Upcoming Lesson Materials


Study Materials for August 19th, 2018
Elders Quorum Discussion will be led by: Bro. Troy Walker

 Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ



Study Materials for July 15th, 2018
Elders Quorum Discussion will be led by: Bro. Troy Walker
Teaching in the Home-A Joyful and Sacred Responsibility
By Devin G. Durrant
1st Councilor in the Sunday School Presidency

 Click the link below to access the talk:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/teaching-in-the-home-a-joyful-and-sacred-responsibility?lang=eng


“As parents, we introduce our children to Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. We help our children say their first prayer. We offer guidance and support as they enter the covenant path2 through baptism. We teach them to obey God’s commandments...—we never stop being their parents. We never stop being their teachers. We are never released from these eternal callings. Today let’s contemplate a few of the wonderful opportunities we have to teach our children in our homes.” (Excerpt taken from the talk)
Possible questions to ponder in preparation for Sunday’s lesson. These questions may not be discussed in quorum however they may be worth pondering throughout your week as you prepare. 
1. What have you found to be effective teaching methods in your home?
2. Is there a difference between teaching young kids vs. teenagers vs. adults?
3. How do you help your children have more spiritual experiences?

Study Materials for July 8th, 2018
Elders Quorum Discussion will be led by: Bro. Dan Hafen

Meek and Lowly of Heart
By Elder David A. Bednar
Quorum of the 12 Apostles

Click the link below to access the talk:


"Whereas humility generally denotes dependence upon God and the constant need for His guidance and support, a distinguishing characteristic of meekness is a particular spiritual receptivity to learning both from the Holy Ghost and from people who may seem less capable, experienced, or educated, who may not hold important positions, or who otherwise may not appear to have much to contribute." -David A. Bednar (Excerpt taken from the talk)
4th Sunday Discussion Topic: “Ministering”
For May 27th, 2018 
 Discussion will be led by Bro. Mike Alder

Questions to Ponder in Preparation for our EQ Discussion...
We may not cover these question in quorum however these are reoccurring questions worth pondering.

1. How do we minister to ALL members of the family including young children?
2. How do we establish a regular routine of ministering to our families?
3. What challenges do we face as we attempt to minister and how do we overcome them?
4. What do we do when those we minister to are not readily receptive to regular visits or they make it difficult to minister to?



Study Materials For May 20th, 2018 
Elders Quorum Discussion led by Troy Walker

Dear Elders & High Priests,

This coming week’s Elders Quorum lesson topic will be on...

Small and Simple Things
First Counselor in the First Presidency
Gen Conference April 2018



Additional Resources cited by President Oaks in his talk include...


Small and Simple Things by 
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
April 1990



Devotional Talk Given at 
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
August 31, 2007
President Steven C. Wheelwright
Brigham Young University–Hawaii




A few Excerpts from the talks mentioned above:

Great and marvelous events seem to motivate us, but small things often do not hold our attention. Noting that the Liahona worked by faith, Alma stated, “Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means … [the people of Lehi] were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey.” (Alma 37:41.)


By inspiration, the prophet Mormon chose to repeatedly emphasize this message -- that there are two common patterns related to small and simple things. One is the positive pattern taught by the Lord and His prophets:

Consistent Faith -- Small Daily Miracles -- Marvelous Works

Consistent faith leads to small daily miracles and there follows marvelous works.

And the other is the negative pattern so often seen around us:

Slothfulness -- Miracles Cease -- Progress Ceases

The following excerpt was taken from Elder Ballard’s talk:

While having these tender, spiritual experiences this past month, I was sobered by how small and simple things can be negative and destructive to a person’s salvation. A series of seemingly small but incorrect choices can become those little soul-destroying termites that eat away at the foundations of our testimony until, before we are aware, we may be brought near to spiritual and moral destruction.

(Story of one of Elder Ballard’s returned missionaries)
“When I returned from my mission, I married and went to work in the construction industry. Over the next few years we had three children, and during this time I remained active in the Church. The demands of my business became much greater, and I became more determined to do whatever it would take to succeed financially. The effects of this were felt immediately at home; but with the support of an understanding wife, we felt we could endure until things ‘picked up.’”
He went on to say that because of financial strains, his wife began working. He began working long hours and neglected his family and Church duties. His demanding work schedule left him emotionally drained and physically exhausted. He became critical of others, including his family members and Church leaders.
His letter continues:
“As my debt continued to mount, the destruction of my peace and happiness increased. The love and tenderness we once knew as husband and wife had diminished to only memories. We found character flaws in each other and began to focus on them, wounding each other over the smallest incident. I began to blame everyone but myself, taking no responsibility for failures. A great feeling of hopelessness began to fill my heart, and I felt a cloud of darkness envelop me in my desperation.
“We knew our marriage could not endure under such conditions and began to talk in terms of divorce. I decided to get some financial counseling; and after reviewing my finances, it became the joke that I was worth more dead than alive, which seemed funny and rather innocent at the time. After continuing for a few more weeks, the threat of divorce as well as the very real threat of complete financial collapse seemed only a matter of time. The innocent joke of being worth more dead than alive developed into the appearance of a very real solution. I found myself alone at home, facing the crossroads of my decision. The thought came to me to reach out to the Lord one last time. Kneeling, I wept uncontrollably as I cried to the Lord for his mercy and help in my desperate hour.
“A few minutes later, word came that my mission president was in town and wanted to see me in an hour. As I sat with you, I wanted to hide my problems as I had done from everyone else. But your questions came, asking:
“‘How are you?’
“‘Fine.’
“‘How is your wife?’
“‘Doing good.’
“‘How are the children?’
“‘Great.’
“Then came the pause, and you looked into my eyes and asked, ‘How is your business?’ I began to weep as I told you my story.
“During the course of our meeting, you asked me to make you a promise: that I would read the Book of Mormon. After committing to you that I would, you blessed me, telling me to rivet myself to the gospel and to keep the commandments. I left you knowing the Lord had heard my plea for help.”

