Early Return LDS Missionary - The Importance of Waves

The Importance of Waves

After my son put his mission papers in and we were waiting for his mission call, I had a very spiritual and important dream.  In my dream, I saw the place where my son would serve his mission.  It was an island with a strong European influence.  It was so definite in my mind that I had absolutely no doubt he would be called to an island like that. 

The second important part of my dream was when I saw great giant waves in the ocean.  I had the feeling that these weren't literal waves but symbolic waves. At first I felt a sense of panic but then I had the strong and undeniable feeling that I should completely trust the Lord and turn everything over to Him.  Little did I know how important this dream would become to our family.

I know that Jesus Christ can calm all of our inward storms and He will help my son because He loves him and wants him to feel joy and grown and learn. My son ended up returning home from his mission earlier than expected. We are so proud of his desire to serve and all his hard work. A mission is a mission no matter how long you serve.

Here's an analogy that helps show how the Lord will help us through the stormy seas and help adversity be for our gain.

Tossed upon the Waves (click on title to read original article)

In the middle of my anxiety and despair, I reread the account of the Jaredites crossing the “great deep” (Ether 2:25). I can only imagine their anxious anticipation as they entered their barges. Their journey might be perilous, but they knew they were headed to “a land choice above all other lands” (Ether 2:15).

Of their journey, we read:

“The Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind.

“And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.

“… When they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

“And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind” (Ether 6:5–8).

These verses became personal to me. I felt that I was in my own barge, with winds of anxiety beating upon me and waves of depression swelling over me and burying me in the depths of despair. When I was “encompassed about” and would cry unto the Lord, I would break through the surface but would then be buried once more.

I read verse 8 again: “The wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land … and thus they were driven forth before the wind” (emphasis added). Then it hit me. The very wind that caused the mountainous waves to bury the barges also blessed the Jaredites on their journey. I had been pleading with Heavenly Father to calm the wind and waves, but without them, I might not reach whatever “promised land” He was leading me to.

These verses changed my outlook on life. My anxiety and depression had increased my reliance on Heavenly Father. Without the wind and waves, I might never have come to know God as I have—and the Jaredites might never have reached the promised land.

For now, a few years after this experience, my winds of anxiety are no longer gusting and my waves of depression have ceased to bury me. But if and when the tempest returns, I will call upon the Lord and be thankful, knowing that calm seas don’t carry barges to the promised land—stormy seas do.

Early Return LDS Missionaries - Anxiety and Depression Resources

Many people don't understand depression and anxiety. I get it.  If you, or someone you love, haven't experienced it personally it is easy to misjudge and think someone can just overcome it with a positive attitude.

Signs of Depression

• A persistent sad, helpless, hopeless, or worthless feeling.
• Decreased energy and motivation, and increased fatigue.
• A loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
• Appetite change and weight loss or gain.
• Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up.
• Thoughts about death and suicide.

Here are some informative articles, videos, blog posts and podcasts that may help provide some understanding about depression, anxiety, and early returned missionaries.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng&_r=1

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2016-05-012-elder-hollands-counsel-for-early-returned-missionaries?lang=eng

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865628809/6-lies-early-returned-missionaries-tell-themselves.html?pg=all

http://ldsmag.com/what-this-mission-president-would-like-every-early-returned-missionary-to-know/

https://typedlettershome.com/2016/10/06/a-letter-to-every-erm/

http://www.provomormondude.com/2015/09/dealing-with-depression-as-latter-day.html

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2016/02/depression?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/new-era/2016/09/dealing-with-depression?lang=eng

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxK2E2OFJhQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZdr56g_efQ

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1984/02/my-battle-with-depression?lang=eng

https://www.mormon.org/blog/dealing-with-depression-and-mental-illness#d

https://www.mormonchannel.org/listen/series/mormon-channel-daily-audio/his-grace-being-an-early-returned-missionary

http://www.ldsliving.com/A-Video-About-Early-Returned-Missionaries-Every-Member-Needs-to-See-Understand/s/80052

Book Review - Bible Origami by Todd Huisken

Let me start by saying that this book makes me happy. I will explain.

Since my youth, I have struggled with spatial things. Things such as folding paper airplanes and answering those test questions that involve imagining how an unfolded patterned cube would look when folded back up. These things tend to frustrate me and make me feel helpless.

Fast forward to my adulthood. Todd Huisken (creator of Bible Origami) reached out to me to review his new origami book.  Todd was my dear friend during our freshman year of college but after we graduated we lost touch. We reconnected when he found my blog and asked me if I would give an honest review his book.

Author, Todd Huisken

Todd sent me a copy of his book, "Bible Origami," along with some paper so that I could try creating some of his designs. (I'd kept my spatial inadequacies hidden so he had no idea how challenging this would be for me.)

So I bravely sat down to try my hand at "Bible Origami."  I started with making Joseph's Coat of Many Colors. I followed the directions and illustrations exactly. Imagine my surprise and delight when I was able to do it! I literally screamed out, "LOOK WHAT I MADE!" (Sure, my family mocked me a bit for my over-enthusiasm but they were happy for me.)

Talk - Developing Christlike Characteristics

Here is a talk that my son gave at church today.  He was the companion speaker for a high council speaker.

Today I will talk about how to develop Christlike characteristics.

In Preach My Gospel, there is a section titled “How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes.”  Much of my talk will come from this book. Writing this talk has been good preparation for my mission, since Preach My Gospel is an essential tool used by missionaries every day. I know it’s not a coincidence that I was asked to speak about this topic, and I’m very thankful for this opportunity to study about Christ and share my testimony with all of you.

At the beginning of His mortal ministry, Jesus Christ walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee and called out to two fishermen named Peter and Andrew.  He said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”. The Lord invites each of us to follow His example and to become like Him. The restored gospel allows each of us to become like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The Savior has set the perfect example, and He commands us to become as He is. We can try hard to learn of Him and seek to incorporate His attributes into our lives. Through the power of His Atonement, each of us can achieve this goal and help others to achieve it also.

In Preach My Gospel focus there is a lot of focus on HOW to do things —how to study, how to teach, how to manage time wisely. Just as vital as what you do, however, is who you are.  Preach My Gospel says “You need to BE a Christlike missionary, not just DO missionary things.” This applies not only to missionaries but to everyone.  Each of us needs to learn to BE Christlike members of the church and not just DO Mormon things.

Talk - Christ's Birth, Life, Example and Purpose

This is a talk that my friend gave at church on the Sunday before Christmas.  I am thankful that she agreed to let me post it on my blog.

Like most of you, I love the Christmas season. It gives me the chance to reflect on the birth of Christ, his ministry here on Earth, and the atoning sacrifice he made for all of us.

Some of the most beautiful scriptures written relate to the birth of Christ.

Primary Airlines Activity

We did this fun "Primary Airlines" activity for our Primary Sharing Time for the children right after they finished doing the Primary Program at church.  We wanted to do something fun for them to show them how grateful we were for all of their hard work.  They memorized their lines, sang songs, and recited scriptures in front of a few hundred people (something many adults are afraid to do).  It was impressive!

Before the children arrived, we set up the Primary Room to look like an airplane.  A few printed airplane windows on the walls, chairs set up like airplane rows and aisles.  In the front of the room we had a big "Primary Airlines" sign.

We had the children line up in the hallway in front of a poster sized boarding sign and gave them each a boarding pass like this.

One of the gals and her family made a video that was projected on a screen in the room.  There were airplane sounds and the pilot spoke to the passengers throughout the movie.  They felt like they were on a flight.  There was even some turbulence and lightning along the way to add excitement.  We stopped at various countries and showed bits and pieces from this "One in a Million" page on the lds.org website.  For instance, for Australia, we would have the captain announce where we were landing and then we'd play a little show about a child from Australia.  It was a big hit!

Part way through our "flight," we served snacks and drinks on a cart, going up the aisles.

The theme of the month was missionary work, so we discussed that and as the children exited the flight, they received a "pass along card" to share with a friend.  They also received a pair of plastic airline wings with sticky tape on the back that were donated by SouthWest Airlines.

I'm sure the kids will remember this for a long time.  It could also work as part of a quarterly activity :)

Quote - Counting Seeds in the Apple

"You can count the seeds in an apple, but you can't count the apples in a seed."

This applies to many things, but the context in which I heard it was in regards to missionary work. You just never know what the effects may be of sharing the gospel with one person.

Bandit and the Book of Mormon

Elder F. Burton Howard of the Seventy acquaints us with a strong testimony of the converting power of the Book of Mormon:

Sister Celia Cruz Ayala of the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission decided to give the Book of Mormon to a friend. She wrapped it in attractive paper and set out to deliver her present.

On the way, she was attacked by a bandit who stole her purse and with it the wrapped copy of the Book of Mormon. A few days later she received this letter:

Mrs. Cruz:

Forgive me, forgive me. You will never know how sorry I am for attacking you. But because of it, my life has changed and will continue to change. That book [the Book of Mormon] has helped me in my life. The dream of that man of God has shaken me …. I am returning your five pesos for I can’t spend them. I want you to know that you seemed to have a radiance about you. That light seemed to stop me [from harming you, so] I ran away instead.

I want you to know that you will see me again, but when you do, you won’t recognize me, for I will be your brother …. Here, where I live, I have to find the Lord and go to the church you belong to.

The message you wrote in that book brought tears to my eyes. Since Wednesday night I have not been able to stop reading it. I have prayed and asked God to forgive me, [and] I ask you to forgive me …. I thought your wrapped gift was something I could sell. [Instead,] it has made me want to make my life over. Forgive me, forgive me, I beg you.

Your absent friend.

(“What I Want My Son to Know Before He Leaves on His Mission:” Pres. James E. Faust; C.R., p. 58, April 1996. See also F. Burton Howard, “My Life Has Changed,” Church News, Jan, 1996, p. 16)

Talk - Baptism (for converts)

This is a talk I have used when I have been asked to speak at convert baptisms. It is way more detailed than the simple talk I use for youth baptisms.

PREMORTAL REALM - Before we were born, we lived as spirit children with our Heavenly Father. God loved and treasured each of His sons and daughters and we were taught many things in His presence. We were very happy living with our Heavenly Father, but we knew that in order for us to continue to progress, we needed to have more experiences.

HEAVENLY FATHER’S PLAN - Heavenly Father presented a plan to us. This plan involved receiving a physical body and coming to this world to gain earthly experience. Each of us in this room, each person on this earth and everyone who ever has lived or will live on this earth accepted Heavenly Father’s plan. We knew that we would be able to learn and grow through experiences here on earth, and that we would be able to progress toward perfection.

AGENCY - God will not force us to be perfect. Before we were born we had our agency (the ability to make our own choices) and we have that ability now. He has given us agency and the chance to grow and learn from our mistakes and trials. Not one of us will make it through this life without making mistakes. But in His wisdom and infinite love, He has given us a way to become clean.

RETURN TO HIM - Heavenly Father wants us to come back and live with Him after our earth life is through. He has given us the ability to obtain eternal life. He has given us the opportunity to be together as families throughout eternity. He has so many blessings that He wants to give to us. He also has given us the tools and guidance we need to be worthy to return to live with him someday.

PRINCIPLES & ORDINANCES - Today, just as in the days of Jesus, there are certain principles and ordinances of the gospel which the Lord said we must learn and obey. A principle is a belief or teaching. An ordinance is a rite or ceremony. The first two principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. Baptism is the first ordinance of the gospel. One of the instructions the Lord gave to his apostles was, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28: 19-20. The second ordinance of the gospel is receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which Brother Johns will talk about.

COVENANT - Today is an exciting day. You are about to participate in your very first ordinance of the gospel and make your first covenant with Heavenly Father. You have shown that you have growing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and that you have a repentant heart. I know this because I see your desire and willingness to be baptized and I see peace and purity when I look at you. You will be baptized in a few minutes and then tomorrow you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I feel sure that Heavenly Father is very pleased with you and your decisions.

As I mentioned you are about to make your first covenant. A covenant is like a two-way promise. When you are baptized, you promise Heavenly Father that you are willing to remember and follow Jesus and that you will keep His commandments.

In turn, our Heavenly Father promises that he will forgive you of your mistakes and weaknesses when you repent. He also promises that you can have the gift of the Holy Ghost with you and that you can obtain eternal life someday. It seems to me that we are getting the good end of this deal.

Why should we be baptized?
There are many reasons to be baptized. Here are five important ones.

