Giving Your Best Effort to the Lord: Resource Page, Lesson Ideas, and a CFM Activity Sheet D&C 71-75 (July 6)

This blogpost features a resource page and some lesson ideas, along with a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  June 30 - July 6, which includes Doctrine and Covenants 71-75.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

NOTE:  I am trying to decide whether it's worth the effort to continue doing these CFM posts for the second half of the year, so if you find these posts meaningful, PLEASE let me know.  They're getting challenging to keep up with and I need just a little feedback to know whether they're worth my time.  If you have constructive feedback on how I can improve them, I welcome that as well.  Thank you!   

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I CAN GIVE MY BEST EFFORT TO THE LORD:
There were several different directions to go with this week's reading, but the one that stood out to me the most, was about how we can give our best effort to the Lord. We all go through seasons of life when our efforts may seem exceedingly "small and simple," but the point is that you keep trying.  Christ multiplies our efforts and blesses us for trying!  Below, you will find teaching ideas and some resources as you study and prepare for your lesson or talk on this topic. 

"THE LORD'S MATH" OBJECT LESSON: 

MATERIALS NEEDED:
1. A small enough treat that you can give several to each child (but keep them in the original packaging for now)--this could be something like gummy bears, teddy grahams, M&Ms, skittles, etc.

2.  a container for the treats, but do NOT put anything into it for now

To get started:  Tell everyone you brought a treat to share with them.   Show them the bag of whatever you brought, then tell them that you are going to share some with them. 

Pretend to pour some treats into your bowl and announce, "I poured ZERO treats into this bowl to share with you.  Now hold out your hand and I'll share  ZERO treats with each of you."

When they protest, say something like "What does zero times zero equal?  Oh yeah, zero times zero is zero.  Now let me put 7 treats in here (or however many it takes so there is one for each person)."  

Then very dramatically give them each one treat and have them READ THE SCRIPTURE:  .  
"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise."  Alma 37:6

Now pour out the whole bag and let everyone have a small handful of treats, and talk about  how when we don't put anything into the bowl, there was nothing to share and we all got zero treats from it.  BUT THE MORE YOU PUT INTO IT, THE MORE TREATS YOU GET FROM IT.    AND THE LORD BLESSES EVEN OUR SMALL EFFORTS TO DO BETTER!  

Now relate that to BLESSINGS and the relationship they have to our  EFFORT.    The more effort we give to righteous tasks, the more blessings we receive.   When we throw up our hands and say something is too hard (or that we're too busy) without really trying, we are forgoing the blessings that we could be receiving.   On the other hand, the Lord blesses us even when our efforts are SMALL and SIMPLE!    This is the Lord's math!  

VIDEOS: 
The Lord Loves Effort from President Nelson (short video clip)


Bastian the Baby Elephant Learns to Work Hard by Latter-Day Kids

SCRIPTURES: 
"Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might..." D&C 75:3

QUOTES:
“by small means the Lord can bring about great things.” One home evening, one gospel conversation, or one good example may not change your child’s life in a moment, any more than one drop of rain causes a plant immediately to grow. But the consistency of small and simple things, day after day, nourishes your children much better than an occasional flood.”   Elder Uchtdorf

“Your power will be multiplied many times by the Lord. All He asks is that you give your best effort and your whole heart. Do it cheerfully and with the prayer of faith. The Father and His Beloved Son will send the Holy Ghost as your companion to guide you. Your efforts will be magnified in the lives of the people you serve.” President Henry B. Eyring

TALKS TO STUDY:
Two Principles for Any Economy by Elder Uchtdorf (Oct 2009)
In the Path of Their Duty by Elder Bednar (Oct 2023)

SONG:
"I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go," Hymns, #270  (this version is so pretty and would be appropriate to show in a church setting)
https://youtu.be/XS17lrLxxrg?si=ONOfp95JFdU8jUBt

ORIGINAL ACTIVITY SHEET: 

THIS WEEK'S PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET LINK (in case it's not showing below)


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Be sure to come back every week for more Come, Follow Me resources. 

Enjoy learning the Gospel together!  💗

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Resources and Ideas for Teaching about Centering Your Life on Christ, Plus a Prinable Activity Sheet for D&C 67-70 ( CFM--Jun 29)

        This blogpost features some resources for your personal study or if you are preparing a talk or lesson on Centering Your Life in Christ.  Also included is a  half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for June 23-29, which includes D&C 67-70.    Click here for an index
and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks. 

NOTE:  I am trying to decide whether it's worth the effort to continue doing these CFM posts for the second half of the year, so if you find these posts meaningful, PLEASE let me know.  They're getting challenging to keep up with and I need just a little feedback to know whether they're worth my time.  If you have constructive feedback on how I can improve them, I welcome that as well.  Thank you!   

CENTERING YOUR LIFE IN CHRIST

Below you will find some ideas and resources that you can use in your personal study for preparing a talk or a lesson on Centering Your Life on Christ. 

OBJECT LESSON IDEA:

Oreo Object Lesson (adapted from this website)

Materials Needed:  Enough  Oreos for everyone in your class, plus at least one extra.

1. Show your class some Oreos

2. Eat the filling of an Oreo.

3. Put the two chocolate cookies back together.

4. Show your class the reassembled, empty sandwich cookie, ASK: Is this an Oreo?

5. Let your class respond.

If they determine that the answer is  "no," ASK: Why not?  (she will probably say, because it has no filling/stuffing)

If she says "yes," ASK: How it is still an Oreo? (point out that there is no filling)

6. Based on your class’s reply, respond to their thoughts.

7. ASK:  How is an Oreo that has no filling like a life without Jesus?

8. Respond based on your class’s response.

We can have good, strong values and things might look good from the outside,  but we are missing the full sweetness of the Gospel if we don't make time for Christ in our lives every day.   Just as an Oreo cookie isn’t an Oreo without the stuff in the middle, a person can't be their best selves without  Jesus as the center!

9. READ:  Proverbs 3:5-6  and  THIS QUOTE AND DISCUSS WHAT  IT MEANS TO LEAN AWAY FROM CHRIST: 

“In English the word lean has a connotation of physically listing or moving to one side. When we physically lean toward one side or another, we move off center, we are out of balance, and we tip. When we spiritually lean to our own understanding, we lean away from our Savior. If we lean, we are not centered; we are not balanced; we are not focused on Christ.” Bonnie Cordon

10. CONCLUDE:   Bear your testimony about how our lives are better with Christ.  Christ gives us strength and we are missing out when we do not prioritize our relationship with him.  

SCRIPTURES: 

D&C 68:25 (parents should teach children to understand the principles of the Gospel, including faith in Jesus)
Mark 8:34 (deny yourself and follow Christ)
Philippians 4:13 (I can do ALL things through Christ)
2 Nephi 25:26 (we talk of Christ...)
Moroni 7:48 (true followers of Jesus strive to be like Him)
Proverbs 3:5-6 (trust in the Lord and LEAN NOT)

TALKS TO STUDY :

"A Life Centered on Jesus Christ" (Elder S. Mark Palmer, BYU Graduation Address, 2022)

"The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life"  (Elder Richard J. Maynes, Oct 2015)

"Trust in the Lord and Lean Not" (Sister Bonnie Cordon, April 2017)

"Staying Centered On Christ when the World is Trying to Knock You Off Balance" (churchofjesuschrist.org, June 2018) 

VIDEOS: 

Temptation Fades as We Seek Christ in Every Thought: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fta0-zS1tFo&list=PL4E784EC0770935C0&index=14

  Come Unto Jesus:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2d6l02H9vI&list=PL4E784EC0770935C0&index=33

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET: 

These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting.   I have no children at home, nor do I have a calling working with youth, so I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week.  Kids, teens, and adults enjoy them.

Here is the LINK to the printable activity page (in case it's not showing  below)


QUOTES:

“My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” Russell M. Nelson,

“In English the word lean has a connotation of physically listing or moving to one side. When we physically lean toward one side or another, we move off center, we are out of balance, and we tip. When we spiritually lean to our own understanding, we lean away from our Savior. If we lean, we are not centered; we are not balanced; we are not focused on Christ.” Bonnie Cordon

“Please remember this one thing. If our lives and our faith are centered upon Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right.”  President Howard W. Hunter

"So what does a Christ-centered life look like? A Christ-centered life is being faithful to covenants. It is loving and serving others. A Christ-centered life rejoices in eternal family relationships. It prioritizes “the riches of eternity” over the riches of the world. A Christ-centered life humbly accepts that “to be learned is good if [we] hearken unto the counsels of God.” A Christ-centered life is full of joy."  Elder S. Mark Palmer

"I invite you to focus on that which is within your control, to center your faith and your life on Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, and, as needed, from time to time, to recenter your life on Him. I promise that doing so will lead to true and lasting joy."  Elder S. Mark Palmer

"The world in which we live is similar to the potter’s spinning wheel, and the speed of that wheel is increasing. Like the clay on the potter’s wheel, we must be centered as well. Our core, the center of our lives, must be Jesus Christ and His gospel. Living a Christ-centered life means we learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel and then we follow His example and keep His commandments with exactness."  Elder Richard J. Maynes


OTHER RESOURCES: 
Teaching Ideas for Making the Christ the Center of Our Lives

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Be sure to come back every week for more Come, Follow Me resources!  

