Elder Ballard: Owl Be Wise and Honor the Priesthood

The priesthood is amazing, and I wanted my children to understand three main points from Elder Ballard's talk: 

1.  The priesthood is the power by which the world was created.  It is also the power by which Christ performed the miracles of his earthly ministry and Atonement and Resurrection.  It is also the power by which God strengthens families.

2.  Priesthood power is shared by both men and women.  Just as in nature, a woman cannot conceive a child without a man, in God's plan a man cannot fully exercise the power of the priesthood to establish an eternal family without a woman.  They play different but equally important roles.

3.  The power of the priesthood is a gift from God to his children.  We need to BE WISE and honor the priesthood---using it to strengthen our lives, our families, and the kingdom of God.

This is such an important foundational principle for our children to understand, especially in our day when there seems to be a lot of conflicting messages in the world about what constitutes power and who should have it.

I chose this leaf press craft, because it reminded me of creation, and I thought it would help us to remember that by the power of the priesthood worlds are created, forgiveness is put within our reach, and eternal families are made possible.

But I couldn't stop there...I loved this little handprint owl creation, and we are making it after school today to remind us to do as Elder Ballard suggests: "Be wise, and seek to strengthen our own lives, the lives of our families, and [the Church], by the power of the priesthood of God..."

Owl craft found here.

So, I have to give you guys an update from last night's canning incident.  First of all, let it be known that we've all been sick for a week, and I've been sick, and taking care of sickos and been canning, so I was super run down.  So, Scarlett comes down after one of my precious jars of homemade applesauce had exploded in the canner, and asks, "Mom, why are you cooking throw-up?"  (Picture the look on my face.)  So I laugh, and think she's right, it looks like throw-up.  

Then she starts asking for cough medicine and I get it out for her and tell her rather gruffly that she is to drink it right down, and not spit any out, and get back in bed.  (nice.)  Then she proceeds to react to my orders by promptly melting down on the kitchen floor.  Oh heaven, help us.

Steve, hearing the commotion, comes upstairs to intervene and to help Scarlett get back to bed.  (Power of the priesthood! :) 

Later he tells me that when he was tucking Scarlett in bed she asked, "Daddy, can I get a tattoo on my chest that says, "I love my mommy?"

Ha ha.  That girl!

I wonder who that tattoo would be intended as a reminder for during fits...her...or me!? :)

Love my kids.  Meltdowns and all! 

Be wise!

 

Find more General Conference Review Lessons here:
I'm not afraid to follow the Savior - Elder Oaks

Catch the Wave - Elder Nelson

His Doctrine Will Not Change - Elder Hales

Fan the Flame of Your Faith - Elder Holland

Stay in Condition - President Packer

A Christ-centered Home - Elder Scott

The Importance of a Body - Elder Bednar

With Christ, Darkness Cannot Succeed - President Uchtdorf

"Eye" Will Be Tolerant as Well as Kind - President Monson

Teaching General Conference to Children - President Packer

Miracles in Missionary Work - Elder Andersen

Personal Peace - Elder Cook

Drawing Closer to Him - President Eyring