1) We must be baptized for the remission of our sins. If we repent, and are baptized, our sins are forgiven through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We need to be baptized to become clean again.

2) We must be baptized to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ.

3) We must be baptized before we can receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

4) We must be baptized to show obedience.
Jesus was baptized while he lived on the earth. He was pure and had never sinned, but he needed to be baptized to show us the way and to show us the importance of this ordinance. He said that his baptism was necessary “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:13-15).

5) We must be baptized to enter the Celestial Kingdom.
All of Heavenly Father’s children need to be baptized. Being baptized is the only way there is for us to return and live with Heavenly Father after we are finished with our turn on earth. Being baptized and going under the water washes you clean. And only people who are clean from all their sins can live with Heavenly Father. Jesus said: “Whoso believeth in me, and is baptized… shall inherit the kingdom of God.” Baptism is the gateway through which we enter the celestial kingdom. There is no other way.

How should we be baptized?

Baptism by immersion (or going completely under water) by one having the proper authority is the only true and acceptable way of being baptized. When we are immersed in water and come out again, it is symbolic of death and resurrection. Our sinful life ends when we are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. After these ordinances we start a new life.

SACRAMENT – As human beings we are forgetful. It is easy to forget the covenants we make. Heavenly Father has provided a reminder for us to help us keep our covenants. We have the opportunity to take the sacrament each week at church. When we take the sacrament, we renew our baptismal covenants every week. When the sacrament is blessed and passed, it is a good opportunity to sit and think about the promises we have made to our Heavenly Father and the promises he has made to us. I tend to think about mistakes I have made that week and things I need to improve in my life. But most importantly I remember that Jesus died and was resurrected that we might live again some day. And that he suffered in Gethesmane to atone for our sins so that we could live with Him and with our family someday if we repent of our sins, keep His commandments and live worthily.

YOU’RE CLEAN - You are so lucky! After you are baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost you will be absolutely, positively, perfectly clean.  All the mistakes you have made in your whole life so far will be washed away. You have a wonderful life ahead of you.

ENDURE TO THE END - The journey is just beginning though. After you have been baptized (baptism by water) and have been confirmed (which is referred to as baptism of fire), you will still be faced with challenges, trials and temptations throughout your life. But you have the tools to overcome these things. Heavenly Father has given us commandments to keep us safe, scriptures to help us navigate through life’s tough roads, the ability to talk to Heavenly Father through prayer and to have our prayers answered. He has given us a living prophet on the earth to lead and guide us during these challenging times. He has given us Temples where we can make more covenants and be sealed together as families. You will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost which will be a blessing and protection unto you. I bear my testimony that these things are true.

Sunday School - Book of Mormon Lesson 25

Book of Mormon Lesson #25: “They Taught With Power and Authority of God”
Alma 17-22

1. Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet: There is a love, a brotherhood or sisterhood, a bond shared by those who labor in the Lord’s service that surpasses all other feelings of camaraderie. Such are the emotions experienced in this unexpected missionary reunion. Alma and the sons of Mosiah parted company fourteen years before with little to offer the Lord but willing hearts and youthful exuberance. They now meet as men of seasoned faith, men of sound understanding – an understanding that comes only by an earnest desire for the word of the Lord, coupled with faithful service in his name. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 3, pp. 123-24.

2. Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet: [Alma 17:22-23] Here we see one of the primary characteristics of a successful missionary: a love of the people and a love for the land in which the missionaries serve. For all we know, Ammon may have left behind wife and children, at least friends and acquaintances. He left the comfort and peace and predictability of the known for a new life – fourteen years – life among the unknown, among a people who had been enemies to the Nephites for generations. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 3, p. 130.

3. Brigham Young: And I say to you … Elders, Awaken up! God has placed the priesthood upon you, and he expects you to magnify it. … We want some manhood, and some priesthood and power of God to be manifested in Israel. … And I pray God, the Eternal Father, to waken up these Elders, that the spirit of their mission may rest upon them, and that they may comprehend their true position before God. Journal of Discourses, vol. 20, p. 23.

4. Robert E. Wells: Your mission comes before marriage, education, professional opportunities, scholarships, sports, cars, or girls. … In twenty-four months you will have twenty-four years’ worth of spiritual adventures. You will see people change; soften; become more humble, more obedient; have their prayers answered; and come to a knowledge that our message is true. Gen. Conference, Oct. 1985.

5. Gordon B. Hinckley: Prepare now to go on a mission. It will not be a burden. It will not be a waste of time. It will be a great opportunity and a great challenge. It will do something for you that nothing else will do for you. It will sharpen your skills. It will train you in leadership. It will bring testimony and conviction into your heart. You will bless the lives of others as you bless your own. It will bring you nearer to God and to His Divine Son as you bear witness and testimony of Him. Your knowledge of the gospel will strengthen and deepen. Your love for your fellowmen will increase. Your fears will fade as you stand boldly in testimony of the truth. Gen. Conference, April 1997.

6. Russell M. Nelson: A missionary couple tells of blessings that come from missionary service. They wrote: “Good people replaced our parenting functions better than we. … If a family problem has not yielded to prayer and fasting, a mission might be considered.” No senior missionary finds it convenient to leave. Neither did Joseph or Brigham or John or Wilford. They had children and grandchildren too. They loved their families not one whit less, but they also loved the Lord and wanted to service Him. Someday we may meet these stalwarts who helped to establish this dispensation. Then will we rejoice that we did not seek the shadows when a call to missionary service came from the prophet, even in the autumn years of our lives. Gen. Conference, Oct. 2004.

7. Robert L. Simpson: According to Alma, they gave themselves to much fasting and prayer. You see there are certain blessings that can only be fulfilled as we conform to a particular law. … Too many Latter-day Saint parents today are depriving themselves and their children of one of the sweetest spiritual experiences that the Father has made available to them. Gen. Conference, Oct. 1967.

8. Spencer W. Kimball: [Alma 17:27 – God’s army of one] What are we to fear when the Lord is with us? Can we not take the Lord at his word and exercise a particle of faith in him? Our assignment is affirmative … to carry the Gospel to our enemies that they might no longer be our enemies. Ensign, June 1976.

9. Joseph Smith: [A vision the Prophet Joseph Smith had] Also, I saw Elder Brigham Young standing in a strange land, in the far south and west, in a desert place, upon a rock in the midst of about a dozen men … who appeared hostile. He was preaching to them in their own tongue, and the angel of God standing above his head, with a drawn sword in his hand, protecting him, but he did not see it. History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 381.

10. Robert D. Hales: Now, we may read this as a story about some shepherds trying to round up some missing sheep, but the message is more powerful and significant than that. Ammon was a missionary with noble intentions to bring the king and his kingdom back to the fold of righteousness, to the well of living water. The challenge looked daunting to those who could see only, in everyday terms, sheep strung out on hillsides and not enough manpower to round them up. They were discouraged and fearful that the king would discover their loss. Ammon not only led the force to recapture the sheep, he drove away the evil men who caused the problems; and his heroic efforts persuaded the king to follow him and to follow the Savior. Ammon teaches us that no matter our circumstances, we can be an example to others, we can lift them, we can inspire them to seek righteousness, and we can bear testimony to all of the power of Jesus Christ. Gen. Conference, April 1997.

11. Joseph Fielding McConkie & Robert Millet: Ammon taught [King Lamoni] what we have come to know as the three pillars of eternity – the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement. These three doctrines, which are inseparably associated one with the other, constitute the foundation upon which all other gospel principles must rest. Indeed, any principle that cannot comfortably rest on the foundation of these doctrines (or be tied to it) has no place in the teachings in God’s kingdom. Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 3, p. 135.

12. Bruce R. McConkie: According to Lamanite traditions, God is the Great Spirit. It is obvious that by this designation the Lamanites had in mind a personal being, for King Lamoni mistakenly supposes that Ammon was the Great Spirit. Both Ammon and Aaron, using the same principle of salesmanship applied by Paul on Mars Hill (Acts 17:22-31), taught that the Great Spirit was the God who created the heavens and the earth. This same Lamanite concept that God is the Great Spirit has existed among the American Indians in modern times. Mormon Doctrine, p. 340.

