given I this day in which we live by ministering angels and spirits from above, direct from the presence of Almighty God."
• "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed in all diligence."
• Most valuable lessons we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right.
• Miracles are everywhere to be found when the priesthood is understood, its power is honored and used properly, and faith is exerted. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes.
• "Do [your] duty; that is best; leave unto [the] Lord the rest."
• "If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty?"

Until you next read these words;

I'll be watching the leaves.

Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi