A Good Sabbath

I'm told I gave a good lesson in Relief Society today. It was from Elder Dallin H. Oaks' April 2009 General Conference talk entitled "Unselfish Service." At first, I wondered how in the world I was going to create a lesson out of this talk, as I have since I was first asked to substitute back in February (was it really that long ago?). I'm used to an actual lesson planned out and in a manual right in front of me.

But this time went so much better. I actually took a highlighter and marked everything that stood out to me in the talk, then typed it up on the laptop. I worked on it for a week and a half or so up until Saturday night when I was trying to look over my notes one final time. Questions started to come to my mind that I could ask the class, which I then typed up in the proper place and in a different color so they could stand out more. This past month, the teachers have passed out envelopes containing something quoted from the lesson or a scripture reference - in order to get participation, I'm sure - so I decided I'd give that a try as well. It ended up working well because after some of the quotes were read, some of the sisters had a comment to share. I even wrote on the board, hoping that the sisters could list certain types of "unselfish service". Which they did and we ended up with nine things listed on the board, three of which were spoken of in Elder Oaks' talk.

I thank the Lord for that preparation, for giving me those questions and ideas for the class. I think that's the most that the sisters have particpated during one of my lessons. *Note to self: keep in mind for next month!*

Abundant Blessings

Well, my family have been asked to speak in church on Sunday on the topic of "We have been abundantly blessed." We were asked the Sunday before last, so we had plenty of time to prepare. Doesn't mean we remembered - or chose - to do so.

Well, I tried anyway... One day last week I decided that I'd just start listing some of the things I had been blessed with, thinking perhaps I could incorporate something into my talk, and before I knew it, my list was rhyming. I had created a poem. It's finally to the point where I'm pleased with it.

Until we’re faced with trials
Do we ever truly see
The blessings that are given
From God to you and me?

A shelter and a home,
A family full of love
The gospel’s guiding light
From the Holy One above

Food to satisfy our hunger
And the clothes upon our backs
God’s word through living prophets
To get us back on track.

Nature’s bounteous beauty
Greets us day by day
The songs of birds, the bounding deer,
Are part of life’s bouquet.