General Conference Talk Summary: President Boyk K. Packer

In the last LDS general Conference (April 2010), there were a lot of talks given on parenting, and what parents need to be doing to help their children during these times of great wickedness and temptations everywhere. I wanted to make sure that I am diligent in following the given counsel, so I am going to write the instruction given in each talk on parenting on my blog each day until I have them all summarized. This is mainly for me, as writing them down will write it into my mind better than just listening to them a lot. But, this is really good counsel and I think it will help any parents that want to take the time to read through my notes.

Boyd K. Packer: The Power of the Priesthood

• "We live in a day of “wars [and] rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places.”³ As prophesied, “the whole earth [is] in commotion”⁴ and “Satan is abroad in the land.”⁵ He seeks to destroy all that is good and righteous.⁶ He is Lucifer, who was cast out of the presence of God.⁷ Against all of that, we have very positive feelings about what lies ahead."
• The priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery . John the Baptist came and restored the Aaronic Priesthood. Peter, James, and John came and restored the Melchizedek priesthood which is the highest order of the priesthood. "This then became their authority. Through the keys of the priesthood, they had access to all of the powers of heaven. They were commanded to carry the gospel unto all nations."
• "It has never been easy to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was not easy when He lived, and it was not easy in the early days of the Church. The early Saints were subjected to unspeakable suffering and opposition. It has been over 180 years since the priesthood was restored. We now number nearly 14 million members. Even so, we are a tiny fraction when compared to the billions of people on earth. But we are who we are, and we know what we know, and we are to go forth and preach the gospel. The Book of Mormon makes it clear that we never will dominate by numbers. But we have the power of the priesthood."
• "We can and in due time certainly will influence all of humanity. It will be known who we are and why we are. It might seem hopeless; it is monumentally difficult; but it is not only possible but certain that we will win the battle against Satan."
• I think this next quote is a very important and strong statement. I must remeber this about my husband, "Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act forHim.When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present."
• "The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be."
• It is the father's right and duty to preside over his family. "The father presides at the table, at prayer, and gives general directions relating to his family life whoever may be present.^" So even if the prophet is in your home, the father of the home is still who presides and administers to his family.
• "While the priesthood is presently all over the world, we call on every elder and high priest, every holder of the priesthood to stand, like Gideon’s small but powerful force of 300, in his own place. We now must awaken in every elder and high priest, in every quorum and group, and in the father of every home the power of the priesthood of the Almighty.The Lord said that 'the weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones.'" 
• "We need everyone. The tired or worn out or lazy and even those who are bound down with guilt must be restored through repentance and forgiveness. Too many of our priesthood brethren are living below their privileges and the Lord’s expectations.We must go forward, confident of the supernal power of the priesthood. It is a source of strength and encouragement to know who we are and what we have and what we must do in the work of the Almighty."
• "The authority of the priesthood is with us. After all that we have correlated and organized, it is now our responsibility to activate the power of the priesthood in the Church. Authority in the priesthood comes by way of ordination; power in the priesthood comes through faithful and obedient living in honoring covenants. It is increased by exercising and using the priesthood in righteousness.
• "Now, fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary’s mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."

My thoughts: I need to be careful not to be critical of my husband. I know that he follows God and I need to follow and trust my husband more. I think that if  I am less critical of John, then he will have more confidence to administer the power of the priesthood in our home. I think that I need to remind our children that Dad presides at the table, at prayer, and at family scripture study. I also think that it is good to make John the final say in what media comes into our home, or when we will leave other places. I think John has the power to protect our home, and I should not object when he says a book, movie, or song is inappropriate, evil, or drives away the Spirit. I know I can trust John to do what is best for our family, as thoroughly as I know I can trust that the Lord watches, protects, and guides us.