Daily Reads

At the end of every month, we ask our faculty and missionaries to report the number of daily reads their students have reported for the month. Burdensome task? Yes. One more thing to do for a teacher? You bet. Should we do it? Absolutely. Why? Two reasons: 1. Because we have been asked to; and 2. We owe it to our students to facilitate their success in coming to love the scriptures the way someone else did, or should have done for us. 

The Gospel Teaching & Learning Manual for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion shares the following insight into what we are hoping to accomplish by encouraging daily reading of the scriptures by collecting daily reads. Wait! Before you read, please look for the blessings a young person might be blessed with by learning to read the scriptures daily:

"By fulfilling their role in spiritual learning, students manifest their willingness to be taught by the Holy Ghost. They are often more committed to and excited about the scriptures. They understand and recall saving doctrines and principles more clearly and are more likely to apply what they have been taught. As students discover gospel doctrines and principles, ask questions, and share responses, they also learn valuable skills for studying on their own.

"Through such participation, students will be enabled to teach the gospel more effectively to their families, friends, and others. They will also be better prepared to teach the doctrines and principles of the gospel in the future as missionaries, parents, teachers, and leaders in the Church."

Are there any blessings there we do not want our students to enjoy? 

I was raised as a Latter-day Saint, my father was a very busy government employee who traveled much. My mother was a convert who tried to help us (all ten of us) read the scriptures as a family. Our family scripture study efforts were usually as ugly as a sloppy-joe stain on a white shirt, but mom persevered in helping us to read the scriptures. I am so very grateful for her efforts, especially for the example she showed in turning to the scriptures and reading them, and showing us children where to turn for answers.

Far too many of our students have not been raised with the example I, or many of you were raised with. Dearest faculty and missionaries, let us not fail to encourage perhaps what may become one of the greatest blessings we could invite our students to have: the gift of love for the scriptures, but more than love, the gift of knowing where to find answers to their questions, concerns, challenges and problems: the holy scriptures! They need you to help them succeed in turning to the scriptures. 

Feel the Truth & Importance of Doctrines & Principles

Tonight in my institute classes I want to help my students feel the truth and importance of doctrines and principles. The Gospel Teaching & Learning Manual for Seminaries & Institutes states, "Although students may identify and understand principles and doctrines of the gospel, they will often not apply them until they feel their truth and importance through the Spirit and sense some degree of urgency to incorporate the principle in their own lives" (p. 29). I think then, and it almost goes without saying, that the principles I will attempt to teach tonight need to be clear to the students, or else how can they feel the importance of a principle and go and practice living?

In my Religion 121 class we will be covering Enos, Jarom, Omni & Words of Mormon and in my Religion 341 (LDS Church History) we will cover Chapter 11: The Saints Expulsion from Jackson County. The content of both classes provides a fertile ground for identifying principles and helping students feel the importance of them. But what will I do precisely to help? I just noticed, that in the quote in paragraph one says, "[students] will often not apply [doctrines and principles] until they feel their truth and importance through the Spirit..." Ah-ha! That is the key, the Holy Ghost will help the student feel the importance of a doctrine or principle! The Gospel Teaching & Learning Manual also says, "The Holy Ghost can impress upon the minds and hearts of the students the significance of a doctrines or principle and can give the students a desire to implement the principle and the strength to do so" (p. 30). Its the Holy Ghost which must do the teaching and impressing! Now, how to allow that to happen becomes the question....

An example. When I was released as a full time missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I had the opportunity to sit and visit with my Stake President. He created the environment during the interview to help me learn four principles I have used to guide my life by ever since; he told me that if I would: 1. always strive to attend Church meetings regularly and partake of the sacrament; 2. read the scriptures daily; 3. pray every day, morning and night; and 4. pay a faithful and honest tithe, then I would always have the help of the Lord and the blessings I would need in life. It has been almost 20 years since that interview occurred and I have lived by those principles ever since, and found his inspired direction to be absolutely true! As I cast my mind back on what my Stake President did, I am not sure precisely as to details, but I know I sat in the presence of someone I trusted, admired, and who had the Spirit of the Lord with him or else how could I still remember his clear council? (See John 14:26). In addition to who he was, and what he did, here are a few more ideas as to how you and I might help our students feel the truth and importance of doctrines and principles of the gospel.

The how. The Gospel Teaching & Learning Manual shares several insights into how we can help our students feel the importance of doctrines and principles. We can help our students reflect on their personal experiences related to the principle, ask inspired questions to help them search their memories for instances when they have already experienced the blessings of living a principle, a teachers and students may share stories from their lives or the lives of others who have felt the importance of a doctrine or principle, as well as inviting students to bear witness of the truthfulness of a principle or doctrine, and there is more on page 30. But probably the most powerful preparation prior to class comes from Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who encouraged teachers, "Will you pray for guidance in how to have the truth sink deep into the minds and hearts of your students so as to be used throughout life? As you prayerfully seek ways to do that, I know that the Lord will guide you" (italics added, "To Understand and Live Truth," an Evening with a elder Richard G. Scott, 4 Feb 2005, as cited in Gospel Teaching & Learning Manual, p. 30).

Well, it is not going to be easy, but now I have to get to work and see how I can help the Lord help my students feel the truth and importance of doctrines and principles. But I have some tools as listed above, I am not alone, this is the Lord's work and He will assist and enable my efforts! I can count on Him and so can you.

