I have been told by some sisters that just as the men have a problem teaching and studying the yearly lesson on the women of the Church, so to do the women have a problem on the lesson on the priesthood. Hopefully we can remedy that this time.

As a young sister missionary, having been set apart by my father, who was the stake president, I wondered how it was that I was able to preach the gospel to the wonderful people of Los Angeles when I did not have the authority of the priesthood as the ordained elders did. I obediently taught the gospel and felt the influence of the Spirit strongly, even to exhorting and promising, but I wondered how that was possible. I understood that I was not ordained to a priesthood office and therefore could not perform priesthood ordinances outside the temple, but I still felt that I had authority—being a full-time, set-apart, assigned-by-the-prophet missionary—to help people obtain salvation. I even felt, although I didn’t understand how, that I was authorized by the Lord to do so. Here is what I have found about this and five other sometimes confusing aspects of priesthood power and women.

Conference Talk:

Chris Burkard isn’t known for his endurance on a bike, but perhaps he should be. Burkard, a photographer whose Instagram account is followed by 3.5 million people, was this week’s guest on All In and shared the lessons he learned while participating in Iceland’s WOW Cyclothon this June. Burkard set a new solo record in the race, completing the 844-mile race in 52 hours, 36 minutes, and 19 seconds, besting his previous record by over 20 minutes. Burkard said one of the biggest takeaways from the race was the recognition that we need others’ support in life.

Recently, a friend reached out to me for some advice. Her daughter has received a mission call, but the guessing and celebrating long passed, excitement has given way to worry for this dear mom. And she’s not alone. Her missionary is also struggling with anxieties and doubts—feelings that seem to affect all newly called missionaries.

In a burst of eagerness to help clean up, a young girl noticed that there were two jugs of milk in the fridge, but one of them was expired. Determining that the best thing to do was consolidate, she poured the remaining expired milk into the good jug, much to her mother’s chagrin. A lesson from that story might just come into play in this week’s lesson in Matthew 9–10, Mark 5, and Luke 9 as we study Christ’s teaching about old and new wine bottles and the special mission of His chosen Apostles.

Do you know a young Latter-day Saint who will soon be turning 12? Meridian Magazine shares five things every young man and woman should understand about the Aaronic priesthood.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been pondering the doctrine of the priesthood in earnest during the past few months, and I wanted to share some of the flood of recent resources that have been part of my personal study. As has already been mentioned in past posts, the focus of the Worldwide Leadership Training was on priesthood. Note the desire the leaders have to help us understand how the purpose of the priesthood — God’s power — is to bless all of His children. The blessings of the priesthood that come from covenants and ordinances (as well as simply even being able to enjoy the wonders of God’s creations) are available to all.

The concept of priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is unique. A portion of God's power is delegated to "individuals who He knows perfectly well are imperfect." How does that work? As authors, Dale and Ruth Renlund ask, "How is it conceivable that His awesome, delicate power could be used by both an illiterate farmer and a rocket scientist—to equal effect—in the salvation of humankind?" Understanding the doctrine of the priesthood and the principles that govern its use is a pursuit worth of any member of the Church, but one that should be of special concern to those who hold or are preparing to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. This careful explanation offers a perfect way to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of priesthood power and how to use it.