Can you see, brothers and sisters, how many small and simple things took their toll in the life of this fine young man? Like weak fibers that form a yarn, then a strand, and finally a rope, these small things combined together can become too strong to be broken. We must ever be aware of the power that the small and simple things can have in building spirituality. At the same time, we must be aware that Satan will use small and simple things to lead us into despair and misery.




Study Materials For May 13th, 2018
Elders Quorum Discussion led by Joe Riggs

 Elders & High Priests,
This week's topic comes from Elder Taylor’s April 2018 conference talk "Am I a Child of God?”.


                 Click the link below to read the talk. 

         https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/am-i-a-child-of-god?lang=eng
Joe Riggs will be leading the discussion. 


A FEW ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:

During last week’s stake priesthood conference meeting our Stake President, President Livingston, talked about who we are and who we are to become...this coincides with Elder Taylor’s conference talk “Am I a Child of God?” 

 Elder Taylor’s conference talk quoted a section out of a talk given by Elder Callister at a 2012 BYU speech which you will find a link to below. It sheds additional insights into the topic and definitely worth studying. 
  1. Russell M. Nelson, in Tad R. Callister, “Our Identity and Our Destiny” (Brigham Young University devotional, Aug. 14, 2012), 1, speeches.byu.edu.
Below are some notes taken by Joe Willis from last week’s stake priesthood session. 

Notes from Stake Conference Priesthood Session
April 29th, 2018


President Livingston - Stake President
Member of the Q. 70 Elder Keach who passed away a few months ago at age 58. Keach shared this experiences with Pres. Livingston. During a Q&A w/Elder Bednar at a missionary conference...An elder asked...sometimes I don’t feel like being a missionary...I don’t want to pray,..I’m tempted to do things I shouldn’t do etc...Bednar acknowledged the question and his courage and then turned to Elder Keach...what do you think? He said a few things. Then Bednar said he wanted to add to that...The Seed of Abraham...Bednar taught this young missionary what it meant to be a son of Moses and Aaron...about his divine heritage and identity....what his spiritual lineage was...a youth of a noble birthright....What does this have to do with controlling thoughts and getting up in the morning??? It has everything to do with it.  KNOW who you truly are. A son of God...eternal purpose...know in your soul who you are intended to become. This has everything to do with understanding your true identify.  The BOM will also help you understand who you truly are. 
Pres. Livingston shared about the moment the BOM saved his life. Failing BOM class his teacher challenged him to read it and write a paper. Upon opening it to read...he was overcome by a powerful feeling and emotions flooded him. It saved him that day. He began to realize who he was. 
Go to the temple. Take your questions there. Ponder them. ASK. Who am I to become. HE will tell you. HF loves to do his own teaching in his house. Set aside time to go to the temple with your questions about you/yourself...who you are. 
HF is our father in Heaven. He loves his children and bless those who bears his priesthood. He wants you to become something. You are to become remarkable. Pray for that experience. This is his church  and it’s led by his prophet. We are his noble sons. 
  1. patriarchal Blessing
  2. BOM
  3. Go To the Temple
All these will help you more fully understand who you are, who you are to become and why it’s important to understand.




May 6th, 2018

Dear Elders Quorum Members,

The topic for this Sunday’s quorum council (May 6th, 2018) will be Priesthood Power and Authority”.  
Please review the two recent President Nelson talks referenced below to prepare for the discussion. 

Also, please review the guidelines for first Sunday Council Meetings here:


Thanks,
Elders Quorum Presidency 
The Price of Priesthood Power
By President Russell M. Nelson
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Gen. Conference April 2016



I fear that there are too many priesthood bearers who have done little or nothing to develop their ability to access the powers of heaven. I worry about all who are impure in their thoughts, feelings, or actions or who demean their wives or children, thereby cutting off priesthood power.


I fear, brethren, that some among us may one day wake up and realize what power in the priesthood really is and face the deep regret that they spent far more time seeking power over others or power at work than learning to exercise fully the power of God. President George Albert Smith taught that “we are not here to while away the hours of this life and then pass to a sphere of exaltation; but we are here to qualify ourselves day by day for the positions that our Father expects us to fill hereafter.”


