Dig and Discover

A Silent Lesson

2009-10-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

Not all of the students, but a good majority of the seminary students love silent lessons; and even consider them their favorite lessons. In a silent lesson the whole scripture block is taught on the power point. They are prompted to read verses, look for things, underline things and even answer questions (which they write their answers to in the their journals). I try to have pictures and do video clips and even music slide shows--which is usually the highlight of the lesson for most of the students.
Today was 2 Nephi 4; the psalm of Nephi. The lesson focused on how Nephi, despite sorrow and frustration, trusted in the Lord (v.17-19). He mentions sin and temptations that do easily beset him--"beset" meaning to trouble, to harrass, or to attack from all sides (I know it's cool, isn't it?! The language in this chapter is so powerful, if it's been awhile you should re-read it. It dominates pretty much)--but then says, "nevertheless I know in whom I have trusted". He lost his father in this chapter and his brothers are again angry with him and want to kill him... :( That's what we call "No bueno!" We watched a video slide show to "I Am"--a powerful song with really cool pictures (this one is what they love most, click here for that...it's Youtube)--which shows how the Savior is there for us through all walks of life; Nephi writes "I will trust in thee forever." We also watched a mormon messages video from Elder Holland's "None Were With Him" ( click here to see that, then scroll down a little bit to the link titled "Jesus Christ"...it's the first video "An Aposte's Easter Thoughts on Jesus Christ or something like that ) to help the students see how the Savior's atonement allows Him to be there for us...Because He walked the lonely path so utterly alone, we do not have to do so. Then at the end the students were invited to come up and share their testimonies...In Seventh Hour the first girl up had to make sure with me that it was okay for her talk (since they'd been silent up until that point).
So the lesson was great!! It was powerful and tears were definitely shed. The testimonies at the end were incredible. But what amazed me the most was God's timing. He really is so good at lining things up and arranging things for multiple people. I hope I never am not amazed by it.
First example: To start the class I wanted to help students feel what Nephi was feeling and had them write in their journal about losing someone close to them and what that felt like. A student wrote me a note that reads:

Brother Carter,
Thank you for the wonderful lesson today. I really needed it. Two months ago today I lost my friend Rory and I really didn't know how to feel about it. And this lesson Really helped me. Thank you.

2 months to the day! I had no clue. However, while planning it this student was on my mind. The Lord knew. What's even more crazy was I wasn't sure if I was ready to do the Silent Lesson today and thought about delaying it till later and maybe just doing something else, but I couldn't escape it. I just knew I needed to do it.
Second Example: A young man, who struggles to stay in class and often doesn't participate very much, came into the lesson pretty late. He had also been on my mind because he had a hard time with his grandfather passing last year and had mentioned that some friends he had in Phoenix had passed away. I was really hoping it would be good for him. Because he was late he missed most of the intro where we looked at Lehi's death. However, after class he said, "Thank you, I really needed that." Which may not sound like much of a big deal, but if you knew this young man you'd know that was huge. :)
Third Example: A young woman mentioned that she really needed the lesson and she cried like the whole time. I asked her, later, what part helped and she said it was actually something unrelated to the lesson. When the Spirit is there He can give a personalized lesson.
Fourth Example: One of the main reasons that I wanted to delay doing the lesson was because I wanted to use "I Love the Lord" by the University Singers of BYU (from their Songs of the Soul cd) but could not find it. We even went to the BYU Bookstore on Friday and could not find it. So I planned the lesson without it. Then, I thought to email an amazing seminary teacher who teaches at Orem High. She emailed me the song, from a Conference Priesthood Session, and a slide show with pictures and the lyrics to go with it. I was excited about it, but since I already had the lesson I thought I'd just use it later as a review. 5th period came along. This class has 7 students who leave early to take classes at the college in Richfield. I really wanted to get to "I Am" before they left--there were a couple who I knew really liked it. So, I had to kind of hurry through the beginning and ended up having like 6-7 extra minutes. So, I pulled up the song (it was labeled Nephi's Psalm) and then we watched the slideshow. This was the only class that I got to show it in. As soon as I put the slide up for them to come and share their testimonies our 6'8" basketball center shot up and went to the front. Usually I could predict who would get up to share. I did not predict this one. He is a great kid. So wonderful and loveable, but not always vocal about his testimony. He said that he had a testimony of Christ. He then said, that last slide show had a picture that was shown at his cousin's funeral (his cousin died in a car wreck in the weeks between getting his mission call and entering the MTC). He said they showed the picture because people say the person in the picture looks just like his cousin. It confirmed to him that his cousin is still alive and he testified that he is "with Christ and is serving his mission there."
I know the Lord loves us. I love the Lord. In Him my soul delights...

More Conference Prep!

2009-04-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Conference is tomorrow!!! And that's so exciting. We looked at the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (later the Apostle Paul) and found a great question that if we will all ask will allow us to have a better conference experience.

Saul was a pretty bad dude. He was at and consented to the martyrdom of Stephen, was "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord," and was seeking to incarcerate any who believed in Christ. On his way to Damascus (where he was going to find more believers to bind up and take back to Jerusalem) he saw a light from heaven, which knocked him down to the ground. Then the words, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"

"Who art thou, Lord?"

"I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest." Time out. Imagine you're Saul, what are you thinking right now. Acts 9:6 tells us that he was astonished and trembling and asked the all important question: "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

Saul had now realized who Jesus was and was willing to do whatever he asked. A sign of conversion. This is the question that each of us can ask as we listen to His servants at this conference.

I encouraged the students to take notes and showed them an example of how to do it. Here it is:

I found if I reserved a spot to write down thoughts and impressions that I received a lot more inspiration on how to improve and it really keeps me engaged making conference a lot more than just a Sunday where we don't have to go to Church. Happy Conference to everyone!

Cell phones revisited...and Conference prep!!

2009-03-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

Crazy observation in class today. So...we were studying Acts 3, where an amazing healing happened. Peter and John were going to the temple and outside sat a "certain man" that was "lame from his mother's womb." He was brought to the temple everyday to "ask alms" of the temple goers. Peter and John saw him and knew what he was doing there and Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."

The principle that we learned was "There are things that are more important than money." To introduce it I brought fake checks; written for a million dollars. I showed them to the class and said that they could have this check if they would promise to never use a cell phone again. There were people in all five of my classes that would not give up their cell phones for a million dollars. I couldn't believe it. Many would say, "Well, what if there was an emergency?" Um...what did we do 10 years ago; just lay down and die because we didn't have a cell phone? I don't think so. Crazy how dependent our society has become on cell phones.

After that question I asked if they'd give up their ability to walk or to see for a million dollars. Pretty much all of them said "No" to that. Then, I asked them what the point was...they nailed the principle and I asked the student who said it if they believed it, and then I had them rip up the check.

Part 2--So, here's an amazing story of Peter healing a man that had never walked before. But if we look at it a little deeper and look on the spiritual side we can see a cool principle to get us ready for Conference. Peter was the prophet. Think of him as our prophets and apostles today. What is it that spiritually impairs us and causes us to be "lame"? It's sin. So, any one of us is represented by the certain man. V. 4 tells us that Peter was "fastening his eyes upon" the man. We know that our leaders definitely are focusing on us, especially preparing for this weekend. He then told the man to "Look on us." V. 5-And he gave heed unto them.

So our part, give heed to the prophets.

Then, what happens? V. 7-And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

Principle: If I give heed to the prophets then they will lift me up and strengthen me.

I'm excited to be lifted up and strengthened this weekend.

I love . . .

2009-03-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

I love this . . .

I love that the conscience is referred to as "the still, small voice" that helps us avoid "temptation" to be able to stay on the "straight and narrow path."

I love that Viana calls it "Pokey-nochio."

I love seminary.

I love hearing the turning of the pages of the scriptures during a "silent lesson."

I love our prophet.

I love our new temple.