A Glorious Institute Choir & Fireside!

I really should have posted this yesterday, but time went by far too fast with some pressing issues; but, on Sunday evening I attended another one of our institute choir firesides, and it was one of the more spiritually exhilarating evenings I have had in some time.

The scriptures teach, "unto what were you ordained? To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth" (D&C 50:13-14), and I submit to you, it was by the Spirit I was taught on Sunday evening. As I sat and listened, I opened my journal and recorded some of the beauties of the earth I have recently been impressed with, my writings became somewhat of a prayer of gratitude for what I was recording as well as for what I was feeling.

I came with many things on my mind, and I left lifted and edified; my mind was no longer heavy, and my burdens felt light. Thanks be to God, and thanks be to each of our institute choir teachers, accompanists, and participating students. What a wonderful evening of edification!

Here is my only recommendation for the future of institute choir firesides: We need more people who are searching for peace, hope, understanding and healing by the Savior to attend these events. We need more of our students and members of our local LDS and non-LDS community to be aware of these, for truly, "the song of the righteous is prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads" (D&C 25:12). More people in our community need to hear and feel what I felt that evening, which was "a blessing upon [my] head."

Thanks so much, choir!

Understand Doctrines & Principles

From the Gospel Teaching & Learning handbook we read: "When a teacher or a student understand a doctrine or principle, they not only know what the words mean but also how the doctrine or principle can affect their lives" (p. 28). Not that my valuation matters, but I like that, I like it very much in fact. Let me briefly share why.

I will start with an example. This morning in my personal study of the scriptures I was reading in Alma 60, which contains a rather scathing letter from Captain Moroni, the leader of the Nephite armies, to Pahoran, the chief judge and governor over the Nephite land. In this letter, Captain Moroni reproves Pahoran for not doing more to support the Nephite's war effort to defend their people from the encroaching Lamanites. One particular verse seemed to stand out to me, Captain Moroni wrote the following to Pahoran: "Behold, could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones, and because of the exceeding goodness of God ye could do nothing and he would deliver you? Behold, if ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain" (verse 11).

The principle which emerged quite clearly for me was simply this: If I will not put forth my very best efforts to (insert righteous desires here), then I cannot expect the Lord to miraculously perform a needed miracle in behalf of those I am laboring to serve.

Just a guess, but I think the reason that particular principle appeared so clearly for me, as well as my understanding of it, was because the Holy Ghost wanted me to understand there is more I need to do in a certain area of directing the institute. Now, I will not get into the details of the matter I need to do more with, it really is beside the point, because the point is: When I search the scriptures or the words of the living prophets & apostles, when a "teacher or student understands a doctrine or principle, they not only know what the words mean but also how the doctrine or principle can affect their lives," (italics added for emphasis); and hopefully, you and I and our students will go and do precisely what we are supposed to!

Okay, I know that last sentence was bloated, so here it is another way: When one of our students, or anyone for that matter, recognizes a principle in the scriptures or in the words of the living prophets, and can see how it may bless their lives, then we hope they will begin to practice or implement the principle to receive the blessing the Lord has attached to it. But as teachers we must do much more than simply hope! We must* invite our students to act on principles and then have them return and report their progress so they can receive the blessing the Lord has for them. I think D&C 82:10 fits here well: "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have not promise."

Here is my request and plea to each of you teaching institute: Please help your students identify the doctrines and principles, see how living these will bless them, then extend to your students invitations to live doctrines and principles, and follow up with them. I know, that is actually a lot to ask, but why not? We love our students and want what is very best for them. May the Lord bless your efforts is my prayer.

*I do not really care for words which make me sound like I am trying to push or force you or anyone to do anything, I just could not really think of a better way to phrase this. Please forgive me if you're offended, and know I thought about this prior to posting today.

Teaching, No Greater Call

I have been discovering and rediscovering a resource to aid me and all of us in our desires to improve our teaching in institute, it is called, "Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching." You can find it here: https://www.lds.org/manual/teaching-no-greater-call-a-resource-guide-for-gospel-teaching?lang=eng.

May I encourage each of you to take some time and either find your hard copy, or visit the webpage and consider how the Lord desires you to improve your teaching efforts in institute.

Today as I read, I reviewed a story shared on page 6, where Sister Susan L. Warner, former second counselor in the Primary General Presidency shared the experience of having early morning scripture study with her family. She had one son who, after much coaxing, finally came each morning, sat down and then put his head down on the table as if asleep. Many years later, as a missionary, this same son wrote his parents, thanking them for all that he learned during that time they read the scriptures together in the early morning. Brothers and sisters, this gives me hope. A lot of hope in fact. Right now I am dealing with a similar challenge in my own family.

As I read of Sister Warner's experience, it reminded me of an experience I would like to share with you. Many years ago, my wife, Amie and I were traveling through Utah on our way to Idaho. We decided to stay with some friends living in Provo, who were attending BYU, where one of them was working on a doctoral degree. Our friends graciously offered to watch our children so Amie and I could attend the temple together, this was a rare blessing with all of our little children still with us.

