Elder J. Kimo Esplin (Oct. '23): "The Savior's Healing Power upon the Isles of the Sea"

-

 What an inspiring story of the sister from Okinawa.  She is a giant.  In practical terms for this blog, this is a talk that I do not see being chosen often to be taught (although we would do well to remember this sister's story).  Not that it is not a great talk, but it would be more difficult to create a lesson for this talk alone.  The activity I share here is focused on the last 20% or so of the talk.  

The Activity:

  1. Make sure that every class member has something to write with and write on.
  2. Read par. 25 "Through temple blessings . . . in his wings."
  3. Ask the class members to share any experiences they are comfortable sharing where they have been 'healed' through the power of the temple and temple covenants.
  4. Wait a moment for people to share.  This may take a moment and be a wee bit uncomfortable but this time will be important-- even if no one shares.
  5. Invite the class members to take a few minutes and either A) record an experience from their own life where they were healed through the temple and its covenants or B) write about an issue they are struggling with that they need help to overcome.  In the second case, write about what it would look and feel like to be healed from this thing and what they can do to access this healing.
  6. Allow the class members ample time to write (probably 5-7 minutes).
  7. Invite class members to share anything appropriate they would like from what they wrote.

Using the Activity:

This is an activity that again requires some comfort with silence.  Any time we ask a good question-- one that invites real introspection and/or thought-- answers will not come quickly.  So, be okay with it.  You may also need to think about ways to vary this a little bit as not everyone likes to write or can write easily for longer times.  Take that into account as you decide to use this activity.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  

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