- My dear brethren of the priesthood, though we are from many nations, we are, as Paul said, of "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." But the strength of the faith within each of us is developed individually, not as a group.
- All men called to positions of priesthood responsibility are chosen because of who they are and who they can become.
- To bear the priesthood means you have a personal responsibility to magnify your calling. Let each opportunity to serve help to develop your power in the priesthood. In your personal grooming, follow the example of the living prophets. Doing so gives silent expression that you truly comprehend the importance of "the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God."
- A husband's foremost priority should be the care of his wife. Be true to her.
- Can a 16-year-old priest be "wise"? The scriptures give us a resounding yes!
- If a 16-year-old Mormon could be the commanding officer of a large military army, and if Jeremiah as a child could have the words put in his mouth by the Almighty God, and if Timothy could be wise as he was, then each young man within the sound of my voice can rise to the challenge of his quorum responsibilities.
- We need young men to stand up in their calling, knowing of their ordained right to act in the office to which they are appointed.
- It is expected that worthy holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood will use the power delegated to them to bless others, starting with their own families. One of the great inheritances of the Restoration is that a father ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood has the right to bless his wife and children when prompted and when a blessing is desired by them.
- In many ways each of us is the sum total of what our ancestors were. The virtues they had may be our virtues, their strengths our strengths, and in a way their challenges could be our challenges. Some of their traits may be our traits.
- Each of us has a fascinating family history. Finding your ancestors can be one of the most interesting puzzles you young men can work on.
- "If you don't know where to start, start with yourself.
- Searching for our kindred dead isn't just a hobby. It is a fundamental responsibility for all members of the Church. We believe that life continues after death and that all will be resurrected. We believe that families may continue in the next life if they have kept the special covenants made in one of the sacred temples under the authority of God. We believe that our deceased ancestors can also be eternally united with their families when we make covenants in their behalf in the temples. Our deceased forebears may accept these covenants, if they choose to do so, in the spirit world.
- "Who among us wants to throw stones at their own ancestors? I, for one, am intrigued by their battles--their victories as well as their defeats. ... I am fascinated by what may seem the most commonplace of lives; because I have come to realize the excitement that is concealed in the commonplace."
- "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you."
- "The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place nor fulfill its essential functions.
- "(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)"
- Your goodness must be as an ensign to your people.
- You must be their counselor, their comforter, their anchor and strength in times of sorrow and trouble. You must be strong with that strength which comes from the Lord. You must be wise with that wisdom which comes from the Lord. Your door must be open to hear their cries and your back strong to carry their burdens, your heart sensitive to judge their needs, your godly love broad enough and strong enough to encompass even the wrongdoer and the critic. You must be a man of patience, willing to listen and striving to understand. You are the only one to whom some can turn. You must be there when every other source has failed.
- I know that the work is hard at times. There are never enough hours to get it done. The calls are numerous and frequent. You have other things to do. That is true. You must not rob your employer of the time and energy that are rightfully his. You must not rob your family of time which belongs to them. But as most of you have come to know, as you seek for divine guidance, you are blessed with wisdom beyond your own and strength and capacity you did not know you had. It is possible to budget your time so that you neglect neither your employer, your family, nor your flock.
- Heavy as the load may be, you know this is the sweetest, the most rewarding, the most important thing you have ever done outside the walls of your own home.
- We do not expect the impossible from you. We ask that you do the very best you can. Delegate to others every aspect of the work that you legitimately can. And then leave matters in the hands of the Lord.
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!
-Sarnic Dirchi
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