Seeking Learning and Wisdom and a CFM Activity Sheet for D&C 88 (Aug 17)

  This blogpost features some of my life experiences about seeking learning by study and  faith, including a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  August 11-17,  which includes Doctrine and Covenants 88.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

*********************

SEEK LEARNING AND WISDOM, BY STUDY AND FAITH

I've tried to make these two verses in the Doctrine and Covenants  a sort of mantra for my life.  

D&C 88:118-119 
And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.  Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;

This is a bit embarrassing to admit, but there's not a single item listed in these scriptures that comes naturally to me. I daresay that I would even consider most of these traits my weaknesses and  I've had to deliberately work to incorporate them into my life.  But I'd like to think that over the course of my life, I've lived Ether 12:27 many times over (see below) and made some of them my strengths.  

 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.  Ether 12:27

Organizing myself and establishing a house of order is probably something I'll be struggling with my whole life, but one of the areas which I've managed to turn into a strength is to "seek diligently out of the best books and to seek learning, even by study and also by faith."  I used to feel guilty when I took the time to read and when I did read, I would read fluffy things that didn't enrich me, because those were books I could read quickly.   At some point I realized  that I was a better parent/ friend / human when I learned about the world by reading good books and I have definitely  gained much wisdom through life experiences, but even more by reading the words of others.   

TOO MUCH INFORMATION

 In this day and age we are inundated with far more information than we could ever use and one of the greatest challenges we face when seeking wisdom and learning is sorting through this bombardment of information and determining what is of value to our lives and what isn’t worth our time. Seeking wisdom in this overload of information can be a little like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack unless we can find connections that make it more meaningful. 

LEARNING THROUGH LIFE EXPERIENCES IS EFFECTIVE, BUT OFTEN EXTRA PAINFUL   

Sometimes we make those meaningful connections during our studies and sometimes they come to us through painful life experiences. For instance take this experience from when I was a young child about 4 years old. I did not yet have my own bike and I begged my dad to take me for a ride on his bike. He was reluctant, but after much begging eventually put me up on the crossbar of his bike, carefully held on to me with one arm and steered with the other and took me for a short ride. Although the distance we traveled was not far, it was long enough for me to weary of holding my legs up and for me to let my foot dangle into the spokes of the bike, breaking my leg in the process.

Fast forward a couple of years when the pain of the broken bone had been forgotten and I once again begged my dad to take me for a ride on his bike. My begging skills must have been pretty persuasive, because a little while later we found ourselves reliving the past--right down to the foot in the spoke and the broken bone--although this time it was my collarbone instead of my leg. Two broken bones was enough though and finally we made the connection that two people on a bicycle built for one is a recipe for pain.

This example, though painful to learn, was relatively insignificant in the way of life lessons. While physical safety is important, lessons of eternal nature are far more important in the long run. As with lessons about how to avoid broken bones, we can learn these eternal lessons in a variety of ways. Real life experiences are among the most powerful ways to learn a lesson, unfortunately (and fortunately) there are only so many life experiences one person can have and we must turn to other sources to continue our search for the meaningful connections that lead to wisdom. We must open our hearts in faith and seek them by learning from the words of others, . 

LEARNING--CONNECTIONS -- WISDOM

Most scientific discoveries were made when some scientist put two ideas together and connected them into something bigger. Benjamin Franklin made the connection that lightning and electricity were related and through that connection has saved countless buildings from destruction over the years with his simple but important invention of the lightning rod.

Not too many years after Benjamin Franklin’s earth-shaking connection, an even greater connection was made by a young boy who happened to be studying the Bible in the spring of 1820. He was the kind of young man who didn’t just read the scriptures; he had an inclination to feast upon them, to study them, and to ponder them in his heart. One day he read a passage of scripture from the book of James:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:5–6).

Joseph described his reaction in the following words: “Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. … I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God”.

Joseph’s inspired ability to make this connection led him into the Sacred Grove. From thence, he became an instrument in the hands of God in bringing forth modern scriptures, in restoring the true church of Jesus Christ and the gospel in its fulness, and in restoring the power to perform eternal ordinances which enable us to return into the presence of a loving Heavenly Father. Joseph Smith’s connection not only shook the earth, it opened the heavens!

