There is the simple but effective trust exercise that involves having one person fall back into the arms of another. It is difficult to do in church though especially when volunteers are in church dress. But another simple exercise of trust might be to ask a a willing volunteer (someone who does not embarrass easily) to stand in front with her eyes closed. Have her hold a bowl and let her know her bowl will be filled. But don’t tell her when and let her stand there while you share a story. Let it take awhile so that she might be tempted to open her eyes to see if you have forgotten about her. Continue reading
LDS General Conference Talks
General Conference thoughts: Adjustments to Strengthen Youth and Beloved Daughters
It’s interesting, isn’t it? Whenever there is a change in format to be announced in conference, President Nelson first stands and endorses the change that is about to come. He lets us know that the First Presidency is in favor of the change. It’s an important element in all this flurry to know that the Prophet of God is in fact magnifying his calling. But that’s a side note. Continue reading
General Conference thoughts: Found through the Power of the Book of Mormon
A simple exercise when it comes to the Book of Mormon is to sit down and ask yourself “Why do I read the Book of Mormon?” The answer should be a testimony born of experience in reading and applying its teachings. A witness can’t be shared if there is no familiarity. In fact, the word testimony or witness relies on having a personal viewpoint of something. Continue reading
General Conference thoughts: Watchful unto Prayer Continually
It’s helpful to know the opponent’s game plan and strategy. A visual example of this could be a simple game set up in which the objective to capture an opponent’s piece. After a moment of play, explain the strategy you are going to use to try and capture the piece. With that knowledge in mind, play a little longer. The other person should be fairly effective at blocking you if they know your game plan. Continue reading
General Conference thoughts: Trust in the Lord
There is a difference between opinion and doctrine. We get into trouble when opinion tries to pass as doctrine in a teaching setting. It’s okay to not know the answers and to the answer to a question be “I don’t know.” Continue reading
General Conference thoughts: Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ
A short demonstration regarding commitment could play out like this. Ask for a volunteer to come and stand in front of the room. When she is standing next to the teacher another student (predetermined before class) could ask her to move. Of course the volunteer will move. Then the teacher could ask her to stand again in her original spot and this time tell her whatever happens please do not move. Another student could ask her to move but this time the volunteer will not budge. What is the difference? Continue reading
General Conference thoughts: Spiritual Capacity
Perhaps, if I was to lead a discussion on this conference talk, I would have two containers at the front of the room. Then I would fill them with water and fill the bigger container about half full and the small container to the brim. “Which one has met its capacity?” Continue reading
General Conference thoughts: The Joy of the Saints
Say, what is joy? That is an important thing to define when looking at promised blessings. If you think that joy is being happy all the time with no worries then you are going to be disappointed and probably fooled at the first sign of adversity, trouble, or sorrow.
General Conference thoughts: Be Faithful, Not Faithless
If anyone is paying attention there has been a major theme during conference lately. Or maybe the theme has always been there but I’m just now noticing it? Here’s what I’m picking up: it is time to level up, folks.
General Conference thoughts: The Message, the Meaning, and the Multitude and Come, Follow Me – the Lord’s Counterstrategy and Proactive Plan
Two talks that counsel us to do a little check on our why. Is our focus for any church activity (including studying conference talks) centered on Christ? If not, then there is a way for us to improve our focus. Come, Follow Me is designed to help us build our foundation on Christ and His teachings.