Substitute Teaching in Relief Society

Yesterday (Easter Sunday) I substitute taught in Relief Society.  My lesson assignment was on Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk Why the Church.  The talk is pretty straight forward, which I love.  I tried to prepare for this lesson for two weeks, but struggled most of that time to figure out the correct approach to take when teaching.  I had a hard time creating my outline, picking out wisdom nuggets to build on, discussion topics, etc.  I prayed often for help and inspiration.  Experience has taught me that the inspiration does eventually come, especially if I am prayerful and continue to study and try to figure it out.  I think the lesson went well.  There was a good amount of participation, we had a little fun in the lesson, and I know at least a few of us felt the spirit.  And I gave out Easter candy.  Candy is always good. 

I created a little handout to go along with my lesson.  I enjoy creating little handouts.  I like pretty.  I like informative.  I like reminders.  The verbiage on the handout isn't necessarily what was said in class, but it's still true, and the words used in the class support the handout, and vice versa.  It is another way to consider "why the Church", or why going to and participating within the Church is critical.  I certainly had the temple in mind while creating my handout.  I love the temple, after all. 

At the end of my lesson, I shared a little part of my preparation that was more "behind the scenes."  Before completely nailing down my outline, but after I figured out the important chunks, I asked myself what I had learned from my preparation.  This is what I wrote and shared:

"If my temple covenants mean anything to me, I will certainly have a good grasp on "why the Church."  Here, within the body of Christ, I am better.  Outside the Church, I am unhappy, misguided, and my light grows dim.  I've been there.  The visual memory from my childhood of an ember popping out & away from the main fire in our wood-burning stove comes clearly into my mind.  As that ember left the body of fire, it quickly extinguished.  It could have remained warm and burning bright if it had stayed with the main fire, but it left.  It couldn't maintain its warmth and light on its own.  So too with each of us.  Serving, constant nourishment, repetition, making & keeping sacred covenants, partaking of the sacrament & renewing those covenants, being on my better behavior around others is a profound protection for me, and it is the only way back to the Father and to qualify for eternal life.  This is how I can remain warm and glowing bright."

So, as it usually goes, the teacher most likely gained the most from the lesson.  My testimony has been made even firmer in the need for the Church, the Lord's Kingdom on earth.  As Elder Christofferson reminded us, we aren't to be converted unto the Church, but unto Christ.  I echo this.  Because I love the Savior and truly believe Him, I have a love for His Church.  In it, I find discipline, fellowship, opportunities to love & serve, and more knowledge.  He is the Master.  I love the word Master for Him not just because I am to follow Him, but because it truly means He knows best.  I need to always remember that.
Please feel free to save & print this handout for yourself.





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Being Humble & Offended

Image
Is it at all possible to be truly humble and find oneself taking offense?  I don't think so.  According to THIS DEFINITION  of "offend," it seems to me that in order to be offended, one must assume malice on the part of the supposed offender.  Being assumptive is pretty much the same as being judgemental, is it not?  How can one be judgemental and still be humble?  I daresay it cannot be done. Clearly, there are 'offending' situations in life.  All sin is offensive to the pure in heart.  But since every single one of us is human and does sin, it goes without saying that not a single one of us is truly pure.  Who am I to be offended by the actions of another?  Oftentimes at church I hear that this person was offended by that person, or that person was offended by so-and-so's words, etc.  I wonder if perhaps the offended person were to just not assume/believe the offender meant harm, how easily the situation could be remedied.  I believe that if I am being
Read more

I Forgot About This Talk!

Below is my sacrament meeting talk that I gave in the Cape Henry Ward before I moved away from Virginia Beach in the spring.  It was okay.   Candace Elaine White’s Sacrament Talk May 26, 2013   Based on "Being a More Christian Christian" by Elder Robert D. Hales and "Converted unto the Lord" by Elder David A. Bednar from October 2012 General Conference   In Primary, we sing a song that goes "Do as I’m doing, Follow follow me." For each verse, a child is chosen to be the leader and chooses an action—such as clapping, marching in place, or twirling—for all the children to do as they sing and simply follow along. This song is a great way to work out some of the pent up wiggles that need to be shaken loose after trying so hard to be still and reverent in sacrament meeting. But this song, as all songs in Primary, also serves to teach simple gospel truths to the children (and adults too). This song teaches us to follow a leader, and our Leader is Jesus
Read more

Merry Christmas Candy AND Be POSITIVE!

Image
Lookie what I got for Christmas from my dear husband Dan! He found it on Craigslist.  We went to see it and not only was the piano cool, but the people he bought it from were great too.  Dan's Home Teaching companion, Jason Bosko, helped Dan bring it to the house.  HOORAY! I'm not musically talented, or at least I don't think I am.  I had two or three lessons when I was five years old.  I know middle C.  My knowledge ends right about there.  However, I am hopeful and I believe I am a good learner.  I've been practicing, and so far I can play "I Am a Child of God" pretty well, but just with my right hand.  None of this left hand business is down just yet.  Anyway, I practice everyday and I can't wait until I play a perfect waltz! So, this is me in my quest to BE POSITIVE.  With hard work, some blessings from above, and a positive attitude, I will develop this talent.  YES!
Read more