I urgently plead with each one of us to live up to our privileges as bearers of the priesthood. In a coming day, only those men who have taken their priesthood seriously, by diligently seeking to be taught by the Lord Himself, will be able to bless, guide, protect, strengthen, and heal others. Only a man who has paid the price for priesthood power will be able to bring miracles to those he lovesand keep his marriage and family safe, now and throughout eternity.

How do we increase our access to priesthood power?

What is the price to develop such priesthood power?...(Peter) declared qualities we should seek to “be partakers of the divine nature.”...
He named faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity, and diligence. And don’t forget humility! So I ask, how would our family members, friends, and coworkers say you and I are doing in developing these and other spiritual gifts? The more those attributes are developed, the greater will be our priesthood power.

How else can we increase our power in the priesthood? We need to pray from our hearts. Are you willing to pray to know how to pray for more power? The Lord will teach you.

Are you willing to search the scriptures and feast on the words of Christ--to study earnestly in order to have more power?

Are you willing to worship in the temple regularly?

Are you willing to follow President Thomas S. Monson’s example of serving others?

if you truly want more priesthood power, you will cherish and care for your wife, embracing both her and her counsel.

Now, if all of this sounds excessive, please consider how different our relationships with our wife, children, and associates at work would be if we were as concerned about gaining priesthood power as we are in progressing at work or increasing the balance in our bank account. If we will humbly present ourselves before the Lord and ask Him to teach us, He will show us how to increase our access to His power.

Priesthood power can calm the seas and heal fractures in the earth. Priesthood power can also calm the minds and heal fractures in the hearts of those we love.
Are we willing to pray, fast, study, seek, worship, and serve as men of God so we can have that kind of priesthood power?

May each one of us rise up as the man God foreordained us to be--ready to bear the priesthood of God bravely, eager to pay whatever price is required to increase his power in the priesthood.


D&C 132:47
47 ​And again, verily I say, whomsoever you bless I will bless, and whomsoever you curse I will ​​​curse​, saith the Lord; for I, the Lord, am thy God.

Brethren, there are doors we can open, priesthood blessings we can give, hearts we can heal, burdens we can lift, testimonies we can strengthen, lives we can save, and joy we can bring into the homes of the Latter-day Saints--all because we hold the priesthood of God. We are the men who have been “called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of [our] exceeding faith,” to do this work. -Nelson Gen. conf. April 2018 priesthood session Ministering with the Power and Authority of God


Ministering with the Power and Authority of God
By President Russell M. Nelson
Gen. Conference April 2018 Priesthood  Session
Likewise, we see faithful men who live up to their privileges as bearers of the priesthood. They lead and serve by sacrifice in the Lord’s way with love, kindness, and patience. They bless, guide, protect, and strengthen others by the power of the priesthood they hold. They bring miracles to those they serve while they keep their own marriages and families safe. They shun evil and are mighty elders in Israel. I am most thankful for them!
Now, may I voice a concern? It is this: Too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority.They act as though they would rather satisfy their own selfish desires and appetites than use the power of God to bless His children.
I fear that too many of our brothers and sisters do not grasp the privileges that could be theirs. Some of our brethren, for example, act like they do not understand what the priesthood is and what it enables them to do. Let me give you some specific examples.
Not long ago, I attended a sacrament meeting in which a new baby was to be given a name and a father’s blessing. The young father held his precious infant in his arms, gave her a name, and then offered a beautiful prayer. But he did not give that child a blessing. That sweet baby girl got a name but no blessing! That dear elder did not know the difference between a prayer and a priesthood blessing. With his priesthood authority and power, he could have blessed his infant, but he did not. I thought, “What a missed opportunity!”
Let me cite some other examples. We know of brethren who set sisters apart as Primary, Young Women, or Relief Society leaders and teachers but fail to bless them--to bless them with the power to fulfill their callings. They give only admonitions and instructions. We see a worthy father who fails to give his wife and his children priesthood blessings when that is exactly what they need. Priesthood power has been restored to this earth, and yet far too many brothers and sisters go through terrible trials in life without ever receiving a true priesthood blessing. What a tragedy! That’s a tragedy that we can eliminate.
Brethren, we hold the holy priesthood of God! We have His authority to bless His people. Just think of the remarkable assurance the Lord gave us when He said, “Whomsoever you bless I will bless.” It is our privilege to act in the name of Jesus Christ to bless God’s children according to His will for them. Stake presidents and bishops, please ensure that every member of the quorums within your stewardship understands how to give a priesthood blessing--including the personal worthiness and spiritual preparation required to call fully upon the power of God.
To all brethren holding the priesthood, I invite you to inspire members to keep their covenants, fast and pray, study the scriptures, worship in the temple, and serve with faith as men and women of God. We can help all to see with the eye of faith that obedience and righteousness will draw them closer to Jesus Christ, allow them to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and experience joy in life!

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