Enjoy learning the gospel together!
 
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Forgiveness Teaching Ideas and Resources, CFM D&C 64-66 (Jun 22)

        This blogpost features some resources to help you teach about forgiveness, including a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for June 16-22, which includes D&C 64-66.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks. 

NOTE:  I am trying to decide whether it's worth the effort to continue doing these CFM posts for the second half of the year, so if you find these posts meaningful, PLEASE let me know.  They're getting challenging to keep up with and I need just a little feedback to know whether they're worth my time.  If you have constructive feedback on how I can improve them, I welcome that as well.  Thank you!   

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SOME RESOURCES TO HELP YOU TEACH ABOUT FORGIVENESS

If I were teaching or speaking about forgiveness this week, I would review the following materials and  pick what important points you feel inspired to focus on.  

OBJECT LESSON IDEA:
Materials Needed: Backpack filled with cans, books, or whatever will make it heavy

Ask for a strong volunteer to carry the backpack.   Have them walk around the room for a minute and ask how they would like to carry that weight around day and night from now on?  

Tell them that's what NOT forgiving someone is like.  We are carrying a burden that we don't need to carry and it's heavy and tiring.  

Now ask for a volunteer to come help the person carry the backpack.  Ask if that feels any better?   Yes, but it's still heavy. 

Now ask if they would like it if someone else were to carry the backpack for them?    

picture source

Because that's what Jesus offers to do for us. He wants to take the hurt and anger and other things that weigh us down, and take that yoke upon himself. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Remind them that us carrying the burden of NOT forgiving does not hurt or punish the other person at all, it only punishes ourselves. The goal of forgiveness is for OUR peace, not the person who caused the pain.  The other person may never repent or even feel sorry for what they've done, but that's not for us to worry about.  That's God's place to judge.  Forgiveness is a gift that we are given to lighten our own load and find peace and lightness.  

QUOTES:

"You can forgive someone and choose to not see them again to save yourself the stress of trauma. You can choose to protect yourself and those you love from any potential harm. Reconciliation may come in time (and we should work towards that whenever possible), but it is not required for forgiveness.
Some things may not be worked out until the next life. Perhaps that is why space is such a big place and eternity is such a long time; the Lord knows some people are going to need serious time and distance away from each other in order to work it out.
Remember these words from Elder Holland…
“Jesus did not say, ‘You are not allowed to feel pain or sorrow from shattering experiences you have had at the hand of another.’
“Nor did He say, ‘In order to forgive fully, you have to re-enter a toxic relationship or return to an abusive, destructive circumstance.’” Hank Smith

“You cannot erase what has been done, but you can forgive. Forgiveness heals terrible, tragic wounds, for it allows the love of God to purge your heart and mind of the poison of hate. It cleanses your consciousness of the desire for revenge. It makes place for the purifying, healing, restoring love of the Lord.”  Elder Richard G. Scott

"Forgiveness is not excusing accountability or failing to protect ourselves, our families, and other innocent victims. Forgiveness is not continuing in a relationship with someone who is not trustworthy.  Forgiveness is not condoning injustice.  Forgiveness is not dismissing the hurt or disgust we feel because of the actions of others.  Forgiveness is not forgetting, but remembering in peace.  

Forgiveness is putting more faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.  In His time and in His way, His love and sacrifice for us will take away our pain and heal our souls.  As we wait upon His healing, remembering how unjustly the Savior of the world was treated, we move forward in faith, believing that in this world or the next, God will generously and justly bless all  have been treated unjustly."  
Divine Gift of Forgiveness Institute Class 

SCRIPTURES
D&C 64:10 (God will forgive who he will forgive; we must forgive all)
Matthew 18:21-22  (how often shall we forgive?  70x7)
Ephesians 4:31-32 (put away bitterness and wrath; be kind and forgiving)
3 Nephi 12:44 (love your enemies)
Luke 11:4 (we all have need to be forgiven and to forgive others)
Matthew 6:14-15 (if you forgive others, God will forgive you)

TALKS/ARTICLES
Beauty for Ashes:  The Healing Path to Forgiveness by Kristin Yee (Oct 2022)
Forgiveness:  Our Challenge and Our Blessing by Elder Gilliland (Liahona Aug 2004)

ARTICLES FOR CHILDREN
Pebble of Forgiveness by Jane McBride Choate (Friend Magazine, Feb 2003)
Jesus Forgave by Kim Webb Reid (Friend Magazine, Aug 2017)
Forgiving Demi by Breanne Richards (Friend Magazine, Jan 2018)

BUILDING FORGIVENESS ACTIVITY (taken from the Friend Magazine)

Cut out squares of colored paper to look like bricks. Write each tip below on a brick. Take turns talking about each tip, and then glue it to a poster board. When you’re done, you’ll have a strong foundation of forgiveness. Draw a house on top of your foundation as a reminder that forgiveness helps make a happier home.

What can you do when you feel sad or angry with someone?

• Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then repeat.

• Try to think about why the other person might have done what he or she did.

• Walk away and come back when you’re not so angry.

• Tell the other person how you feel about what he or she did. Speak calmly, without yelling.

• Say, “I forgive you.”

• Do something kind for the person you’re upset with.

• Remember that there are times when you need to be forgiven.

• Pray for help to forgive when it’s hard.

• Remember that sometimes the person you forgive might not be sorry. But we can forgive anyway.

• If you’re upset with something you did, forgive yourself and try to do better next time.

• What else can you do?

VIDEO:  The Goal:  A Story of Faith, Friendship, and Forgiveness


PRINTABLE COME, FOLLOW ME ACTIVITY SHEET

These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting.  I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week.

Click here for the link to the activity sheet (in case it's not showing below).



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Be sure to bookmark this site and come back every week for more Come, Follow Me material! 

Enjoy learning the gospel together!

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Real Life Tips for Sharing the Gospel as an Introvert and a Printable Activity CFM Activity Sheet to go with D&C 60-63 (Jun 15)

       This blogpost features some down to earth, approachable ways to share the gospel as an introvert, as well as a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for June 9-15, which includes D&C 60-63.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

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REAL-LIFE TIPS FOR SHARING THE GOSPEL AS AN INTROVERT

Being someone who leans toward the introverted side of the personality spectrum, means that sometimes sharing the gospel in the traditional way can feel a little extra intimidating. After years of worrying that I'm not doing enough in this department, I'm coming to realize that there are many more ways to share the gospel than just the "extroverted" way of boldly inviting people to come to church or to meet with the missionaries.  Of course, I may feel prompted to extend those bold invitations sometimes, but I'm realizing that, for many people, our quieter, introverted approach is exactly what they need for their seed of faith to be nurtured.   After a lot of thought and study on this topic, here is my plan for sharing the gospel more effectively as an introvert.  

1. Live it every day.
In Preach My Gospel, it says: “The Savior has shown the way. He has set the perfect example, and He commands us to become as He is.”  And in the Bible, we are commanded to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” 

Living the gospel consistently  is by far the most effective way to let that light shine and share the gospel with others.  When the way you live on a day-in and day-out basis reflects your love for the Savior, people will notice.   Just as they say, "Actions speak louder than words," I believe that the way you treat people, how you handle difficult situations, and  the integrity with which you live are all testaments that will speak much louder than any spoken testimony can.   Of course, that doesn't mean perfection.   But it does mean doing our best to live in more accordance with how the Savior lives and when we fall short, doing what we can to make it right.  People are drawn to light and when you let the light of Christ shine through you, people will notice. 

2. Pray
Praying for the people we care about to feel  the Spirit is a powerful tool to help us in our quest to share the gospel.   On the surface, it may seem passive, but when those prayers are coupled with action, there is no better foundational premise on which to base our efforts to share the gospel.  

The following scripture is a good reminder that there is no topic for which we can't turn to the Lord.  
 
"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."  Alma 37:37
 
Whether we are praying to recognize an opportunity to share the gospel,  or to give us the courage to speak up, or to simply help someone to feel the Spirit; prayer is always a good idea!  

3. Build relationships
If you were to gather all the teachings of the prophets through the scriptures and through modern times, I think there are two themes that would stand above the rest.  The #1 theme of course being Jesus Christ, but not far behind that would be love.  When someone random tells me something, I may or may not pay attention to what they have to say.  But when someone I love tells me something, I pay far more attention.  

