Elder Neil L. Andersen (Apr. '20): "Spiritually Defining Memories"

-
A NOTE:
Maintaining this blog at this time might be one of the most optimistic things I have done in recent memory :), although I am sure we will eventually be meeting together again for church.  I just have no idea when that will be.  Still, I want to continue this blog even in these times as an expression of hope.  In the meantime, I have begun a separate blog that focuses on sharing ideas to explore the messages of general conference in our homes.  That blog can be found here. 

This talk hit home to me simply because it focused on an idea that has been on my mind a lot lately-- remembering.  So, my gut reaction when designing this activity was to simply hand out a list of things that I had thought were ways to apply Elder Andersen's counsel in my own life, but that doesn't seem like it would do much good.  :)  So, here is the activity I came up with

The Activity:
  1. Divide the class members into four groups.
  2. Ask each group to read one of the four stories shared by Elder Andersen in his talk.  These are found in the section entitled "Four Examples."
  3. Ask them to discuss these events in their groups and to try and liken them to any similar experiences they have had in their own lives.  Stress that there is no need to share, if someone is uncomfortable or if an experience is too sacred.  
  4. Read par. 37 ("When personal difficulty . . . they once treasured").
  5. In the groups again, ask the class members to make a list of ways they could more regularly remember their own personal spiritually defining moments.
  6. After a few minutes, come back together as a class and discuss the ideas that they came up with in their groups.  Write them on the board.
Using the Activity:

It seems to me that the most powerful lessons, those that make a real difference in my life, follow a pattern.  First, we talk about the doctrines of the gospel (usually just a single doctrine).  Second, the Spirit is present and we can see the doctrine at work in the world, so to speak.  Finally, we are invited to consider specific, mundane ways that we can apply the doctrine in our own lives.  That is what I hope this activity allows us to do in these classes.

I pray that this activity is helpful (assuming we return to Church prior to the next conference).  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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 Dale G. Renlund (Oct. '23): "Jesus Christ is the Treasure"

-
 What a great talk reminding us of the simplicity of the gospel-- Jesus  Christ.  The treasure is always Jesus Christ.  Remembering that is not easy in our modern world, though.  To help us remember, the Lord has given us many things.  Elder Renlund in this talk reviews four of these and this is what the activity below focuses on. The Activity: Make sure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Explain that in this talk, Elder Renlund reviews four actions we can do to avoid looking beyond the mark. Divide the class into four groups. Assign each group one action along with the corresponding part of the talk.  These are: Repentance-- par. 10-11 "The Savior has . . . of our sins." The sacrament-- par. 12-13 "Just like the . . . prospered, and preserved." Temple Worship-- par. 14-15 "When we have . . . it is distant." Listening to the Prophet-- par. 16-17  "After Carter and . . . look no further." Have
Read more

Pres. Russell M. Nelson (Apr. '24): "Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys"

-
 This is a relatively short talk, but it is full of both invitations and promises from our prophet.  The blessings enumerated and promised are especially inspiring (par. 25-31).  However, for this activity I chose to focus on the invitations that Pres. Nelson extends to us as members. The Activity: Insure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Insure that every class member has something to write with and on (a device would work fine). Write on the board (or post printed statements) of the 3 (or 5 depending on how you choose to break up the last one) invitations that Pres. Nelson gives us. Par. 8-9 "Jesus Christ then . . . for you personally." Par. 16 "Consider how your . . . to the earth." Par. 19-22 "I invite you . . . home to Him."  (the three statements here could be listed separately). Ask the class members to read these statements and spend a moment silently considering one of the invitations. (Option
Read more