"If you could tell your friends in seminary one thing, what would it be?"I've been reading the replies to my class from time to time. They're very attentive and excited when I tell them I've got another letter.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Letters from Missionaries
Missionaries are looked up to by our youth. They're serving the Lord all around the world. It's exciting. It's what many have been talking about their whole lives. I decided to write letters to the full-time missionaries that are from our ward and ask them this:
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Scripture Study Party 2
They did it! As a class, 85% of us had personal scripture study for 5 consecutive seminary days! The 5th day was actually 82%, but there were 2 students who left before we took the count. When we counted them in the next day, they bumped us up to 86%.
Way to go class! Now keep it up!
Way to go class! Now keep it up!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Scripture Study Party
Everyday, we note the percentage of the class that read their scriptures between the last seminary class and today. The percentage varies between 45% to 80%. It's usually higher on Mondays because they've had Friday, Saturday and Sunday to read before seminary starts Monday morning. It's also higher the day after we spend a lot of time talking about scripture study. :-)
I told the class we could have a party (probably breakfast) if we could get 85% or higher for 5 consecutive days.
Well, Friday, we had our first 100%! Four more days to go until we hit our goal!
I told the class we could have a party (probably breakfast) if we could get 85% or higher for 5 consecutive days.
Well, Friday, we had our first 100%! Four more days to go until we hit our goal!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
SMS Scripture Mastery
Teens text. Simple fact. "U late?", "Where U @?", "LOL", "Let's do lunch"...and the occasional "my seminary teach rocks!" messages are among the most popular. The topic even came up in Dallin H. Oaks's conference talk last month in regards to reference in the church. So what do we do about it? We text with 'em!
I gathered up all the mobile phone numbers of kids in my class and started sending them scripture mastery hints during the day to see if they can reply with the correct scripture reference. It's a lot of fun! It's amazing how fast some of them reply. I never do it during church meetings, but I'm sure I've got them during school a time or two. I should start keeping track of who replies the fastest and who replies most accurately on a consistent basis...make a game out of it!
I shared some of the text conversations in class today and they all got a kick out it.
I gathered up all the mobile phone numbers of kids in my class and started sending them scripture mastery hints during the day to see if they can reply with the correct scripture reference. It's a lot of fun! It's amazing how fast some of them reply. I never do it during church meetings, but I'm sure I've got them during school a time or two. I should start keeping track of who replies the fastest and who replies most accurately on a consistent basis...make a game out of it!
I shared some of the text conversations in class today and they all got a kick out it.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Bullseye!
Seminary darts was a hit last week so we decided to play again. Check out the bullseye shot! We also added some rules this week.
If you can quote the scripture, you get the red "double" dart. If you get points with the dart (because sometimes the dart falls off) then you're whole team gets candy! Strawberry twisters go a long way. :-)
If you can quote the scripture, you get the red "double" dart. If you get points with the dart (because sometimes the dart falls off) then you're whole team gets candy! Strawberry twisters go a long way. :-)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Scripture Mastery Darts
We played a new game today. I was trying to think of a new game that would get them excited about scripture mastery and encourage a bit more involvement. What would be better than throwing darts across the room?!
What you need:
- A couple sets of magnetic darts (I used 2 yellow and 1 red)
- A magnetic chalkboard
- Draw a large target on the chalkboard with different points for each ring (getting progressively higher as it approaches the center of the target). We used 3 points for the outer ring, then 8 points, then 15, then 50 for a very small bullseye.
- Divide the class into two teams.
- A representative from each team comes to the board. Each throws a dart. The one with the higher point value gets to go first. If they're the same, then pick the one who is closest to the center.
- Read a keyword, historical setting, personal application or other scripture mastery clue.
- Starting with their scriptures closed, both teams have 10 seconds to find the scripture and put their finger on it.
- After 10 seconds, ask the team whose turn it is if they have it. If so, they get two darts.
- If someone on their team can quote it, then they get a 3rd dart (worth double points).
- If the team didn't get it, then the other team can steal if they have it. The key being that both teams are looking at the same time and all page turning stops after 10 seconds.
*HINT* - tossing the darts overhand doesn't work! Try tossing it underhand. No points unless it sticks!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Inward Beauty
I brought a mirror to class today. A big one. I walked around the room with the mirror facing the class and asked what they liked about mirrors. One of the suggestions was that it was always honest. When asked what they didn't like about mirrors I received the same response!
We had a couple artists draw John the baptist as the class described him from the scriptures.
Afterward, we took a vote on which to keep. We kept the one on the left as the other had a Mohawk and a hobo sack (too much personal interpretation).
We discussed 1 Samuel 16:7 (Old Testament scripture mastery) and Luke 7:28. The class searched the scriptures to find attributes of John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.
When asked how you would feel towards a young woman who possessed these attributes, the young men agreed on the word "respect".
When asked how you would feel towards a young man who honored his Priesthood by emulating these attributes, the young women agreed, as well, on the word "respect".
All agreed that striving to possess such attributes would result in increased respect from peers.
We had a couple artists draw John the baptist as the class described him from the scriptures.
Afterward, we took a vote on which to keep. We kept the one on the left as the other had a Mohawk and a hobo sack (too much personal interpretation).
We discussed 1 Samuel 16:7 (Old Testament scripture mastery) and Luke 7:28. The class searched the scriptures to find attributes of John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.
When asked how you would feel towards a young woman who possessed these attributes, the young men agreed on the word "respect".
When asked how you would feel towards a young man who honored his Priesthood by emulating these attributes, the young women agreed, as well, on the word "respect".
All agreed that striving to possess such attributes would result in increased respect from peers.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Doctrines and Principles
I think my class surprised themselves today when they taught the lesson. I'm trying out some new techniques that Bro. Bills is really good at. When preparing a lesson, I write down "What" and "How". "What principle will be taught" and "How will they apply it...or how will they learn it?"
So I wrote down "Doctrine" and let the class teach me what doctrine is. Each time they would make a suggestion or comment, we would discuss how it relates. After they defined doctrine, we moved on to "Principles". We read a couple key passages from our reading and each student extracted a principle that was meaningful to them. Each pulled out different principles based on what the Spirit was trying to teach them...individually.
We spent a little extra time talking about the principle of sacrifice. The class came up with the definition.
Ultimately, they realized that they just taught ME the whole lesson! The core of the lesson was "How to STUDY the scriptures." We found several principles from a few short passages of scripture. Then we picked one out to study further by using the bible dictionary, topical guide and cross references. Awesome class.
So I wrote down "Doctrine" and let the class teach me what doctrine is. Each time they would make a suggestion or comment, we would discuss how it relates. After they defined doctrine, we moved on to "Principles". We read a couple key passages from our reading and each student extracted a principle that was meaningful to them. Each pulled out different principles based on what the Spirit was trying to teach them...individually.
We spent a little extra time talking about the principle of sacrifice. The class came up with the definition.
Ultimately, they realized that they just taught ME the whole lesson! The core of the lesson was "How to STUDY the scriptures." We found several principles from a few short passages of scripture. Then we picked one out to study further by using the bible dictionary, topical guide and cross references. Awesome class.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Spirtual Performance Enhancing Drugs!
I brought some dumb-bells to class today. Each weighed 27.5 pounds. "Who's strong enough to lift these?", I asked. I was certain one of the football players in the room would rise to the challenge. Perhaps their fear of where I was going with the object lesson contributed to their less than enthusiastic response. Finally, Hannah Brown rolled her eyes, then her sleeves and cranked out a few curls!
Kyle Wall did a few. Nick Beidleman took the weights off the bar and did a few with just the bar.
How do you get physically stronger? You exhaust your muscles. You have to break them down to build them up. Kyle suggested that you can't just do it once, but have to do this repeatedly to achieve the desired results of "guns" as impressive as his. ;-)
So how do we get spiritually stronger? Out came the quote of the week from Kyle: "You take spiritually performance enhancing drugs! (SPEDs)"
YES! These are GOOD drugs! We made of a list of spiritually performance enhancing drugs on the chalkboard and talked about each.
Kyle Wall did a few. Nick Beidleman took the weights off the bar and did a few with just the bar.
How do you get physically stronger? You exhaust your muscles. You have to break them down to build them up. Kyle suggested that you can't just do it once, but have to do this repeatedly to achieve the desired results of "guns" as impressive as his. ;-)
So how do we get spiritually stronger? Out came the quote of the week from Kyle: "You take spiritually performance enhancing drugs! (SPEDs)"
YES! These are GOOD drugs! We made of a list of spiritually performance enhancing drugs on the chalkboard and talked about each.
- Counsel with the Lord
- Share the Gospel with others
- STUDY the scriptures
- Be unashamed of the Gospel of Christ! Romans 1:16
- Don't send text messages in church meetings
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Talks I Hope They Heard!
