New Youth Curriculum for 2013

Today was the 5th Sunday in December, so we had a combined lesson with the Priesthood brethren. Many of the Young Men and Young Women leaders were also with us today, as a skeleton crew held down the fort with the youth. We all had a great opportunity to learn more about the new youth curriculum for 2013, as outlined on LDS.org. (You know I was eating it up, since I'm an LDS.org junkie. This is cooler than sliced bread. And if there's one thing I like as well as computers, it's bread.)

Stuart Collyer, the 2nd counselor in our bishopric, encouraged all of us to get familiar with the new web site, "Come, Follow Me," at www.lds.org/youth/learn. It is designed for those who teach the youth of the Church (ages 12-18) in the Sunday School, Aaronic Priesthood, and Young Women organizations. It's also helpful for parents, grandparents, and anyone else who cares about the youth of the Church. (I think that should cover all of us.) CLICK HERE to check it out. The web site includes introductory videos, a Getting Started section with all kinds of ideas, FAQs, information about printing (since youth instructors will no longer get printed manuals), and videos that are appropriate to share with the youth during lessons.

Every month, there is a general principle for the lessons. There are more topics within each section than there are lessons, however, so Young Men and Young Women leaders will coordinate with the youth leaders (class and quorum presidencies) to determine which topics to cover.

Sunday school instructors will also use the same overall topic, but Sunday school lessons will have a different focus in that they will be more application-oriented. Hence, even though the youth will be learning about the same doctrine, they won't feel they are getting the same lessons over and over.

In the "Introductory Videos" section (right at the top of the main web site), there are several videos designed to help leaders, who have a big adjustment from "just" teaching what's in the lesson manual every week. For example, CLICK HERE to see a video that helps an instructor determine what to teach.

• Study the material provided on the web site --> Ponder --> Receive revelation.
• Talk with parents of the youth to see what they think is needed.
• Coordinate with the other youth instructors (possibly even including seminary teachers).
• Ask the youth in class/quorum presidency meetings.

Instructors are not just "teaching lessons." They are focusing on conversion, or helping the youth really internalize and live and love the gospel. This is teaching in the Lord's way.

What's the process for teaching in the Lord's way?

1. Prepare yourself (the teacher) spiritually. The online curriculum provides oodles of information.
2. Go into class with a broad understanding of the topic and some resources to share (stories, videos, etc.)
3. Let the spirit guide what to teach.
4. Share experiences. Encourage the youth to share experiences that relate to things learned previously.
5. Introduce the doctrine.
6. Learn together. (The web site includes teaching tips.)
7. Live what we are learning. (The web site includes links to ideas about how to apply learning.)

Bishop Weber emphasized that, as adults, we are to focus on conversion. We are helping prepare the youth to serve missions and live the gospel throughout their lives.

What are some characteristics of teaching in the Savior's way?

• Love the youth you serve.
• Know the youth you teach.
• Prepare yourself.
• Use the scriptures.
• Share stories/parables.
• Ask meaningful questions.
• Invite class members to testify.
• Trust those whom you teach.
• Exercise faith.
• Be an example/mentor.

When Bishop Weber was younger, he met an Institute teacher who taught him about the Book of Mormon and was an excellent teacher and mentor. His learning from this man and on his own eventually lead to Bishop Weber's conversion. Bishop Weber likened his conversion story to taking a rocket to the moon. There are three stages of engines on a rocket; each performs its function, then drops away. The final engine takes the rocket all the way to the moon. As leaders of auxiliaries in the Church, we must be Christ-centered and gospel-focused, and our teaching must lead to personal effort because that's the "third stage" that's going to take people all the way to their conversion. Click HERE to see more ideas from the introduction of the "Come, Follow Me" curriculum.

