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A Refuge from the Storm: The Priesthood, the Family, the Church
In our tempestuous day, where can we turn for refuge...
It is no surprise to anyone familiar with prophecy that the latter days are stormy ones. We live in a very dangerous world that threatens those things that are most spiritual, writes President Boyd K. Packer. The adversary is about. His objective is to cause injury.
But there is a place of strength and peace, a true refuge from the storm. In this powerful book, President Packer discusses the priesthood, the family, and the Church, three important forces that, working together, create a haven from the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ enables individuals to become exalted by being part of eternal families, he writes. The gospel contains the purpose, the doctrine, and the plan. The priesthood is the power and the authority. The Church has the means and organization. The exalted, eternal family is the end of the gospel plan.
This apostolic counsel will help you build an unshakable foundation for eternity by strengthening your understanding of core doctrine regarding the priesthood, the family, and the Church.
It is no surprise to anyone familiar with prophecy that the latter days are stormy ones. We live in a very dangerous world that threatens those things that are most spiritual, writes President Boyd K. Packer. The adversary is about. His objective is to cause injury.
But there is a place of strength and peace, a true refuge from the storm. In this powerful book, President Packer discusses the priesthood, the family, and the Church, three important forces that, working together, create a haven from the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ enables individuals to become exalted by being part of eternal families, he writes. The gospel contains the purpose, the doctrine, and the plan. The priesthood is the power and the authority. The Church has the means and organization. The exalted, eternal family is the end of the gospel plan.
This apostolic counsel will help you build an unshakable foundation for eternity by strengthening your understanding of core doctrine regarding the priesthood, the family, and the Church.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2014
4 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Boyd K. Packer
48 books44 followersPresident Boyd K. Packer, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was set apart to this position on February 3, 2008. Previously, he was Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles beginning June 5, 1994. Prior to becoming Acting President, he served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, having been ordained an Apostle on April 9, 1970. He earlier served for almost nine years as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
An educator by profession, his career includes service as supervisor of seminaries and institutes of religion for the Church and as a member of the Administrative Council of Brigham Young University.
An educator by profession, his career includes service as supervisor of seminaries and institutes of religion for the Church and as a member of the Administrative Council of Brigham Young University.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 13, 2015
This is a great collection of Elder Boyd K. Packer's talks. In the section focusing on the priesthood, the book contains a chapter titled "The Relief Society." At first I thought, "What does the Relief Society have to do with the priesthood." After reading that chapter I realized how brilliant it was to include a chapter on the Relief Society. The priesthood only realizes its true power in conjunction with the women of the church. Read that chapter and you'll gain more insight into what I'm talking about.
I saw several themes and scriptures repeated in many of Elder Packer's talks. One of these oft repeated themes is "the ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children can be happy at home." I gained greater insight into these themes and scriptures as I saw them repeated throughout the years by Elder Packer.
I was also reminded how important the priesthood, the Church, and parents are in strengthening the family.
I highly recommend anyone to read and apply the teachings from Elder Packer as collected in this book. It will bless your life and the life of your family.
I saw several themes and scriptures repeated in many of Elder Packer's talks. One of these oft repeated themes is "the ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children can be happy at home." I gained greater insight into these themes and scriptures as I saw them repeated throughout the years by Elder Packer.
I was also reminded how important the priesthood, the Church, and parents are in strengthening the family.
I highly recommend anyone to read and apply the teachings from Elder Packer as collected in this book. It will bless your life and the life of your family.
July 16, 2019
Wow a very powerful book and if you want to know about my faith and religion how my Church works this is the book you want to read by Elder Packer and I highly recommend it to everyone it’s a must read he shares his life experiences and stories about him and the Church just an amazing powerful book.
July 30, 2015
This is a wonderful book! It is a compilation of some of President Packer’s talks organized around three very important topics that he often taught about – the priesthood, the family, the Church and how each of these truly are a refuge from the storm. President Packer teaches very clearly and powerfully and directly and in words we can understand about the organization of the priesthood and the importance of the family. I enjoy reading his talks, but somehow the organization of this book really helped me to see very clear themes and learn new truths about these foundational gospel principles. I am grateful for his teachings and sure witness of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Gideon’s small force succeeded because, as the record states, ‘they stood every man in his place’ (Judges 7:21) (p. 19).”
“We have done very well at distributing the authority of the priesthood. We have priesthood authority planted nearly everywhere. We have quorums of elders and high priests worldwide. But distributing the authority of the priesthood has raced, I think, ahead of distributing the power of the priesthood. 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 (p. 21).”
“The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children might be happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood (p. 25).”
