October 2001 General Conference Priesthood Session

In case you haven't had enough of conference related posts.... ;)
Here's another set! Only, from the past. I always like when this happens, its fun to see if any topics from the yester years have been touched upon again in this recent conference. :)

Robert D. Hales -Fulfilling Our Duty to God

• We live in a very difficult era in the history of the world, when Satan is going to and fro on the earth among the children of God, doing all manner of evil to thwart the desires of a righteous God. The scriptures teach s that Satan's evil designs upon the peoples of the earth will intensify as the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ draws near at hand.
• The choices you make today will directly influence the number and kinds of opportunities you will have in the future. Each daily decision will either limit or broaden your opportunities.
• "I have said these things unto you that I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God."

O. Samuelson Jr. -Our Duty to God

• God will not forsake you if you will walk in His paths with the guidance of His commandments."
• You must remember that your duty to God is very clearly linked to your duties to your own family members, particularly your parents.

Steven E. Snow -Gratitude

• Isn't it ironic, brethren, that we will often travel many miles to see the wonders of nature or the creations of man, but yet ignore the beauty in our own backyard?
• It is human nature, I suppose, to seek elsewhere for our happiness. Pursuit of career goals, wealth, and material rewards can cloud our perspective and often leads to a lack of appreciation for the bounteous blessings of our present circumstances.
• "The greater wealth is contentment with a little."
• We should constantly strive to increase our gratitude.
• "The spirit of gratitude is always pleasant and satisfying because it carries with it a sense of helpfulness to others; it begets love and friendship, and engenders divine influence. Gratitude is said to be the memory of the heart."

Keith K. Hilbig -Create or Continue Priesthood Links

• The Lord has long intended you to be a creator or a continuer of the chain of faithful bearers in your priesthood family. It was your faith and wise exercise of free agency--in the premortal existence and here in mortality--which permitted you to receive the "holy calling' of the priesthood.
• Providing priesthood service to others is not dependent upon a particular title or specific calling or formal position in the kingdom. Rather the opportunity arises from and is inherent within the fact that one has received the priesthood of God.
• "In the service of the Lord, it is not where you serve but how."

James E. Faust -"Some Great Thing"

• We do not prove our love for the Savior only by doing "some great thing."
• We show our love for the Savior by doing the many small acts of faith, devotion, and kindness to others that define our character.
• May we all be faithful in doing the day-to-day, ordinary things that prove our worthiness, for they will lead us to and qualify us for great things.

Thomas S. Monson -Duty Calls

• "If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty."
• The desire to help another, the quest for the lost sheep, may not always yield success at once. On occasion, progress is slow--even indiscernible.
• "Do your duty, that is best. Leave unto the Lord the rest."

Gordon B. Hinckley -Reaching Down to Lift Another

• You comprise the legions of the Lord, men ready to do battle with the adversary of truth, men willing to stand up and be counted, men who carry testimonies of the truth, men who have sacrificed and given much for this great cause.
• Any man who is a tyrant in his own home is unworthy of the priesthood. He cannot be a fit instrument in the hands of the Lord when he does not show respect and kindness and love toward the companion of his choice.
• Likewise, any man who is a bad example for his children, who cannot control his temper, or who is involved in dishonest or immoral practices will find the power of his priesthood nullified.
• Brethren, we need to care for one another more diligently. We need to make a little more effort to assist those who are down at the bottom of the ladder. We need to give encouragement and a lifting hand to men and women of faith and integrity and ability, who can climb that ladder with a little help.

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi