Elder S. Gifford Nielsen

-

 As someone who still thinks of themselves as somewhere between 17 and 22 years old, this talk really spoke to me.  It helped me to catch the vision of what is possible with this work-- especially coupled with Bro. Corbett's talk that came immediately before it.  

The Activity:

  1. At the top of the board, write "Us        +   The Lord           =   Mighty works and miracles" with space between the three elements.
  2. Explain that the equation on the board is what this talk is all about.
  3. Read par. 8 "When we hear . . . in their time."
  4. Discuss what we learn from this passage.  What must we do to fulfill our part of God's plan.  As class members share ideas, discuss them and write them under the word "Us"
  5. After a few moments, read par. 20 "When winds blow . . . choice is yours."
  6. Discuss what we learn from this passage.  How does the Lord join us in our efforts.  As class members share ideas, discuss them and write them down under the phrase "The Lord."  
  7. It is possible that based on this passage, some class members will want to add to the first list.  If that happens, simply add to the list and talk about those ideas.
  8. When it feels appropriate, read par. 5 "Listen to what . . . majesty and glory.'"
  9. Again, talk about what we learn from this passage and write it down under the last heading as you talk about what is shared.

Using the Activity:

The equation is for the math people among us.  :)  The rest of the activity is designed to help the class members apply the specific counsel to themselves by imagining how it might look in their lives.  Also, the idea is to pay close attention to the exact words of a general authority.  

I pray that this idea will prove helpful to you.  Please let me know how it goes.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (Apr. '23): "Hosanna to the Most High God"

-
 Like Elder Stevenson's talk, a quick reading of this talk might appear as if the talk were really about a holiday (Palm Sunday in this case).  However, it is really about so much more.  This is a powerful talk on coming to Christ and being prepared for His coming. The Activity: Make sure that everyone has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Read par. 24-25 "We, like the . . . Father in Heaven." Discuss this passage briefly as a class. Point out that Elder Rasband mentions four ways to fill our lamps with oil. Divide the class into four groups and assign each group one of the doctrines that Elder Rasband discusses: Prophecy (par. 13-15:  "First, prophecy.  For . . . shall rise again.'") The Gift of the Holy Ghost (par. 16:  "Second, the companionship . . . of all things'") Discipleship (par. 17: "Third, discipleship.  True . . . cried, 'Crucify Him'") The Atonement (par. 18-19:  "Fourth, the Atone
Read more

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (Oct. '23): "More Than a Hero"

-
 This talk is custom made for today.  All around us we can see people who choose worldly heroes to focus on and follow with little, if any, thought given to Christ and Father.  The results are perilous to us and to society.  This talk in some aspects reminds me of some of Pres. Kimball's teachings ( here , for example).   The Activity: Draw a line down the middle of the board. Read par. 23 "For us on . . . Savior and Redeemer." Ask the class members to consider what would characterize too much trust placed in "the politician, the musician, the athlete, or the vlogger" or anyone. Invite them to share their ideas.  As they do, list them on one side of the board. Invite the class members to look over the list they have created and consider how they can either safeguard against these things or walk back from perilous positions. Allow a moment to think and then discuss. Point out that if this is too much attention placed on people, in what ways could we do the same t
Read more

Elder David A. Bednar (Apr. '23): "Abide in Me, and I in You; Therefore, Walk with Me"

-
 I have mentioned in other places in this blog that I am a newly called Elders Quorum president.  As such, this talk really struck home.  I feel woefully inadequate in fulfilling my calling.  This talk gave me comfort and confidence in moving forward.   The Activity: Explain Enoch's reaction to his calling and share your own experience with receiving a calling that overwhelmed you at first and/or invite some class members to share their experiences like this. Invite the class members to read paragraph 5 ("And the Lord . . . give thee utterance'") silently and ask them to identify 1) what God asks of Enoch and 2) what God promises Enoch.   Allow class members a moment to read the passage. Come back and discuss as a class what they found. Ask them to think about how these same commands and promises could apply to various callings (including those they currently have and/or those talked about at the beginning). Invite the class members to share experiences/testimonies
Read more