Hello,
Though I joined a year ago, I have mostly lurked, popping in now and then. The first and only place I ever joined an online LDS group was on AVOW a few years ago. I do recognize some who have been members there and am happy to see them here as well. This place was recommended and so I looked it up again, this time with the intent to participate. The Last Days has been a focus for me for nearly thirty years. Since a young woman when I heard President Benson and others say that the generation in which I was born had a great responsibility to prepare for the Savior's Second Coming, I have been attuned to revelations and knowing the Lord through the scriptures. I cannot say I was always of that mind and behavior, for I was not. It took me some time to find out what is important but now it seems that is a major focus in life. I have a strong testimony of the Savior of mankind, His Church, and see that the world is changing at a remarkable pace as revelations are fulfilled as they are now. Anyway, I am glad to be here and hope to get to know some of you valiant souls in the future. Marion
A Lurker Coming Into the Light
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Marion
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A Lurker Coming Into the Light
Last edited by Marion on November 26th, 2012, 7:40 am, edited 1 time in total.
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ajax
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sadie_Mormon
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Marion
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Re: A Lurker Coming Into the Light
Thanks for the welcome. I took just a minute to check my mail and found this had been posted. I thought it was lost or my memory was bad and I had not sent it. Then up it pops. Does this happen to all new posts? Just wondering.
Right now I am working on the institute lesson on the atonement scheduled this week. For some reason this so difficult to teach right now. I have read a few lesson plans from LDS.org seeking guidance. This year is different somehow. The outlines offered by the church are helpful, don't get me wrong, but there is no real way for me to describe the gift of the atonement and the sacrifice of the Savior's life. His condescension in even being born. I am uncertain how to proceed and have had two weeks to get this done. I just threw away the first one though it was adequate. I hardly know anyone here but ideas would be welcome. Marion
Right now I am working on the institute lesson on the atonement scheduled this week. For some reason this so difficult to teach right now. I have read a few lesson plans from LDS.org seeking guidance. This year is different somehow. The outlines offered by the church are helpful, don't get me wrong, but there is no real way for me to describe the gift of the atonement and the sacrifice of the Savior's life. His condescension in even being born. I am uncertain how to proceed and have had two weeks to get this done. I just threw away the first one though it was adequate. I hardly know anyone here but ideas would be welcome. Marion
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ajax
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Re: A Lurker Coming Into the Light
There is a lag for new posters on the first 10 posts (I don't know if moderators check them before they get posted). After 10 your posts should be immediate. I think.Marion wrote:Thanks for the welcome. I took just a minute to check my mail and found this had been posted. I thought it was lost or my memory was bad and I had not sent it. Then up it pops. Does this happen to all new posts? Just wondering.
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mes5464
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bbrown
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Re: A Lurker Coming Into the Light
You know, I think we sometimes get stuck in the feeling that we have to have something grand, new, or perfect to teach...like we must know more and that even if we do, we must somehow impart our knowledge to those we teach by our own words (and I'm not accusing you of any or all of this, I just know I have felt that way before and see it as common). I'm sure you know this already, but concentrate less on what you're going to say and concentrate more on seeking the spirit in your life as you contemplate and study in preparation, then in having the spirit present in class. It is the spirit that teaches --not us. We're just the conduit, or provide the starting point realy, when called to teach. Even if you go into class with your heart full of emotion and spiritual thoughts with no idea what to say, the Lord will provide and with the spirit, it will be an amazing experience for any who are attuned.
What I would do from my view of your situation, is write down a few key thoughts or points (and really, just a few are enough) along with a few really good quotes and scriptures and let the spirit guide the actual progression/flow of the lesson and words you share. I would start by sharing what you shared above. Bear your testimony of the atonement, share that it is so important to you, so amazing, that the love, gratitude, and awe you feel is so overwhelming that you don't know where to even begin to address this most amazing truth. Make it personal. Be vulnerable. That will open their hearts. Tell them today you aren't a teacher and they aren't students...today you are brothers and sisters seeking to be born again as the children of Christ through His atonement and that the spirit will be the teaher. Yah, it is definitely going out on a limb and might be scary, but if the spirit is present --nothing need be said, necessarily. Hopefully, discussion, testimonies, and questions will begin to flow from those present. I would welcome their thoughts/questions/testimonies after concluding my own and wait in silence for far longer than our normal comfort zone would suggest. Be patient and allow the spirit to touch their hearts and thoughts...it can take time to process and ponder. Give them that time. I have great faith that those present will respond in kind. If they don't, I would be very sad and perhaps try to inspire discussion by sharing the few thoughts I'd prepared, then have them read through the scriptures under "Atonement" in the topical guide. But, I don't see that being needed. Unless you're teaching at a church university, there is little to no outside influence requiring them to be there --chances are they are there because they want to be and that they will be more receptive.
Obviously you don't have to do what I would do, but there's my thoughts on it...take it or leave it.
CB
What I would do from my view of your situation, is write down a few key thoughts or points (and really, just a few are enough) along with a few really good quotes and scriptures and let the spirit guide the actual progression/flow of the lesson and words you share. I would start by sharing what you shared above. Bear your testimony of the atonement, share that it is so important to you, so amazing, that the love, gratitude, and awe you feel is so overwhelming that you don't know where to even begin to address this most amazing truth. Make it personal. Be vulnerable. That will open their hearts. Tell them today you aren't a teacher and they aren't students...today you are brothers and sisters seeking to be born again as the children of Christ through His atonement and that the spirit will be the teaher. Yah, it is definitely going out on a limb and might be scary, but if the spirit is present --nothing need be said, necessarily. Hopefully, discussion, testimonies, and questions will begin to flow from those present. I would welcome their thoughts/questions/testimonies after concluding my own and wait in silence for far longer than our normal comfort zone would suggest. Be patient and allow the spirit to touch their hearts and thoughts...it can take time to process and ponder. Give them that time. I have great faith that those present will respond in kind. If they don't, I would be very sad and perhaps try to inspire discussion by sharing the few thoughts I'd prepared, then have them read through the scriptures under "Atonement" in the topical guide. But, I don't see that being needed. Unless you're teaching at a church university, there is little to no outside influence requiring them to be there --chances are they are there because they want to be and that they will be more receptive.
Obviously you don't have to do what I would do, but there's my thoughts on it...take it or leave it.
CB
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Marion
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Re: A Lurker Coming Into the Light
bbrown,
This is pretty remarkable advice. Last week I went to Institute without my notes. The church building is four miles away. By the time I realized I did not have them, I had the impression I should just follow the Spirit. So I did not run home to get my notes. The class never knew. But I did for I prepare a lot. There were some scary moments of silence. Usually, I write and write, edit, and then go wherever the Spirit leads. Lessons taught are usually much different than what I prepare. But I must say, I have never just written a few scriptures and ideas, borne testimony, and waited for the class to share their perceptions. That sounds terrifying but exhilarating. I have used the Topical Guide to start a discussion or discuss doctrine, the Bible Dictionary as well. But starting with one sheet of paper? A leap I have never done. Thanks for your suggestions. Sounds like you have a great deal of experience. Marion
This is pretty remarkable advice. Last week I went to Institute without my notes. The church building is four miles away. By the time I realized I did not have them, I had the impression I should just follow the Spirit. So I did not run home to get my notes. The class never knew. But I did for I prepare a lot. There were some scary moments of silence. Usually, I write and write, edit, and then go wherever the Spirit leads. Lessons taught are usually much different than what I prepare. But I must say, I have never just written a few scriptures and ideas, borne testimony, and waited for the class to share their perceptions. That sounds terrifying but exhilarating. I have used the Topical Guide to start a discussion or discuss doctrine, the Bible Dictionary as well. But starting with one sheet of paper? A leap I have never done. Thanks for your suggestions. Sounds like you have a great deal of experience. Marion
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MsEva
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Marion
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Re: A Lurker Coming Into the Light
Somehow I got lost after this spurt of posting. It does amaze me the things I learn as I put lessons together. This last Sunday the Stake President visited RS following Ward Conference. He used the technique now being used in YM/YW of asking a question pertainning to messages shared during class. He was not prepared but oh it was sweet the things that were felt, shared, and feasted upon during class. It is exciting the way things are changing, depending upon the Spirit to guide, and teach.
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gr8ideas
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Marion
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Re: A Lurker Coming Into the Light
Ha!!! That brings back memories of my youth! Many either called me Marian the Librarian or Maid Marian. The thing was I was named for my Grandfather so mine was spelled with an O, Marion. Caused me a great deal of anguish as a shy teen. The funny thing is, I would not have minded be a librarian for I love books. Did not happen though. So gentleman with a cane, what is your story? Marion
