Kaneohe 1st Ward Elders Quorum: Kaneohe 1st Ward -- Church Today 11/11/12

Youth speakers

Beehive 1st counselor Airi Sellers spoke about friends who "will be a great strength and blessing to you. They will influence how you think and act, and even help determine the person you will become. They will help you be a better person and will make it easier for you to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Choose friends who share your values so you can strengthen and encourage each other in living high standards." From For the Strength of Youth.
Deacons quorum president Puna Tani asked, "What is the priesthood?" and quoted D&C 121:36--That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

Young Women's president Stevette Santiago provided an update and many "fun facts" about her son Braeden Santiago, who is currently serving a misison in the Phillipines.
Former ward mission leader Tommy Friel spoke about his two sons, Kaneakua and Kala, who both served missions and now are attending college on football scholarships, Kaneakua at BYU and Kala at the University of Utah. Several times, he quoted Alma 37:37, a very powerful scripture.

Lesson 43: The purpose of today's lesson was to help us see the importance of living according to gospel principles despite the increasing wickedness in the world. Key points:

Mormon is given responsibility for the sacred records.
Mormon, (at age 16!) becomes the leader of the Nephite armies; however, the Nephites suffer in battle because of their wickedness.
Mormon explains the purposes for the records he has abridged and written.
In a final great battle, all but 24 of the Nephites are killed.

Mahalo to all who participated in the Adopt-a-Highway Service on 11/10 Saturday. Lots of trash was picked up along Likelike and Kahekili Hwy.
The quorum will be organizing Kaneohe 1st Ward Turkey Trot Run/Walk on 11/17 Saturday, 3pm to 6pm at Souza Dairy Park.
Today's lesson was about Bringing Up Children in Light and Truth. The lesson's main points were

Parents have the primary responsibility to teach their children the gospel.
Other interests must not cause us to lose sight of our duty to teach our children.
A parent’s example can lead a child to safety, righteousness, and happiness.
By loving and teaching our youth, we can help safeguard them from evil.
Studying the gospel as a family will help us keep our children close to us.