President Wilkinson concluded today's lesson by saying that all the methodologies outlined in the new youth curriculum are just as effective for teaching adults. "Preach My Gospel," the current missionary curriculum, is the predecessor to the new youth curriculum. Look at the patterns and principles outlined in these two programs, and adapt them to adult Sunday school, priesthood, and Relief Society lessons. Alma 31:5 reminds us that the word of God has great power. "When we teach from the scriptures and in the Savior's way, members of our classes will come away with answers to their questions and solutions to their problems, not just a pretty quote."

Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope,

and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability

to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power

to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior.

They can accelerate physical healing. Scriptures

can communicate different meanings

at different times in our life, according to our needs.

--Elder Richard G. Scott, "The Power of Scripture,"

October 2011 General Conference

Be Anxiously Engaged

Today Emily Cook taught our Relief Society lesson. It was based on the October 2012 General Conference address by Elder M. Russell Ballard, "Be Anxiously Engaged."

Elder Ballard began his talk by sharing some facts about honey bees. Did you know there are 20,000 to 60,000 bees working in a hive to collect nectar to make honey? Each bee lives for only a few weeks, and its contribution is only about 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey. Because bees are such hard workers and because they work together to make the hive successful, the beehive is a symbol frequently seen in the Church, including both inside and outside many temples. Elder Ballard encouraged us to be "anxiously engaged" like they honeybees.

What do you think of when you hear the term "anxiously engaged"?

• Your heart is in involved. -Marilyn B.
• You have a purpose. -Alison
• You're proactive. You give of your whole self. -Tavah
• You're eager, focused. -Emily

Elder Ballard quoted Matthew 22:36-39, which tells us we must love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, and mind and love our neighbors as ourselves. We can study the Savior's life as a perfect pattern. Elder Ballard said that the Savior's words are both simple and profound.

• It doesn't have to be overwhelming to follow the Savior's example. -Wendy
• Some bees in the beehive only flap their wings all day, every day. They never gather nectar, but their task "air conditions" the hive and makes all the other work possible. -Mandy
• Motherhood is filled with tedium. You make breakfast and clean up, and it's time to start thinking about lunch. But these jobs are important. We need to recognize that there is value in mundane tasks. -Marilyn B.

Debbie read a quote from Elder Ballard's address: What would be the cumulative effect of millions of small, compassionate acts performed daily by us because of our heartfelt Christian love for others? Over time this would have a transformative effect upon all of our Heavenly Father’s children through the extension of His love to them through us. Our troubled world needs this love of Christ today more than ever, and it will need it even more in the years ahead.

Elder Ballard encouraged us to increase our dedication and become truly converted to the gospel. What does this mean to you?

• After Christ was crucified, His disciples went back to fishing. Similarly, we can feel the truth of different teachings "in the moment," but then it's easy to go back to doing things the way you've always done them. It's work to make the gospel a part of your everyday life. -Mandy
• The natural human being is selfish. We need to hear about charity to remind us about what is important. -Valorie
• It's easy to be nice to people we bump into here and there, but we especially need to focus on our own homes and our family members. Sometimes it's harder to be nice to them all the time, and yet they are the ones who matter most. -Leslie
• When we are "born again," it means the spirit has really changed us. Nice things come out when we talk because that's just who we are. -Terri
• If we're truly converted, we approach all we do as if we are acting for Christ, in His name. -Robin
• My husband and I went to the temple in London. Shortly afterward, we were called to Namibia, an area where there was no established branch of the church. We served where we were called. We found four families of LDS members who were "in hiding." We had church every Sunday, including the sacrament. One of those sisters now works in the Johannesburg Temple. Never second-guess what the Lord can do. -Pat N.
• We give other people the benefit of a doubt. -Sue

When you have integrity, what you do matches what you say you believe. It is daily work to become a true disciple of Christ.

Valorie read a quote from Elder Ballard: "Integrity simplifies our lives and amplifies our sensitivities to the Spirit and to the needs of others. It brings joy into our lives and peace to our souls—the kind of joy and peace that comes to us as we repent of our sins and follow the Savior by keeping His commandments."

Elder Ballard challenged us to serve every day. In your morning prayers, ask for guidance to find someone you can help that day. Stay focused on that goal, and you'll find people you can help.

Emily said she tried this challenge this week as she was preparing her lesson. It was harder than she expected! It's easy sometimes to give help when someone asks you to do something specific for a certain person, on a certain day, at a specified time. It's much harder when you're relying on the spirit to guide to to someone who needs your help.

Betsy reminded us of President Monson's admonition to "always follow a prompting." Several sisters said they often have prompting that it's easy to ignore because they seem silly or inconvenient, but they know they could do better.

How can we serve?

• One sister (Sandy? I couldn't see who was speaking) said that her ward had a long-standing tradition of serving families in their ward at Christmastime. Many ward members participated and just loved it. However, one year the bishop issued a new challenge. Instead of the ward directing people's Christmas efforts, ward members were asked to pray about whom they should serve. The whole "secret Santa" that year was on the shoulders of the individual members and families in the ward. It was a whole different, more personal, experience.
• Jessica's sister prayed that she would have an opportunity to invite someone over to dinner when they had the missionaries there. She went out every day with that in mind. As it turned out, no one came to dinner with the missionaries (her invitation was declined); nonetheless, she was astonished at the many missionary opportunities she had in her everyday life, just because that was her focus.
• When Janice was in the hospital, she prayed for a way that she could serve. There was a woman there with Alzheimer's Disease, and Janice was able to have many conversations with her and keep her company. There was also many with cystic fibrosis whom she befriended. Additionally, nurses and physical therapists seemed to come out of the woodwork to discuss their problems of one nature or another. Janice was so grateful for the opportunity she had to serve, even though she was in the hospital.
• Julie said that the Lord knows our desires; if our hearts are in it, He'll open up opportunities for us. Emily remarked that sometimes those opportunities can be scary.
• Mandy said she was older when she got married. She was just so grateful that she committed that she would never yell at her husband. She said she's been close sometimes, but she remembered this story: A woman was complaining about how she was so sick of cleaning up after her husband. She was already busy enough cleaning up after her kids; couldn't he take care of his own junk? Then an older sister tapped her on the shoulder and said she'd recently lost her husband--she would be so glad if he were around so that she could pick up his socks. It helps to keep your perspective.
• Pearl said that Santa came early. There were about 12 children in the house, an they were all so loud and happy. It really made Christmas to see that they were cared about.
• Tavah said she has wonderful visiting teachers--and she's trying to do a better job of being a good
  visiting teacher herself.

That simple practice is: In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of His precious children. Then go throughout the day with your heart full of faith and love, looking for someone to help. Stay focused, just like the honeybees focus on the flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen. If you do this, your spiritual sensitivities will be enlarged and you will discover opportunities to serve that you never before realized were possible.

I know that if you do this—at home, at school, at work, and at church—the Spirit will guide you, and you will be able to discern those in need of a particular service that only you may be able to give. You will be prompted by the Spirit and magnificently motivated to help pollinate the world with the pure love of Christ and His gospel.

Terri said that the spirit empowers us so we won't feel overwhelmed in service and so we can do everything else that is necessary.

And remember, like the little honeybee’s one-twelfth teaspoon of honey provided to the hive, if we multiply our efforts by tens of thousands, even millions of prayerful efforts to share God’s love for His children through Christian service, there will be a compounding effect of good that will bring the Light of Christ to this ever-darkening world. Bound together, we will bring love and compassion to our own family and to the lonely, the poor, the broken, and to those of our Heavenly Father’s children who are searching for truth and peace.

Righteous Living in Perilous Times

Jana Harris taught today's lesson. It was #24 from the George Albert Smith manual--our last lesson from this manual. Click HERE to read the lesson on LDS.org.

Jana began by saying that it would be easy to get discouraged about the state of our world today. She held up Saturday's newspaper with a huge headline, "Unthinkable horror." Then she remarked that President George Albert Smith made comments about society during the first half of the 20th century that were remarkably fitting to our world today. This lesson is every bit as appropriate for our time as it was when President Smith was the prophet.

Sister Belle Spafford, an earlier general Relief Society president, felt that the Church wasn't getting anything out of their membership in the National Council of Women. She went to President Smith with the recommendation that the Church cancel its membership. Instead, President Smith told her to focus not on what she could get from the organization but what she could contribute. We can take the same approach in the community where we live and the organizations to which we belong. Jana demonstrated how a flashlight turned on in the Relief Society room didn't shine very brightly. However, when the overhead lights were turned off, the flashlight seemed much brighter. As the world gets darker and Satan's influences are more readily apparent, our example of gospel principles can be a light to the world.

(Um, I think this is going to be the second time where I spend three days humming "We Can Be a Light" from the Hope of America program after typing up notes about a Relief Society lesson. If you've ever had a 5th grader around here, you know what I'm talking about.)

Jana summarized an op-ed piece by state senator Dan Liljenquist about how families are the real source of help for a the world. (Click HERE to read it.)

John 14:27 tells us that we can have peace, well-being, and confidence from living the gospel.

Betsy heard about people who were taking down their Christmas decorations in the wake of the Newtown, Connecticut, mass killings because they didn't want to celebrate. It is sad to "cancel Christmas" when the only real way to peace is by turning to the Savior.

Jolie said we could be lost in the black hole of all the bad things happening around us, but the scriptures and the gospel give us  hope for a better world. See Ether 12:3-4.

Janice added that Ether 8:26 tells us that through the gospel, evil will be done away and that Satan will have no power over the hearts of men.

Valorie said that her daughter was a KSL newscaster who reported on the spelunking incident where a man died in Nutty Putty cave. She got callused from always reporting bad news and changed to a different profession. While that's understandable, Terri added that in some ways it's exciting to see the downward spiral of society. We know that the righteous will rise up and be victors.

Margaret commented that she knows two couples who are PR missionaries for the Church in Geneva, Switzerland, and New York City. Since Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, they have been super busy being ambassadors for the Church. Terri's visitor from Alaska commented that many people were disappointed by Romney's loss--not just Church members. There are people who embrace conservative values. Mandy said her brother-in-law, who served in Afghanistan, said it's an important time for LDS people to be protected from those who might have targeted them if Romney won. When he was blessing his daughter, he told her that she would "live to see the end of days." Sue said it may have been Romney's mission to wake up America and also help the Church. Generally speaking, we can feel depressed when bad things happen to us, but we shouldn't stay there. We aren't in this by ourselves. We'll have a better day.

Leslie commented that President Eyring's son spoke at the BYU-Idaho graduation ceremony yesterday. He talked about President Eyring's comment from his upcoming autobiography, that difficult things will happen but if you are living righteously, things work out. President Eyring's wife has Alzheimer's, and that's really hard--but because of the gospel, he has hope for better times to come.

Annette was reminded of President Hinckley, who was always so optimistic. There are good people all over the world who love their families and are doing the best they can.

Terri commented that the new, lower ages for missionary service may double the missionary force.

We need have no fear if we do what the Lord has asked us to do. We should set our lives in order and trust that the Lord is in charge. The peace that the gospel offers isn't that our burdens will disappear; it's that we will be made equal to meet them.

"Be as anchors in the community in which you live

that others may be drawn to you and feel secure.

Let your light so shine
that others seeing your good works

will have a desire in their hearts to be like you."
--George Albert Smith

Of You It Is Required to Forgive

Vicky Drummond taught today's Relief Society lesson. It was #23 in the George Albert Smith manual. You can click HERE to read the lesson online if you don't have a manual.

Vicky began by sharing a touching story called "A Dog's Purpose." Click HERE to read the story and a  few handy lessons we can learn from dogs, such as "When loved ones come home, always run to greet them" and "Never bite when a simple growl will do."

Many of us find it easy to forgive people with strings attached, such as "I'll forgive her when she apologizes" or "I'll forgive him when he pays me back."

Christ was the ultimate example of true forgiveness. As he hung on the cross, he forgave the men who were killing him and those who persecuted them. They didn't ask His forgiveness. They may have felt they didn't need his forgiveness.

Vicky shared a great story of an old donkey who fell into a well. The farmer tried to get him out, but he just couldn't. Finally, he decided the old donkey wasn't worth much and he'd just fill up the well. He got his neighbors to help him shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey was alarmed, braying pitifully. Then the donkey made a great realization. With each shovelful, he shook of the dirt. Eventually, he was able to climb out of the well, free. (Click HERE for the full story if my summary doesn't quite do it for you.) Each of us is going to have dirt thrown on us sometime. We can follow the donkey's example by shaking it off and using it as a growing experience. If the donkey had just stood there braying, he would have been buried; the same thing can happen to us. Don't let injustices get the best of you.

We need to learn to forgive without reservation. Doctrine & Covenants 64:10 tells us we are required to forgive all men.

Part of President George Albert Smith's personal creed was "I would not knowingly wound the feeling of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend." A close associate of President Smith's said that the ability to forgive was indeed one of his defining attributes.

Vicky asked if anyone had personal experiences with forgiveness that they would like to share.

• Lacey said she had a nemesis in elementary school, a boy who just taunted her and poked her with pencils and made her life miserable. Ever since, she's harbored a distaste for the guy--wherever he is as an adult. Recently, she been making an effort to really get over it and move on.
• Jana's first husband was not a nice guy. He made her life miserable, but she felt she needed to forgive him for the pain he'd caused her and their children. She told him so, and he wasn't gracious about it. He didn't accept her apology--but Jana felt a huge weight lifted from her shoulders.
• Melanie said that she learned that learning to forgive yourself is also so important. When you see your own failings and can't let them go, it can affect your actions and lead you to make choices that maybe aren't the best for you. If you learn to love yourself like Heavenly Father does, you can move forward.
• Marilyn said that a big reason we have trouble forgiving is that we want justice. We need to accept that Heavenly Father will handle wrongs and ensure justice, so we don't need to. She said holding onto anger is like eating poison and hoping the other person will die.
• Betsy said her brother had a rocky home life. His children ended up hating him and disowning him. In his later life, he was in a rest home and was completely abandoned by his family. She urged the children to make amends, but they never did. Their father passed away, alone, from a massive heart attack--and the chance to forgive wrongs and rebuilt relationships was lost.
• Leslie said there's amazing freedom when you repent.
• One day Vicky was shopping with her children. A store worker seemed especially grumpy and put out with Vicky, and Vicky couldn't figure out why. Finally she asked the lady if there was something she'd done to offend her. The store worker was distracted and upset by another issue and hadn't even realized how she was acting toward Vicky. She apologized, and what could have been a negative situation was taken care of, just like that.

To conclude her lesson, Vicky shared a story of the bird cage. Well worth reading. Click HERE.

"The Living Christ" Ward Christmas Party

"The Living Christ" Christmas party was a big success. We enjoyed a wonderful meal together at the stake center. Then we walked through a beautiful display of artwork depicting the Savior. In the chapel, we enjoyed hearing different ward members recite portions of "The Living Christ," interspersed with lovely musical numbers performed by members of the ward.

Thanks to the following people for their contributions as speakers and performers: Teresa Muse, Susan Fisher, Amy Hart, Amara Doxey, Cindy Collyer, AnnaMarie Miller, Kim McConkie, Jolie Hill, Robin DePalma, Angela Webb, Sallie Dodge, Tara Smith, Tavah Babcock, Jana Harris, Mari Fotheringham, Emma Fotheringham, Jessi Jeppson, Annalece Weber, Leslie Weber, Kerry Hardy, Paula Fellingham, Joy Layton, Linda Jones, Cynthia Meyers, the ward choir, Sue Chappell, and Bishop Weber.