When we view sharing the gospel as a gradual process of nurturing a seed, it just makes sense that getting to know someone and developing a friendly loving relationship with them is a big part of that process.     I believe wholeheartedly that the best way for someone to hear your message (spoken or not), is to be a true friend and let them know you care, whether they ever express any interest in the gospel or not.  Additionally, I feel compelled to mention that sometimes the relationships we need to focus on most are the ones within our own families.  Remember that family is first, especially when it comes to sharing the gospel love!

"Through Christlike love for others, we preach the glorious, life-transforming properties of Christ’s gospel, and we participate significantly in the fulfilling of His great commission." Elder Stevenson

4. Don't view it as a big thing
My brain has a tendency to blow things up into bigger things than they need to be and sharing the gospel often has been one of those things for me.   What I've come to realize over the years is that taking  the "bigness" out of it, makes it seem more approachable.  For me that meant not viewing "sharing the gospel" as only extending a special invitation to come to church with us or to have them meet with the missionaries, but, as I mentioned above, more of a gradual process.    

I love what Elder Uchtdorf shared on this topic: 
“Years ago our family lived and worked among people who in almost every case were not of our faith. When they asked us how our weekend was, we tried … to share some religious experiences we had as a family over the weekend—for instance, what a youth speaker had said about the standards from For the Strength of Youth or how we were touched by the words of a young man who was leaving on his mission.”   Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Somehow sharing a small gospel insight that I learned at church that week seems much easier than asking if they want to come to church with me.

5. Be you. 
I am someone who does not speak well on the fly, which is why it's much easier and more effective for me to share my thoughts and feelings on the gospel in writing.  For others, that would be torture.    Additionally, I really like creating these activity sheets to go with the Come, Follow Me reading each week.  It gives me direction in my scripture study  and I feel that they are a way that I can share the gospel with others weekly.   What works for you to share the gospel may look very different than it does for me.   Part of the challenge is finding how YOU can share the gospel in a way that's authentic to you, in a way that you can consistently do it.   That doesn't mean never having to step outside our comfort zones, but when we find a way to do it day-in, day-out, we can find that we can have a far greater impact for good than if we sit silently back waiting until we feel comfortable. 

SOME NON-SCARY IDEAS FOR SHARING THE GOSPEL

1. Read church books in public places, so people can ask questions. 
2. Don't be afraid to chime into  religious discussions.   
3. Send a weekly spiritual thought to your grown children. 
4. Share a spiritual insight on social media occasionally
5. Add a quote from scripture or a General Authority when you post a random picture on social media
6. Work on strengthening your own testimony, so you can speak with greater confidence when the opportunity arises
7. Approach it slowly and with love
8.  Send an uplifting note to someone who is struggling
9.  Seek for opportunities to serve in the community
10.  Pick one uplifting/interesting thing that you experienced each Sunday and be prepared to share it whenever anyone asks, "How was your weekend?"
11. Write encouraging emails/letters to the missionaries serving from your ward
12. Pray to recognize missionary opportunities
13.  Exercise patience and forgiveness when people fall short of your expectations.  See #1 above.  Your actions speak much louder than any spoken words ever could.
14. Love, Share, Invite.  I love this simple admonition from Elder Stevenson that starts with love!  
15. Keep a written record of spiritual experiences and impressions that you've had that you can pass on and share with the next generation

SOME GREAT RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY

"Missionary Work:  Sharing What's in Your Heart" by Elder Uchtdorf
"3 Easy (and Unscary) Ways to Share the Gospel with Others" by Daniel A. (church website)
"Love, Share, Invite" by Elder Stevenson

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PRINTABLE CFM ACTIVITY SHEET

These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting.   I have no children at home, nor do I have a calling working with youth, so I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week.  Kids, teens, and adults enjoy them.


CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ACTIVITY PAGE (in case it's not showing below)


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Be sure to bookmark this site and come back every week for more Come, Follow Me resources!  

Enjoy learning the Gospel together!