Amie and I determined we would spend about an hour being sealed together in behalf of the dead. When we

Provo, Utah Temple

entered the sealing room, there was a young couple and a sealer who welcomed us. The sealer wanted to get to know us all so he asked us where we were all from. The young couple across from us were from Price, Utah. That got my attention because I have friend who taught seminary there for many years. I asked the young man, "Did you happen to have seminary from Brother Woodruff?" The young man enthusiastically said "Yes! He was my favorite teacher!" That excited me to tell my good friend Brother Woodruff I had met one of his former students, who had gone on a mission, married his lovely wife in the temple, and was doing everything just the way we hope all of our students will. I took his name down so I could let Brother Woodruff know later.

When we returned home, I was in Brother Woodruff's office and told him of my chance meeting with this good former student of his. Brother Woodruff chuckled out loud when I told him the name of the student who had so enjoyed Brother Woodruff's seminary classes. At first I thought the chuckle was a bit odd, but Brother Woodruff went on to explain, "Sam, that young man came into my classes everyday, would drop his bag on the floor, place his scriptures on his desk, and then drop his head on his scriptures and never made a sound again until class was over. And then he would pick up his head with a big read dot on it from sleeping on his scriptures, would take his things and leave. So for you to tell me I was his favorite teacher I am bit shocked!"

Brothers and sisters, let us never give up on those we are teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to. We know what we teach is the most important thing which is or could ever be taught. Let us nourish our students "by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way" (Moroni 6:4) even when it seems our every effort is a waste; for that is when it is probably the most useful to some young soul. I bear my witness of this truth, even in the name of Jesus Christ.

Abraham 2: So Much to Learn From!

Ever have one of those days where you prepare a lesson for your students you are really excited about and go to class and they just sit and stare at you the entire time? Yup, happened to me today! And this occurred in the class I like to brag about in my inservice meetings!

We covered Abraham 2, which outlines Abraham's travel from Ur to Haran, then from Haran to Canaan, then on down into Egypt. I even showed them a map with Abraham's journey outlined on it! (unlike the one on the left, which is just an Old Testament map). At times like this I wonder, "So, was that lesson more for me or my students?" I am absolutely not arguing there is nothing wrong with presenting a lesson that perhaps the teacher gets more out of than the students, sometimes that is just how it shakes out. 

Here though, is what I found incredibly interesting and exciting from Abraham 2:

• In verse three, the scripture says, "Now the Lord had said unto me: Abraham, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee," and immediately in verse four, Abraham leaves "the land of Ur, of Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan." So he takes some of his family and ends up in Haran. He goes without delay!
• In verse six, "the Lord appeared unto [Abraham], and said unto me: Arise, and take Lot with thee; for I have purposed to take thee away out of Haran, and to make of thee a minister to bear my name in a strange land which I will give unto thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession, when they hearken to my voice." So what does Abraham do? He goes to Canaan and is able to see a land in which he will not even be blessed to stay in, but his posterity, through their faithfulness will. He goes without delay!
• Finally, after traveling through Canaan, Abraham continues his journey south, due to a continued famine in the land, "I, Abraham concluded to go down into Egypt, to sojourn there." And later, as he was entering Egypt, the Lord said to Abraham, "Behold, Sarai, thy wife is a very fair woman to look upon;..." and the Lord gives Abraham more directions as he moves forward. These directions seem to me to be a confirmation that Abraham had made the right choice to head to Egypt in the first place, seemingly without delay. 

Here is what I found interesting that my students did not find so very interesting:

• In verse three, the Lord prompts Abraham to leave and head to a new land, probably by the still small voice of the Holy Ghost, the scripture does not specify exactly in what way the Lord led Abraham in this first instance. 
• In verse six, it reads as if the Lord Himself tells Abraham what to do exactly.
• Finally, in verse 21 it reads as if Abraham went to Egypt of his own accord, no direct revelation was involved, but a confirmation that the choice he made to head into Egypt came by the Lord warning Abraham to protect his wife's identity (as his wife) as they entered into Egypt.
• In all three cases, Abraham follows the directions the Lord gives, quickly! We will come back to this point in a bit, be patient for a moment please. 

All of these points reminded me of a talk given by Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, titled, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," where he said:

"Some misunderstandings about prayer can be clarified by realizing that the scriptures define principles for effective prayer, but they do not assure when a response will be given. Actually, He will reply in one of three ways. First, you can feel the peace, comfort, and assurance that confirm that your decision is right. Or second, you can sense that unsettled feeling, the stupor of thought, indicating that your choice is wrong. Or third—and this is the difficult one—you can feel no response.

"What do you do when you have prepared carefully, have prayed fervently, waited a reasonable time for a response, and still do not feel an answer? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of His trust. When you are living worthily and your choice is consistent with the Savior’s teachings and you need to act, proceed with trust. As you are sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit, one of two things will certainly occur at the appropriate time: either the stupor of thought will come, indicating an improper choice, or the peace or the burning in the bosom will be felt, confirming that your choice was correct. When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision" (Apr. 2007 General Conference). 

It seems to me that Abraham's life, as described in Abraham 2 demonstrates the way the Spirit of the Lord or the Gift of the Holy Ghost will often help us along: 1. Sometimes the voice of the Spirit will provide a very clear direction of what to do; 2. Sometimes the Lord will come to make things happen Himself, although this is rare; and 3. Sometimes the Lord allows us to choose for ourselves, and then confirms the choice later as in Abraham's case. 

Now, back to that point I asked the reader to be patient about previously: In ever case,

Abraham was obedient, without delay to the instruction he was given. Like Mormon, from the Book of Mormon, Abraham could be described as "quick to observe" (Mormon 1:2). Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, "Quick to observe. Prompt to watch and to obey. A simple gift that blesses us individually and in our families and extends blessings to so many other people. Each of us can and should strive to be worthy of this significant spiritual gift—even the capacity of being quick to observe" ("Quick to Observe," BYU Speeches, given 10 May 2005). What blessings do I miss out on because far too often do I feel a prompting and think, "Good idea, I will get to that, later" and "later" never comes? Abraham was "quick to observe" and was blessed with further light, truth and revelation. 

Abraham has taught me so much today! Again, maybe today's lesson was only for me, but I felt very blessed to be able to open the scriptures and learn from the Lord with fantastic young people. The restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is simply true!  

Understand the Context & Content of the Scriptures and Words of the Prophets

From the Gospel Teaching & Learning manual we read, "Understanding the context and content of the scriptures and the words of the prophets prepares teachers and learners to recognize the messages of the inspired authors" (p. 23). Such is absolutely true! Identifying the context and content from a scriptural passage enables the principles and doctrines to almost leap off the page at us and our students.

Two quick definitions before going further:

1. Context. According to the Gospel Teaching & Learning manual we learn that "Context is (1) the passages of scripture that precede or follow a verse of series of verses or (2) the circumstances that surround or give background to a particular scriptural passage, event, or story" (p. 24).

2. Content. The manual explains this as "the story line, people, events, sermons, and inspired explanations that make up the scriptural text. The content of the scriptures gives life and relevance to the doctrines and principles that are found in the scripture [passage]" (p. 24).

With these thoughts in mind, how often in your life have you sat in a class where 1 Nephi 3 was the subject and the teacher gives a quick background of something like, "Here we have Lehi and his family in the wilderness and Lehi commands his son Nephi to return to Jerusalem and get the plates of brass from Laban, and this is what Nephi says to his father about it: 'And it came to pass that I, Nephi said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded...'" and then the instructor says something like, "Wow, isn't Nephi amazing? He went and did what his father asked of him and got the plates" and then the instructor moves on to the next subject to be discussed. Wait, what? Stop right there teacher! I have a question for you:

"As your students, what context & content might help us understand what is going on here?" What if you as my teacher, simply showed me and our class a map and quickly made some estimates of about how far it is from Jerusalem, where Lehi and his family had come from, to where they were? According to 1 Nephi 2:4-5, Lehi and his family had come from Jerusalem to the shore of the Red Sea. If the Red Sea starts at the north end of the Gulf of Aqaba, where current day Elat is situated, then we are looking at about a 180 miles from Jerusalem to Eliat. Okay, 180 miles does not seem like too big of a deal, but wait, "Teacher, did you just say they either did this on foot or on the back of camel?" Okay, now as a student I am sitting at attention waiting for you to help me discover more!

Now, with that picture in mind, think about what Lehi was asking his sons to do: Go all the way back, some 180 miles and get the plates of brass, and I can almost hear Lehi thinking, "And oh, by the way, I am not really all that sure Laban is going to just simply give the plates to you!" With that simple content and context in mind, it seems that Nephi's words, "I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them" (1 Nephi 3:7) mean so very much more! Think of it, they have come 180 miles south to the Red Sea, now they are to go back to Jerusalem 180 miles, and then back down to the Red Sea, that is approximately 540 miles! And we have no clue in the record whether this was done on foot, by camel, or what. Wow! Now,

we have yet to even mention that in 1 Nephi 7, Lehi is going to send his sons back one more time to bring Ishmael and his family along, one more round trip of 360 miles brings our grand total at this point to 900 miles! Again, wow! And we grumble getting into our automobile to drive 5 or 6 miles, or around the block, depending on where we live, to do our home teaching and think as we drive or walk, "I will go and do...I will go and do...Ya, I am like Nephi...I will go and do..." Right.

This was a very simple addition to the context and content of 1 Nephi 3:7, a wise teacher could do quite a bit more to help their students draw out the doctrines and principles in scriptural passages by helping their students have a better sense of the context and content of the scriptures. I absolutely believe that as we help our students better understand the context and content of the scriptures and living prophets, they, our students will feel a deepened sense of reverence for these sacred texts as well as an increased desire to live by the doctrines and principles they find.

It is so good to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Scripture Study Skills & Methods

From the Gospel Teaching & Learning manual we read, "Teachers should consistently teach students the doctrines and principles behind daily personal scripture study. Teachers can also encourage each student to set aside time every day for personal scripture study...." (p. 20). But what if you are doing those very things in class each time you meet and still you are not seeing the desired results in your students? This can be frustrating, especially when you, as a teacher are finding absolute joy in your own personal study of the scriptures and just cannot quite help your students to do the same thing! The following thoughts may help.

I recently came across a video presentation found on the Mormon Channel (http://www.mormonchannel.org/) hosted by President Osguthorpe, the General Sunday School President, with his guest, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. I encourage to you to refer to this website for the full broadcast, but the following clip of video might be sufficient for this thought, today (if this video does not appear, follow the following link: http://www.mormonchannel.org/teaching-no-greater-call/16 and watch the clip titled "Motivate"):

Ever thought about actually asking out students why the don't read the scriptures rather than showing them ten thousand quotes as to why they should read them, and then when they fail, again, at reading the scriptures, they feel doubly worse? 