While listening to conference talks this weekend, I find myself thinking "I hope they heard that!" Here's a list of things I hope my students heard:
- Saturday Morning
- Dallin H. Oaks (Sacrament Meeting 101)
"Young people, sacrament meeting is not a time for whispered conversation on cell phones or for texting persons at other locations. When we partake of the sacrament, we make a sacred covenant that we will always remember the Savior. How sad to see persons obviously violating that covenant in the very meeting where they are making it."
- Saturday Afternoon
- Joseph B. Wirthlin - Instead of getting angry...LAUGH!!!
- David A. Bednar -
"Prayer becomes more meaningful when we 'Counsel with the Lord in ALL our doings'."
"Lehi's vision came in response to a prayer for others and not as a result of a request for personal edification or guidance." - Priesthood Session
- Richard G. Scott gave us a PPI. He taught us how to treat and interact with daughters of God. Go read it! Then go do it!
- Deiter F. Uchtdorf - Stand close together and LIFT where you STAND! Do not wait for a new school, companion, teacher, coach or church calling to start serving! Serve NOW!
- Thomas S. Monson
"LEARN what you should learn!
DO what you should do!
BE what you should be!"
Friday, October 3, 2008
Scripture Mastery Football
We played Scripture Mastery Football today.
What you need:
The offensive team is given a scripture mastery clue. For example, a keyword, historical background, a role-playing situation where the scripture may be used to help teach, or simply read part or all of the verse or verses.
The offensive team then has 10 seconds to find the correct scripture mastery in their scriptures. After 10 seconds, if they're still turning pages, they forfeit their opportunity and the other team has the chance to "intercept". If the other team has the right scripture (no page fumbling!), then they get the points.
The team who answered correctly and in turn is awarded the "touchdown" and gets 6 points. Then, they can either "GO FOR TWO" by quoting the scripture or get the "EXTRA POINT" by trying to toss the beanbag into the basket from a healthy distance.
It was a lot of fun. There were only a few "Unsportsmanlike Conduct" penalties and luckily, no "Face-masks".
What you need:
- A Basket
- A beanbag (to toss in the basket)
- Awesome scripture mastery skills!
The offensive team is given a scripture mastery clue. For example, a keyword, historical background, a role-playing situation where the scripture may be used to help teach, or simply read part or all of the verse or verses.
The offensive team then has 10 seconds to find the correct scripture mastery in their scriptures. After 10 seconds, if they're still turning pages, they forfeit their opportunity and the other team has the chance to "intercept". If the other team has the right scripture (no page fumbling!), then they get the points.
The team who answered correctly and in turn is awarded the "touchdown" and gets 6 points. Then, they can either "GO FOR TWO" by quoting the scripture or get the "EXTRA POINT" by trying to toss the beanbag into the basket from a healthy distance.
It was a lot of fun. There were only a few "Unsportsmanlike Conduct" penalties and luckily, no "Face-masks".
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Come cast your burden on the Lord
We had a great lesson today. The question was posed: "What causes stress or pain or is burdensome in your life?"
Replies
For each item listed above, Adam was asked to hold a church hymnal with his arms outstretched forward from his body. Some things caused more stress than others, so multiple hymnals were added. At the end, Adam was visibly shaking while trying to hold the books up.
"Are you tired?"
"YES!"
"Do you want help?"
"PLEASE!"
Of all the burdens listed above, which can we "cast" upon the Lord? Some said "only sin". We discussed the power of the Atonement; how our Savior can comfort us in ALL things and has truly felt ALL of our sins, pains and burdens. It's not possible to go it alone. We all need the Atonement.
We ended with the passage from Matthew 11:28-30:
Repentance is a sweet blessing our Father has given to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. And when we repent, we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Replies
- School
- Seminary (I agreed)
- Sports
- Parents
- Death
- Divorce
- Disease
- Sin
For each item listed above, Adam was asked to hold a church hymnal with his arms outstretched forward from his body. Some things caused more stress than others, so multiple hymnals were added. At the end, Adam was visibly shaking while trying to hold the books up.
"Are you tired?"
"YES!"
"Do you want help?"
"PLEASE!"
Of all the burdens listed above, which can we "cast" upon the Lord? Some said "only sin". We discussed the power of the Atonement; how our Savior can comfort us in ALL things and has truly felt ALL of our sins, pains and burdens. It's not possible to go it alone. We all need the Atonement.