I love our new family :)

Discipleship

2008-09-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

"True discipleship is for volunteers only." It's been too long since I had an Elder Maxwell quote. I love this one! To be a true disciple of Christ one must desire it within. And at times somethings need to be left behind.

I love the island of Ovalau in Fiji. I spent 4 months here as a missionary. It was awesome! And I've been lucky enough to get out to it in both of my return trips. The island has a beautiful coastline, with a mountainous interior (not a "rocky mountain" standard, but for Fiji). There is only one town on the island, Levuka. The first capital of Fiji (it has since moved to Suva). The little town of Levuka has a lot of heritage and a lot of pride. Anywhere you are on the island, however, there's only one road that will take you to town. Any other road will end up in some other village. There's just the one road, which circles the island, that goes to Levuka. What's the message?? John 14:6= Christ is the only road back to our Father, so we better follow Him.

In Matthew chapter 4 we learn of the calling of 4 apostles; Peter, Andrew, James and John. The Savior testified of who He was and called them to "Follow Him". This call is for all who wish to hear it. We need to follow Him. I had students search verses 18-22 to see how these disciples responded to the call. They were quick to notice the words "straightway" and "immediately" in verses 20 and 22. They also brought up that they left what they were doing to follow Him. I had them circle the word "left" in those to verses. True discipleship takes sacrifice and the Lord won't force us to give up things. That has to come from within. Remember, "For volunteers only." Wow! What it must have taken to leave behind their jobs, their source of income and food, their families. It's amazing to see such faith when we really look at what they did.

I asked a class, "When have you made sacrifices and left things behind, so that you could better follow the Savior?" A dark haired senior, the class president of that class, shared about deleting certain songs, even songs she liked, but knew were inappropriate. Then, a small, very quiet, blond haired girl raised her hand and said, "My friends. I left my friends in Richfield and came here hoping to find better friends."

Students then were each given a piece of paper and wrote down one thing that needed to be left behind so they could follow the Savior. My amazing and domestic wife totally made me a miniature fishing net for students to come and leave behind their worldly nets that might get them tangled up.

I know that His path is hard, but it's worth following. Let's volunteer to be better disciples by picking something from our lives that can be left behind.

Loosening the tongues...

2008-08-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

In Third Nephi 26 we learn an important principle of teaching; I'll call it the principle of loosening the tongues. Christ had been teaching the people and breaking bread with them, and then we get verse 14: And it came to pass that he did teach and minister unto the children of the multitude of whom hath been spoken, and he did loose their tongues, and they did speak unto their fathers great and marvelous things, even greater than he had revealed unto the people; and he loosed their tongues that they could utter.

On this page (457 in the Book of Mormon) I have written from sometime in my seminary teaching training "I will seek to be like the Savior by loosening the tongues of the students/people I teach."

In class a few days ago I was briefly introducing some of the scripture mastery references for the New Testament and trying to help the students get an understanding of what those passages mean. We were discussing Matthew 25:40 and how when we've done service for someone, it's as if we'd done it for the Savior. Then, we turned to the flipside and started talking about what if we do something bad to someone... It's hard to think that our unkind words, or unkind actions that we commit against others are really being committed against the Savior. I tried to explain how everyone is a child of God and if we hurt someone we're hurting God, because that's his child. A young lady with dark brown, super curly hair looked up and said, "Yeah, because Christ suffered for all of our pains and sorrows and afflictions, so when we cause pain to others we really are doing it to Christ."

I was blown away. What she had revealed was much greater than what I had revealed or could have revealed. I had never seen that scripture so literally before.

I am so grateful for what I learned that day and for the Spirit enlightening the mind of a student and loosening her tongue to speak of such wonderful things.

Update

2008-08-23T20:34:00.001-07:00

So, one week of school is down and I'm still alive. I love being a seminary teacher. I teach six classes a day: "0" hour, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th. I have more than 130 students and easily had everyone's name by the second day (many returning students). First week shocks=My feet and legs are not in teaching shape. By Thursday and Friday I was taking many an opportunity to sit and get off my feet for a little bit. My voice, was also not in teaching shape. Our last day of the first week was opening football game and my voice was completely gone after that. However, as far as teaching goes the Lord has blessed me. I'm excited to learn and grow as a teacher as I know I have SO much to learn. The students are great! They are eager for the gospel. One student commented on a "survey" thingy that I handed out that she really wants her testimony to grow this year. I know that this is very typical for the youth of the Church and hope we'll remember that in our interactions with them. It was a great first week.

Happy Birthday Harry!!

2008-07-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well, to celebrate the birthday of "The boy who lived" I thought I'd post a spiritual analogy from Harry Potter. This was one I used in Jeremiah 30 to help teach about the power of Christ.

What is the power of Christ? What can Jesus do for me? Why do I need a Savior?

Harry, in Year Two at Hogwarts, finds himself in the Chamber of Secrets facing almost certain death from a Basilisk. The huge snake-like creature that kills just with a look of its eyes is being commanded by a memory of Harry's nemesis Lord Voldemort. Harry it seems is alone with no way out, but then in comes Fawkes, Dumbledore's Phoenix, to poke out the eyes of the Basilisk. Now Harry has a chance. Fawkes also brought Harry the sorting hat, which gave Harry the sword of Godric Gryffindor, which he used to fight and kill the Basilisk. Although he killed the Basilisk, he didn't escape unscathed. He took a fang to his arm, which would have killed him, but swooping in again came that Phoenix. It shed a tear into his wound and completely healed him. Then, if that wasn't enough, this magnificent bird carried Harry, Ginny, Ron, and a loopy Lockhart out of the Chamber delivering them from being trapped.

Now, long before J.K. penned The Chamber of Secrets, the Phoenix bird has been a symbol of Jesus Christ. A Phoenix, as I'm sure you know, rises from its ashes, symbolic of the Resurrection. And like Fawkes, our Savior is there for us to fight our enemies, to give us the sword of truth (it's sharp--to the dividing asunder), to heal us, and to deliver us!

How was Harry able to access such a powerful ally? The answer will help us see how we can gain the power of Christ in our lives.

Dumbledore told Harry that the only way for him to have summoned Fawkes to his aid was (I'm summarizing here) if Harry had been loyal to him. Later in the series Scrimgeour tries to recruit Harry to the ministry. Harry declines and the new minister comments that Harry must be Dumbledore's boy through and through.

Jeremiah 30:22 "And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God."

I testify that Jesus Christ, the Lord Jehovah, wants us to be His people. He wants to be our God so that He can fight for us, equip us with the weapons we need, heal us, and ultimately deliver us. I know that He will if we will be loyal to Him and keep His commandments.

"When the Lord commands, do it."

2008-07-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

Obedience...what comes to mind? Well, to me, I think obedience is the first law of heaven. What does that mean?

Our Priesthood/Relief Society lesson today, Ch. 13 from the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, focused on this topic of obedience. The lesson began with a personal experience from the Prophet Joseph's life, where they had to up and move "in the middle of an especially severe winter." Although it was hard for them, did I mention they had to travel by sleigh and Emma was expecting twins, Joseph obeyed when the Lord commanded. A question was read in class, "How have you been blessed when you have obeyed...commands without hesitation?" My mind, with the help of a class comment, went to that phrase, "without hesitation." How do I get to where I can obey, without hesitation?

Why do we have commandments that we need to obey anyway? When we understand the doctrine it will help change our behavior. It will make it easier to obey and hopefully to obey without hesitation, so we can say with Joseph, "When the Lord commands, do it." Let's turn to section 82 of the Doctrine and Covenants to gain insight on why we have commandments:

8 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you;

9 Or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.

I see two reasons in these verses. One, commandments are God's will. Two, commandments teach us how to act so that we can be saved.

Obedience, that's what should come first in our lives. When the Lord commands, do it!

I hope that understanding the why will improve my ability to obey. What are some other things that hinder our obedience?

