October 2012 General Conference -Priesthood Session

D. Todd Christofferson -Brethren, We Have Work to Do

• It's been an almost universal rule of civilization that whereas girls became women simply by reaching physical maturity, boys had to pass a test. They need to demonstrate courage, physical prowess, or mastery of the necessary skills. The goal was to prove their competence as protectors of women and children; this was always their primary social role. Today, however, with women moving ahead in an advanced economy, provider husbands and fathers are now optional, and the character qualities men had needed to play their role--fortitude, stoicism, courage, fidelity--are obsolete and even a little embarrassing.
• In their zeal to promote opportunity for women, something we applaud, there are those who denigrate men and their contributions. They seem to think of life as a competition between male and female-that one must dominate the other, and now it's the women's turn. Some argue that a career is everything and marriage and children should be entirely optional--therefore, why do we need men? In too many Hollywood films, TV and cable shows, and even commercials, men are portrayed as incompetent, immature, or self-absorbed. This cultural emasculation of males is having a damaging effect.
• Some men and young men have taken the negative signals as an excuse to avoid responsibility and never really grow up.
• We must be men that women can trust, that children can trust, and that God can trust. In the Church and kingdom of God in these latter days, we cannot afford to have boys and men who are drifting. We cannot afford young men who lack self-discipline and live only to be entertained. We cannot afford young adult men who are going nowhere in life, who are not serious about forming families and making a real contribution in this world. We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home. We cannot afford to have those who exercise the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God, waste their strength in pornography or spend their lives in cyberspace (ironically being of the world while not being in the world.)
• In whatever you choose, it is essential that you become proficient so that you can support a family and make a contribution for good in your community and your country.
• "Be strong and of a good courage." Take heart and prepare the best you can, whatever your circumstances.
• The Church cannot hope to save a man on Sunday if during the week it is a complacent witness to the crucifixion of his soul.

Gary E. Stevenson -Be Valiant in Courage, Strength, and Activity

• "And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all--they were men who were true at all times. "
• Digital peer pressure moves beyond a child's friends and the kids they hang out with. It invades the home and a child's bedroom via the Internet. The demonstration of righteous courage will often be as subtle as to click or not to click.
• "What you choose to think and do when you are alone and you believe no one is watching is a strong measure of your virtue."
• "One young boy on the school ground can wield a mighty influence for good. One young man on the football team, or the campus, or among his fellow workers can, by living the gospel, honoring his priesthood, and take a stand for the right, do untold good. Often you will experience much criticism and ridicule even by those who believe as you do, even though they may respect you for doing right. But remember that the Savior himself was tormented, ridiculed, spat upon, and finally crucified because he would not waver in his conviction. Have you ever stopped to think what would have happened had he weakened and said, 'Oh, what's the use?' and abandoned his mission? Do we want to be quitters, or do we want to be valiant servants in spite of all the opposition and evil in the world? Let us have the courage to stand up and be counted as true, devoted followers of Christ.
• Remember, what you do, where you go, and what you see will shape who you become.
• "To make [decisions] wisely, courage is needed--the courage to say no, the courage to say yes.
• "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to victory!"

Anthony D. Perkins -Beware Concerning Yourselves

• While ascending the priesthood path, any boy or man can be dragged down if he fails to beware.
• Family members should hear blessings from our mouths, not cursing's.
• If our soul is drifting to the edge of a spiritual cliff, stop now before you fall and steer back on course. If you feel your soul is wrecked at the bottom of a canyon rather than high on the priesthood path because you neglected "beware" signs and sinned, I testify that through sincere repentance and the power of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice, you can be lifted up and restored to God's heavenly highway.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf -The Joy of the Priesthood

• Yes, there is always something imperfect in any situation. Yes, it is easy to find things to complain about.
• The priesthood, or any responsibility within it, cannot be purchased or commanded. The use of priesthood power cannot be influenced, swayed, or compelled by position, by wealth, or by influence. It is a spiritual power that operates on heavenly law. It originates in the great Heavenly Father of us all. Its power can be controlled and directed only through principles of righteousness, not self-righteousness.
• The priesthood of Almighty God is available to worthy men wherever they may be--no matter their ancestry, no matter how humble their circumstances, in the nearest or farthest reaches of the globe. It is available without money or any worldly price. To paraphrase the ancient prophet Isaiah, everyone who is thirsty can come to the waters, and no money is required to come and eat!

Henry B. Eyring- Help Them Aim High

• Each was an individual, and therefore, the Lord would have given them specific gifts for each to use in His service.
• every person is different and has a different contribution to make. No one is destined to fail.
• That can happen for the young man you are leading. You need to build his faith that the Lord can transform him into a servant braver than the timid boy you now see.
• Those you lead may not have a family in the Church, but I challenge you to help them feel and want the love of family on both sides of the veil.
• God knows our gifts. My challenge to you and to me is to pray to know the gifts we have been given, to know how to develop them, and to recognize the opportunities to serve others that God provides us. But most of all, I pray that you will be inspired to help others discover their special gifts from God to serve.

Thomas S. Monson -See Others as They May Become

• There is absolutely nothing in this world that will provide more comfort and happiness than a testimony of the truth.
• A woman needs to be told she is beautiful. She needs to be told she is valued. She needs to be told she is worthwhile.
• Brethren, I know that men are very much like women in this regard. WE need to be told that we amount to something, that we are capable and worthwhile. We need to be given a chance to serve.
• Sometimes letting our brethren know they are needed and valued can help them take that step into commitment and full activity. This can be true of priesthood holders regardless of age. It is our responsibility to give them opportunities to live as they should. We can help them to overcome their shortcomings. We must develop the capacity to see men not as they are at present but as they may become when they receive testimonies of the gospel of Christ.
• Again, we have the responsibility to see individuals not as they are but rather as they can become. I would plead with you to think of them in this way.
• Courage is the word we need to hear and hold near our hearts--courage to turn our backs on temptation, courage to lift up our voices in testimony to all whom we meet, remembering that everyone must have an opportunity to hear the message. It is not an easy thing for most to do this. But we can come to believe in the words of Paul to Timothy: "For God hat not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord."
• "The kind of men we want as bearers of this gospel message are men who have faith in God; men who have faith in their religion; men who honor their priesthood; ... men full of the Holy Ghost and the power of God ... men of honor, integrity, virtue and purity."

Until you next see these words;

I'll be watching the leaves.

Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi