Personal Discoveries about the Creation

We first all shared what we thought were the

elements of a good discussion.

The kids came up with these ideas:

-Invite others to participate

-Assess where people are, like on a map, its hard to figure out how to get somewhere before finding where they are first.

-Teach with the Spirit- Even if you don't know all the answers, If you have the Spirit with you it will fill in the gaps.

- Be excited yourself. Show enthusiasm for the topic.

-Have them talk more than you do.

-Acknowledge that everyone has an opinion and can share it.

- Discussion allows us to understand something in greater depth and to make sure each person really does understand what is being taught.

-If you are leading the discussion, actively listen to what is being said.

-Dont talk at the person, include them.

This is a chinese proverb that we discussed.  Then we talked about how this applies to teaching investigators.      The more involved they are the more they will come to understand for themselves.  

The word Liken is used alot in the scriptures.  Kameron mentioned Moses 6:63 when studying about the creation.  It explains that all things were created and made to bear record of Jesus Christ. We can help others see how God is teaching us about him in all his creations.

Other scriptures mentioned were Alma 30:44.  Ryan shared that its easier to have faith when you can look around you and see the Creator in everything.  Another Scripture:  2 Cor 5:6-7 shared by Trevor.

Here is the class today as they discussed what they learned about the creation on their own. We also discussed the Conference Talk assigned last week.

This is an amazing group of valiant youth that know how to find the doctrines and truth and share that knowledge with the group...that all may be edified of all. (D&C88:122)

We all came away with new insights and understanding.  Thank you all for your contributions today.  Keep it up!!!

 We have two new sisters that came today.  Cecelia Wilkes- who has her mission call to New York, New York North Mission!! and Nikylie Eagar who will be putting in her papers soon.  They are sitting in the middle in the back of this photo.  We are so excited to have more sisters join us. Welcome to class. We put them right to work.  Cecelia and Nikylie demonstrated how easy it is for you to get pushed over if you are only standing on one foot.  But with both feet on the ground, you have a strong foundation you can build on.  They "likened" this to the creation.  If you understand you were created for a purpose, it gives you faith to know there is a reason why we choose to follow our Creator.   Thanks girls!

Here is an envelope we passed out to each person.  We asked them to reach in without looking and try to pick out the number 1.  What are the odds of doing that.  1:10.  Anyone that did it got a big candybar.

                                                                             Derek was the only lucky one!  

Then we asked them to see if they could pull out a 1, and then a 2.  What are the odds of that happening?  1:100.  As you can guess, no winners.  What would be the odds of pulling out a 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 in that order?   1:10 billion!

Then we discussed how this could relate to the creation.  Lots of great reflections about how we are not here by chance or random luck.  For the planets to form and align they way they do was by design, not chance.  We are also created for a purpose. 

This is Sister Kaylee Kofford.  This is her last week with us before she heads to the MTC this week.  She will be serving in Baltimore, Maryland!  She has a testimony that that is where the Lord wants her to serve and she already loves the people there even though she has never even been to the east coast.  We will miss you Kaylee, but know you are needed there and will do great things as you serve, love and teach many people about your Savior, Jesus Christ and the happiness that knowledge brings!

Thank you to all of you for sharing your great personal discoveries about the creation.

Next week:   We will discuss what you learned about the Atonement.  Page 51-52 of Preach My Gospel.
And the Conference Talk by Elder M Russell Ballard, "This Is My Work and Glory", pg 18.
We would love to also hear any personal stories you would like to share!