MAKING A WEAK THING INTO A STRENGTH THROUGH LEARNING

While our son  was in the hospital for months on end several years ago, I had the unique opportunity to devote more of my time than I normally could have at home, to reading and to personal study. During that time, the hospital room truly became my Sacred Grove and I was led to devote much of my study time to reading Ensign articles, parts of the Old and New Testaments and the Book of Mormon in its entirety. 

Though that time  was very difficult, it was hard not to feel God’s peace through these experiences and I was so grateful for that  time in a lonely hospital room when I feel like that weakness of mine, truly became a strength.

********************
SOME QUOTES ABOUT LEARNING

“If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for some distraction or other to end before we can really get down to our work. The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable. Favorable conditions never come.” 

― C.S. Lewis

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.” 

― B.B. King

“We learn to do by doing.” 

― Spencer W. Kimball

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” 

― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

“Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.” 

― Edmund Burke

“Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world's work, and the power to appreciate life.” 

― Brigham Young

*******************
PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET (AN ORIGINAL)
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.  

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

*********************

 

If you like what you see here, be sure to come back every week for more Come, Follow Me thoughts and teaching ideas.  I wouldn't mind if you left me a comment too.  I spend a lot of time on these each week and a little feedback goes a long way to keeping me going!  

 *********************

Why Recording Our Spiritual Impressions Matters and a Come, Follow Me Activity Page for D&C 85-87 (August 10)

 This blogpost features some study resources and a  half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  August 4-10,  which includes Doctrine and Covenants 85-87.  I have focused mostly on why we should keep a record.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

**********************
WHY RECORDING OUR SPIRITUAL IMPRESSIONS MAKES A DIFFERENCE 

Isn't it interesting that you can talk to  three different people who were all present at the same event and you'll get three different recollections of the specifics of that experience?   It's a fascinating phenomenon that I see in action every time I have a conversation with a sibling about something that happened while we were younger.  Sometimes our accounts will be pretty similar, but other times I am 100% convinced that one or the other of us has a faulty memory.  Probably them, right?   :) 
 
LEARNING INCREASES WHEN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE BRAIN ARE ENGAGED
On a slightly different note, have you ever noticed that the more ways you learn something, the better you remember it?   For instance, if your teacher just got up and talked endlessly about whatever subject they're teaching (something that perhaps happens a bit too frequently at church), you likely would forget most of what they said.  But, if they talked about it, then let you try something hands-on that demonstrated the concept, then asked a thought provoking question and gave you time to ponder and write down an answer, then showed a video of a related concept, ....you would likely remember it much better, because you've had the opportunity to engage  different parts of your brain.    Even just one alternate form of teaching besides just talking is hugely valuable for imprinting those memories!  

I feel like that's how life is too.  

When I have an experience, I may or may not remember it in much detail.  However, when I have an experience,  then share it with someone, or write it down, I am much more likely to remember it.  That's one of the reasons why I've been an avid journal keeper for much of my life.  When I was young, it was in notebooks, then I went through a scrapbooking phase, and now it's mostly on our family blog.  Yes, I still keep one of those!   

I think all these reasons are why I was drawn to the section of this week's Come, Follow Me lesson entitled:  "The Lord wants me to 'keep a history,'"  and the scripture that that phrase comes from.  

 Doctrine and Covenants 85:1-2  It is the duty of the Lord’s clerk, whom he has appointed, to keep a history, and a general church record of all things that transpire in Zion, and of all those who consecrate properties, and receive inheritances legally from the bishop;   And also their manner of life, their faith, and works; and also of the apostates who apostatize after receiving their inheritances.

I think it's interesting that the revelation to keep a history was received so early in the  church's existence.  It proved to be prescient though, since it became a part of the church's fabric long before anyone but God could have known how widespread the church would one day be.   One of my many callings over the last several years has been that of ward historian.   To be honest, I wasn't that excited about it when I first received the calling, but I have since grown to have a testimony of the value of it.  The act of reflecting and gathering a history, one year, one organization, one miracle, one ward at a time is something that has the potential to be of great value to a ward and to the church as a whole.    

Similarly, when we take the time to record the important events of our lives, we are leaving a legacy for our families that could otherwise easily be forgotten.  I know I regret not writing down more of my Dad's stories before he passed away a couple years ago.  Now I am left wondering about the accuracy of my memories of an experience that I wasn't a part of, but that he had verbally shared with us.  It's better than not knowing about it at all, but how much better would it have been to have it in written form, either by his own hand or written by someone else with his stamp of approval?   

