I don't even know where to begin with this post...it has been my distinct honor and immense pleasure to be the adult institute of religion teacher here in Yuma for the past 3 years. We have just begun our 4th year by studying the Doctrine and Covenants and my mind is swirling with oodles and oodles of thoughts and feelings. Wowsers!! This year we have a Monday morning class and a Thursday evening class. I'm excited that those who work or stay home all day with kids will have the opportunity to go if they so desire.
We have already learned so much together. I say "we" because the greatest bunch of people come to class each week ready to learn and study and discuss and I feel like I'm just the one moderating the discussion. I learn so much each week. It is quite the amazing experience when you can be teaching a class and simultaneously receiving inspiration for your own self. It is as if part of me is off to the side taking notes about what we are all discussing and storing it away until I can sit down later and ponder it all so that I can apply it in my own life. I understand even more than before what it means in D&C 50:22 that when the Spirit is present in a lesson both "he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together."
I had set a goal to record my institute thoughts more faithfully on the blog but I have no idea how I can make just one post for each week. If I did they would be super long - longer than anything I have ever posted and that's saying something. :)
I'll just post one thing from this last week that is standing out to me right now...
The Book of Mormon helps us come unto Jesus Christ and the Doctrine and Covenants helps us know how to stay on the path once we have entered the gate. It is the Lord's book of Instructions and Promises and a great portion of what is recorded are the words of Jesus Christ HIMSELF as He instructs the members of His church. What a treasure!! What an incredible treasure we have in that book!! I am filled with absolute excitement at the prospect of studying it more in depth this coming semester and next semester as well.
Someday I will be told my turn to teach is up and that someone else will have a turn. Until then I will learn as much as I possibly can.
When I was younger I kept a notebook as I read the BofM. I divided it into sections that answered questions about Christ: His names, His physical characteristics, how He communicates with man, etc. It was VERY enlightening. It is true that literally half the BofM is about Christ. I recommend this study plan to anyone. I also made a notebook for the D&C. I kept track of the commandments that were given. Beside it I wrote the promised blessings and/or punishments for that commandment. That is really an eye opener and a testimony builder.
ReplyDeleteLulu thanks for your comment. I remember you telling me about the way you studied the Book of Mormon but I hadn't heard your idea about the D&C. I will share this fabulous idea with the class.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are doing Doctrine and Covenants this year. It is really time for me to read and study it again.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been online that much lately, and I see I am SO far behind. You have quite a bit here I haven't read. I am looking forward to catching up :)