We ended with the passage from Matthew 11:28-30:
30 For my yoke is aeasy, and my burden is light.
Repentance is a sweet blessing our Father has given to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. And when we repent, we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Self Assessments
Elder Bruce R. McConkie said that "There is, in fact, no such thing as neutrality where the gospel is concerned".
We discussed this quote today and talked about how it might relate to Matthew 6:24. We each took a moment to think to ourselves if we're "positively" or "negatively" charged in the gospel.
No hands were raised and no experiences shared. But pondering and personal reflection took place. Self-assessments are good.
We discussed this quote today and talked about how it might relate to Matthew 6:24. We each took a moment to think to ourselves if we're "positively" or "negatively" charged in the gospel.
No hands were raised and no experiences shared. But pondering and personal reflection took place. Self-assessments are good.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Real Life stories of Faith!
Brother Gibby shared an experience his son, Adam, had this last week. While at an academic leadership conference, some of Adam's acquaintances learned that he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
In a nutshell, they began to "tell him what he believed". Adam stood up for his beliefs, cited New Testament scriptures and bore testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel! YEAH!
My seminary batteries have been charged! Thanks Adam!
In a nutshell, they began to "tell him what he believed". Adam stood up for his beliefs, cited New Testament scriptures and bore testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel! YEAH!
My seminary batteries have been charged! Thanks Adam!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Obedience & Scripture Study
Jennifer Wall gave a devotional today that changed the direction of the lesson. She shared 2 Nephi 2:27:
Wherefore, men are afree according to the bflesh; and call things are dgiven them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to echoose fliberty and eternal glife, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be hmiserable like unto himself.
I felt impressed to talk a little bit about obedience. We talked for awhile about D&C 130:20-21. There are blessings to be had by paying tithing, obeying the Word of Wisdom and communicating with the Father through Christ in heartfelt prayer. These faithful students will be blessed for attending seminary.
To my class WAKE UP! :-)
My goal is for each of you to get into the habit of daily scripture study. I know that if you can master this that everything else will fall into place!
Wherefore, men are afree according to the bflesh; and call things are dgiven them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to echoose fliberty and eternal glife, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be hmiserable like unto himself.
I felt impressed to talk a little bit about obedience. We talked for awhile about D&C 130:20-21. There are blessings to be had by paying tithing, obeying the Word of Wisdom and communicating with the Father through Christ in heartfelt prayer. These faithful students will be blessed for attending seminary.
To my class WAKE UP! :-)
My goal is for each of you to get into the habit of daily scripture study. I know that if you can master this that everything else will fall into place!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Beautiful Attitudes
Last week we learned about the "Beatitudes" or "Beautiful Attitudes". We listed them on the board, discussed their meanings and finished by discussing President Harold B. Lee's thoughts regarding the Beatitudes:
"The Beatitudes...have been referred to...as the preparation necessary for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. ...They embody in fact THE CONSTITUTION FOR A PERFECT LIFE"
A checklist for perfection? We agreed that it's pretty "cool" to have such a list. And while it's impossible for each of us to lead a perfect life, it's certainly within reason to become perfected in a few things while in this life. A challenge was extended to pick a "Beautiful Attitude" to practice in the coming weeks and to ask, in prayer, for opportunities to practice!
"The Beatitudes...have been referred to...as the preparation necessary for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. ...They embody in fact THE CONSTITUTION FOR A PERFECT LIFE"
A checklist for perfection? We agreed that it's pretty "cool" to have such a list. And while it's impossible for each of us to lead a perfect life, it's certainly within reason to become perfected in a few things while in this life. A challenge was extended to pick a "Beautiful Attitude" to practice in the coming weeks and to ask, in prayer, for opportunities to practice!
Monday, September 1, 2008
New Testament Jeopardy
Friday was Jeopardy day. We split into 3 groups and tested scripture mastery knowledge. One team was beating the others quite handily, so I said I would give 1500 extra bonus points if any member of a team could QUOTE the scripture mastery after answering the question correctly.
Josh Austin pulled through by quoting John 14:15 to give his team the bonus and tie the game. Unfortunately, I don't like ties. So we entered the lightning round with 1 final question worth 1 point (though Kyle Wall wanted to arm wrestle for the win).
Team "Mountie" took home the win with a score 3201. I told Kyle I wouldn't arm wrestle as part of the class...but would do it afterwords if he still felt up to it. :-) Long story short - he still felt up to it and his recovery is going nicely.
