Dallin turned 12 last Tuesday, but we had a family party today (Sunday) to attend his priesthood ordination and to enjoy a meal at his house after church.
It was a great day!
This was our first grandson to receive the priesthood. It will be a long time before we experience this again because Cooper, our next grandson, is only 5.
We took a few quiet(ish) moments and reviewed statements about the priesthood in Handbook 2: Administering the Church. I love this book! Fortunately it's available to everyone online.
Here are a few ideas we shared from the handbook.
What is the priesthood?
The priesthood is the power and authority of God. It has always existed and will continue to exist without end (see Alma 13:7–8; D&C 84:17–18). Through the priesthood, God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power, He exalts His obedient children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39; see also D&C 84:35–38).
In mortality, the priesthood is the power and authority that God gives to man to act in all things necessary for the salvation of God’s children. The blessings of the priesthood are available to all who receive the gospel.
What are priesthood keys?
Priesthood keys are the authority God has given to priesthood leaders to direct, control, and govern the use of His priesthood on earth. The exercise of priesthood authority is governed by those who hold its keys (see D&C 65:2; 81:2; 124:123). Those who hold priesthood keys have the right to preside over and direct the Church within a jurisdiction.
How do you magnify the priesthood?
Priesthood holders magnify their callings as they minister in their own homes and to other Saints and as they conscientiously fulfill assigned responsibilities. The Lord counseled, “Let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence” (D&C 107:99). Priesthood holders magnify their callings as they serve with diligence, teach with faith and testimony, and lift, strengthen, and nurture convictions of righteousness in the lives of those for whom they have responsibility.
How can I learn more about the priesthood?
Important scripture passages on the priesthood for leaders to study include Alma 13and Doctrine and Covenants 13, 20, 84, 107, 121, and 124. (President Uchtdorf suggested reading most of these sections in his recent priesthood talk "Your Potential, Your Privilege").
Food and Fun too
We had a little birthday party after church. I made a family entertaining standard - mini chocolate cheesecakes (recipe here).
Dallin liked his present - a Stomp Rocket
that is me
ReplyDelete