Fighting for family

2008-06-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

The books of Nehemiah and Ezra teach us some great principles about the temple and the family. After King Solomon's death the Israel that his father David united splits in less than a year. The northern country is inhabited by Israel and the Jews take the south. Both countries end up getting conquered. The Persians had reign over the Jews and granted them return to their homeland. Here Ezra led and encouraged the Jews to build the temple. Later, Nehemiah was granted to return to Jerusalem as well, but his mission was to rebuild the wall around the city. A wall? Why did ancient cities have walls? One word: Protection.

They met some opposition to this project, coming from the Samaritans. But they overcame it because "the people had a mind to work" (Neh. 4:6). Nehemiah encouraged them saying, "Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses" (Neh. 4:14).

Is the family being attacked? Do we today need protective walls around our families and the temple? What can we do to protect the family and fight Satan?

Here are some ideas from seminary students as we "built a wall" (red=Spanish Fork High, yellow= South Sevier High):

I love the imagery of this verse and I hope it's how I can be in this quest to protect our families:

Nehemiah 4: 17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon."

Cell phones?

2008-06-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

So thinking about the coming year one of the classroom issues that I want to alleviate deals with cell phones. If you wonder how many high schoolers have them, check this out. This was from just one class of only 9th graders.

I also know that it becomes addicting to teenagers and some are staying up way late into the night texting. So...I've also been wondering how to teach students proper cell phone use. A scripture came to me during sacrament meeting.

Alma 38:12 Here Alma teaches his son Shiblon and all of us that we need to "bridle all [our] passions."

I think this will be great in Monroe, since they'll know more about bridles than I ever will.

Any other ideas??

Tribute to Spanish Fork Jr. High

2008-05-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't been teaching at this school since early January, but I just had the best experience there. The school was really nice to us seminary teachers. Even when I wasn't teaching there they gave me a birthday present (which I wouldn't have known about if it wasn't for Jen...Thanks!) and just this last Thursday I went for a visit and they got me a free yearbook. I had such a wonderful experience there and I'm glad I got to go back to say goodbye to many of the students. One student wrote in my yearbook that I should save his autograph, because it might be worth something when he's in the twelve.... :) Right afterwards there was a nice J/K. But it was still pretty funny. And with this kid I wouldn't doubt if it happened. I have a picture from my last day teaching there. I don't remember who wrote it, but I thought it was a great message. Well, I can't upload the picture for some reason, so you'll just have to visualize. It was written in black marker and circled three times; it read: If life gets hard, keep on going.

(posts from my two months in Monroe are on the way)

The Hiring Story

2008-03-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

So, it's been busy and crazy. I apologize for being out of operation for this last week or so. First of all, I want to testify that God knows us individually, He hears our prayers, and He is in the details of our lives. He is lining things up for you and for me even as we speak, we just don't usually know about it until the end result. Then, we look back in amazement and truly can recognize His hand in all things.
Esther, a Jew, was chosen to be queen in Persia (an empire stretching from India to Ethiopia) to king Ahasuerus. His right hand man, Haman, hated the Jews because they would not bow to him and decreed that they should all be killed. Not knowing that Esther was a Jew, the king agreed to let Haman carry out this order. Was it chance that Esther, a Jew, had been chosen as queen to be in the king's court so that she would be there at the right place and the right time to save her people? Mordecai phrased it best in a letter to his cousin Esther (which he raised as "his own daughter") saying, "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). The Lord had lined things up perfectley for Esther to be there to save His chosen people. I don't think it was chance.
Let's go back to March 6th. CJ came to Spanish Fork to meet me as I was finishing class. We were going to go to the temple later that evening, but decided to just go right then. Luckily we had amazing friends to watch the girls who were willing to take them right away. We wanted to hit the 2:00 pm session, but made the 2:30 instead. It was a great time at the temple. April (hiring time) is just around the corner and the nerves of 'will I make it or not' were very high. I spent a lot of time thinking and praying in the temple about seminary teaching. As we left the temple an elderly woman approached us. She was wearing a crocheted beanie, a crocheted scarf and an older brown coat. She was also holding what looked like a sack lunch. She asked if we were going across town--which we weren't--since we just live down the street from the temple. I started to say, "No" and was outvoiced by my wife's answer of "Yes!" I then, lulling through my "no" added, "But we could," with a smile. We headed to the car and as CJ told this woman, Barbara, that I was trying to become a seminary teacher she said that her husband was a seminary teacher. And if that wasn't enough, she also told us that she used to be a hall advisor at the dorms, just like CJ is doing now. Coincidence...?
On the drive we learned about her family's background, where she was from, etc, and also explained who we were, our backgrounds and where we hailed from. Barbara who is now 78, although she claimed 77 saying that she wasn't going to have anymore birthdays, was very fun and an engaging conversationalist. She asked about the youth at Spanish Fork and then very matter of factly said, "Let's sing the songs of the Bible." When we finished with Malachi, she didn't miss a beat, quickly saying, "Now the New Testament." It was so fun. We were very excited to have met a new friend at the temple and glad that we could help her get back to her home. As we pulled up to her apartment building for her to get out she said, "I'll pray for you to be a seminary teacher."
March 7th, 7:10 am (the next morning). I'm in bed, but semi-conscious. I got up because I thought I heard the phone ringing. I went to check the caller id to see the name of my "pre-service" leader on it, having just called a couple of minutes earlier. I quickly called him back, wondering why he'd be calling so early. "Oh" I thought to myself, "he must be calling to confirm my next observation date." After only a matter of seconds, he asked if my wife was awake. I quickly got her and we both got to hear the offering of a full-time contract for me to teach seminary. The excitement was unbelievable. He explained why the offer was coming over a month early and told me that I would be going to Monroe, Utah to take the place of a teacher on medical leave. He explained what all would happen and what would happen the rest of the day and then that was it. I hung up the phone, turned to CJ and said, "CJ, do you remember that old lady from the temple yesterday...She was from Monroe, Utah."
That day I got observed by Bro. Vellinga (he said if I didn't do good he was taking it all back--no pressure right). I was teaching Esther. When we came to Mordecai's question I recounted this story to the class. Bro. Vellinga spoke up from the back of the class, "No, really? Was she really from Monroe?" (a valid question, what are the odds, since there are less than 2,000 people living there). He then said, "Now, what time were you at the temple?" I, caught off guard, stumbled through my memory and came up with, "From 2:30 to 4:30." He then went on to explain that he found out the day before (March 6) that they needed to hire someone. He was praying about it and trying to see who it should be. He felt good and turned in my name to the people in Salt Lake. Bro. Vellinga was in Arizona and didn't get home until around 11 pm that night. He checked his email and had received a "yes" confirmation email from Salt Lake at 4:35 pm. I don't know how He did it. But at the time that we were in the temple, and at the time we were with Barbara and she said she'd pray for me, he was in Arizona praying about it and they were in Salt Lake praying about it. I don't know how He lined it all up, but He did. We went back and found Barbara a few days later to tell her our story (only knowing where her apartment complex was, it was another miracle when she just happened to walk out of the locked complex right when we drove up). She nearly collapsed in shock and said, "I really did pray for you!" She was thrilled to show us pictures of what we know and love as Monroe, UT. I don't know why I need to be in Monroe right now, but I know I need to be there. I know that God is lining up events, people, etc. for each one of us. I pray that I'll have the trust and the confidence in Him to allow His will to be done always.

Why do I need the scriptures?

2008-02-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

King Josiah? Ever heard of him. He was "eight years old when he began to reign" as king. Eight!?!?! I'm pretty sure my life consisted of collecting baseball cards and playing Mario Bro.'s at 8. Certainly not ruling a country (not to mention a country of idol worshipers). The two previous kings in Judah (the southern country after the division of the children of Israel after King Solomon's fall and death; it included the tribe of Judah, the tribe of Benjamin and some Levites), namely his father and grandfather, had ruled in wickedness. Josiah broke the trend. He was righteous. He wanted the temple to be repaired. While there, the high priest found the book of the law, or in other words, the scriptures. Well no wonder they'd gotten so wicked they had totally forgotten about the scriptures to the point that the scriptures were lost. When Josiah realized what had happened, "he rent his clothes" (2 Kings 22:11). He then caused the words to be read to the people and they all covenanted to keep the commandments and "Josiah [overturned] the worship of false gods,...and puts down idolatry" (2 Kings 23, chapter heading).
So, Josiah was a good guy before he even had the scriptures. But when he discovered the scriptures he was able to come closer to God through covenants and help his people rid themselves of iniquity.
President Benson said, "Studying and searching the scriptures is not a burden laid upon us by the Lord, but a marvelous blessing and opportunity."
How are we doing at this? Does it seem like something we just know we're supposed to do? Something on our checklist? Or, are we looking at this as a "marvelous blessing and opportunity." I LOVE the scriptures. I know that they are true and that they contain God's revealed word to His prophets. I know that they apply directly to us and have the answers we need. My brother-in-law, LaDon, shared an interesting statistic with me once about scripture reading. He said that before President Hinckley's challenge to the Church to read the Book of Mormon, only 30% of members of the Church were having daily scripture study. During the challenge it increased to up to 70%. However, once the time of the challenge was completed we returned back to 30%. Well, that's easy, just tell President Monson to challenge us again, right? Well, let's remember Doctrine and Covenants 58:26= "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant." Also remembering that we already have been commanded to "meditate therein day and night" (Josh. 1:8), and to "search the scriptures" (John 5:39), and to "feast upon the words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3), and to "search these commandments" (D&C 1:37). That's one from each of the 4 standard works. Then we have the rebuking and condemnation that came in section 84, which was also reiterated by President Benson (meaning that we were still under that condemnation).
So, we've been commanded. Maybe we just need more convincing. So, here are six reasons, from the scriptures, on why we need the scriptures.
1. Psalms 19:7= "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." CONVERSION
2. 2 Nephi 3:15= "For the thing [scriptures], which the Lord shall bring forth by his [Joseph's] hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation." SALVATION
3. Romans 5:14= "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written of our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." LEARNING
4. 2 Timothy 3:16= "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." DOCTRINE
5. 1 Nephi 1:12= "And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord." THE SPIRIT
6. Helaman 37:44-45= "The word of Christ...will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss." DIRECTION

I know that I can do better at studying my scriptures and I hope that I will. I am grateful for them and how much they have helped me and know that they will continue to do so. Now, I'm sure most of my audience is not struggling with this aspect in their lives, but I am sure that we all know someone who could use a boost. Let's encourage others to partake in the "marvelous blessing" that is scripture study.

Can't teach David and Goliath without a sling and marshmallows

2008-02-24T18:38:00.000-08:00

"This lesson must be shared"

2008-02-20T22:03:00.000-08:00

What would you run towards? My favorite is when I come home from work and I hear "Daddy!" and see my 2-year old daughter with outstretched arms running up for a hug. I'd run for a loose ball, or a breakaway lay-up on the court. I'd run to see my wife. I'd run to get in line for Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland. I'd even run for the last piece of chocolate cream pie. Would you run to this fight?

Look at 1 Samuel 17:48, "And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine."

How could David, who was "but a youth" run to meet Goliath who was "a man of war from his youth," a "champion," not to mention over 9 feet tall and carrying over 150lbs of armor and a spear with a head weighing fifteen pounds???!?!? David ran, because he was prepared.

Have you seen Hoodwinked? If not, you need to. It's hilarious. If you're close by come borrow it. It's great, although some would question its existence, it really is pretty funny. Meet one of my favorite characters:

A goat that can only sing. He sings a song about being prepared. He says, "This lesson must be shared, to be prepared....And unless you got a spare, you only got one life so handle it with care." Whilst singing this melodic and very catchy tune he demonstrates his preparedness with his different horns: "Horns that hold my keys, I got horns that when I turn 'em right, they help me watch t.v." The point is, he got thrown from a mine cart and would have fallen to his death. However, we see the goat flying through the air with helicopter horns and hear him saying (singing?), "I was prepared." His preparation saved his life.

What then was David's preparation?? It wasn't horns. But stones. Stones that he trusted. David, although young and small compared to his opponent was confident that "The Lord that delivered [him] out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear...[would] deliver [him] out of the hand of this Philistine." He refused Saul's armor and sword, and chose instead a proven method, a sling and stones. He carefully chose five smooth stones from the river. Good thing too, what if the first had missed. He was prepared. But it was more than just bringing back-up stones, it was the fact that David knew and understood who the Stone was; who the Rock of his salvation was. Verse 47 "the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands." David knew Christ would fight for him. He knew that Christ had already won the battle. John 16:33 reads, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

David ran, because he had the Stone at his side. I know that if we have Christ at our sides that we can run with confidence towards whatever Goliaths we might face. I know that Jesus truly performed an atonement through which we can be saved and delivered from all our enemies.

I love . . .

2008-02-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

Ice cream...

Onion rings...

Harry Potter quidditch goggles...

Disneyland, Disney World, and Disneyland Paris...

Basketball...

Pixar...

Fun friends...

A good schnike...

(No comment necessary)

Fun seminary activities...

Watching movies...

Remembering our first home...

The temple...

My beautiful eternal family...

Knowing the Gospel is real!

A Breakthrough!

2008-01-30T20:45:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day...

God answers prayers. Yet there are some that still don't believe, some who don't pray because, they claim to not have had prayers answered. Hannah teaches us how to make prayer effective. 1 Samuel chapter one introduces us to Hannah--an Israelite woman who is unable to have children. She shares her husband Elkanah with another woman--Peninnah, who can have children. She is grieved much because of this and the way she is treated by Peninnah. She turns to prayer. She vows a vow with the Lord that if He will bless her with a child then she will dedicate that son to God. She poured out her soul in prayer. She didn't just pick up the phone and ask for "a large pepporoni, hold the anchioves and it better be here in 20 minutes" type of prayer. Hannah continued praying after her request. And she was true to her word--when a son came she "lent him to the Lord."

Can we make deals with God? It seems like Hannah did, and it worked. I went up to a pair studying these verses in class today to pose this question to them. A big, burly football player that let me know on the first day that he "won't be coming much" and needed to find "someone to goof off with," leaned over, and said, "Yeah!" I quickly refocused. "What do you mean?" "Well, once I made a deal with God," he said. He then briefly recounted the event and I asked him if he'd share it with the class. He said he would. We wrapped up the activity and started discussing this point as a whole class. I explained that Hannah was able to make a "deal" because this was a commandment that God had given, to multiply and replenish the Earth. I then asked this student to share his experience. He spoke, trying to be bold although it was hard for him to say, "I used to chew." He paused, then explained how everywhere he went he was "chewing." Then, he found out that he had cancer. He was scared. "I didn't want to lose my jaw, so I prayed. I was crying and I prayed that if God would take my cancer away, then I would quit chewing forever...It's been five months now, and the cancer is all gone, and I'm never chewing again."

God does answer our prayers, I hope we take time to notice the little things he does, and the miracles that happen all around us.

After class as students were walking out and shaking my hand, a young woman who generally comes in late, talks to other students frequently and hasn't seem largely interested in seminary said, "That was great lesson!" Today was a good day....for more than just Bro. Carter.

Hard Things!

2008-01-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

I've been facing some hard things these last two weeks. The adjustment back to high school was not as easy as I had hoped. I really just didn't prepare myself for it. Between my first two semesters of student teaching I had an entire summer to get geared up for new classes and a new semester and new students! This time around I had a week and a half. And a week of that I was still teaching my old class. So, that really blind-sided me. And I'm sad to admit it, but I didn't get off to a great start. For me it's been hard! But, I'm not complaining (maybe whining a little here and there). We all have to face hard things.