“While each feels his limitation, there is strength in unity. Never in the history of the Church have the Brethren of the First Presidency and the Twelve been more united (p. 32).”
“Your authority comes through your ordination; your power comes through obedience and worthiness (p. 42).”
“I was issued a serviceman’s Book of Mormon that would fit into my pocket. I carried it everywhere; I read it; and it became part of me. Things that had been a question became certain to me. The certainties of the gospel, the truth, once you understand it, will see you through these difficult times (p. 58).”
“What we do as His agents in governing the Church as an Apostle or in guiding a ward as a bishop or in serving as a counselor in an elders quorum presidency—all of these are secondary to being a father and a husband who holds the priesthood and lives worthily of it. That is the source of happiness and the great achievement in mortality (p. 81).”
“The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children can be happy at home (p. 83).”
“Faithful attendance at church, together with careful attention to the needs of the family, is a near-perfect combination. In Church we are taught the great plan of happiness. At home we apply what we have learned. Every call, every service in the Church brings experience and valuable insights which carry over into family life (p. 97).”
“The ward council is the perfect place to establish the balance between home and Church. Here the brethren of the priesthood, themselves fathers, and sisters of the auxiliaries, themselves mothers, can, with inspired insight, coordinate the work of the organizations, each of which serves different members of the family (p. 99).”
“I have studied much in the scriptures and have taught from them. I have read much from what the prophets and apostles have spoken. They have had a profound influence upon me as a man and as a father. But most of what I know about how our Father in Heaven really feels about us, His children, I have learned from the way I feel about my wife and my children and their children. This I have learned at home. I have learned it from my parents and from my wife’s parents, from my beloved wife and from my children and therefore can testify of a loving Heavenly father and a redeeming Lord. As the world grows ever more threatening, the powers of heaven draw ever closer to families and parents (p. 100).”
“Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected. We urge our members to show devotion to their families (p. 124).”
“Youth today are being raised in enemy territory with a declining standard of morality. But as a servant of the Lord, I promise that you will be protected and shielded from the attacks of the adversary if you will heed the promptings that come from the Holy Spirit (p. 129).”
“‘Brother Smith told me to pray about it and said, ‘If you decide to go on a mission, I will pay for your mission,’ and he did.’ Neither my wife nor her mother knew that. It was one of those things that grandfathers do (p. 133).”
“One family drove away with an old car and their little children. My wife was in tears. I consoled her, saying, ‘The Church is where they are going. There will be a grandma there to answer her questions about cooking or nursing and a grandpa to teach him practical things (p. 137).’”
“They will see many events transpire in the course of their lifetime. Some of these shall tax their courage and extend their faith. But if they seek prayerfully for help and guidance, they shall be given power over adverse things. Such trials shall not be permitted to stand in the way of their progress, but instead shall act as stepping-stones to greater knowledge (p. 140).”
“A knowledge of the restored gospel and a testimony of Jesus Christ can spiritually immunize your children. One thing is very clear: the safest place and the best protection against the moral and spiritual diseases is a stable home and family (p. 142).”
“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior (p. 143).”
“Some suppose our high standards will repel growth. It is just the opposite. High standards are a magnet. We are all children of God, drawn to the truth and to do good. We face the challenge of raising families in the world in darkening clouds of wickedness. Some of our members are unsettled, and sometimes they wonder: Is there any place one can go to escape from it all? Is there another town or a state or a country where it is safe, where one can find refuge? The answer generally is no. The defense and the refuge is where our members now live (p. 153).”
“Nothing is more important to the Church and to civilization itself than the family (p. 158)!”
“Some worry endlessly over missions that were missed, or marriages that did not turn out, or babies that did not arrive, or children that seem lost, or dreams unfulfilled, or because age limits what they can do. I do not think it pleases the Lord when we worry because we think we never do enough or that what we do is never good enough (p. 192).”
“Of all that I have read and taught and learned, the one most precious and sacred truth that I have to offer is my special witness of Jesus Christ. He lives. I know He lives. I am His witness. And of Him I can testify. He is our Savior, our Redeemer. Of this I am certain (p. 202).”
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Gideon’s small force succeeded because, as the record states, ‘they stood every man in his place’ (Judges 7:21) (p. 19).”
“We have done very well at distributing the authority of the priesthood. We have priesthood authority planted nearly everywhere. We have quorums of elders and high priests worldwide. But distributing the authority of the priesthood has raced, I think, ahead of distributing the power of the priesthood. 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 (p. 21).”
“The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children might be happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood (p. 25).”
“While each feels his limitation, there is strength in unity. Never in the history of the Church have the Brethren of the First Presidency and the Twelve been more united (p. 32).”
“Your authority comes through your ordination; your power comes through obedience and worthiness (p. 42).”
“I was issued a serviceman’s Book of Mormon that would fit into my pocket. I carried it everywhere; I read it; and it became part of me. Things that had been a question became certain to me. The certainties of the gospel, the truth, once you understand it, will see you through these difficult times (p. 58).”
“What we do as His agents in governing the Church as an Apostle or in guiding a ward as a bishop or in serving as a counselor in an elders quorum presidency—all of these are secondary to being a father and a husband who holds the priesthood and lives worthily of it. That is the source of happiness and the great achievement in mortality (p. 81).”
“The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children can be happy at home (p. 83).”
“Faithful attendance at church, together with careful attention to the needs of the family, is a near-perfect combination. In Church we are taught the great plan of happiness. At home we apply what we have learned. Every call, every service in the Church brings experience and valuable insights which carry over into family life (p. 97).”
“The ward council is the perfect place to establish the balance between home and Church. Here the brethren of the priesthood, themselves fathers, and sisters of the auxiliaries, themselves mothers, can, with inspired insight, coordinate the work of the organizations, each of which serves different members of the family (p. 99).”
“I have studied much in the scriptures and have taught from them. I have read much from what the prophets and apostles have spoken. They have had a profound influence upon me as a man and as a father. But most of what I know about how our Father in Heaven really feels about us, His children, I have learned from the way I feel about my wife and my children and their children. This I have learned at home. I have learned it from my parents and from my wife’s parents, from my beloved wife and from my children and therefore can testify of a loving Heavenly father and a redeeming Lord. As the world grows ever more threatening, the powers of heaven draw ever closer to families and parents (p. 100).”
“Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected. We urge our members to show devotion to their families (p. 124).”
“Youth today are being raised in enemy territory with a declining standard of morality. But as a servant of the Lord, I promise that you will be protected and shielded from the attacks of the adversary if you will heed the promptings that come from the Holy Spirit (p. 129).”
“‘Brother Smith told me to pray about it and said, ‘If you decide to go on a mission, I will pay for your mission,’ and he did.’ Neither my wife nor her mother knew that. It was one of those things that grandfathers do (p. 133).”
“One family drove away with an old car and their little children. My wife was in tears. I consoled her, saying, ‘The Church is where they are going. There will be a grandma there to answer her questions about cooking or nursing and a grandpa to teach him practical things (p. 137).’”
“They will see many events transpire in the course of their lifetime. Some of these shall tax their courage and extend their faith. But if they seek prayerfully for help and guidance, they shall be given power over adverse things. Such trials shall not be permitted to stand in the way of their progress, but instead shall act as stepping-stones to greater knowledge (p. 140).”
“A knowledge of the restored gospel and a testimony of Jesus Christ can spiritually immunize your children. One thing is very clear: the safest place and the best protection against the moral and spiritual diseases is a stable home and family (p. 142).”
“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior (p. 143).”
“Some suppose our high standards will repel growth. It is just the opposite. High standards are a magnet. We are all children of God, drawn to the truth and to do good. We face the challenge of raising families in the world in darkening clouds of wickedness. Some of our members are unsettled, and sometimes they wonder: Is there any place one can go to escape from it all? Is there another town or a state or a country where it is safe, where one can find refuge? The answer generally is no. The defense and the refuge is where our members now live (p. 153).”
“Nothing is more important to the Church and to civilization itself than the family (p. 158)!”
“Some worry endlessly over missions that were missed, or marriages that did not turn out, or babies that did not arrive, or children that seem lost, or dreams unfulfilled, or because age limits what they can do. I do not think it pleases the Lord when we worry because we think we never do enough or that what we do is never good enough (p. 192).”
“Of all that I have read and taught and learned, the one most precious and sacred truth that I have to offer is my special witness of Jesus Christ. He lives. I know He lives. I am His witness. And of Him I can testify. He is our Savior, our Redeemer. Of this I am certain (p. 202).”
October 22, 2014
Boyd K. Packer is, of course, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a general authority in the church for over 50 years, he has given many talks on the priesthood, the family, and the Church. This book is a collection of 24 of them. Many of the talks are from General Conference, but there are also some from other meetings, such as Worldwide Leadership Training, firesides, BYU Women's Conference, and a seminar for new mission presidents. While most of the talks are available online, there are a few that are not readily available outside this book.
I was initially a little disappointed to find that this was a collection of talks and not something newly written (other than perhaps the introduction) like many other books by general authorities. But as I began to look through it, I realized that the talks (even those given decades ago) apply more to the situation the world is in today than they did when they were given. They were prophetic.
The book begins by explaining its purpose: "The gospel of Jesus Christ enables individuals to become exalted by being part of eternal families. The gospel contains the purpose, the doctrine, and the plan. The priesthood is the power and the authority. The Church has the means and the organization. The exalted, eternal family is the end of the gospel plan. In this book, we will discuss those three interconnected elements of the gospel: the priesthood, the family, and the Church" (pages ix-x). The remainder of the book is divided into three parts along those elements, with the repeating underlying message that "The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children might be happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood" (page 25).
I will give an example from each section, and let the book speak for itself. In 1992, he gave some instruction that is particularly relevant today regarding the priesthood: "There are some things about the priesthood that every elder should know if he is to understand how the Church is governed to have things right before the Lord. There are principles and precepts and rules which are often overlooked and seldom taught. Some of these principles are found in the scriptures, others in the handbooks. Some of them are not found in either. They are found in the Church. You might call them traditions, but they are more than that. They are revelations which came when the Brethren of the past assembled themselves, agreed upon His word, and offered their prayers of faith. The Lord then showed them what to do. They received by revelation...These are things we do to have things right before the Lord" (pages 3-4).
He said this about The Proclamation on the Family in a Worldwide Leadership Training Broadcast in 2008: "A proclamation in the Church is a significant, major announcement. Very few of them have been issued from the beginning of the Church. They are significant; they are revelatory...It is scripturelike in its power. When you wonder why we are the way we are and why we do the things we do and why we will not do some of the things that we will not do, you can find the authority for that in this proclamation on the family. There are times when we are accused of being intolerant because we won't accept and do the things that are supposed to be the norm in society. Well, the things we won't do, we won't do. And the things we won't do, we can't do, because the standard we follow is given of Him. As we examine this proclamation more closely, see if you don't see in it the issues that are foremost in society, in politics, in government, in religion now that are causing the most concern and difficulty. You'll find answers there - and they are the answers of the Church" (page 87).
In General Conference, October, 2006, he explained part of the role of the Church: "The principles of the gospel life we follow are based on doctrine, and the standards accord with the principles. We are bound to the standards by covenant, as administered through the ordinances of the gospel by those who have received priesthood and the keys of authority. Those faithful Brethren were not free, and we are not free, to alter the standards or to ignore them. We must live by them...If we are doing the best we can, we should not become discouraged. When we fall short, as we do, or stumble, which we might, there is always the remedy of repentance and forgiveness...Some suppose that our high standards will repel growth. It is just the opposite. High standards are a magnet. We are all children of God, drawn to the truth and to good...Those who come out of the world into the Church, keep the commandments, honor the priesthood, and enter into activity have found the refuge" (pages 150-153).
As I read this book, my testimony of Boyd K. Packer as a prophet, seer, and revelator has grown, as has my conviction that this is God's church, and my understanding of the things I need to improve on as a priesthood holder, husband, and father. I highly recommend it to anyone that seeks a better understanding of their place within God's plan and wishes to find their "refuge from the storm."
I was initially a little disappointed to find that this was a collection of talks and not something newly written (other than perhaps the introduction) like many other books by general authorities. But as I began to look through it, I realized that the talks (even those given decades ago) apply more to the situation the world is in today than they did when they were given. They were prophetic.
The book begins by explaining its purpose: "The gospel of Jesus Christ enables individuals to become exalted by being part of eternal families. The gospel contains the purpose, the doctrine, and the plan. The priesthood is the power and the authority. The Church has the means and the organization. The exalted, eternal family is the end of the gospel plan. In this book, we will discuss those three interconnected elements of the gospel: the priesthood, the family, and the Church" (pages ix-x). The remainder of the book is divided into three parts along those elements, with the repeating underlying message that "The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children might be happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood" (page 25).
I will give an example from each section, and let the book speak for itself. In 1992, he gave some instruction that is particularly relevant today regarding the priesthood: "There are some things about the priesthood that every elder should know if he is to understand how the Church is governed to have things right before the Lord. There are principles and precepts and rules which are often overlooked and seldom taught. Some of these principles are found in the scriptures, others in the handbooks. Some of them are not found in either. They are found in the Church. You might call them traditions, but they are more than that. They are revelations which came when the Brethren of the past assembled themselves, agreed upon His word, and offered their prayers of faith. The Lord then showed them what to do. They received by revelation...These are things we do to have things right before the Lord" (pages 3-4).
He said this about The Proclamation on the Family in a Worldwide Leadership Training Broadcast in 2008: "A proclamation in the Church is a significant, major announcement. Very few of them have been issued from the beginning of the Church. They are significant; they are revelatory...It is scripturelike in its power. When you wonder why we are the way we are and why we do the things we do and why we will not do some of the things that we will not do, you can find the authority for that in this proclamation on the family. There are times when we are accused of being intolerant because we won't accept and do the things that are supposed to be the norm in society. Well, the things we won't do, we won't do. And the things we won't do, we can't do, because the standard we follow is given of Him. As we examine this proclamation more closely, see if you don't see in it the issues that are foremost in society, in politics, in government, in religion now that are causing the most concern and difficulty. You'll find answers there - and they are the answers of the Church" (page 87).
In General Conference, October, 2006, he explained part of the role of the Church: "The principles of the gospel life we follow are based on doctrine, and the standards accord with the principles. We are bound to the standards by covenant, as administered through the ordinances of the gospel by those who have received priesthood and the keys of authority. Those faithful Brethren were not free, and we are not free, to alter the standards or to ignore them. We must live by them...If we are doing the best we can, we should not become discouraged. When we fall short, as we do, or stumble, which we might, there is always the remedy of repentance and forgiveness...Some suppose that our high standards will repel growth. It is just the opposite. High standards are a magnet. We are all children of God, drawn to the truth and to good...Those who come out of the world into the Church, keep the commandments, honor the priesthood, and enter into activity have found the refuge" (pages 150-153).
As I read this book, my testimony of Boyd K. Packer as a prophet, seer, and revelator has grown, as has my conviction that this is God's church, and my understanding of the things I need to improve on as a priesthood holder, husband, and father. I highly recommend it to anyone that seeks a better understanding of their place within God's plan and wishes to find their "refuge from the storm."
October 15, 2025
"This book was not at all what I expected by the title, It is a very informative read on what the church is all about. I love how he uses his own life stories to convey his message." --Customer Review
May 11, 2017
I enjoyed this compilation of President Packer talks. I especially enjoyed the ones that were not from general conference, as I have never heard them before. I miss that man.
February 27, 2018
the primer on the priesthood is especially elucidating
August 15, 2018
Informative!
March 17, 2019
All of the stories he told were helpful for me as I try to understand the priesthood and how it can help me in my life and those around me.
September 7, 2020
Published 2014. More revelation has come out correcting information that can be confusing. Be careful to listen to current conference addresses over past books.
October 30, 2025
A collection of his talks
October 24, 2014
We are living in uncertain times...
In this book you will learn about the three things that will help us get through...
THE PRIESTHOOD
THE FAMILY
THE CHURCH
Is it any wonder that Satan is attacking those very things?
The gospel gives us the power to fight back...it is the plan of salvation.
The priesthood is by what power and authority we live.
The church is the organization.
The eternal family is the goal.
Pulling from Elder Boyd K. Packer's teachings you will learn how the Priesthood is organized and how it is to be used and what power it can bring to your life.
You will learn about the family and how we should be treating each other and how we can best support each other.
Finally you will learn how the church organization is there to help and how ordinary men and women can lead and guide us to safety.
We need not fear what is ahead of us.
WONDERFUL explanations of gospel principles and practices!
This book is POWERFUL!
So many insights!
In this book you will learn about the three things that will help us get through...
THE PRIESTHOOD
THE FAMILY
THE CHURCH
Is it any wonder that Satan is attacking those very things?
The gospel gives us the power to fight back...it is the plan of salvation.
The priesthood is by what power and authority we live.
The church is the organization.
The eternal family is the goal.
Pulling from Elder Boyd K. Packer's teachings you will learn how the Priesthood is organized and how it is to be used and what power it can bring to your life.
You will learn about the family and how we should be treating each other and how we can best support each other.
Finally you will learn how the church organization is there to help and how ordinary men and women can lead and guide us to safety.
We need not fear what is ahead of us.
WONDERFUL explanations of gospel principles and practices!
This book is POWERFUL!
So many insights!
April 1, 2015
This book was a compilation of parts of talks that President Boyd K. Packer has given over the years. I always enjoy reading talks from the apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
January 14, 2015
Excellent book. I had read many of the talks previously, but on separate occasions. This compilation was fantastic and worked together so well. My knowledge expanded Andy testimony was strengthened.
November 17, 2014
A collection of his talks throughout the years. My favorite section was about the family.
February 22, 2015
I usually do not enjoy the books that are a compilation of previous talks given by the Author as much. However, in this case, I was inspired and uplifted throughout reading this book.
July 29, 2015
So worth it- if only for pages 72, 161, and 192.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews