Happy Halloween

Thanks to the 5 survivors who made it to class today. Today we discussed a quote by Elder Rector (Jr.) regarding the things we do, and doing what we do because we love the Lord. The students worked together today on a crossword puzzle which had to do with Moses' life as we are beginning Exodus and found some interesting information. We discussed some of the reasons why Israel was in Egypt for so long, and some of the blessings that came to them as a people during this long period of time - ie. peace, unity, and multiplication, as well as adversity to help them grow.
Thanks for making it today~!
Tomorrow will be a continuation of todays lesson of Exodus 1-2 and we will be discussing the heroic acts of some of the women in these chapters.

October 30, 2007

Today we finished up our discussion of the tribe of Ephraim and some of the blessings which pertain to it. We also covered Joseph's final days in Genesis 50 and his death, specifically touching on his relationship with his brothers, and the pattern for forgiveness which we see in this final chapter. We spent some time studying some of Joseph's prophecies concerning Moses' time, as well as our days as found in the JST of Genesis 50.
Finally, as our final overview, we played Genesis Jeopardy and reviewed several of the stories which we've studied throughout the past couple of months.
Tomorrow we begin our Exodus... :)
The reading assignment is Exodus 1-2.

October 26 - 29, 2007

Last Wednesday, my alarms did not go off, and I ended up being late to class. Most of the students showed up however, and we spent the remainder of our class time 'bonding'.
On Thursday and Friday (25-26) we continued our discussion of Joseph as we followed his story through Genesis 37-45 - we divided the class into several groups and did some newscasts regarding some of the situations found in these chapters. The Elders joined our class on Friday, and we finished up class with too little time to properly finish our full Joseph story, so the class had a scripture chase - vs. the elders, and thoroughly stomped on them. Some may say that it wasn't fair since the elders didn't know the actions or rhymes as well as the students, but the students stomped on them nevertheless.
Today in class (29) the students ate breakfast while we discussed what it means to be a member of the tribe of Ephraim. We discussed the idea and customs related to birth order and more importantly the importance of "Birthrights". Additionally, we discussed the importance of patriarchal blessings, and what they mean, as well as how we can obtain the blessings which are promised therein. One final thought was the idea of the "double portion" (regarding the birthright). We discussed how the gospel was restored and saints are being gathered through the tribe of Ephraim - we discussed the blessings we have - and as such, the inherent responsibilities which we face due to our membership in the tribe of Ephraim.
Thanks to the class for the great discussion.

October 23, 2007

Today we focused on Genesis 39, 40 and 41.
We divided our class into three groups and each group put together a newscast based on their specific scriptures/topic they had been assigned.
Our first group compared Judah and Joseph's reactions when they were confronted with immoral situations. This group also gave us several suggestions which can be beneficial in keeping morally clean.
Our second group focused on the dreams which the Pharaoh had - and the interpretations and meanings. Additionally, they found scriptures which discussed dreams and how one can tell that they are from Heavenly Father.
Our final group focused on preparedness. They examined Joseph's experiences in preparing his country for the famine. This group reported on the necessity of preparing ourselves both temporally and spiritually.
The reading assignment for today is Genesis 42-45.

October 22, 2007

Last week we had several members of our class who were sick and therefore absent on various days - it is good to have (most) everybody back and in good health! Today we focussed on Genesis 37-41, going over the story of Joseph. Todays focus was on the adversity that Joseph experienced throughout his life. We examined several scriptures and the students read through excerpts and then shared what they had understood with the class and discussed whether or not they saw it as a positive or a negative in Joseph's life. Finally, we discussed Joseph's attitude in the adversity, and how all of the adverse things which happened in his life turned into positives as it put him in the right place at the right time (eventually). Even if life is tough - Heavenly Father loves us and there is a purpose - even if we don't understand it now. I appreciate the student's willingness to participate today.
Tonight's reading assignment is Genesis 40-41.

October 18th & 19th

Well - It looks like I missed yesterday as well. Here's what we did.
We've been working on memorizing the 10 commandments - we passed them off today, and also learned a new way to remember them as well from the missionaries.
Yesterday we congratulated those who play on the soccer team on their win - they are going to STATE playoffs!! They'll find out on Sunday who they will be playing and when. We headed out into the cold hallway where we pulled up the sofas and all got cozy. We talked about some of the weird dreams we've had, and then talked about favoritism in families. Although we ran out of time - we had a couple of students begin to read Genesis 37, and explain what they had understood in the verses which they read. We read about Joseph and the coat of many colors and discussed the significance of his coat and also of the birthright going to him instead of some of the older brothers who may have thought that they had a right to it. We ended in talking about the likelihood that Joseph's attitudes and character which we see in his later life were formed while he was still in his youth - about these students' ages.
Today - all of the students passed off their scripture mastery of Exodus 20 - the ten commandments as mentioned. We then pulled out the dress up and material boxes, and decided which parts we wanted to play. We made our first seminary class movie of Joseph and the coat of many colors.
We will watch this video (and future ones) at our seminary class parties. We will be having a class party within the next 2 weeks. Our invite a friend to seminary day will be on October 29th. **All dates subject to future changes**
The reading assignment for this weekend is Genesis 37-39

October 16 & 17

I missed getting the blog in yesterday - yesterday we spent some time working on our scripture mastery for the ten commandments - Exodus 20 - ten is plenty. Amazingly, within about 5 minutes all of the students were able to remember all 10 of them, and even recite them back and explain them all today. It is a fun learning system, and has to do with figuring out how to connect the number 4 to keeping the Sabbath Day holey (the sp is on purpose) - it's kind of out there, but fun and seems to work! Later, we spent time in Genesis 29 as we discussed Jacob and his marriage with Leah and Rachel, and all of the kids they had between them.
This morning, we are grateful for the student who stopped to get pickles for the class on his way in. Pickles at 6:00 am does seem a bit out there, but we played pickled scripture lightening. We studied Genesis 31 - 34 and will finish up tomorrow with 35 - 37. Basically, if the game gets turned over (which it does VERY often), you earn a quarter of a pickle bite. Once you get four, your team has to take a bite.
The reading assignment for tonight is Genesis 34-37, and you can skip 36 which is mainly genealogy.
Tomorrow we will have a couch discussion, and Friday we will be making a seminary home video. If students have any beards, wigs, robes, staffs or cool props - please bring them in! We'll then plan a party to watch it!

October 15, 2007

Due to my being called to Jury Duty, our class was much shorter than usual. Additionally, as we are getting a chalkboard on the wall, I had to flip the classroom. We put together a new seating arrangement, and the students voted on district leaders. We spent some time with each of them looking for a spiritual thought that they could share throughout the week. Finally, we began to discuss Jacob's journey to the house of Laban. We began to discuss Jacob's dream of the ladder and it's significance for each of us. We will be comparing these blessings with those found in D&C 109. The reading assignment for today is Genesis 31-33, and a personal letter which I gave each of the students.

October 4, 2007

Well - I'm not quite sure what we should attribute the poor attendance to today, but we only had three students show up! As a result, we had a rousing opening hymn and prayer, a spiritual thought and some scripture mastery, and then since no one else had shown up, we took off. Unfortunately, Honey Bun did not appear to be open, so we headed for Columbine (hoping to miss the flies - but saw one). We found some chocolate milk and donuts and hung out for a minute before we headed back. If was a pretty fun and spontaneous morning - sorry to have missed all of the rest of you!
For those who are out of town, the lessons for next week will be Genesis 21-27 - please keep up with us by doing the assignments which are in the student study guide for these chapters.
Finally, I believe that we will be challenging the missionaries to a scripture chase re-match next Friday, October 12! Please PREPARE!!
By the way - PLEASE WATCH CONFERENCE!! THERE WILL BE A TEST!!

October 3, 2007

Today in Seminary we discussed some of the wickednesses that our students see at school on a daily basis, and listed them on the board. I, as always learned many new things about the challenges today's youth face, and appreciate the student's willingness to talk about them. As we studied Genesis 17-18, we discussed the question that is posed in these chapters "Is anything too hard for the Lord?". What a great question - so many times we doubt the Lord and His greatness and His mercy, but we see over and over again that if we will but just trust in Him, things will work out according to His plan - and the right way for our benefit. What a great lesson. Finally, we went over the story of Sodom and Gommorah, as we discussed what how we would react if 3 angels (or even the stake presidency) showed up at our door. We discussed the number of the righteous who lived in this city, and Lot and his families' departure from the city. Finally we discussed how Lot's wife turned back and was destroyed as well. We all face times in our lives when we start on the path to righteousness, but for some reason or another choose to turn back - when we do so, we may lose many great blessings as evidenced by Lot's wife.
Thanks to all who showed up and for the discussion!
The reading assignment for tonight is Genesis 19-20, and we will be discussing Abraham's sacrifice tomorrow.

October 2, 2007

Today we had a small turnout, but covered Genesis 15-17. We talked about trials being turned into blessings, and keeping things in the Lord's time as we discussed the promises that the Lord made to Abraham him regarding his posterity. We also talked about our decisions, and how each decision we make sparks a reaction, and how important it is for us to really trust in the Lord. Thanks to all who came today and participated and showed up!

October 1, 2007

Well - I didn't get to the blog on Friday September 28 - and today's is a little late, but Friday the missionaries (who had been talking smack to the students all week long) forgot to set their alarm clock (we think they were really just scared!), and so they didn't show up for the great scripture chase challenge. We tried the squirt bottle scripture chase rendition, and thank you to the parents who sent in the homemade cinnamon rolls!! They were awesome!!
In regards to today - we have several members of our class vacationing - so I hope they are checking this. We went over Genesis 13-14 today. We spent quite a bit of time discussing which direction we pitch our own tents. Lot (Abraham's nephew) pitched his tent towards Sodom. I think one of the messages we learn here is that it really is important which direction we are facing and what and who we surround ourselves with - do we openly accept the wickedness of the world or turn our backs to it? Lot was taken captive (as we are by Satan when we follow his enticings), and finally, he was rescued and redeemed by Abraham his kinsman. We discussed some of the spiritual symbolisms found in this specific story, even relating to our own spiritual captivities and redemptions. We then spent much of the class discussing the priesthood. What it means to the young men, how it influences their lives and their actions - how it feels to hold the priesthood etc. We studied the wonderful JST Genesis 14:25-40 which gives some amazing insights into some of the promises given to those who hold the Melchezidek priesthood, and the powers of this priesthood.
The reading assignment for today and tomorrow is Genesis 15-16 as we will begin to discuss the Abrahamic Covenant, as well as the Abraham and Isaac story.