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What Does it Mean to Be Anxiously Engaged in a Good Cause? And a CFM Activity Sheet for D&C 58-59 (Jun 8)

This blogpost features some thought and resources about what it means to be "anxiously engaged in a good cause", which could be helpful if you are preparing a talk or a lesson on this topic.  In addition, at the end, there is a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for June 2-8, which includes D&C 58-59.   These activity sheets are perfect for introducing or reviewing the material for this week.  Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.
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ANXIOUSLY ENGAGED IN A GOOD CAUSE

In D&C 58:27, it reads, "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;"

This is a scripture we hear a lot in the church and, I’ll be honest, sometimes I’m hit with feelings of guilt when I hear it, because I think of all the good things I’m not doing. But, I’m not so sure that that’s how it’s meant to make us feel, so let’s dive in a little….

I actually really liked the A.I. summary that google gave me on what it means to be "anxiously engaged."

"Being anxiously engaged in a good cause means actively and zealously working towards a positive and worthwhile purpose, often driven by a strong sense of conviction and a desire to make a difference. It suggests a proactive approach, where individuals are not waiting to be told what to do but are seeking out opportunities to contribute and improve the world around them."

It is a pretty good summary, but I’m still left wondering what anxiously engaging in a good cause looks like in our everyday lives? What is a good cause? How can we be anxiously engaged when our life is full of so many distractions?

Of course the answers to these questions are nuanced and partially depend on the current circumstances of our lives, but there are a few universal truths here that can be applied no matter where we are in our journey.

TRUTH #1: FEAR IS NOT FROM GOD.
The word anxious has multiple meanings and I believe that God does not want us to have a sense of fear or foreboding when we are thinking about how we can get engaged in good causes. The definition of anxious we are meant to embrace is “ardently or earnestly wishing; with eagerness.” It changes things to look at that phrase through that lens. We should absolutely eagerly look for ways we can serve and help others, but out of love, not fear or guilt.

TRUTH #2: OUR LIVES ARE FILLED WITH GOOD CAUSES.
At the time I am writing and researching this topic, April 2025 General Conference was just a few days ago, so it was hard not to think of our church leaders who literally live their entire lives dedicated to building up the kingdom of God. It is their calling to be anxiously engaged on a full-time basis. And a few months ago, I sent off a missionary, who is diligently serving the people of Ventura, California. She is also anxiously engaged in serving God on a full-time basis.

Of course, most of us will never have the opportunity to serve in such a full-time capacity as the General Authorities that speak in General Conference. We are everyday people with everyday struggles, like raising kids, holding down jobs, helping out with aging parents, and a million things that can easily take up our time.

And that’s the point.

Raising our kids, supporting our families, dealing with problems that arise, and helping our parents, absolutely are good causes and there will be times in our lives when that is all we can do. And that’s okay. Focus on what matters most, keep your hearts and eyes open for good causes you may be called to be a part of, but don’t feel guilt when your life is the good cause! Taking care of your families and helping them come to Christ is one of the best causes there is!

TRUTH #3: THERE ARE AS MANY WAYS TO GET ENGAGED IN GOOD WORK AS THERE ARE PEOPLE ON THE PLANET.
So many messages in General Conference  included beautiful accounts of people who are "anxiously engaging" in the work. I loved Elder Uchtdorf's account of him visiting a small branch with a nonmember friend and at first being a little embarrassed by the imperfect talks and lessons, then later being amazed when the friend remarked on none of that, but rather commented on how loving and welcoming the members had made her feel. That was thought provoking to me. How often do we worry about making everything as perfect as can be and we lose sight of what really matters? What really matters, of course, is helping bring others (and ourselves) to Christ. Well prepared talks and lessons are a wonderful way to do that, but so is helping people feel loved and welcomed. Each of us is unique and each of us will find different ways to be "anxiously engaged". And there are many good causes that may not be affiliated with the church.

Last, but not least, let’s not forget the verse after, which reads: 
"For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward."  D&C 58:28

That's a powerful promise.  As we allow God to work through us to bring to pass much righteousness, we are promised the greatest gift of all! 

What are your favorite ways to engage in the work?   Feel free to share below! 

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I thought this video would be a great accompaniment to a lesson on this topic. 

VIDEO PERFORMANCE OF "HAVE I DONE ANY GOOD IN THE WORLD TODAY": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oih_GBF2u4A



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PRINTABLE CFM ACTIVITY SHEET

These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting.   I have no children at home, nor do I have a calling working with youth, so I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week.  Kids, teens, and adults enjoy them. 

HERE IS A LINK TO THE ACTIVITY PAGE (in case it's not showing below): 



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BE SURE TO BOOKMARK THIS SITE AND COME BACK EACH WEEK FOR MORE "COME, FOLLOW ME" RESOURCES! 

Enjoy learning the Gospel together!

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