Sis. Michelle D. Craig (Oct. '22): "Wholehearted"

-

 One of the themes I noticed in this conference is that trials will happen, but it is in our trials that we find God.  Sis. Craig says this beautifully in this talk, when she says, "Trials do not mean the plan is failing; they are part of the plan meant to help [us] seek God."  Also, in this talk, Sis. Craig lays out a vision for the type of discipleship needed in the last days.  That is the focus of this activity.

The Activity:

  1. Explain that Sis. Craig is teaching us in this talk how to be better disciples.  Before giving us suggestions, though, she provides a vision of the type of disciples we should be.
  2. Read par. 7 ("Brothers and sisters . . . journey of discipleship."
  3. Ask the class members to call out some of the words from her description that catch their attention, e.g. dig deep, conviction, joyful, etc.
  4. Write these words down as they are called out.
  5. Invite the class members to identify one word that they would like to be a characteristic of their own personal discipleship.
  6. Invite them to share their chosen word with a neighbor and why they chose that particular word.
  7. Encourage them to think about the rest of Sis. Craig's talk (and the lesson, perhaps) through the lens of developing this trait.  How might her suggestions help them grow in this way?

Using the Activity:

Probably because of the English nerd in me I find that certain words are more powerful than others-- and those words change depending on several things.  So, for me, exploring and pondering specific words from the talks can help me find inspiration, comfort, direction, and understanding.  This talk is designed to focus on this experience.  Also, if done early in the lesson, this activity could ground the way the rest of the lesson is understood and applied.  One way to get much more out of a talk (or any text) is to go into it with a purpose.  So, having a purpose when talking about the counsel that Sis. Craig gives is a way to increase what we learn.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I pray that you find it helpful in your work. 

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