Today's Lesson

(Let's pretend I posted this yesterday)

I teach the 16-18 year old girls on Sundays, twice a month. That is my calling within the church at the moment. It has given me much perspective. And I enjoy studying the lessons and trying to see how a 16-18 year old girl might actually hear all the words I have to throw at them. They hear so much noise during the week, and I'm afraid the bad noise is louder. But, nothing can pierce the heart greater than the Holy Ghost so I feel much more responsibility when it comes to making sure I'm able to have the spirit with me in my life so that I can be guided to know what the Lord would have them hear.

This month has been on the Priesthood and the Priesthood Keys.

Of course that seems ironic to me, but regardless of what's being said in current controversy or the fact that this is the 4th religious post in a row all closely related to the same topic, we can still teach truth and apply it to our lives. I wanted to share a few things I read while preparing for today's lesson. 

I love this quote from Elder Ballard (April 2014 New Era)

" Because we would live in a mortal environment filled with danger and distractions, Heavenly Father and His Son knew we would need access to power greater than our own. They knew we would need access to Their power. The gospel and doctrine of Christ give all who will accept it power to achieve eternal life and power to find joy in the journey."

He goes on to say . . .

"Most everyone has family or friends who have been caught up in various troubling social issues. Arguing about the issues generally does not bring any resolution and, in fact, can create contention. There are some questions about the Church’s position on sensitive issues that are hard to answer to anyone’s satisfaction. However, when we seek the Lord in prayer about how to feel and what to do in these situations, the impression comes: “Do you believe in Jesus Christ and do you follow Him and the Father?” […] Our testimonies and our peace of mind and our well-being begin with the willingness to believe that our Father in Heaven does indeed know best."

Sister Sheri L. Dew, who served as a counselor in the general Relief Society presidency, echoed these teachings: 

“Sisters, some will try to persuade you that because you are not ordained to the priesthood, you have been shortchanged. They are simply wrong, and they do not understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. The blessings of the priesthood are available to every righteous man and woman. We may all receive the Holy Ghost, obtain personal revelation, and be endowed in the temple, from which we emerge ‘armed’ with power. The power of the priesthood heals, protects, and inoculates all of the righteous against the powers of darkness. Most significantly, the fulness of the priesthood contained in the highest ordinances of the house of the Lord can be received only by a man and woman together.”

My favorite quote from this lesson:  

President Hinckley declared to women that “our Eternal Father … never intended that you should be less than the crowning glory of His creations.”

This doesn't fit directly in with the lesson, but with everything we want to understand truth for ourselves and I liked the insight of Elder Scott who stated:

"When He answers yes, it is to give us confidence.

When He answers no, it is to prevent error.

When He withholds an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His commandments, and a willingness to act on truth. We are expected to assume accountability by acting on a decision that is consistent with His teachings without prior confirmation. We are not to sit passively waiting or to murmur because the Lord has not spoken. We are to act.”