FYI - we used the jeopardy game that comes with the Ken Alford scripture mastery resource pack: http://www.kenalford.com/
Josh Austin pulled through by quoting John 14:15 to give his team the bonus and tie the game. Unfortunately, I don't like ties. So we entered the lightning round with 1 final question worth 1 point (though Kyle Wall wanted to arm wrestle for the win).
Team "Mountie" took home the win with a score 3201. I told Kyle I wouldn't arm wrestle as part of the class...but would do it afterwords if he still felt up to it. :-) Long story short - he still felt up to it and his recovery is going nicely.
FYI - we used the jeopardy game that comes with the Ken Alford scripture mastery resource pack: http://www.kenalford.com/
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Avoiding Temptation
Today we discussed how Satan tempted the Savior and how the Savior reacted. To help illustrate how Satan tempts us, we tried the object lesson suggested in the teacher's manual.
Do Oranges Float?
John Aguilar took our large, glass cookie jar and filled it with water. The class took a vote and 3 said the orange would float...the rest said it wouldn't. Here's what we found:
Christ taught us to not even ENTERTAIN the thought of giving in to temptation. His response to Satan was "GET THEE HENCE". In essence, "I'll have nothing to do with you, go away NOW!".
It was a fun lesson. I hope the kids got a lot out of it.
Side note: Nick was instructed that the orange was not to be eaten as it was my breakfast. Nevertheless, he caved to temptation and ate the orange. Of course, I quickly forgave. After all, he doesn't know where John got the water it was floating in! :-)
Do Oranges Float?
John Aguilar took our large, glass cookie jar and filled it with water. The class took a vote and 3 said the orange would float...the rest said it wouldn't. Here's what we found:
- With the peel: YES!
- Without the peel: NO...IT SINKS!
- Scripture Study
- Prayer
- Family Home Evening
- Church Attendance
- Seminary Attendance
- Wholesome music
- Keeping the Commandments
Christ taught us to not even ENTERTAIN the thought of giving in to temptation. His response to Satan was "GET THEE HENCE". In essence, "I'll have nothing to do with you, go away NOW!".
It was a fun lesson. I hope the kids got a lot out of it.
Side note: Nick was instructed that the orange was not to be eaten as it was my breakfast. Nevertheless, he caved to temptation and ate the orange. Of course, I quickly forgave. After all, he doesn't know where John got the water it was floating in! :-)
Monday, August 25, 2008
Scripture Mastery Bingo
I found a great bingo card generator online that I used to create 60 unique bingo cards. Each card has 24 of the 25 New Testament scripture mastery references and a "Free Scripture Power" square.
Download my bingo cards here.
Download my bingo cards here.
- Distribute bingo cards (Game works great for teams of 2!)
- Distribute Smarties (used for bingo pieces)
- Pull scripture mastery cards or keyword/rhyme cards from bag
- Read the card aloud and clear
- No repeating and only 10 seconds between each scripture
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Salute with an Holy Kiss
Romans 16:16 says "Salute one another with an holy kiss." Since all I had were "Hershey's" kisses, we settled for those.
Here's what we learned about Hershey's Kisses this week:
Here's what we learned about Hershey's Kisses this week:
- They're great for encouraging participation
- 9 pieces = 1 serving
- 1 serving has 200 calories (100 from fat)
- 1 piece has a little over 22 calories
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Week 1
A full week of introduction and background information was not enough time! This week we talked about the following:
- Monday: Introduction to the New Testament
- Tuesday: Scripture Study Helps (looked at chapter headings, footnotes, Bible Dictionary, Topical Guide, JST, etc.)
- Wednesday: Plan of Salvation
- Thursday: The time between the Old and New Testament
- Friday: Scripture Mastery!
- Seeing a few students "come alive" when looking at the different meanings of words (i.e. Hebrew or Greek meaning) and how these meanings change the verse (Tuesday).
- Joshua Cabrerra led the Plan of Salvation discussion...very cool!
- The cheesy "Sun Dial" video on Thursday got a lot of laughs
- Matthew 5:14 in under 15 seconds! Students played "Hot-Potato" with a bean bag. Each said a single word from Matthew 5:14 and passed the bean bag down the line. They're first attempt took them 60 seconds to complete the verse. A few tries later and they completed it in 14 seconds!
- Scripture Mastery Bingo! A couple teams didn't finish because they ate all of their bingo pieces (Smarties candy)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Matthew 6:24
We had an interesting talk about Matthew 6:24 today. It's the second scripture mastery verse this year. We talked about "choosing" to serve Christ and it turned into a slightly deeper topic of "Masters".
As a class, we suggested that it isn't possible to serve two masters because in a very literal sense, there is save but one Master, Jesus Christ (using the word "Master" as used by Christ and His apostles). It becomes our responsibility to choose to exercise faith in serving our Master, Jesus Christ.
See Matthew 23:8,10
As a class, we suggested that it isn't possible to serve two masters because in a very literal sense, there is save but one Master, Jesus Christ (using the word "Master" as used by Christ and His apostles). It becomes our responsibility to choose to exercise faith in serving our Master, Jesus Christ.
See Matthew 23:8,10
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Tulsa Seminary Training
Training in Tulsa was great. I enjoyed watching another instructor teach a class. Brother Bills is an excellent teacher. When he teaches, I feel torn on how I should take notes. On the one hand, I can take notes on the topic he is teaching. On the other, I can take notes on HOW he is teaching the topic. Either way, I get writer's cramp!
I'm excited for seminary to start. I just need some ideas for scripture mastery games!
I'm excited for seminary to start. I just need some ideas for scripture mastery games!
Friday, August 15, 2008
New Testament in 6 Weeks
After I received the call to teach seminary, a distinct feeling of inadequacy set in. Intimidated at the task that lay ahead, I set a goal to read the New Testament in its entirety before the school year started.
Condensed study of the scriptures is the way to go. I remember when President Hinckley challenged us to read the Book of Mormon. The challenge came in an article in the Ensign, a church publication. I had just finished reading the Book of Mormon in my personal study, but accepted the challenge nonetheless. The prophet's challenge came with a promise:
As I read the New Testament this summer, I discovered that these blessings can be realized daily; not just as the result of obedience to a single challenge. Yes, the Prophet wanted us to read or reread the Book of Mormon; but in addition, he wanted us to get in the habit of reading more than a page...or even a chapter a day. When we immerse ourselves in scripture study accompanied with prayer, we align ourselves with our God and are hence prepared to receive personal revelation.
Here are a few things that stuck out to me as I studied this summer:
Condensed study of the scriptures is the way to go. I remember when President Hinckley challenged us to read the Book of Mormon. The challenge came in an article in the Ensign, a church publication. I had just finished reading the Book of Mormon in my personal study, but accepted the challenge nonetheless. The prophet's challenge came with a promise:
"Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."I felt the reality of these blessings personally and heard the testimonies of many who were similarly blessed.
As I read the New Testament this summer, I discovered that these blessings can be realized daily; not just as the result of obedience to a single challenge. Yes, the Prophet wanted us to read or reread the Book of Mormon; but in addition, he wanted us to get in the habit of reading more than a page...or even a chapter a day. When we immerse ourselves in scripture study accompanied with prayer, we align ourselves with our God and are hence prepared to receive personal revelation.
Here are a few things that stuck out to me as I studied this summer:
- Jesus Christ is the literal son of God, the Eternal Father (Matt. 3:17)
- The Godhead consists of 3 individuals with 1 purpose (Matt. 3:16-17, John 5:19, Acts 7:55)
- Jesus was baptized not to be cleansed, but to show us the way (Matt. 3:15)
- The apostles received the Priesthood authority from Christ (John 15:16)
- The Gift of the Holy Ghost is given by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority (priesthood). (Acts 7:17-18)
- The Priesthood comes from God (Hebrews 5:4)
- Faith in Christ is manifest through your words and deeds (James 2: 14, 17-18, 20, 22, 24, 26)
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Call
So I'm sitting at work having an average day when I get a call on my mobile:
Brother Bills: "Hi Brother Hufford, this is Brother Bills from the Stake Institute...has your Bishop talked to you about serving as a Seminary teacher?"
Me: "Uhhh....no...?"
But I could guess where things were going. When I got home I talked to Maren about it. She told me to ask the Bishop what "the angel" looked like, because surely a messenger would have been sent for this one!
I've never been more intimidated by a church calling than by this one. Long story short, I accepted the call and will be teaching the New Testament to high school aged kids this school year at 6:30 AM.
Brother Bills: "Hi Brother Hufford, this is Brother Bills from the Stake Institute...has your Bishop talked to you about serving as a Seminary teacher?"
Me: "Uhhh....no...?"
But I could guess where things were going. When I got home I talked to Maren about it. She told me to ask the Bishop what "the angel" looked like, because surely a messenger would have been sent for this one!
I've never been more intimidated by a church calling than by this one. Long story short, I accepted the call and will be teaching the New Testament to high school aged kids this school year at 6:30 AM.
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