ARTICULATING EXPERIENCES HELPS US REMEMBER THEM BETTER

Over the years, I have sometimes taken the time to write about a spiritual experience I've had.   Though it is challenging trying to articulate the feelings that accompanied such an experience, I think there's great value to trying.  It's the exact same concept of teaching to engage different parts of your students' brains. Sorting through my feelings enough to give them words, is something that cements the experience more fully into my spirit and also makes it easier to share, should I feel inspired to do so.    

"Generations are affected by the choices we make. Share your testimony with your family; encourage them to remember how they felt when they recognized the Spirit in their lives and to record those feelings in journals and personal histories so that their own words may, when needed, bring to their remembrance how good the Lord has been to them."  Elder Rasband 

DIFFERENT WAYS TO RECORD
Over the course of my life, I've had different promptings about what the best way to record those experiences are and honestly, the details of it don't matter.  Whether you're jotting in a notebook, using Google Drive, making notes on your phone, keeping a blog, or keeping a detailed scrapbook...it doesn't matter.  What matters is getting it down.   If you think it's something that you'll want to share with your family someday or reference in a talk, you'll want to organize it in a way that can be found, but other than that, it's just finding what works for you.    Lately, I am finding that Google Drive is very helpful for me in that way.  I have different folders in my Drive for talks, lessons, and personal experiences. I've even typed up a few special journal entries to gather them in one place.    I attach key words to them, so I can locate them quickly if desired.  This easy access to them from any device I'm using has proven very helpful to me.  I can usually find what I'm looking for within 1 minute of searching.   

What about you?  How do you record your spiritual impressions?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!    

TALKS/ARTICLES TO STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
Lest Thou Forget by Elder Rasband (Oct 2016)
Spiritually Defining Memories by Elder Andersen (Apr 2020)
5 Unique Ways to Record and Remember Revelation by Bentlee Rice (from church website, Feb 2020)

ORIGINAL PRINTABLE ACTIVITY PAGE 

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.  

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



**********************

Be sure to come back each week and check out my latest Come, Follow Me post. 

Enjoy learning the gospel together! 

**********************

What is the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood? Lesson Plan, Resources, and a CFM Activity Sheet for D&C 84 (August 3)

 This blogpost features a lesson plan about teaching about the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, along with some resources and an original activity sheet to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  July 28-August 3,  which includes Doctrine and Covenants 84.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

 ***********************

 
WHAT IS THE OATH AND COVENANT OF THE PRIESTHOOD?
This lesson plan was designed to teach to a mixed group of males and females or just to females.  It  will likely be way too much information for one lesson, so prayerfully adjust it to the attention span and understanding of your group. 

DISCUSSION STARTER:  

ASK YOUR STUDENTS TO NAME SOME THINGS WITH WORLDLY POWER:  
Some potential examples could be:  waterfalls, certain people, tornado, superheroes, fast cars, dams, hurricanes, etc.  There are no wrong answers.

ASK:  HOW DO PEOPLE OF THE WORLD GAIN POWER?   
 By having lots of money, by being loud, by stepping on people's toes, by being charismatic speakers, etc. 


SHOW PICTURE OF THE PLANET EARTH--

READ THIS QUOTE:
 “Brothers and sisters, the power by which the heavens and earth were and are created is the priesthood…Not only is the priesthood the power by which the heavens and the earth were created, but it is also the power the Savior used in His mortal ministry to perform miracles, to bless and heal the sick, to bring the dead to life, and, as our Father’s Only Begotten Son, to endure the unbearable pain of Gethsemane and Calvary—thus fulfilling the laws of justice with mercy and providing an infinite Atonement…The same priesthood power that created worlds, galaxies, and the universe can and should be part of our lives to succor, strengthen, and bless our families, our friends, and our neighbors—in other words, to do the things that the Savior would do if He were ministering among us today.” M. Russell Ballard


WRITE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ON THE BOARD: 
Motherhood
Fatherhood
Childhood
Neighborhood

ASK:   WHAT DO YOU THINK THE SUFFIX "HOOD" MEANS?  

ANSWER (in case no one knows): Hood = Added as a suffix to a word it shows a current condition or state. 

RELATE TO THE WORDS ON THE BOARD:  

Motherhood = A condition or state of being a Mother
Fatherhood = A condition or state of being a Father
Childhood = A condition or state of being a child
Neighborhood = The condition or state of being neighbors in a proximity

ASK:  CONSIDERING THIS, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE WORD PRIESTHOOD MEANS?  

ANSWER: The quality or state of being a Priest.

ASK: WHAT IS A PRIEST?   

LOOK UP: “Priest” in the Bible Dictionary and read the first sentence together.

DISCUSS THE CONCEPT:   Priests are mediators between us and God. Through their various (and very organized) duties, they help save us.

RELATE IT BACK TO THE ORIGINAL DEFINITION: 
Priesthood = The condition or state of being mediators between man and God and helping save us.

READ QUOTE: 
“We are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their Church callings, but what other authority can it be? When a woman—young or old—is set apart to preach the gospel as a full-time missionary, she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. The same is true when a woman is set apart to function as an officer or teacher in a Church organization under the direction of one who holds the keys of the priesthood. Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties.” Dallin H. Oaks 

READ ABOUT THE OATH AND COVENANT OF THE PRIESTHOOD in the scriptures:  

Doctrine and Covenants 84:35-40 (Oath and the Covenant)

 And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;  For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him. And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.  Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.

WATCH THIS ~4 MINUTE VIDEO ABOUT THE OATH AND COVENANT OF THE PRIESTHOOD AND HOW IT APPLIES TO MEN AND WOMEN (or if your group is too young, then summarize it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAPACYiU-DQ&t=18s


READ THIS QUOTE:  
“A man may open the drapes so the warm sunlight comes into the room, but the man does not own the sun or the light or the warmth it brings. The blessings of the priesthood are infinitely greater than the one who is asked to administer the gift.” Neil L. Andersen

SUMMARIZE A FEW CONCEPTS OF THE OATH AND COVENANT:  

We receive the holy priesthood by an “oath and covenant.” This means that Heavenly Father gives us His oath (guarantee) that we can have the power and blessings of the priesthood if we covenant (promise) with Him to do certain things. “Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of [the] Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved” (D&C 84:40).  Elder Paul B. Pieper taught: “It is interesting that in the oath and covenant of the priesthood , the Lord uses the verbs obtain and receive. He does not use the verb ordain. It is in the temple that men and women—together—obtain and receive the blessings and power of both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods”. In verse 38, it says that we can obtain ALL that the Father hath and that is a promise to men and women! 

HARK  BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF THE LESSON AND TALK ABOUT HOW THE PRIESTHOOD HELPS US BECOME POWERFUL IN GOD'S EYES:   

FINISH UP WITH THIS QUOTE 
"...We must each walk through life on our own, we don’t have to do it alone. Four principles explain why:

First, God wants a powerful people.

Second, He gives His power to those who are faithful.

Third, we have a sacred obligation to seek after the power of God and then to use that power as He directs.

Fourth, when we have the power of God with us, nothing is impossible.

I repeat, God wants a powerful people. Ammon taught that “a man may have great power given him from God”, and Nephi prophesied that we of the latter days would be “armed with . . . the power of God in great glory”.  There are many evidences that God wants a powerful people. This is one reason that at baptism we become eligible to receive “the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost”  and the privilege of constant access to the third member of the Godhead.  This is one reason that 12-year-old boys may be ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood, which holds “the key of the ministering of angels” .This is one reason every worthy adult may go to the temple, from which he or she emerges surrounded and protected by God’s power.  God wants a powerful people. No one better understands that Satan is real and that he has power. No one better understands that none of us is smart enough or resilient enough to spar with Satan and survive spiritually."  Sheri Dew

 AN ORIGINAL PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET

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


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...especially when it's a word search! 


***********************
Make sure to bookmark this site and come back each week and check out my Come, Follow Me resources and activity sheets!  

Enjoy learning the gospel together!

***********************

Come, Follow Me Teaching Resources, An Analogy, and a Personal Story about Service Based on D&C 81-83 (July 27)

 This blogpost features some resources, an analogy, and a personal story to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  July 21-27,  which includes Doctrine and Covenants 81-83.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

*************************

CHRISTLIKE SERVICE 

This is a topic that's near and dear to my heart, because I've been blessed many times over by people selflessly giving Christlike service to our family.   I've gathered some of my favorite talks, quotes, and shared a personal story that you may find helpful if you are preparing a lesson or talk on the topic of service.  These resources are  based on the two sections in the Come, Follow Me manual this week, entitled:  "The Savior has given me much and requires much of me," and "thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings."     