What if you or I were sick, I mean really sick; what do we do? We go see a physician to receive a treatment in hopes to recover soon and get back to our daily routine, right? Well, what if you went to the physician to find out what the problem is (and perhaps you, as the patient already knew what the problem is), and the physician never asked you one question about what your health concerns are but heard you cough and told you all about the great treatments available for people suffering with a cough? What use would that information be to you? It might be helpful, but wouldn't it be nice if the physician asked you where it hurts, or what other symptoms are you suffering from besides a cough? 

How often do we give our students the answers without asking any of the right questions? Perhaps we need to better understand why our students are not reading the scriptures more often so we can administer the proper treatment. Bear in mind, however, "In their efforts to [help] their students, teachers should not try to take the place of parents or priesthood leaders or to become personal counselors to the students" (Gospel Teaching & Learning Manual, p. 14). As Jacob from the Book of Mormon taught, "O be wise" (Jacob 6:12) as you seek to help our students discover the scriptures for themselves. 

May I encourage each of you to review pages 20-23 of the Gospel Teaching & Learning Manual and find ways to help your students become more deeply motivated to read the scriptures. We cannot force our students, but in the words of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "...Sometimes we just need someone to look us in the eyes, take our hand, and say, 'You can do it now!'" ("You Can Do It Now!" Oct. 2013 General Conference). Prayerfully search for ways to help your students come to love the scriptures, ask the right probing questions to find out why they do not and then seek to administer the right treatment. The Lord will show you and I the way to assist them with this matter. 

Our Students & Scripture Study

From the Gospel Teaching & Learning handbook we read: “There are few things teachers can do that will have a more powerful and long-lasting influence for good in the lives of their students than helping them learn to love the scriptures and to study them on a daily basis” (p. 20).  I add my personal witness to this statement.

I was raised as a Latter-day Saint in southern Idaho, my entire life was centered around our family’s Latter-day Saint culture; nearly all my friends were LDS, my closest friends were definitely LDS, I went to seminary, my high school principal was my Bishop, I think

Portland, Oregon

you get the picture of my youth in southern Idaho, it was good, very good. Mid way through high school my father’s job took us to Portland, Oregon. The high school I attended was no longer predominantly LDS, and I started to flounder; not in my testimony, I knew the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was true—and still do, but my choices were not consistent with what I knew, and I struggled.

Then a miracle occurred, I was assigned to attend Sister Lucinda Shauffner’s early morning seminary class. Well, actually, two miracles occurred, my parents would not let me have a car to drive to school unless I attended seminary and I was assigned to Sister Shauffner’s seminary class.

I hauled my sorry self to seminary, sat stupidly every day, until one particular day I will never, ever forget. On this day I came into seminary a bit early, which was a rarity for me, and Sister Shauffner came to me and after some pleasantries simply said, “Sam, I love you and am so glad you make it to seminary every day,” I smiled, felt a little sheepish for coming late so often, then she said, “I know we are studying the Doctrine and Covenants this year, but would you do me a favor?” Knowing her expression of love was genuine, I said, “Yes, of course,” she then said, “Would you read the Book of Mormon and tell me how it goes?” Again, because I could feel her genuine love, care and concern, I said “Ya, I will.”

That very afternoon after school was over I began my first sincere personal study of the Book of Mormon. From then on out I awoke each day to read the Book of Mormon before getting ready for seminary and school. It was as if someone had turned on a light switch in my life. When I accidently slept in, I could not wait to read the Book of Mormon right after school. I would often read it late at night after a fun evening with friends. The fog of sin and unhappiness began to lift and I was finally feeling alive in a way I had never felt in my short 17 years in mortality!

Then the day came when I finished my study of the Book of Mormon. I told Sister Shauffner I had completed it that morning before seminary. She was as genuinely excited about my completion of the book as I was! Then she said, “So did you do it, did you pray about it like Moroni says to do at the end?” and I was dumbstruck! No, I had not! I never really thought about praying about it because I had already felt the truth of the book as I read it and somehow already knew it was true. I told her that no, I had not prayed about it. She then said, “Sam, that is the next thing you need to do, will you do it?” I said yes, without hesitation.

I pondered the prayer I was going to offer all day while at school. I actually considered Moroni’s words about asking if it is not true since I already knew it was true. Immediately after school I went to my room, reviewed a few chapters from the Book of Mormon I had learned to love, then locked my door, and knelt in prayer with the Book of Mormon in my hands. I will never forget the warmth of truth I felt around me as I prayed. The feeling of the Spirit’s presence was so palpable I actually peeked to see if I would see the Lord Himself there embracing me. I did not see Him but I felt Him. I knew and I have known ever since that sacred moment that it is all true. I have prayed many times as I have completed the Book of Mormon to know if it is not true, and nearly each time I have heard those words the Lord uttered to Oliver Cowdery, “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” (D&C 6:23). And I do know; I know the Book of Mormon is true! I am so very grateful for the day a sweet, humble seminary teacher asked me to read the wrong book for seminary, it has made all the difference!

In the October 2013 General Conference, President Boyd K. Packer shared the following:

“Years ago, Elder S. Dilworth Young of the Seventy taught me a lesson about reading the scriptures. A stake was struggling with tensions and difficulties among the members, and counsel needed to be given.

“I asked President Young, ‘What should I say?’

“He answered simply, ‘Tell them to read the scriptures.’

“I asked, ‘Which scriptures?’

“He said, ‘It really doesn’t matter. Tell them to open up the Book of Mormon, for instance, and begin to read. Soon the feeling of peace and inspiration will come, and a solution will present itself.’

“Make scripture reading a part of your regular routine, and the blessings will follow. There is in the scriptures a voice of warning, but there is also great nourishment” (italics added, “The Key to Spiritual Protection, Oct. 2013 Gen Con).

Back to where I began today: “There are few things teachers can do that will have a more powerful and long-lasting influence for good in the lives of their students than helping them learn to love the scriptures and to study them on a daily basis” (italics added). I testify that such is true. May we lead our students to do so is my prayer for this entire institute program and the students we serve. Please help your students to develop a love for and of the scriptures, it will be the one thing we can offer that will bless them, their children, their children’s’ children and so on.

A few quotes on scripture study from the Prophets and Apostles from the October 2013 General Conference

President Thomas S. Monson: Allied with prayer in helping us cope in our often difficult world is scripture study. The words of truth and inspiration found in our four standard works are prized possessions to me. I never tire of reading them. I am lifted spiritually whenever I search the scriptures. These holy words of truth and love give guidance to my life and point the way to eternal perfection.

As we read and ponder the scriptures, we will experience the sweet whisperings of the Spirit to our souls. We can find answers to our questions. We learn of the blessings which come through keeping God’s commandments. We gain a sure testimony of our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of Their love for us. When scripture study is combined with our prayers, we can of a certainty know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true.

…. As we remember prayer and take time to turn to the scriptures, our lives will be infinitely more blessed and our burdens will be made lighter.

….As we seek our Heavenly Father through fervent, sincere prayer and earnest, dedicated scripture study, our testimonies will become strong and deeply rooted. We will know of God’s love for us. We will understand that we do not ever walk alone. I promise you that you will one day stand aside and look at your difficult times, and you will realize that He was always there beside you. (italics added, “We Never Walk Alone”).

President Henry B. Eyring: As a quorum member, as a home teacher, and as a missionary, you cannot help people repair spiritual damage unless your own faith is vibrant. That means far more than reading the scriptures regularly and praying over them. The prayer in the moment and quick glances in the scriptures are not preparation enough. The reassurance of what you will need comes with this counsel from the 84th section of the Doctrine and Covenants: “Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man” (italics added, “Bind Up Their Wounds”).

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Those who join this Church love the Savior Jesus Christ and they wish to follow Him. They rejoice in the knowledge that God speaks to mankind again. When they receive sacred priesthood ordinances and make covenants with God, they can feel His power in their lives. When they enter the holy temple, they sense they are in His presence. When they read the holy scriptures and live the teachings of His prophets, they grow closer to the Savior they love so much (italics added, “Come, Join with Us”).

President Boyd K. Packer: A short time ago, I sealed a young couple in the temple. This couple had kept themselves worthy to arrive at the marvelous day when a son and a daughter leave the homes of their youth and become husband and wife. On this sacred occasion, they were pure and clean. In due course, they will begin to raise children of their own, consistent with the pattern established by our Father in Heaven. Their happiness, and the happiness of future generations, depends upon living those standards established by the Savior and set forth in His scripture.

….Children taught an understanding of the scriptures early in life will come to know the path they should walk and will be more inclined to remain on that path. Those who stray will have the ability to return and, with help, can find their way back. (italics added, “The Key to Spiritual Protection”).

Elder L. Tom Perry: The power of our teacher’s words has been a source of inspiration to me because of the emphasis she placed on gospel study. The scriptures guide us to a standard of truth by which we can judge the knowledge we are receiving, whether it be true or false. True doctrine comes from God, the source and foundation of all truths. The teachings and concepts of true doctrine are found in the gospel of our Lord and Savior. False teachings come from Satan, the father of all lies. His desire is to pervert, change, and alter revealed truths. He wants to deceive us so some of us will lose our way along the journey back to our heavenly home. The scriptures teach us how to avoid false teachings (italics added, “The Doctrines and Principles Contained in the Articles of Faith”). 

Follow On to Sunday's Inservice

One of the things I have asked each of my students to do as a midterm is to write a one page paper touching on three principles they learned in the most recent General Conference which support the principles from whichever book from the Standard Works we are covering in their class. Thought you might like seeing them connect principles and scriptures.

From a Book of Mormon class this is what we hear (in their words):

Student 1. There is power found in the Scriptures. President Packer explained how scriptures bring peace then nourishment and blessings. When we consider how often the Book of Mormon Prophets quoted from Scriptures we can see how important the scriptures were to them. Nephi specifically commands Jacob to record the most precious things. The plates being small were to be filled with the things of importance, pertaining to Christ or revelations or prophesyings. However, both Nephi and Jacob take the time and space to record the words of other prophets. Nephi quotes large passages of Isaiah, asking us to liken them unto us. Elder Perry also shows a wonderful example of the power of the Scriptures as he guides us through the Articles of Faith. We can draw such power from the scriptures. I have often drawn power and peace as I read the second half of the fourth chapter of Second Nephi. I feel the peace and comfort of the Lord as did Nephi. The words become more as I apply them to my life, bringing more to my life than just words on a page.

Student 2. Bonnie L. Oscarson talked about gaining and maintaining our testimonies of the Gospel. She talked about commandments and how we have to first live a commandment in faith, before we can gain a testimony of that commandment. What stood out to me was the part about faith. In the story of Lehi’s family, Nephi and his brethren all receive the same commandments from the Lord. However, only Nephi and Sam gain a testimony of them while Laman and Lemuel never do, even though they obey them too. The key difference is faith. Nephi and Sam acted in faith first, and then were rewarded with a spiritual confirmation of each commandment that they received from their prophet father. Laman and Lemuel wanted to see signs first before they would exercise faith, and even when they did see an angel, because they didn’t have faith, it was impossible for them to gain their own testimonies. Ultimately, we see that Laman and Lemuel fall away because of this lack of faith and testimony.

Student 3. We can be changed and clean from sin only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I love the fact that every Conference, the General Authorities always lovingly invite everyone to partake of the healing power of the Atonement and to forsake their sins. They do not try to scare us or guilt trip us, however they know the sweetness of forgiveness and want us to partake of it. Elder Scott’s talk was very instructive on this topic. The Book of Mormon is full of references to the Atonement, but I will present one reference which summarizes the overall message from this Conference in regards to the Atonement: “He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation (2 Nephi 26:24). I bear my witness that Jesus is the Savior of the world. He is the Only Begotten Son of God. His Atonement is real and works in our lives as we seek to apply it. This is His Church on the earth today, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Student 4. [My] third principle focuses on the chastity and fidelity of women in the church. Women are a great moral force in the home. In Elder D. Todd Chirstofferson’s talk called “The Moral Force of Women” he says “there is not better setting for rearing the raising generation than the traditional family, where a father and a mother work in harmony to provide for, teach, and nurture their children.” In order to do this, women must live and teach the importance of sexual purity. Heavenly Father “delight[s] in the chastity of women” (Jacob 2:28). Women must teach the importance of chastity before marriage and fidelity in marriage. With the environment we are in now, sexual purity is extremely important. We must not give into the temptation of sexual impurity and pornography. Elder Christofferson says that we are not expected to be perfect, but we need to realize how important our moral authority is in the home and to our (future) children.

Student 5. Elder Robert D. Hales spoke about how conference talks are inspired by the spirit, and that they are not told what to speak about, which means that God speaks to us through the prophets. In 1 Nephi 5, the brass plates are brought to Lehi from Jerusalem. Lehi rejoices in this, because he knows that they contain the prophecies of many prophets of the Lord. I know that by listening to general conference, I hear the words that Heavenly Father wants me to hear, because of revelation to his servants.

Student 6. Another thing that I learned was in the Saturday morning session, by Elder Edward Dube.  He talked about the importance of looking ahead of us and believing.  Sometimes we may be satisfied by how far we have come and the changes we have made.  Many people make drastic changes through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but that doesn’t mean they should stop.  The church itself has grown so much, but we must still look ahead towards the future and believe.  We cannot become complacent with where we are at, but continue moving forward.  I think this is reflected in the story of Nephi.  I often have thought of their travels through the wilderness.  Many times it is clear that Laman and Lemuel didn’t want to keep going with the rest of the family, and even wanted to turn back sometimes.  Nephi and the rest of the family on the other hand, knew that they still had to go farther, to where the Lord wanted them to go.  They showed faith and believed that the Lord would eventually lead them towards the Promised Land.  Nephi didn’t look back and decide that they had already sacrificed enough and had gained so much, but he continued forward and even built a ship, so that his family could continue moving forward to where the Lord wanted them to go.  We need to continue working and looking ahead and believing.  There is much more that we must do to reach Eternal Life. 

Student 7. As servants of God who have covenanted to take His name upon us, it is our responsibility and duty to preach the Gospel and share it with our friends and loved ones. Elder Nielsen taught that we must serve with enthusiasm alongside the full-time missionaries. We need to have a game-plan to share the Gospel with our friends. This is similar to the teaching in 2 Nephi 2:8, which says “Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things [the Gospel] known unto the inhabitants of the earth.” The work of the Lord truly is hastening. These are the last days. We need to understand the responsibility upon us to share the Gospel with our friends. This is how we can participate in the work of salvation. As we open our mouths, the Lord will give us power and tell us what to say and do to help our friends come closer to Christ. I know that as we do so, we will be blessed and we will find the great joy described in D&C 18.

I placed these here so you too may enjoy the thoughts from some our students. As more midterms come in making connections between my other classes, such as the Pearl of Great Price or the History of the Church I will share some of those as well. Blessings!

Teach & Learn By the Spirit

Today I came across a quote from President Lorenzo Snow, which I found very helpful and instructive as we seek to teach and learn by the Spirit (see section 2.1 of the Gospel Teaching and Learning manual).

