Putting It Together ...

Those of you who read this blog, I know there are like three people (and could be more after I boost the signal a bit), know that it is dedicated to the idea of gratitude in all things. Well, I certainly have a lot to be grateful for this week and I am going to take a moment to share with you some of the triumphs and challenges that took place. As some of you know, I have started a program called Pathway through BYUI. It is the initial step in my return to college and obtaining that coveted Bachelor's Degree. Well, I am happy to report that the classes have started. This semester I am taking a Life Skills class and a religion class that focuses on the Book of Mormon. (In particular 1 Ne thru Alma 30). In addition to the online portion of the class, we have a weekly meeting, called a gathering (props if you heard that word and immediately thought of 'Gargoyles'!) during which we participate in group study and each take a turn leading the class and facilitating the learning. Those who know me, know I am rather shy in person. Online is a different matter, as the written word is my forte. But in person, I tend to keep my head down and my mouth shut, as I observe my surroundings and wait until I feel safe enough to speak. (Yes, I was severely bullied as a child and it does have an effect on my self esteem, even in adulthood.) Well, last week, at our first gathering I was caught off guard and asked to be the Lead Student for the upcoming week. Out of reflex, I immediately said 'yes' and spent the last week in utter terror. (You may laugh, only because I am out of range to personally smack you). There was a great deal of study, pondering, and much prayer. I will also admit to some amount of murmuring (complaining). Last night, the time arrived and I, filled with dread, completed the finishing touches on my signage for my lesson and went to the gathering. Katie Swank served as the Lead Student for our Life Skills class (and did an amazing job!) She excelled at making everyone feel included and validated, while presenting the lesson material in a thorough and concise manner. I really think she did a great job. When it was my turn, I stood up and grabbed my outline. (I spent some time making an outline of a lesson plan, which included specific topics and thoughts, as well as timing for each activity). I will say, I totally appreciated Sis. Gomez's opening prayer and her request for the Spirit to be there and for me to do well and be strengthened. I started off by asking the class to share some of their successes and challenges that they had during the week (as it related to the lesson material of reading 1 Nephi chapters 1-5). Several people admitted to being challenged by time management and being able to complete the various tasks for the lesson. They also brought up that they felt the Lord bless their efforts as they attempted to type up answers while fighting off fatigue and weariness from a long day of jobs and/or family. I then shared a little of what I had learned from the reading. I felt it took a lot of dedication for the family of Lehi to leave their home and follow him into the wilderness. (Even though Laman and Lemuel complained, they still went with the rest of the family on the journey and they still did their father's bidding in returning to get the plates of brass). I spoke about the difference between complaining and upholding someone who is in service of the Lord and asked everyone to consider which type of person they were in their own lives. I also brought up the fact that God will strengthen you to do the work that He calls you to do. He will aid you in accomplishing His will and completing the tasks He has set you. (Much like He did in helping me to stand up in front of a room full of people I barely knew and speak to them!) I then reviewed with the class the lesson from the previous week. We discussed the Introduction to the Book of Mormon, the Testimony of the Three Witnesses, the Testimony of the Eight Witnesses, and the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. We talked about how these witnesses and their words shaped the way we currently see the Book of Mormon. The testimonies, in particularly the testimony of the Prophet, touched several people very deeply. One Sister said she had read the words before but this time they reached into her heart and touched her more deeply than in previous readings. The book became more precious to her as a result. One Brother spoke about how, growing up near the site of Palmyra had enhanced his testimony by being able to personally visit the places where the Prophet grew up and lived. We moved on to learning a new study skill. Because I was the first Lead Student and no other skills had been presented, I was able to pick which skill I wanted from the list of nine. I chose the skill of visualizing. I explained that it could be broken down into three parts: setting (comprising location, people present, and action), details (often overlooked), and questions (such as who else was there? what else was happening at the same time? etc.). (Personally, I liked the question of 'what are the scriptures not saying that must be happening?'). I pointed out the quick visual I had created (just large representations of the words 'visualize', with smaller ones for 'setting', 'details', and 'questions'). I encouraged the class to use this new study skill during the upcoming week as they read their next scripture block. As is often the case, I skipped some of my plan, in an effort to conserve the short amount of time we had. I had planned on giving out slips of paper and letting everyone write down 3-5 things they would take with them on a trip. Then I would collect all the papers, read off some of the items, and then tear them up and throw them away. This was in illustration of the fact that Lehi's family got to take very little of their property with them in the wilderness. I would then pose the question of how would it feel, if you were in their place? What would you give up to follow the Lord? I was also going to ask them to consider the perspectives of Sariah (leaving her friends and comforts of home and worrying over losing her sons), Laman and Lemuel (as it pertained