I asked class today before we got into Ruth to anonymously write on an index card the hardest thing they've been through. The results were shocking. Ranging from personal injuries, to family member's drug addictions, self addictions, feeling alone and worthless, to wanting to commit suicide. These youth, most of which are from 15-18 years old have already experienced some hard things. What do we do when things get so hard? Naomi's reaction to her trials can help us. In chapter one of Ruth we learn that Naomi and her family have to leave their home of Bethlehem because of a famine. They go to Moab where her two sons marry Moabite women; Orpah and Ruth. Then Naomi's husband dies, and then, both of her sons die, leaving a mother-in-law and two daughters-in-law all husbandless. Naomi has heard that the famine has ended in Bethlehem and decides to go back home. So, what's the message for us? Where do we go, what do we do when we're experiencing hard things? The answer is Bethlehem. The word Bethlehem means "The house of bread." In John 6:35 we learn that Christ is the bread of life. So, when you experience hard things, where do you go?

In class we made a good list of student responses. Christ is at the center of nearly all of them: the House of Bread could mean the temple, church, prayer, the scriptures, family, etc. When life is hard, we need to go to Christ.

John 14:18--I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.

"Whoa!"

2008-01-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

What is the power of testimony? Friday brought another round of Open Sharing to our little seminary class at Spanish Fork Jr High. The Spirit was strong of testimony, but also of class unity as the semester is nearing its completion. One student shared on Christ and His suffering, and how it really was for each of us. My mind was turned to a scripture in the 45th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. I marked it and thought of how I could use it in the lesson that day in Joshua. I was excited for it, as I knew the Spirit had led me there. I stood up to end open sharing and begin the lesson, but as I did a young woman in the front row with dark brown hair stood up. She started out sharing about hard times that her family has had and how she had been having a really hard time. She then talked of how she, or anyone in her family, had never talked about the death of her cousin. She said that since his death she hadn't really felt that the Church was true. Then the other night she finally talked to her mom about it and her mom said, "Promise me, that you will pray about the Church." Well, she did. She then explained, "I woke up the next morning and was just filled with the Spirit. And I know. I know that the Church is true."

I am certainly glad that I didn't stand up quicker or before she did. I'm also glad that she had the courage to share, because after that, a young man got up and all he could say about how he felt was "Whoa!"

We didn't have a ton of time for the lesson, but we talked about the power of testimony from the example of Rahab from Joshua 2. She had heard of the children of Israel and said to two Israelite spies who had come in to Jericho to scout it out, "I know that the Lord hath given you the land...the Lord your God, he is the God in heaven above, and in earth beneath."

Because of this testimony--what she knew--she took in the spies and protected them. Because of that the spies told her to put a red thread in her window so that her and her family would not be destroyed. When Joshua and the children of Israel come and, according to the Lord's direction, cause the walls of Jericho to fall and "utterly destroy all that was in the city", we learn more about Rahab. Joshua 6:25 reads, "And Joshua saved Rahab..."

Do our testimonies have the power to save us? Even if they are small and simple, can they bring out a result as was seen with Rahab?

The verses from Doctrine & Covenants 45 read,

"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him--Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;

Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life...and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life." (verses 3-5, 8; empahsis added)

Class was ending and I asked if anyone had learned anything in class today. One student raised her hand and said, "I was reading my scriptures last night and kept seeing the phrase 'Believe in Christ' and was wondering what it meant. Now I know what it means."

I know that our testimonies are powerful, that they can help us overcome whatever we may encounter, and I testify that if we do according to what we know and use our testimonies that they will have the power to save us. Again I ask, what is the power of testimony?

Ode to Elder Maxwell

2007-12-19T19:29:00.000-08:00

My last post had two great and fantastic quotes by Elder Neal A. Maxwell and it got me thinking that I should probably devote a post to some of my favorite quotes from this wonderful apostle. Please feel free to add your favorites that I may have missed:

The Lord does not ask us about our ability, but only about our availability. And then, if we demonstrate our dependability, the Lord will increase our capability.

Whether in tranquil or turbulent times, our best source of comfort is the Comforter.

Though we live in a failing world, we have not been sent here to fail.

God, who oversees the interlacings of galaxies, stars, and worlds, asks us to confess His hand in our personal lives, too...Just as the Lord knows all of His vast creations, He also knows and loves each in any crowd—indeed, He knows and loves each and all of mankind!

Ignoring the revelations about God’s astounding capacity is like playing aimlessly and contentedly with wooden blocks featuring the letters of the alphabet, without realizing Shakespearean sonnets were created using that same alphabet.

Spiritual submissiveness is not accomplished in an instant, but by the incremental improvements and by the successive use of stepping-stones. Stepping-stones are meant to be taken one at a time anyway. Eventually our wills can be “swallowed up in the will of the Father” as we are “willing to submit … even as a child doth submit to his father” (see Mosiah 15:7; Mosiah 3:19).

In striving for ultimate submission, our wills constitute all we really have to give God anyway. The usual gifts and their derivatives we give to Him could be stamped justifiably “Return to Sender,” with a capital S.

The details!

2007-12-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

I know that God truly is in the details of our lives. Despite the universe being incomprehensibly huge and the amount of His children being unfathomably great, He still hears and answers our prayers.

As the children of Israel got ready to depart Mount Sinai and start the journey for the promised land, the Lord had Moses organize them into their respective tribes and set up camps. Further instructions were given to the Levites who were to be stationed in the middle of the camp with the tabernacle that was meant to be at the center. They were told where to set up their camps, relative to the tabernacle, who was to be in charge, and what their duty was with the tabernacle. In our wonderful visit with Elder Lund he mentioned that the Lord is a great director of personnel. He knows where to put His children where He needs them and when. I shared an Elder Maxwell quote:

The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millenia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has given at least equal attention to the placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our human lives so that our light may not only lead others, but warm them as well.

I love this quote. I think it's great. Class ended before I could give this quote the full credit it deserved. I really hoped that I would be able to discuss how this seminary class is part of their "human orbits" and that they can do great things for each other, but there just wasn't the time. So I planned to share it on Friday.

Friday came and it's a special day for Bro. Carter's seminary. We have "open sharing" where students can stand up and share their spiritual experiences, favorite scriptures and testimonies with the class. We had some group presentations to finish, so when a lull in the sharing came, I stood up to end open sharing and introduce the class presentations. I went back to sit down and enjoy the presentations, when I caught a glare from our class president. She said, "Bro. Carter! There were more people that needed to share." I asked who and she pointed to a couple of people who did not get up to share, nor looked anxious to share. I knew that there would be enough time after the presentations to do some more sharing and hoped that they would share then. The presentations were great! I stood to elaborate on a couple of the stories that they shared. Then, nothing else came to mind--we still had 5 or 6 minutes, so I said, "We can use the rest of the time for open sharing."

A young girl quickly stood up and shared a scripture from Esther, when Mordecai hints that Esther's placement and timing might be God's work to save the Jews. "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" She said that this scripture made her think of the Elder Maxwell quote (above). Then she said, "I want to bear testimony that God answers prayers, because today He answered mine!" I was intrigued and listened more intently. "I read this scripture and reread the quote last night and really wanted to share it today. But when time ran out, I thought I had missed my chance. I prayed, 'Heavenly Father if You want me to share this scripture I know that You will prepare a way. I really would like to share it, but only if it's what You want.'" Tears welled up in her eyes. She then began to bear her testimony about how she knew that we were all in this class together for a reason and that God had brought us all here. It clicked. I remembered that I had forgotten to share on that quote and principle before turning the time back to open sharing. The Lord didn't want me to share the quote, He had prepared her for it and was answering her plea. I want to share one last quote from Elder Maxwell, "God is in the details!"

Snowflakes

2007-12-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

At the end of the Bishop Peterson quote, written in green in the previous post, I added: "Like snowflakes!" To serve as a reminder to the students of their individual and unique purpose I hung up snowflakes that they themselves made. Here they are!

He knows us all!

2007-12-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's hard to remember that He is really aware of us. I think we know that He does, but it's a tough thing to always realize=God loves us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. And there is purpose in trials. And we have a purpose. God knows it, even if we don't. But we can often lose focus amidst all we have to do and all that goes whirling and twirling about us.