THE BEATING HEART - LOVE/SERVICE ANALOGY
One function of the heart is to beat oxygen rich blood to the entire body, but another, equally important function, is to receive blood so it can be oxygenated again. The heart only works when it is giving and receiving blood effectively.

Service is much the same way.   We all would like to live in a state where we are endlessly giving selfless acts of service to others, but that's not how our lives generally go.  Sometimes we need, literally need like our bodies need oxygen, to be open to receiving service from others.    

Being on the receiving end of service can be humbling, but it should absolutely not be viewed as weakness.  Just as our hearts can't function without receiving blood to be re-oxygenated, we go through seasons of life, when we need to allow others to share their oxygen with us.    Being on the receiving end of service, has made me appreciate the small and simple efforts all the more.   I am one who often gets caught up in wanting my service to be big or "pretty", and I sometimes let that desire for perfection hold me back.   Now I realize that it’s better to reach out and do something...anything...no matter how small and imperfect my efforts might be, because a heart that's starving for oxygen (or a person who's in the middle of a heartbreaking trial) just needs something/anything to know that they are loved and not forgotten.   

 MY PERSONAL STORY ABOUT RECEIVING SERVICE: 

As any of you longtime followers knows, when our oldest son was in the hospital with an aggressive form of leukemia, we had the blessing of being on the receiving end of many hours of loving service. People brought us meals, mowed our lawn, gave our kids rides, etc. Those were all beautiful, unglamorous acts of service that very much lit up our world and made it so we could keep our heads above water in what was otherwise a very upside down and difficult time for our family. 

He was 16 when he was diagnosed and his cancer was aggressive enough that he lived full-time in the hospital for months on end. This meant no school, no seminary, no sports...just long days and nights in the hospital where he was often stir-crazy, miserable with the side effects of his treatments, and mostly just deeply deeply lonely.

But there was one bright spot in his weeks… Every Sunday his entire priest's quorum jumped into cars for the third hour of church, drove the 10-miles to the hospital, brought us the sacrament, and had the priest’s quorum lesson with him in his hospital room. They did this week after week, for months on end….adding extra time onto their busy Sundays.   They were a light not only to us, but to the doctors and nurses who were amazed at these well-dressed teens that showed up every Sunday to give Spencer a small moment of almost normalcy each week. We never would have asked for anyone to make that sacrifice for us, but that’s a huge part of what made it all the more meaningful. Those Young Men and their leaders recognized that what Spence needed more than signed cards wishing him to get well soon, was light, friendship,and, more than anything else, the feeling that he still belonged somewhere. 

I think often at what a powerful lesson those young men leaders taught those boys. Instead of just hearing about Christ’s example and about how good it is to serve, they lived it. They sacrificed their time and ministered to the one. Sometimes we get these grand notions of trying to change the world, but I’m here to say that there is no “world” as a single entity--there are only 6 billion individuals in the world having individual experiences. And those young men absolutely changed Spencer’s world and ours. Our testimonies were strengthened because of their love and service.

That’s what service is all about….it’s about LOVE and action for the one! Jesus didn’t wait around to serve only those he deemed worthy. He didn’t seek to do it in front of an audience. Or wait until it was more convenient for Him. He took what he had--sometimes just some spit and some mud--and he loved. He listened. He healed. He got messy. And in those boys' cases (one of whom is now our son-in-law), they added on time to their already long Sundays to show a peer that he wasn't forgotten!  

SCRIPTURES TO READ:  

  "And in doing these things thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and wilt promote the glory of him who is your Lord.  Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."  Doctrine and Covenants 81:4-5 

"For of him unto whom much is given much is required;" Doctrine and Covenants 82:3

 “When you are in the service of your fellow being, you are in the service of our God” Mosiah 2:17

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40
 
  “Love thy neighbor as thyself”. Matthew 22:37-39


QUOTES: 
 “To help us better love one another, I would like to suggest four words to remember: “First observe, then serve.”  Linda Burton

“Christ did not just speak about love; He showed it each day of His life. He did not remove Himself from the crowd. Being amidst the people, Jesus reached out to the one. He rescued the lost. He didn’t just teach a class about reaching out in love and then delegate the actual work to others. He not only taught but also showed us how to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”  Elder Uchtdorf

 “. . . Having charity and caring for one another is not simply a good idea. It is not simply one more item in a seemingly infinite list of things we ought to consider doing. It is at the core of the gospel—an indispensable, essential, foundational element.” Elder Uchtdorf

TALKS TO STUDY
"First Observe, Then Serve" by Linda K. Burton (one of my favorite talks ever on service)
"You Are My Hands" by Elder Uchtdorf

ORIGINAL CFM PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET 

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




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

Enjoy learning the Gospel together! 