to the faith they DID have, in that they did follow their father into the wilderness and did attempt to obtain the plates), Nephi's Sisters (mentioned in 2 Ne 5:6), and of Zoram (being given Nephi's word that he would be a free man). Again, this was shelved due to time constraints. At this point, I divided the class into four groups and had them work on the directed study. There were four options and we made sure each option was covered. Each group had about 15 minutes to work on their assignment before presenting their thoughts to the class as a whole. (Again, we shortened the time a little because the previous class, Life Skills, ran over a bit). I was thrilled to see my fellow classmates working so openly with one another. There was mutual give and take and everyone came away edified by the learning process. It was a really cool thing to view and be a part of. From Option 1, it was discussed how Nephi was able to see the goodness and mysteries of God because of the afflictions he experienced (which is a way of looking at things that I may have not previously considered). And that the resulting knowledge, as well as his obedience, lead to him being highly favored of the Lord. From Option 2, the topic of tender mercies was discussed. The Lord protected Lehi and his family from the coming destruction of the city. He lead them through the wilderness and He aided them in getting the brass plates. He stood by them every step of the way, even when they were scared but still willing to go about doing His work and accomplishing the tasks He had set for them. Option 3 discussed Laman and Lemuel's rebellion. They were vain and prideful and attached to worldly things. They did not take the time to ask of God or seek insight into His teachings. They also did not show respect for the Lord (or at times their own family). Nephi did the exact opposite. He did not rebel because he studied the words of the Lord, he prayed and asked for confirmation and understanding. He honored his father and tried to be obedient to the teachings he was given. Nephi was humble and teachable, whereas his siblings were not. Slaying Laban was difficult for Nephi but the Lord granted him understanding, that his people would dwindle and diminish in their unbelief if they had no access to the plates of brass, and that Laban was delivered into his hands by God for the purpose of obtaining those plates, to fulfill God's promise. Overall, Laman and Lemuel complained and chose not to be positive and not to seek further light and knowledge, which was readily available. Nephi studied things out for himself and then asked Heavenly Father for confirmation and guidance. He also supported Lehi, his father, in his efforts to follow the will of the Lord. I think Nephi showed great faith in committing to follow his family into the wilderness, leave behind the world he had known, and most of his possessions. He showed great faith in being determined to not return to his father without the plates of brass. And greater faith still in doing the will of the Lord, and slaying Laban, which was something that was particularly challenging for him. (Quick Disclaimer, I previously wrote about the various options in an assignment online, I reposted about them here, in this blog, because they were part of my learning experience and I thought they were pertinent to this summary). I closed out the evening with a few thoughtful questions. I asked everyone how the activity they just completed would help them become a better disciple of Christ. I also asked if they could teach another person, later this week, about one of the principles they had just learned, which principle would they choose to share and why? Many people mentioned having the Holy Ghost aid in the teaching and learning process. Some mentioned that it takes exercising faith to gain new knowledge and understanding. Others brought up the point that with God on your side you can accomplish all things, even the impossible. We ended the night with a few quick moments for reflection. I posed the question of whether or not their learning this evening would affect their Becoming Project? If so, how? I also reminded them that they can continue the discussion, if they so desire, by utilizing the gathering discussion board. Overall, it was an amazing experience. I can testify that involving the Holy Ghost, in any and all learning, really takes your class to the next level. I really appreciated that everyone in the class participated. They volunteered to read the handout I gave on Visualization. They volunteered to pass out papers. They did not complain about presenting for their groups. They gave amazingly thoughtful and insightful comments and testimonies about their own life experiences. They were kind and raised their hands to be called on. (And they were really very understanding ... I could not read the name tags that everyone had because the print was to small for me to see clearly with my 'low vision' so I asked people to please raise their hands and I would point to them and let them speak. They did so with grace and did not make me feel awkward for having to deviate from normal procedures). I think we were all edified by the experience of learning together. We each had something to give and share and we each learned new insights along the way. During the quick feedback session, I was told that I did well with the visuals and with making eye contact and paying attention to each person that was called on. I was told I did a great job and people were not sure why I was so afraid to stand up and speak. (The little pessimistic voice inside my head wants to say people are just being nice, since I know I stumbled over my own words - a great deal more than I would have liked - and things did not go completely as planned). I am telling the little voice to shush and trying to take things at face value. I truly felt everyone in the class was generous with their words and truly respectful and kind to one another and I entered the situation with a prayer in my heart that people would receive the inspiration that they needed to hear, specifically, and that nothing I did or did not do would get in the way of that learning experience. I think my prayer was answered.