President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Oct. 17): "Bearers of Heavenly Light"

-

The Activity:

1.     As class members enter, give each one a piece of paper and something to write with.

2.     Ask them to reflect on a time when they felt the joy of living the gospel.  It could be recent or it could have been long ago.  Remember it and remember, as much as possible, what they felt.

3.     Now, ask them to take a few minutes to record that experience and their feelings.  (NOTE:  You may want to play some quiet hymns as people reflect and write).

4.     Have students set that paper to the side as you carry out the lesson you have been led to prepare and teach.

5.     AT THE END, have class members take out what they wrote at the beginning of class and re-read it. 

6.     Read Alma 5:27 (“Can ye feel so now?”)

7.     Explain that the real purpose of the gospel and of this lesson is to help each of us feel more completely the joy of the gospel.  And ask each of them now to ponder what they individually need to do to recapture that feeling, if it is missing, or to feel it more completely, if they can feel it now.

8.     Ask them to record what they were prompted to do on their paper.

9.     Testify of the importance of doing whatever the Spirit tells us and that doing so is the way to more complete joy.

Using the Activity:
This activity is based on two eternal principles-- remembering and imagining.  The scriptures ask us to do both.  We are to remember our spiritual experiences and our covenants; we are to imagine our future as we live the gospel-- specifically the judgment day.  Because of this, class members who sincerely commit to this activity will feel guidance by the Holy Spirit.  Some class members, though, may doubt the guidance they are given because it seems too trivial or small.  Remind them that we generally grow through small things and when we conscientiously listen to the small things told to us by the Spirit, we are prepared for great and grand things to come (Alma 37:6-7). 
I would hesitate to actually ask anyone what they wrote down during the final portion of this activity.  When we receive personalized direction from the Spirit, that is generally just for us and not to be shared with others.  So, beware of asking about what people may have felt. 
As always, I hope this is a valuable tool for you in your calling, and please let me know how this worked for you.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Elder Valeri V. Cordon (Oct. '23): "Divine Parenting Lessons"

-
 I appreciated this talk.  Elder Cordon shares some great insight and applies the gospel well in drawing his conclusions.  This is a talk that I will return to again and that I will recommend to my oldest son now that he is a father as well (especially when studied in conjunction with some of the other talks/passages from this conference that addressed parenting). The Activity: Prior to class , choose several phrases from the talk that represent actionable items that class members could apply at home now.  Compile these phrases/passages into a single document and print out a copy for each class member.  Passages might include the following: Par. 5 "Adopting the gospel culture" Par. 15 "Create an environment where our children can feel [God's] influence" Par. 12 "Invite to Act" Par 8 "Teach [the gospel] liberally, generously, and without restraint" Pass out a sheet to each class member. Ask the class members to read over the ideas on the sheet...
Read more

Elder Dale G. Renlund (Apr. '21): "Infuriating Unfairness"

-
 I feel like one of the defining characteristics of Elder Renlund is his compassion.  I suppose that is probably true of each of the apostles (and others), but in his case, Elder Renlund's compassion always seems to be on full display.  This talk is no exception in my book. The Activity: Explain to the class that Elder Renlund gave us at least three things we were to do when faced with "infuriating unfairness" and that in this activity the class members will be exploring these pieces of advice. Divide the class into three groups. Assign each groups one of the following passages: Par. 14 "In unfair situations . . . for our benefit" (trust in God) Par. 15 "We can try . . .  to do so) (develop greater faith) Par. 16 "As we develop . . . sphere of influence" (become like Christ) Ask each group to read their assigned passages, identify exactly what is counseled in that passage (they may word this differently that I did above), and discuss how each acti...
Read more

Elder Taylor G. Godoy (Apr. 18): "One More Day"

-
The Activity: Beforehand, prepare a document that has a table in it that has 2 columns and 3 rows. Pass out one handout (see step #1) to each class member and make sure that each one has something to write with. Ask class members to think of a time when they sacrificed for something.  Let them think for a moment. Ask them to record the basic details of that time in the first box (upper left-hand corner for languages that read right to left). Ask them to record the results of that sacrifice in the box across from the details of that sacrifice. Now, ask the class members to think of a time that someone sacrificed for them.  Again, give them a few moments. Now, ask them to right the details of this sacrifice in the box below the details of the first sacrifice.  And the results across from that. Put these handouts aside while you discuss this talk.  Encourage the class members to refer to what they wrote down during the conversation. At the end:  Ask ...
Read more