Thanks also to our ward choir director, Rebecca Gubler, and our program directors, Melinda Peterson, Sue Spencer, and Teresa Muse.

Click HERE to see some photos taken of the table settings and some people who attended the dinner. (Sorry - no photos of the actual program, which was truly the highlight of the evening.)

RS Presidency Christmas Lesson

The Primary children filed into the Relief Society room at the beginning of our class time today. They sang "Silent Night," and it was beautiful. Thanks to all the Primary children & to Sherri Nelson and Angela Webb for helping them out.

Leslie Weber began her lesson by sharing the story of the Grinch from Elder Holland's book Shepherds, Why This Jubilee? The Grinch learned that Christmas in Whoville wasn't all about the gifts he'd stolen from the villagers, and this is the lesson we all need to remember this season as well.

Leslie skedaddled behind the piano and emerged wearing her second choice for today's holiday dress: a dress covered with Post-it Notes reminding her of all the things she has to do to prepare for Christmas. She said the notes were even color-coded, so she'd know which things she has to tackle first. Sometimes that's how we look during the Christmas season: frazzled. But what are some things that you really enjoy about Christmas?

• Lights
• Music (especially that it's the same every year)
• Family time
• Food
• Feeling the Spirit
• People being nice to each other

Leslie said that once upon a time she taught a Sunday School class of teenagers. She asked them what their families did for Christmas that was Christ-centered. Only one person had something to share. She worries that it's too easy for families to lose Christ.

Melinda commented that Christ is in the background of a lot of what families do during Christmas. We just need to be better about explaining to our children why we do things because they won't know otherwise.

Leslie had several sisters share quotes from our prophets about how to keep Christ in Christmas.

Annette: Celebrate so that angels can join in.

Marilyn: Forget personal discord; make your Christmas heartfelt, but not boisterous. Be generous but not extravagant.

Melinda: Center your faith on God & gain peace. [Joseph F. Smith]

Cathy: Turn away from worldly cares. Seek eternal gifts. [Harold B. Lee]

Shauna: Christ gave the best gifts: vision to the blind, hearing to the deaf, hope to the downtrodden, etc. [Spencer W. Kimball]

Leslie shared the story of "Heavenly Father's Boxes." (Click here to read it.)

Amara played the guitar and sang a beautiful song that she wrote about Christmas when she was a newlywed in Georgia. She gave the song to her family and friends that year because she couldn't afford to give anything else. This year she gave the song to us. Thanks, Amara!

Ronda: Do you want to feel the true spirit of Christmas? Turn your heart to God & give thanks. Ask for His spirit as you strive to serve and keep the commandments. [Howard W. Hunter]

Alison: Take time for silent reflection on the Son of God. [Gordon B. Hinckley]

Valorie said that a friend of hers decided to keep Christmas to three gifts and called them gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Betsy said one of her favorite memories of Christmas with her children was lighting a candle and reading Christmas stories together by the fireplace. Her children have continued the tradition with their own families. Leslie recommended "The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever." 

Someone else recommended reading "The Christmas Jar," collecting funds in a Mason jar, and a doing Christmas project with your children using the money you collected throughout the year/season.

Liz said her family loves to go to Temple Square and see the lights and feel the spirit of Christmas. 

Annette reiterated that as we do things we should remember to point out things that symbolize Christ. 

Leslie said her family has a Christmas box. Every year they open the box and discuss how they did with last year's Christmas present for Jesus and then put in a new goal for the upcoming year.

Annalece Weber came in dressed as a shepherd and sang a beautiful song about Christ from a shepherd's point of view.

President Monson has said that we need to prepare time for the Savior in our day and make room in our hearts for Him.

Leslie read a parable of a wealthy art collector. It's a great story. You can click here to read it yourself.

Julie Beck, the former general Relief Society president, said that as women, we are lionesses at the gates of our homes. What we value will be in our homes. As we approach Christmas, please remember all that the Savior has done for us and keep Him as what we value most about this season.