*************************

Come, Follow Me Lesson Plan for D&C 77-80; Including Gratitude, Jesus as a Leader, Etc. (July 20)

 This blogpost features a lesson plan and some resources, including a printable half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  July 14-20,  which includes Doctrine and Covenants 77-80.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks. 
****************************************

 LESSON PLAN FOR D&C 77-80
You will likely not have time to cover all the material in this lesson plan, so prayerfully decide what parts of this would be best to focus on for the age, understanding, and attention span of your class.   

D&C 77 

SHORT SCRIPTURE ACTIVITY: 
Have your class take a quick look at D&C 77 and see if they notice anything unusual about it.
They might notice other random things, but the Q&A format of the section is worth pointing out as being very unusual for revelation / scriptures. 

READ THE HEADING OF SECTION 77:
Focus on "I received the following explanation of the Revelation of St. John." 

QUICK SCRIPTURE SEARCH:  Ask them to look in their scriptures (in whatever form they have) and find the official full name of the last book of the New Testament...perhaps even offer a small prize for the first person to find it.  Make sure they see it's not just "Revelation", but "The Revelation of St. John the Divine" 

CONNECT THE DOTS:  that Joseph Smith is referring to the final book of the New Testament in Section 77 and that he recognized the importance of the revelations and wanted some questions clarified, which is what makes up the section.  

QUOTE (ABOUT WHY WE SHOULD STUDY THE BOOK OF REVELATION): 

"This book is an unveiling of the Lord Jesus Christ and a revelation of His authority, power, and preeminent role in the Father’s plan of salvation. The book also reveals much important information about the events leading up to the Second Coming and the Millennium.

Studying the book of Revelation can help you gain a deeper understanding of the resurrected and glorified Son of God and His dealings with God’s children throughout the ages of earth’s history, particularly in the last days. This book extends a message of hope to the righteous and can encourage you to remain faithful to your testimony of the Savior in the midst of persecution and trials." (SOURCE)

 D&C 78
There are several good scriptures you could focus on in this chapter, but I've picked two, which I think will make for interesting / Christ centered discussions.  

READ D&C 78:18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.

DISCUSS THE PHRASE, "I WILL LEAD YOU ALONG" FROM THAT VERSE: 

Who is the "I" referring to?  Jesus Christ
Who will Jesus lead?   All of us who are willing to follow Him
Where will He lead us? To eternal life in His kingdom


WATCH THIS VIDEO TOGETHER AND DISCUSS DIFFERENT WAYS THAT WE CAN WALK WITH JESUS:
  I Will Walk with Jesus  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FswogEd6Rec) 
(you may need to download this first, especially if using a laptop) 


Perhaps give them paper and pen before showing the video and have them write down ideas they hear in the song.   Wait for them to share their answers before sharing any ideas of your own (if you feel inspired to do so).  

A few ideas I had while watching:   seek wisdom and truth, show love to others, seek  to keep His spirit with you, take care of our bodies with enough sleep, good food, and exercise, so we can grow like Jesus, take time to listen for His spirit, etc. 
 
ASK:  What do you think it means in the song when it says, "I will walk with Jesus and He will walk with me."  

LISTEN TO THEIR IDEAS AND SHARE ANY IMPRESSIONS YOU HAD

 ASK:  I want you to think of a good leader in your life...a parent, coach, teacher, etc. and think about what makes them a good leader?   

DISCUSS THESE QUALITIES with an open mind and talk a little about what qualities a good leader does NOT have.   They aren't bossy or mean.  They don't brag about how they're better than everyone else. They don't force people to follow them.  They don't do things to hurt people.  

READ THE FOLLOWING QUOTE about how Jesus is the best example of a leader we could ever want. 