In Exodus 31 the Lord instructs Moses on some individuals' purposes (at least, in part); they are to build a tabernacle and they've been given skills and talents wherewith they could accomplish that. As I was preparing I found a quote that CJ had in that chapter by a former counselor in the Presiding Bishopric. I felt that I should hand this out as a glue-in to my class. I'm glad it was more than a thought, because events would happen that could have prevented me from sharing it. First of all, this is embarrassing, but I gotta be honest, I didn't know who Bishop H. Burke Peterson was. I figured that he could have been in the Presiding Bishopric, but was worried that he was just a bishop from a local fireside. If he was a local bishop, then I probably shouldn't be sharing it as a glue-in. Then, when Thursday came along (just this past Thurs. the 6th) I forgot to bring the quote. Luckily, I have a great wife, so I called her and she read the quote to me and I typed it up to make the handout. I passed it out in 6th period, but changed the order of how I taught things in 7th. So, in 7th, I almost forgot. Near the very end of class, I saw the quotes and asked if I'd handed them out. The class said "no". As I passed this quote out and we read the first couple of lines I felt that this quote was gonna be really important to SOMEONE in here.

"One of the greatest challenges is to overcome the feeling that we are unimportant, that we are not special and unique. Do you think for a moment that Heavenly Father would have sent one of His children to this earth by accident, without the possibility of a significant work to perform?...My dear friends you are a royal generation. You were preserved to come to earth in this time for a special purpose. Not just a few of you, but all of you...Your mission is unique and distinctive for you. Please don't make another have to take your place. He or she can't do it as well as you can. If you will let Him, I testify that our Father in Heaven will walk with you through the journey of life and inspire you to know your special purpose here."

Fridays are a special day in class. We have "open sharing". This is when students come up and share spiritual experiences, scriptures and their testimony. One student stood up, the same one who found the murmuring/manna principle about God's love. She said that she was really struggling the last couple of days feeling really unimportant. She said she had felt really depressed and wondered what her purpose was. She said that the Spirit hit her so hard when we read that quote and she reread it that night and did her scripture study. Her testimony reconfirmed to me that God does know us all. He is aware of us. And that He has a great purpose for each of us. She closed her testimony saying, "The Lord walked with me last night."

Ah, Work!

2007-12-07T21:47:00.000-08:00

It seems that there is a never-ending supply of WORK before us. So much to do. So little time to do it. Work that needs done. Work that should get done. Work, work, work. So, staying on top of it is one thing. We know that organizing and prioritizing are keys to that; namely, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Now, I don't think that I've mastered this, or come anywhere close to that; but I do know that that's what I should do=organize and prioritize. I don't know what work is before all of you right now, but I'll name a few potential ones: raising children (takes a lot of work doesn't it?), teaching them to sleep through the night, preparing lesson plans, getting home teaching stats, fulfilling callings in general, going to work, studying and preparing for finals, writing a thesis....the list could go on and on really. But as I think about this stuff, there might be some that I just want to finish, but there are some that I really need to get done well. They need to be good, ya know? So, how then can I not only do my work, but have my work be good?? Moses teaches us, in Exodus 40, a great principle of how incorporating the Lord in our work will make it better.

So, Moses and the children of Israel were commanded to build a tabernacle--a portable temple where the Lord could come and "dwell" with them. Barring some "cows" in the road they were able to accomplish this task; or in other words, finish the work that was given them. Chapter 40 gives a recap on what Moses did according to his command. In verses 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 32 a phrase is repeated. Each one of those verses states that the work was done and adds, "as the Lord commanded Moses." Go ahead and mark those in your scriptures, it's pretty amazing to see it repeated throughout the chapter. This gives us our "If" portion of an If/then principle; so, If I do my work as the Lord commanded, then______. The blessing comes in verses 34-38. We read that as the tabernacle was finished that "a cloud covered the tent . . . and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." Further down, "For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle." The tabernacle, remember, was their work. It was what they needed to do, and do well.

So the principle comes alive from the verses, "If I do my work as the Lord commanded, then His glory will be upon it." So, whatever we have to do: finals, a thesis, getting hired: know that if we involve the Lord and do it His way instead of our way, His glory will be upon it.

So Elder Lund says. . .

2007-11-29T19:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, has this been an intense week or what!?!? Monday, in class we got to study the bread that the children of Israel dubbed, "What is it?" or in other words=Manna. The children of Israel had just been delivered, two months into their journey which would eventually last 40 years they started murmuring about water, then about food. So the Lord provides bread from heaven and quails to nourish the children of Israel. We focused our class discussion mainly on "Relying on the Lord, without murmuring." However, near the end of class I asked for students to share something that they could take home from this lesson, and one student said, "I was looking at how they were murmuring, but still the Lord blessed them with manna and I'm just amazed at the Savior's love." We ended on that.

Then, real life came into the picture. That night I got invited to teach an institute class from such a good friend that I had no way of saying "no." It would be fine, but I had a pretty busy day that day and knew that I would not be able to prepare a whole lot. Add to that, the lurking thought of an interview with a general authority the next day. This was scary for me. "Institute? There gonna expect me to know something. There gonna want me to share all these cool Hebrew word etymologies and such, and I'm just a part-time seminary teacher." So, basically, I was really nervous and knew that I wouldn't even have a chance to prepare a lot. But, I went. I got there about an hour early. I would be covering over 20 chapters so I tried to cover as much as I could. I still felt terrible. Then, people started coming in. I started shaking hands and getting names. One was a fellow student teacher. Another was a graduate from Timpanogos High School who was in a class that I had subbed for on a few occasions. Slowly, the nerves faded. Well, to make a long story short (too late) it was one of the greatest experiences of my life! I learned so much from them and left on a huge spiritual high. I could think of nothing better to lead into my general authority visit. I was driving home and trying to think of why I was so blessed. I crammed to prepare (because I really just was short on time), and I don't even remember saying a verbal, conscious plea for help--and then, Boom! It hit me. "I'm just amazed at the Savior's love." She had nailed it, and I was amazed at His love, which was so undeservingly poured out on me and those students that night.

The next day was amazing. CJ and I got all dressed and ready for the interview. The drive up we discussed potential questions we might encounter and tried to organize our thoughts. We pull into the underground parking after getting security approval, and start walking towards the entrance of the Church Office Building. The nerves came now; but they weren't overwhelming. We got badges and made our way up to the 3rd floor of the west wing where Elder Lund's office was. He opened the door, came out and greeted us with such a warm smile--melting away the last streams of anxiety. We sat and talked for about 25 minutes about his experience in CES (he said 35 years), what led us to CES, and then some standardized church employment question. The interview had come to a close. So, then, Elder Lund says, "I'm happy to fully recommend you without any reservations."

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward

2007-11-20T19:21:00.001-08:00

Exodus 14 contains the account of the children of Israel's delivery from the oncoming Egyptians by way of the Red Sea. The Red Sea was the obstacle that was preventing them from getting to the promised land and receiving the blessings that the Lord had in store for them. We also meet obstacles that prevent us, challenges if you will, that are in the way of our receiving great blessings. Interesting to note that the Lord has all power. He could have easily taken away the sea; He could have flew them over the sea; He could have sent them a boat or built a bridge...With all at His hands; however, He chose to give them a way through the Red Sea.

Trust and Plagues

2007-11-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

Moses saw the Lord and received instructions from Him at the burning bush. Mainly, that he would be God's instrument in delivering the children of Israel from bondage. All of Moses' concerns were taken care of by the Lord; i.e. he gave him Aaron to be a spokesman. On the first attempt to have Pharaoh release the children of Israel, things took a turn for the worse--Pharaoh just made the work harder for the slaves. Moses then, near the end of Ch. 5 of Exodus asks the Lord, "Wherefore hast thou so [badly treated] this people? Why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered this people at all." This young prophet was meeting some adversity pretty early on. Has that ever happened to you, when you go to do what you know the Lord asked you to do and it seems to just go wrong. Pres. Hinckley had a similar experience to Moses on his mission in wondering why he was there and what good he was doing. It's an amazing experience to read Exodus 6:1-8 and read the Lord's response (oh, and bonus points if you remember the response the Pres. Hinckley got from his dad). As you read those verses; all of which is the Lord speaking to Moses; circle the word "I". And tell me what you think the Lord wanted Moses to learn.