13. Neil L. Anderson: [Alma 22:18 – “I will give away all my sins to know thee”] We may not always succeed as quickly as we would want, but as we make repentance a constant part of our lives, miracles occur. This is what happens as we see that we really can overcome our sins: our “confidence waxes strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45). We kneel in humility before our Father. We tell him openly of our progress, and also of our fears and doubts. As we draw near to him, he draws near to us. He gives us peace and encouragement. He heals our souls. As we continue inch by inch to repent, we determine that nothing will hold us back: we will do our part. We come to feel like that great Lamanite king, who cried, “Oh God, … wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee” (Alma 22:18). With this commitment to who we can become, the spiritual doors swing open. There is a new freedom to feel and to know, a freedom to become. Ensign, April 1995.

14. Robert L. Millet: Truly there is a power in Christ, power not only to create the worlds and divide the seas but also to still the storms of the human heart, to heal the pain of scarred and beaten souls. We must learn to trust in him more, in the arm of flesh less. We must learn to surrender our burdens to him more. We must learn and work to our limits and then be willing to seek that grace or enabling power which will make up the difference, that sacred power which indeed makes all the difference! Life in Christ, p. 108.


Next week: Alma 23-29 “Converted unto the Lord”

Primary Sharing Time - Sharing the Gospel

Primary Sharing Time - Sharing the Gospel

Brief Description/Purpose:
We never know what may become of our efforts to share the gospel with others. We may be planting seeds that will flourish later.

Objects Used/Preparation:
small pieces of candy, such as chocolate kisses, enough for everyone in the group

Lesson:
Before beginning the lesson, pass out the candy and say "I think we need a little treat before we begin", or whatever you feel is appropriate to let the class know that it is fine to eat the candy at that time. It is also helpful to eat one yourself. Begin teaching and ignore the candy for a while.

At the appropriate time in the lesson, ask how many didn't take a piece of candy, how many ate the one they took, and how many are saving theirs for later. Relate this to sharing the gospel with others. Some people will simply not be interested, some will take it in right away, and some will "save" what we have told them for later.

Have the Missionaries come in and talk about different ways to share the gospel with friends, neighbors and family. Have the missionaries role play with the children how to Prepare, Invite, Follow-up, Resolve Concerns.

Sing Call to Serve (Have the missionaries join in)

Share a short story how you, or someone you know has shared the gospel with someone.

Read or share from memory D & C: 4.

Testify

(Thanks to Michelle Walton for this neat Primary Sharing Time)

Primary Sharing Time - I Can Be a Missionary Now and Can Prepare for a Future Full-time Mission

Primary Sharing Time Idea

Presentation:
Show the children the jar of water. Ask them how many drops of water they think are in the jar.

Ask them, “If you were one drop of water, could you make a difference to the rest of the water in the jar?” Illustrate how one drop can make a difference by adding a drop of dark food coloring and pointing out how it flows through the whole jar. Help the children understand that what they do influences others.

Discussion: Discuss with the children things they can do today to be missionaries and the things they can do now to prepare to serve a full-time mission. Divide them into four groups. Using stations have the children learn a missionary skill from each adult leader.

Divide the classes into groups: Give them 2 minutes to talk about this topic and have them share.

Station A:
Full-time missionaries memorize discussions about the gospel. Have the children memorize an article of faith and repeat it to the group. They may do this in pairs or with the whole class.

Station B:
Missionaries read the Book of Mormon. Have each child choose a GAK picture representing his or her favorite story from the Book of Mormon section. Help the children locate the stories in the scriptures and retell them to the group.

Station C:
Missionaries give talks. Help the children practice giving a talk by using this four-step process: 1) choose a scripture, 2) tell what the scripture means, 3) relate a personal experience or scripture story that illustrates the point, and 4) bear testimony about it. If necessary, have the leader give an example, using these steps. Have the group choose a scripture. Ask someone to tell what it means. Have a second child share a personal experience or tell a scripture story about it. Have a child or the leader bear testimony of its principle. (For example: 1 Nephi 3:7 means that whatever the Lord asks me to do, I will do because I know that He will help me do it. One time I was invited to go to a birthday party on Sunday, but because I knew that the Lord wanted me to keep the Sabbath Day holy, I didn’t go. I felt good because I knew that I was being obedient. I know that when we keep His commandments, even when they are not easy to keep, we will be blessed.) Suggest using these steps to give talks in Primary now as preparation for speaking as a missionary in the future.

Station D:
Missionaries often lead music. Have the music leader help the children learn to lead music. See CS, p. 301 for diagrams of the beat patterns. Turn your back to the children and beat a 3/4 pattern. Have the children copy the motion. Sing “I Love to See the Temple ” (p. 95), and have the children lead the song. Sing other songs that have a 3/4 pattern. Teach a 4/4 pattern in a similar manner, and have the children sing and lead “The Lord Gave Me a Temple ” (p. 153) and other songs with a 4/4 pattern. Note that both of the songs mentioned begin on the upbeat (beat 3 or 4, respectively).

Summary: Share your testimony.

(Thanks again to Michelle Walton for contributing great Primary Sharing Times to the blog!)

Primary Sharing Time - I Can Be a Missionary Now (Puzzle)

Sharing Time - Missionary Work

Prepare:
Get a picture of Christ being baptized by John the Baptist. Cut it into the appropriate amount of puzzle pieces depending on how long you want the sharing time to be. Number the puzzle pieces.

Write the following on various puzzle pieces - 2-3 missionary songs, 2-3 stories from the scriptures or Book of Mormon reader, 2-3 missionary scriptures, 2-3 role playing situations. After the puzzle pieces are prepare and written on, put them under the children's chairs in the Primary Room.

Object Lesson: Stand in front of the primary room (standing or sitting) and start eating some of your cookies from the bag. Talk about how yummy these cookies are. Describe the cookies in detail, like how the cookie melts in your mouth, how you can taste the yummy chocolate chips etc. Talk about it being the best cookie you have ever had. Then while you're still finishing up with your cookies talk to some of the primary children how there weekend was or if they are having a good day.

After all the cookies are gone, stop and say "oh did you want one? Maybe I should have shared some of my cookies with you."

Boys and girls just like these yummy cookies that taste and look so good, did you know each of you have something better? We all have the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and we don't want to keep it to our self like when I was eating the cookies, we want to share it with others.

Tell the children to look under their seat to find a puzzle piece. Once they have found it remind them to sit up straight and get ready to help put the puzzle together.

Start calling the numbers in order. Try to get through all of them.

After you put the puzzle together, ask them what the picture is. Tell them the story in your own words.

End with your testimony of missionary work how it has blessed your life. Share a personal experience if you have enough time.

Ideas for puzzle pieces:

Songs:
Called to Serve (Hymn Book #249)
Scripture Power

Role Play Situations:
How to invite a friend to a Quarterly Activity, Scouts or Activity Days.
How to invite a friend to church.
Welcome a new child who is visiting Primary.

Storytelling:
Alma Teaches and Baptizes (from the Book of Mormon Reader. Pages 43-44)
Samuel the Lamanite tells about Jesus Christ. (from the Book of Mormon Reader. Pages 111-113)
The Sons of Mosiah Become Missionaries (from the Book of Mormon Reader. Page 53)

Scriptures:
D&C Section 4
D& C 18:15

FHE Idea - Abrahamic Covenant

Here’s a great object lesson that my sister-in-law did for her seminary students.

Abrahamic Covenant FHE

Today we had a great day in seminary. I told the students there were 4 parts to the Abrahamic covenant, then I wrote the first 3 on the board (1. Land-Celestial kingdom; 2. Posterity; 3. Gospel/Priesthood). Then I told them I needed a quick little snack before giving them the 4th promise. At that point I whipped out a placement, huge bowl of ice cream, chocolate and caramel toppings, sprinkles, and spray whipped cream. I made myself a massive Sundae, spraying whipped cream into my mouth and ooohing and ahhhing the whole time. Then I put on an old Bugs Bunny baby bib and dug in. The boys started protesting that they wanted some, and why wasn't I sharing. About the time they were ready to lynch me, I told them to guess what the 4th promise is. They figured out that it's the opportunity to spread the gospel to all nations/missionary work. I explained to them that it's not okay to sit in front of everyone else with all of these great blessings and not share. And I pointed out that while we generally think of missionary work as our big favor to Heavenly Father, he is actually giving the opportunity to us as His gift to us. It was grand fun, and now I have to do the same lesson 2 more times tomorrow. I still have a stomach ache (I only ate the whipped cream and toppings--I'm using the same bowl of ice cream for all three classes, so I'll probably only gain 30 pounds from this object lesson).