Section 104

My grampa Stone (David Ray Stone) died when he was well into his nineties-96 or 97-I believe.  The last time I saw him was when he was living in an assisted living center with his second wife, Esther.  He was always kind to me and loved to pull out his coin purse and give me a nickel, dime, or quarter, with the charge to “go get a candy bar or a soda pop.”  He was also interested in my sports activities.  During the last visit, I asked him for advice:  “Papa Stone, what is the one thing you would like me to know?” In his raspy, gravelly voice, he replied succinctly, “stay out of debt!”

He explained that he had incurred debt as a young married man that had followed him most of his life before he was able to finally pay it off.  This was due to a loan he and a partner had received to plant sugar beets.  An early frost destroyed the crop.  The partner fled the responsibility and grampa was not willing to declare bankruptcy.  Little by little the debt was paid, but it had been a millstone around his neck for many years.

 78 And again, verily I say unto you, concerning your debts—behold it is my will that you shall pay all your debts.

Some debts are necessary.  Prayerfully wrestle with your needs vs. your wants and enter into debt with great caution. Commit to pay off your debts as soon as possible. Live within your means. Find joy in the little things.

Section 103

19 Therefore, let not your hearts faint…

My parents were there to encourage me in most situations in my life. They did so even when they didn’t necessarily agree with the direction I was headed.  For example, they didn’t agree with me when I wanted to play football in high school. Nevertheless, they were pleased to see that it made me happy and met my needs at the time.  It turns out their concerns were legitimate: look at all the data coming out on concussions.  Fortunately, I never had a head injury, coming away with only a broken nose and lots of bumps and bruises.  Ironically, football was not my favorite.  Too bad I didn’t get a scholarship to play golf at USU!  I think God knew that I would fail miserably at football thus humbling me enough to get on a better path.

Section 102

The organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been revealed line upon line.  Patterned after the church in Christ’s day, it begins with the offices of President, and Counselors (usually two) making up the First Presidency.  Next, the Quorum of Twelve, consisting of 12 Apostles.  Since the members of the First Presidency are also Apostles, there are usually 15 Apostles on the Earth at any given time.  The Quorums of Seventy consist of (1) life-time appointees-who move to Salt Lake City, and (2) those who serve for about 5 years (also move to Salt Lake City) and then are released. The Seventies are considered “General Authorities” as are the First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  There are also Area Seventies who live at home and preside over geographical areas of the church.  They are not considered “General Authorities,” rather, they are “Area Authority Seventies.” The governing body of the Seventy are the Seven Presidents of Seventy—consisting of seven life time Seventies.

At the Stake level there is the Stake President and two Counselors.  There is Relief Society (Pres. And 2 Counselors), Primary (Pres. And 2 Counselors) and Sunday School (Pres. And 2 counselors), Young Men’s President and 2 Counselors, Young Women’s President and her 2 Counselors. There is also a High Council made up of twelve high priests and presided over by the Stake Presidency.  Attending to many stake presidency matters is the Stake Clerk (with several assistants), and the Executive Secretary. One important stake-level position is the stake music chairman and the stake choir director. Currently, Michelle is filling both of those positions in her stake.

At the ward level, there is the Bishop and his two Counselors, Executive Secretary, and the Ward Clerk (the ward clerk position is actually a stake called position—I’m not sure why).  There is a Relief Society President and her two counselors, a Primary President and her two counselors, a Young Men’s President and his two counselors, a Young Women’s President and her two counselors, a Ward Mission Leader, an Elder’s Quorum President and his two counselors, and a High Priest Group Leader with his two assistants.  There are many teaching and serving positions in the wards and stakes.  I have focused only on the leadership callings.

In this section of the D&C, the first high council was organized and given policies and procedures.

I may have made some errors in this summary of leadership in the church.  Please forgive me if I didn’t get it just right.