Two parts for today=Part two is the continuation and on into the plagues. So, Moses and Aaron turn their rod into a snake, but so do Pharaoh's magicians. Pharaoh still isn't impressed with God's power, although their snake ate all of his magicians' snakes (cool picture huh?) and still refuses to let His people go. So, on come the plagues. To introduce this in class, I asked the students if God loves His children. They said, "Yes." So, then I asked, "Well, does He love all of His children?" To which they also responded in the affirmative. Then, I asked, "Why then did he send these awful plagues on the Egyptians (I almost wrote Fijians--I must be tired)?" They gave some great answers. Looking through the story (we covered Exodus 7-10 today) you can see God's love in this story. 1-the children of Israel were protected 2- God kept trying not to have these plagues come, but Pharaoh kept hardening his heart (make sure you check the JST in the footnotes for that one). God kept giving Egypt the chance, but Pharaoh refused. We talked also of how these plagues foreshadow events prior to the Second Coming and I asked the class, "How then are we gonna be okay from all these bad things that will happen?" A popular, but very quiet girl in the back of the room (who I even have a hard time getting to read out loud to the class) mouthed something. I asked her what she said. Then she spoke up saying, "If we are close to God, then we will be protected." I was so "ploud" (if I can schnike that word) of her. It was perfect and way better than I could've put it. I wrote it up on the board and even used it for the entire next period. How true that is! If we will be covenant people and stay close to Him, He really will protect us. So, does God love His children? All of them? Does God love you? Even if "plagues" or hardships are coming your way, I testify that He does!

The good kind of Fear

2007-11-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

We know that fear is the opposite of faith, therefore a bad thing. However, this interesting word is used differently throughout the Bible, as we know, to mean= respect. Here is a great example of what it can do to help us.
Revolving around the story of Moses' birth and delivery (his life was even about delivery during his delivery) we find a short but empowering account of two righteous midwives--Shiphrah and Puah. The Pharaoh had already enslaved the children of Israel and was now instructing these midwives that when they "do the office of a midwife" that if the child should be a boy, then they should kill him. We read that the midwives "feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them." Further down we get the therefore. "Therefore, God dealt well with the midwives." If we fear God, (respect, love, revere Him) more than man, then God will deal well with us!

We discussed in class how different the world would be, if we feared God more than man. They came up with a pretty exciting list. What do you think?

P.S. Interestingly enough, the two midwives are mentioned by name, however, the king, Pharaoh is only referred to by his title...Does God care about power or prestige, or obedience and dedication to Him?

I love seminary!

2007-11-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

Friday was a lot of fun for us in class. First of all we started a new daily scripture study project. Now we are building a temple. I took a picture of a temple and cut it into 104 pieces and for every 7 consecutive days that they read they get one piece to build a temple. They're pretty excited about it. I wasn't sure how well it'd go over, since our first project was such a hit, I was hoping this wouldn't be a let down. For their daily reading they were getting stones to bury Goliath.The stones worked well and Goliath was successfully buried. So, we had a ceremony. We read 1 Sam. 17: 48-51 where David slays Goliath with his stone, then goes over to him and with Goliath's own sword cuts off his head. I looked up slowly and said, "So" and paused, "We need to get that head off!" The boys were more than happy to oblige.

Then we made stickers to show their contribution. I hope that this next project will be just as successful!!

In other news, we've finished Genesis and are on to Exodus. They'll be a lot of misconceptions I'm sure with the popularity of Prince of Egypt (not complaining, it's a good movie, just not 100% scripturally sound), but I'm hoping that that familiarity will get them EXCITED to learn and discover principles for them. We just barely got started with the first chapter of Exodus and looked at how the children of Israel became slaves at the rise of a new king who "knew not Joseph." He feared that they were becoming too mighty and numerous and devised a plan for them to become slaves and "made their lives bitter with hard bondage" and "made [them] to serve with rigour." We did an activity with this idea and then I asked them to jump into verse 12 and try to find a principle. It reads: "But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they [the Egyptians] were grieved because of the children of Israel." I asked how many had found one, and about 10 hands went up. I then said, "Ok, if you weren't able to find one, raise your hand. The ones who did find one go help those who haven't yet." I ran to help a young woman on the front row. We read the verse and I prompted her saying, "So, the harder they had to work made them ____" Her eyes lit up! She almost shouted, "STRONGER!" I said, "Yeah" and gave her a high five. She was excited. Then I invited the class to write their principle on the board. She looked up at me and so innocently asked, "What was it again?" I helped her remember and she quickly bounded to the board and wrote her principle up and was even more excited when I asked them to put their name by their principle.

One last thing: our discussion on growing from adversity and hard situations needed a little disclaimer. Yes, we can grow from being put through hard work and even spiritual trials, but we must remain faithful. One student clued in on this brilliantly and this was her principle:

Good news!

2007-11-07T22:03:00.000-08:00

So the students took surveys about seminary and the results are in--Seminary works. It's so exciting to see, so I'm just gonna put up some of their comments.

"[Seminary] has helped me to recognize and feel the Spirit on a daily basis.

I like "the overall feeling that seminary brings. It has helped me look at life in a new way"

"Before seminary I used to never read my scriptures and now I always do and always bare my testimony."

I like "how much happier I feel when I go home"

"It helps my personal scripture reading go better. I can understand what I am reading. I learn tips to make my reading more spiritual."

Way to go guys!!
I'm just curious, but how would any of you describe your experience in seminary?

"Is such pride in my son a sin?"

2007-11-06T22:18:00.000-08:00

Pride has a very negative connotation in our religion, as it should. It is the universal sin. And I am in no way opposing that. The way in which I will use that word in this post will refer to joy and rejoicing in others' accomplishments. A little disclaimer never hurt anybody right? [and bonus points if you can guess the movie quote--the title of this post; it's in quotes]

So there have been some moments in my adult life that have made me very proud. Here are two pictures reenacting a moment that brought such pride into my heart. Viana, one day took this awesome Toy Story Wreath and started teaching her little sister who all of the characters were. It was so cute and it warmed my heart.

This was a wonderful experience, however, it was overshadowed when for the first time in praying Viana said after the prompt "in the name," from CJ, "Jesus Christ...AMEN!" It was so exciting to hear her use His full name in a prayer. Alma said to his son Shiblon, "I trust that I have shall have great joy in you." Viana learning how to pray in the name of our Savior brought great joy to me.

In class, my 6th period has certainly brought great joy to me. Something happened. Someone flipped a switch and there hands have started coming up to share. I am so proud of them. I wish to single one of them out for her incredible accomplishments. When school started her father came in to tell me that she may be a bit behind others, because they hadn't been to church in 4 years and he hadn't taught her much from the scriptures. Well, yesterday, this young woman with a darker shade of red hair and freckles raised her hand and shared a lesson that she had applied. She stated simply, "Family Home Evening." She further explained that in fulfillment of an invitation from class, "We prayed, read the scriptures and talked about seminary."

Today, her hand was up again. I had asked the class when they had been blessed by the priesthood. She told of her mother having a serious surgery in the which she received a priesthood blessing and made it through the surgery okay. I am so PROUD of her and her growth. Isaiah, in speaking of the last days taught, "...And a little child shall lead them."

