Lessons Learned

Another semester of institute has come and gone. For those of you who don't know, it is a religious class I have been asked to teach on a weekly basis. It is considered a continuing education class through BYU, just held down here in Yuma. This was my 5th semester teaching the class. It has been my honor and privilege to be the one at the front of the class each week but I by no means feel qualified or the best one for the job. I grew up with trained, professional institute teachers. Notice I wrote the plural form of the word teacher. There is a risk when there is only one teacher for a long period of time. It starts to become that person's class. My goal has always been to make it the Lord's class. I will teach as long as I'm asked to do so and will be more than willing to give someone else the opportunity when the time comes.

Until then, I LOVE teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ each week. I maintain that in a world filled with lies, deceit, mistrust and chaos, the opportunity to teach the truth each week, and know it is the truth, is one of the greatest honors I can think of. During the first semester, Fall of 2007, I studied for hours each day in preparation and spent just as many hours on my knees begging for the Lord's help to teach. I should spend the same amount of time still doing those two activities but I have learned to have more faith and trust that the Lord is in charge, not me. (plus my kids seem to be more and more demanding of my time.) I have found that sharing my testimony and having great gospel discussions each week has become a necessity in my life. I hunger and thirst for it. The opportunity has sustained me through some very dark days and has continually forced me to face the comforting reality that God is always there to love me, even on days when the world was shouting at me that He isn't.

A couple of quotes have stuck with me from this last semester. We studied the May 2009 Conference issue of the Ensign. I wanted to record those quotes here...

"The future is as bright as your faith." (Pres. Monson "Be of Good Cheer" pg. 92) I honestly cannot think of a single painful experience in my life - and there have been many - when this perspective did not help me make it through. I pray daily for eternal perspective.

"The first step on the path of discipleship begins, luckily enough, in the exact place where we stand!"(Pres. Uchtdorf, "The Way of the Disciple" pg. 75) Our progress does not need to be halted because of the mistakes of our past. Nor do we need to feel overwhelmed with our shortcomings. We start today, fresh and clean and new and we must keep pressing forward. What a refreshing and motivating thought.

"I plead with you to have the courage to refrain from judging and criticizing those around you, as well as the courage to make certain everyone is included and feels loved and valued." (Pres. Monson "May You Have Courage" pg. 125) Satan is working hard on all of us. Many will be wounded in the battle just as the 2000 Stripling Warriors who were ALL wounded, yet ALL survived. We must not waste time pointing fingers or judging or spreading damaging gossip. Now is the time to pick each other up, love each other and help each other rise above our mistakes and adversities. There are so many different people in this world. We are all our Father's children and all deserve a deeper, closer look.

"None Were with Him" Elder Holland, pg. 86. The WHOLE talk. I can't even express what this talk did for me and my understanding of the Savior. This life would mean nothing without Him and the premortal promises He so lovingly and valiantly kept. I truly stand all amazed.

We will start class again in Jan when we will begin studying the Nov. Conference issue of the Ensign.