I need to beg everyone's pardon

[Original_Intent]

I am going thru a real trial at the moment, and I am sure it is coming thru in my posts.

I don;t even understand the trial. Yesterday I went to church. Fast and Testimony meeting, the spirit was there but didn't really get anything profound, which is what I am used to. Lots of heartfelt tears, and mostly incoherent amid the sobs. The spirit was there as I said, and I know the people that spoke were moved to do so and needed to say what they said.

Then I taught my 15 year olds - a lesson that I was really excited to teach, felt well prepared and had felt the spirit during my preparation - but other than a couple of the class members, the kids were really out of control, unruly, and in a couple of cases quite sarcastic and disrespectful. I basically soldiered thru, but felt like not much was gained from it, and felt like I pretty much wasted my time.

Elder's Quorum was almost surreal. The spirit was not there at all. The EQ president was not connecting with anyone, it was very clear from the questions being asked that no one was hearing what he was trying to say. It wasn't argumentative, but it was a spirit of confusion and again, it seemed like most everyone gained little or nothing from what he had prepared (including myself.)

Things seem a little "chaotic" on the forums the last couple of days too. I am not saying bad, it just seems like the amazing, spiritually uplifting posts are going thru a lean period a tthe moment - or more likely it is a problem with my reception, not what is being transmitted... whatever the cause it certainly doesn;t make it an easier, I feel like a dark cloud is over me. ( And I know, the problem is me not you guys. So just cut me some slack for a while, just be aware I amy be an insensitive jerk - I'll try not to be, but I know myself well enough to know I am going to have a short fuse for a while - I'll try to restrain myself.

:ymsigh:

[Rand]

All is well. God will withdraw from us from time to time to let us walk on our own, because we are doing fine, and don't need His help at the moment, but do need confidence in our ability to be true. I know you will be fine. Don't lessen the pace, just keep forward in this direction with a firm long stride. The light of the spirit will be there if you need to change directions or intentions. You are in my prayers.

[shadow]

Just keep on keepin' on!

[SAM]

I think I have felt similarly in the very recent past. It's hard to put a finger on what it is. Sometimes I feel like I am trying too hard to live how I should and missing the joy of living the life I've been given, if that makes sense, and then, everyone and everything around me just frustrates me. Something usually turns around in short order and I feel the connection and joy come back. I hope it does soon for you too.

[Songbird]

OI I certainly don't know what you are referring to...so hang in there. You are okay....I too have felt that the forum was a little "dry" lately, but we can't always have the good, because things usually come in pairs to help us appreciate things more. Take care, stay close to the Spirit and Father in Heaven....

[believer]

It does seem like there is a chaotic spirit world wide right now. I think many people in the world feel it, and it spills over in church. Those that are sensitive to spiritual things can feel these things even more. At Sacrament meeting you felt the Spirit in general, even if there was no specific thing that stood out. That is good.

Fifteen year olds are the hardest age to teach. Even though you felt like you were a total failure, they were getting something out if it. They were acting like 15 year olds. They were showing off in front of their peers, but inside they were feeling guilty. If they learned nothing else or remember nothing else, your faithfulness in your calling will be an anchor. When they are older, they will remember how awful they were to you, and this will help them in their callings.

Remember that discouragement is one of the most useful tools in Satan's arsenal. It's also when he can get at us, when normally he could not. Read the 121st Sec. of the D & C.

We all know that the world is decending into wickedness faster and faster. We know what is coming. We see what is happening NOW. For many parts of the world things are breaking loose NOW. Satan reigns. But the Lord saved his valiant and great ones for the end. You are one of those. So are your 15 year olds


Believer

[davedan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WQA2Mc7qqU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

What this video, I talked about it briefly in my testimony. After church we had a double baptism. One of the new convert wanted all 4 missionaries to be in the font with him dressing in white (on the steps at least). Nothing brings the spirit more than missionary work.

[bobhenstra]

When I had problems with the 15 year old brats I was trying to teach, I simply called the fathers of each of the trouble makers and ask them to bring a folding chair and sit in on a class, "next" to their problem child. One daddy at a time, worked like a champ. When I had control of the class, I ask the Sunday school presidency to assign a Co Teacher to the class, and ask specifically for the Town Marshall! Didn't get him, but got a co teacher who was just home from a mission, and the kids loved hearing his stories. All the problem children in that class eventually served missions.

Having daddy come in and sit by a kid was what worked. After the third daddy, the embarrassment suffered, the rest of the kids decided they'd calm down. The kids in that class prided themselves with the number of teachers they chased out----

The co teacher served to keep things on an even keel!

Then I got moved to the next problem class----After I protested, I had learned to love those kids, they put me in the Sunday School Presidency where we put a co teacher in every class.

Later on in another ward, one other thing I did that helped "my" children along; While bearing testimony during testimony meeting, I mentioned I was spending some time at the doors of the classes "my" kids attended to make sure "my" kids were not trouble makers in the class room. A few weeks of that, and watching several other fathers doing the same thing, that Sunday School settled down.

Best church job I've ever had? Locking up the church at night, six wonderful years! I simply refused to give them back their keys---

Bob

[Jason]

After hearing one of the young women leaders in our ward bear testimony as to the wonderfulness of our young women.....I couldn't help but note the irony as after Sacrament meeting....in looking at our particular young women.....they look more like street walkers than young women. Stumbling around in high heel boots nearly to their knees, skirts well above the knees, and one young 14 yr old in particular that wore a very transparent white top and a black bra yesterday.

Interesting times. Also ironic is that the girl with the see-through top has less active dad (see him once a month or so at church - mom is there every Sunday).....and in discussions with mom....they have zero food storage. After discussions with the mother she said she's coming to my house when in need because she thinks I am prepared. Reckon I'll cross that bridge when I get there but I may have difficulty sharing if it means one or more of my daughters going without.....and the fact that they had lots of time and warning to get prepared.....and worse comes to worse part with the Escalade and all the cheerleader camps for her daughters.

FYI - I haven't walked the mile in the moccasins....just pointing out the ironies.

[Istand4truth]

Hang in there! You're probably just going through a slump.
As far as the Sunday School class goes. I have a 15 year old. He very much wants to hear a spiritual message each week in S.S. but has confided in us in the past that he didn't want to go to his class because the teacher spent all class period having a conversation and chatting with the kids instead of giving a spiritual message. Luckily he has a new SS teacher this year. Things are much better now. But, it's really sad when the teacher just talks all period long with the kids! Don't cave in! Try to have a great lesson planned every week. I also like the idea of a co teacher.

Kids really do hunger after spiritual knowledge. Please don't give up on your class. I can guarantee you that there are kids in there that really want to learn and feel the spirit.

I used to be part of the seminary class from heck years ago when I attended early morning seminary. No one wanted to teach us. I like to think that I turned out OK though. I am on this forum so that says something right?

[Original_Intent]

I do have a co teacher, btw - he wasn't able to make it this week, which was part of the problem - also a lesson to me because I wasn't there for him last week, when technically I could have been (everyone else in the house was sick but me, and I stayed home because I didn't want to go to church alone.) So maybe this was the Lord's way to give me a needed nudge to be more diligent even when it is not my week to teach...

[1984Orwellherenow]

It sounds like you are going through a rough patch. Classical jazz helps some people calm down and pull through rough spots. Good luck to you.

[shadow]

After hearing one of the young women leaders in our ward bear testimony as to the wonderfulness of our young women.....I couldn't help but note the irony as after Sacrament meeting....in looking at our particular young women.....they look more like street walkers than young women. Stumbling around in high heel boots nearly to their knees, skirts well above the knees, and one young 14 yr old in particular that wore a very transparent white top and a black bra yesterday.

They are children of a God even if they were described by Isaiah thousands of years ago ) .

[Jason]

After hearing one of the young women leaders in our ward bear testimony as to the wonderfulness of our young women.....I couldn't help but note the irony as after Sacrament meeting....in looking at our particular young women.....they look more like street walkers than young women. Stumbling around in high heel boots nearly to their knees, skirts well above the knees, and one young 14 yr old in particular that wore a very transparent white top and a black bra yesterday.

They are children of a God even if they were described by Isaiah thousands of years ago ) .

LOL....amazing isn't it!

[Zowieink]

OI, Boy do I understand your "funk"...so to speak. I live in a ward that for all intents and purposes is at the top of the Church in every category. However, many times the spirit just isn't there. Being in a unique position now I can look out at 30,000 feet and see some of the stuff going on.

Often those kids, being unruly, may really have picked up on your lesson subliminally. Maybe you have felt....I don't know....."suspended" waiting for the other shoe to drop, or something to happen. I have felt the tension starting to build in the ward. Not because of unrighteousness, but one they can't put their finger on. Like, the barametric pressure that causes tenseness before a storm breaks. But whatever the cause, you must remain strong and resolute in your committment to the things you know are right, regardless of anyone elses actions.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to teach priesthood. It started out as the same fast and testimony meeting, but then something changed. Our lesson was on the First Presidency Message in the Ensign about criticizing, backbiting, murmuring, at church and in business. The brethren, like were transformed. It certainly wasn't me, but the whole meeting took on a life of its own and we discussed our private experiences...we cried, and laughed and then discussed the coming trials and how we need to be spiritually ready. I bring this up to let you know that every ward goes through ups and downs spiritually...maybe you need to give those 15 years olds real meat to digest and suppliment the lesson material with personal experiences based on your testimony and how that lesson really affects their lives.

I do know that if you are having those kinds of thoughts, you must be making an impression on them otherwise Satan would not work so hard on you or them. Don't let Satan get the upper hand....instead of milk toast give them meat to chew on. How could someone like you who writes such eloquent posts feel like you are not succeeding in teaching the gospel?

[Songbird]

I do have a co teacher, btw - he wasn't able to make it this week, which was part of the problem - also a lesson to me because I wasn't there for him last week, when technically I could have been (everyone else in the house was sick but me, and I stayed home because I didn't want to go to church alone.) So maybe this was the Lord's way to give me a needed nudge to be more diligent even when it is not my week to teach...

Remember, your co-teacher may be relying on you as much as you rely on him...I'm nudging you buddy!!! :ymhug:

[Rincon]

Removed

[HeirofNumenor]

Classical jazz helps some people calm down and pull through rough spots.

nah...go for Classical Classical :ymsmug:

[fps.sledge]

I remember a few occasions during my mission where I what definitely distant from the spirit. These particular circumstances are special to me because I (think I) didn't do anything to drive away the spirit. If anything, I was doing all I could to keep the spirit with me. During these particular occasions, it taught me quite a bit. This sounds counter-intuitive as a member. But it gave me the opportunity to actively find new ways in bringing the spirit into my life. It helped me appreciate the spirit more. I look back and am very grateful for them. They are actually highlights from my past. Not because I didn't have the spirit, but because I learned something about myself and other spiritual matters as a result of these experiences. Always in hindsight, of course.

[Silas]

I recall being told that President Kimball said when he found himself going through spiritual slumps, he would immerse himself in the scriptures until he felt the spirit return. That made me feel better, partly because it made me realize that even prophets occasionally find it difficult to be close to the spirit all the time, and whenever I have felt that the spirit just isn't there like it should be and its not because of something I may have done to offend it, then I need to take some time just to pursue the scriptures and pray. Sometimes it takes awhile, but it has never failed me.

[EmmaLee]

When I'm feeling this way, the best remedy is to forget myself and focus on others. Anonymous service is the best cure I've ever found for feeling down or discouraged or fill-in-the-blank - works every time.

[Rand]

Let me share this. It might help a tiny bit. I was teaching the teachers quorum a few years ago. They were very noisy and disrespectful, and one boy in particular was off his chair, on the floor, bothering others etc. as usual. It had been that way for two years. The last Sunday of the year I ran out of lessons in the manual. I needed one more, so I decided to give the first lesson again, surely they didn't hear it anyway and it's been a year. I got about 30 seconds into the lesson when the most troublesome kid spoke up and said "You taught us that lesson already" I asked him to tell me about it, and he did. Evidently kids can multitask.

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

[Scarecrow]

Deleted

[Original_Intent]

Things are a lot better now, so if I am a jerk it is just my natural disposition, and can't be blamed on circumstances. O:-) :ymdevil:

[ChelC]

Things are a lot better now, so if I am a jerk it is just my natural disposition, and can't be blamed on circumstances. O:-) :ymdevil:

) Come on, you should have just ridden the wave a while.

Glad to hear you're doing better!