Apply and Remember

2007-11-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

I feel like I am person with lots of good intentions. I always think of cool things to do and often end up not doing them; even times I feel that I'm inspired to do things and still fall short...I know, sad, isn't it? But what can I do to improve, to grow and to overcome being stuck on good intentions. 2 of my favorite scriptures from King Benjamin teach some principles that hit me this weekend, and I then shared them in class today. Both are in Mosiah 4, verse 10 and then verse 30. Let's see what King Benjamin instructs us on this:

10 "And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them." Of course believing is not enough, although a crucial and vital first step. We need to apply what we've gained, what we've learned into our lives. Just do those things we feel we ought to do. Take what we learn in classes and in the scriptures and incorporate them into what we do so that it changes us. Viana illustrated this from learning a simple pattern in a children's book. The next book she picked up, she applied that pattern. If only I were more like her. When have you seen a blessing come from application of a lesson learned??

30 "But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." I know that I need to watch my thoughts, what I say and what I do, but do I always remember it? I don't think it's a question of understanding the fact that improper thoughts, words and deeds offend the Spirit, but more a remembering that when in the scenario to prevent us from sin. I was blessed by remembering yesterday. I went to go and get a drink and then the thought came...I'm fasting. So I restrained. When those thoughts, songs, videos, etc come that we know can offend the Spirit, we need to remember it and act accordingly. How has remembering helped you to restrain??

Remembering to apply can lead us to accomplishing what the Lord would have us do.

Ode to Joseph

2007-11-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

Joseph was an amazing man. He lived a life that foreshadowed the Savior. He was on track. He was on the ball! That reminds me of a joke. Two ants lived on a golf course. A golfer was swinging and terribly missing. His club pounded into the ground with every swing. The one ant looked to the other ant and said, "If we're gonna make it, we better get on the ball!"

Pharaoh, king and ruler of all of Egypt said this of Joseph, "Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" To have the Spirit we need to be on the ball. Do we need the Spirit? Of course. An example to illustrate. A blonde haired young woman in my seminary class stood at the front of class to share a story. Her grandfather (there must've been a grandfather theme or something...) was taking the family camping. They found the perfect spot. Got out, unloaded, and set up their tent. Grandpa then said, "We need to go." He felt they shouldn't stay there and had to repack the truck, including take down and put away the tent (I don't know about you, but not my favorite extracurricular activity). They found a new spot and all was well. Upon returning home from the trip they saw on the news that there had been a flood in the area of the first camping spot. What can we do to make sure we are on the ball enough to make it; to receive the guidance necessary for unseen events, as well as day to day guidance? What are some things you do to keep the Spirit in your life?

Trials and Blessings

2007-11-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

Can trials be blessings?? A question that we all hope the answer to is always a definite and resounding YES! Although at the time it may be hard to see, I believe trials do have a purpose and that they can be blessings, if we persevere and move forward with faith. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit, then sold as a slave. But it didn't end there. The next thirteen years he spent working as a slave for Potiphar and in jail. He was falsely accused and unjustly imprisoned. I don't know if Joseph felt he was being blessed during these periods of adversity, but seeing the big picture of his story can help. Was this a blessing? If Joseph had not been sold by his brothers and had not been falsely accused he could not have had the Spirit with him to interpret the dream of the butler (cause they wouldn't have met), who then referred Pharaoh to Joseph which allowed Joseph to become second in command in all of Egypt and work out a plan to save the whole nation from famine, including the very brothers who betrayed him. Does this story sound familiar? I don't mean just from Genesis or Broadway even, for it is found in the New Testament as well. Our Savior was betrayed, accused, unjustly sentenced, sold at the price of a slave all so that He, our Brother, could work out the plan by which we are saved. Joseph, like the Savior, had to descend below all things to be in a position to save. Well, what does this have to do with us? The Savior has already wrought out a perfect atonement to save us all...hasn't He? Yes, He has. But this illustrates that there is a purpose in trials and shows how trials can be blessings if we remain faithful. During class today, a young woman with long brown hair, sitting near the back, had her face turn red, and it seemed as though tears welled up in her eyes. Something from the lesson had touched her. After class I asked her about it. She then recounted a story of her grandfather. It echoed events from Joseph's experience and brought her mind to reflect on it. Her grandfather was accused of molesting a neighbor girl and imprisoned for it, despite constantly pleading innocence. His Stake President prayed earnestly to know about this man and he received an answer. The grandfather was innocent, he had been unjustly imprisoned. But that was not all in the revelation. He was told that the man had a mission to fulfill. After two years in prison her grandfather was found innocent and released, but not before converting a handful of inmates to the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel. His trial put him in a position to bless others. If he had been angry and chose to curse God for this injustice, he would not have been in tune to preach the Gospel. He was faithful even in the face of bitter adversity. I testify that the scriptures are real! They are for us today and they teach us that if we are faithful even the hardest of trials can turn out to be blessings.

The green-eyed monster

2007-10-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

As Halloween is upon us I thought I would share a funny story (call it a trick or a treat really) about the green-eyed monster of jealousy. When we talked of Joseph receiving his coat of many colours, which most likely signified him receiving the birthright, we also talked about how this made the other brothers jealous of him, being 11th of the 12 sons of Israel. I then told the class I was going to ask them an easy question, "Jealousy leads to good things or bad things?" They all in one voice answered back "Bad things." A hyper, energetic young woman on the front row raised her hand and said, "Yeah, like when you like a boy and another girl likes the same boy!" I respond saying, "Yeah, we do get jealous. So what are we going to do to stop it, or avoid it?" A pudgy, sandy blond haired boy with braces on the opposite side of the room raised his hand and said very matter of factly, "Well, you just go and get what they've got." I thought quickly and replied saying, "Like, if someone's righteous then you need to not be jealous but try to follow their example instead??" He, looked down, and then up again and said, "Yeah, like if someone has a bag of Skittles, you can just go and get your own bag of Skittles." And that was that. Oh, if it were only a bag of Skittles that we got jealous over. I hope that we can maintain such sweet simplicity. Have a sweet Halloween!

Learning to run

2007-10-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

So, I've often wondered why sometimes we can be seemingly doing all we know to be right, but then still struggle with overcoming those little things. Like I know that I need to have patience, even if it's 3 AM with a screaming infant, and I know I need to write in my journal and study the scriptures daily and I usually want to do these things. But even despite the best efforts at times I feel like Nephi and cry out, "Awake my soul! No longer droop in sin." How do we overcome the little and big temptations alike. I think the story of Joseph, and learning to run, can help me and others out. Joseph was sold by his brothers, and then sold into Egypt as a slave to Potiphar. Genesis 39 verse 2 says "And the Lord was with Joseph..." answering all wonders of how much anger he held towards his brothers or what plots of revenge he was scheming up while in that pit or on the slave train! Not only was the Lord with him, but "his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand" (v.3). Joseph then came to be "overseer over" Potiphar's keep. Then, duhn-duhn-duhhhn, enters the villainess. Potiphar's wife noticed that Joseph was "goodly person" and "well-favoured" [which the OT student manual says means "good looking"] and "cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, lie with me" (v. 6-7). "But he refused" continues the record, and stated "There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God (v. 9)." She didn't give up, she persisted, as Satan always does, and "spake to Joseph day by day" (v. 10). Then Joseph being the diligent and dedicated servant that he was came into the house, but found himself alone. "And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: And he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out" (v. 12). He ran! He got out of there. He did not lull around, or wait to see what might happen. He RAN! Doctrine and Covenants section 10 verse 5 states "Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work." Prayer is so important in conquering Satan, and we know that Joseph was praying, because "the Lord was with him." Yes! we need to pray. We need to pray always. BUT, we also need to run. Run at the sight, or thought, of temptation. If we cannot learn to run then we'll never get past our temptations.

Welcome

2007-10-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

So Taylor has an amazing blog about cooking and Scott has his sweet blog on politics, so I wondered what I could make a blog about. So here is a blog where I will post spiritual thoughts as I study and teach the Old Testament to my 9th grade seminary class at Spanish Fork jr. high. It is suggested that we drink 64 oz of water a day--8 glasses at 8 oz per glass. The Savior taught the woman at the well that "whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." So, with that in mind I hope to be able to help out with 1 serving of our daily spiritual water needs; ie, 8 oz.