From time to time students express their frustration with those that ridicule them for their faith and for resisting temptation.  Others tell them that they need to “get real” and learn to “live in the real world”.  They are told that since everyone is committing sin, they might as wellContinue Reading

Genesis 25 tells the story of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob.  The birthright itself was a tremendous blessing and responsibility.  The birthright child had the duty to care for the family in temporal affairs and assume the role of spiritual leadership and presidency.  Although I do not believe EsauContinue Reading

We began class today with the question we left off with in the Moses 7 discussion.  How would you build Zion in your sphere of influence?  Many students shared that they would work on being kind and giving in difficult circumstances.  I asked them to illustrate a difficult circumstance.  MostContinue Reading

We read the text of Genesis 2 and then students started asking several questions. Does Adam have a belly button? Is Eve really made out of a rib? Why did God command Adam not to partake of the fruit? This chapter has much to offer the youth in way ofContinue Reading

We taught Moses 1 and used the text to identify where Moses learns his identity.  I asked the youth if they could think of a story, movie, or play where the character learns more about their identity and it changes their views on the world around them.  Many in myContinue Reading

Of all the sections in the Doctrine and Covenants, this section contains more names of individuals than any other.  While the message of this section focuses on building the temple in Nauvoo and the construction of the Nauvoo house, I took this opportunity to discuss with the youth the peopleContinue Reading

32  But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die.  33 And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me,Continue Reading

D&C 14 Endure to the end David Whitmer does not endure.  Born Jan 7 1805, died Jan 25 1888.  Excommunicated April 1838, he never returned to the church.  When Moroni showed the 3 witnesses the plates, he turned directly to David Whitmer and said, “David, blessed is he that endureContinue Reading

Section 7 has a great lesson on the human tendency that we have to compare ourselves with others.  Section 7 is a vision Joseph has unlocking questions regarding John 21 where the Lord tells Peter and John about their future assignments.  Peter asks Jesus about John and Jesus tells PeterContinue Reading