QUOTE:  
"During His earthly ministry, the Savior set the example of leadership for His Church. His central purpose was doing the will of His Heavenly Father and helping others understand and live His gospel . He loved those He led and showed that love by serving them."  (SOURCE:  Church Handbook 4.2)

ASK:  Can you think of a way you can be a leader among your family or friends?   

MAKE SURE TO EMPHASIZE some of the qualities of Jesus and other good leaders that they've discussed. 

SHIFTING GEARS A BIT...

ASK:  Who wants to be happy?   How can we be happier?  

LISTEN

READ D&C 78:19 "And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."

ASK:  Did you know that scientists have actually done studies that prove that people who find ways to show gratitude every single day are happier?   

DISCUSS WAYS THAT THEY CAN SHOW GRATITUDE EVERY DAY: 
This could be keeping a gratitude journal, making sure  you express gratitude in your prayers each night, you could share what you're grateful for with a family member or friend, etc.    The key is to do it EVERY SINGLE DAY...even on days when it's been hard.   

If you have time, ASK THEM FOR SPECIFIC STRATEGIES they could use to try to find gratitude when they've had a bad day.  This would be a powerful time to share your own personal experience with this idea.  

BEAR YOUR TESTIMONY AND CLOSE.  
 
HANDOUT IDEA:  Get each student a small notebook and fun colored pen they could use to start keeping their own gratitude journals.  

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

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.  


****************************************

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

Enjoy learning the Gospel together!

****************************************

Come, Follow Me Study Resource Page for D&C 76 (July 13)

 This blogpost features a study guide and a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  July 7-13,  which includes Doctrine and Covenants 76.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.  

(This blogpost was written and  compiled by my daughter, Emma, who is a recent graduate of BYU. )

****************************

STUDY GUIDE FOR DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS SECTION 76:  JESUS IS OUR SAVIOR

Section 76 is full of a lot of fundamental doctrine, but my daughter (the author of this post) decided to focus on the most fundamental of all--that Jesus Christ is our Savior.    

“The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 121).

Learning about Jesus Christ and His Atonement helps us recognize the deeply personal aspect of it. He died, was buried, and rose again the third day for me. Jesus Christ is My Savior.

D&C 76:41-42

He came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him;

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

• How has Jesus Christ saved me personally?

• How does knowing that Jesus Christ bore your sins change the way that you live your life? Is there anything you feel inspired to change?

GO A LITTLE DEEPER :

“What has Jesus Christ done for me?”... Under the plan of our Heavenly Father, He “created the heavens and the earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 14:9) so that each of us could have the mortal experience necessary to seek our divine destiny. As part of the Father’s plan, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ overcame death to assure each of us immortality. Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice gives each of us the opportunity to repent of our sins and return clean to our heavenly home. His commandments and covenants show us the way, and His priesthood gives the authority to perform the ordinances that are essential to reach that destiny. And our Savior willingly experienced all mortal pains and infirmities that He would know how to strengthen us in our afflictions.”  What Has Our Savior Done For Us President Oaks, April 2021


"To be saved—or to gain salvation—means to be saved from physical and spiritual death. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected and saved from physical death. People may also be saved from individual spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, by their faith in Him, by living in obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel, and by serving Him.

To be exalted—or to gain exaltation—refers to the highest state of happiness and glory in the celestial realm. These blessings can come to us after we leave this frail and mortal existence. The time to prepare for our eventual salvation and exaltation is now."  Salvation and Exaltation by President Nelson, April 2008


“When you reach up for the Lord’s power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours. When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him—when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life—you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do.

When you spiritually stretch beyond anything you have ever done before, then His power will flow into you.”   Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives President Nelson, April 2017


Mosiah 3:4-12

Mosiah 4:6-8


FOR KIDS:

Jesus Christ Is My Savior and Redeemer from the Friend, April 2011

Jesus Christ Is Our Savior from the Friend, March 2013


FOR TEENS:

Christ Saved Me When I Was Drowning from For the Strength of Youth (Digital Only), June 2025

Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet video from a talk by Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2015

A SONG: He Sent His Son

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...and I'm mixing things up here this week with a dot-to-dot instead of a crossword puzzle or word search!  

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

*********************
Be sure to come back every week and find the latest Come, Follow Me lesson plans, resource pages, and activity sheets!  
*********************

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!   

*******************************
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)


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

Enjoy learning the Gospel together!  💗

*******************************

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

**********************

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

Enjoy learning the gospel together!
 
**********************