President Lorenzo Snow said, "Make one prayer before [teaching], and that is this: Ask the Lord that you may say something during your remarks that will be beneficial to those who you address. Never mind whether it will be something that will add to your own glory or not, but simply bear in mind that you are called upon to address the audience and that they desire to receive something that will benefit them. This can only come from the Lord. Do not worry as to whether...those who hear you may say you spoke beautifully. Do not mind about that at all, but remove every selfishness that may be in your mind that the Lord may dictate unto you something that will be of benefit to the people" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, p. 219-20).

One of the struggles I have in teaching institute is putting myself in the way of the Lord and His Spirit. I sometimes create in my mind the feeling that "I have to teach these things," or "I need to explain this more clearly," or "I have to prepare something amazing or students won't come" or "I hope I don't sound stupid in class tonight." Or sadly, "I hope I say something that will bless the lives of my students tonight." Do you see the problem? It seems readily apparent, but each of these statements start with "I" and focus on me. I think I get in the way of the Spirit too often because it is easy for me to become self-absorbed, even when it seems as if I am not; remember, I am trying to teach the Gospel to others, but I don't want to sound or look like a fool in the process. Ironically, in my efforts to help others, I get in the way because I make it too much about me!

This morning as I was reading Elder Edward Dube's talk from last General Conference, he used this quote from Elder L. Tom Perry, which caught my attention because it supports the point: “As I travel throughout the Church I marvel at all the positive things that are occurring. Yet I never feel that we, as a people, are living up to our real potential. My sense is that we do not always work together, that we are still too much interested in aspirations for personal honors and success, and show too little interest in the common goal of building the kingdom of God” (italics added, “United in Building the Kingdom of God,” Ensign, May 1987, 35). Ouch! Yes, Elders Perry & Dube, you got me! Kachow! 

It is not me institute students need, it is the Lord and His precious gift of the Holy Ghost to us. President Henry B. Eyring taught, "Our students cannot know of God, and so love as they must love, unless they are taught by the Holy Spirit. Only by the Spirit can they know that God loved us enough to send His Son to be the propitiation (an atoning sacrifice) for our sins and that Jesus is the Son of God and that Christ paid the price for their sins. Only by the Spirit can they know that Heavenly Father and His resurrected and glorified Son appeared to Joseph Smith. Only by the Spirit can they know that the Book of Mormon is the true word of God. And only by inspiration can they feel the love of the Father and the Son for them in giving us the ordinances necessary to receive eternal life. Only by obtaining those witnesses, place deep into their hearts by the Holy Ghost, will they be rooted on a sure foundation to stand steady through the temptations and trials of their lives" (as cited in the Gospel Teaching and Learning manual, p. 11).

Two things I need to really do more of for my institute classes are 1. Move out of the way of the Lord and His Spirit and let Them do Their jobs; and 2. Forget myself and get to work (yes, that statement out to ring a bell for the reader...are you thinking of young Elder Gordon B. Hinckley in the mission field?). Now please do not misinterpret, I still need to prepare lessons prayerfully, I still need to do the daily basics to live worthily of the Spirit, but if I can remove me and ensure the Lord and His Spirit is the key to successful classes, I think all my classes would be much more edifying.

This is the work of the Lord, Jesus Christ. We have the sacred opportunity to teach His Gospel, in His way, and with His Spirit. I bear testimony of these things! 

October 2013 Inservice Meeting

I really enjoyed our inservice Sunday night. We covered two key points from the Gospel Teaching and Learning manual:

1. Section 1.3: “We teach students the doctrines and principles of the gospel as found in the scriptures and the words of the prophets”  (italics added for emphasis). Emphasis was placed on integrating the words of the living prophets (and other General Officers) into our lesson plans, ie, using quotes and stories from the General Officers of the Church to strengthen our lessons.  We practiced the principle several times to help us each feel a little more comfortable allowing the General Officers of the Church to help teach our lessons from the Standard Works. One tool we looked at on the October 2013 General Conference webpage (http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2013/10?cid=HPFR100413113&lang=eng) was the “Topics” button on the top right to help search for talks that deal with specific subjects. 

2. Section 2.2.2: “A Sense of Purpose,” with special emphasis on: bullet point 1: “Expect students to fulfill their role as learners. A sense of purpose exists in a class where teachers expect students to fulfill their role as learners and assist them in doing so and where students are trusted to contribute in significant ways. Teachers with a sense of purpose, who truly love their students, will care too much about their progress and success to be satisfied with only a little effort. Such teachers will encourage with love and will lift their students to reach their potential as learners and disciples of Jesus Christ.” Only thoughts on this were that we need to be very careful with the time the Lord and our students are entrusting us with. We need to have fun, but we need to be considerate of the sacred trust we have been given by the Lord and His children to ensure they are truly fed (for more on this subject, please see my previous post titled, “A Sense of Purpose as Teachers & Students.”

Other points we covered were:

• When studying the Gospel Teaching and Learning Handbook, I encourage you to utilize the online version found at https://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-teaching-and-learning-a-handbook-for-teachers-and-leaders-in-seminaries-and-institutes-of-religion?lang=eng as it is populated more frequently with helpful resources designed to assist you in your efforts to teach. 
• Institute dates & activities can all be found at www.ldsces.org/cs
• Where to find the institute director’s notes about teaching and ongoing ideas and topics we don’t have time to cover in an inservice, but are still relevant can be  found at: http://csinstitutedirector.blogspot.com/