Philippians 4

Philippians 4:8 is cross-referenced to Article of Faith 13.
I want my students to associate Paul's counsel to the Philippians with Article of Faith 13.

I sent my students on a "Treasure Hunt" to students seek the virtues that taught by Paul and in Article of Faith. (Honest, True, Chaste, Benevolent, Virtuous, Doing GOOD to all men, virtuous, praiseworthy, lovely, good report)

They were divided into color-coded teams  (see photos below) and had to go around the building seeking for the words to fill in the blanks. Each team had 11 words to look for (good report counted as 2 words). When they returned to the classroom, they had to put the words in the correct blanks.

Each team selected one of the virtues we seek after and had to look up a scripture or quote to support that virtue and then explain how we can best seek after than virtue.

I showed the video,  "Texting Truth", that reinforced seeking truth and using the recent messages from LDS General Conference.

This was an interactive lesson that created the opportunity for students to  get up and move, use foot notes,  and "dive in" to their scriptures.

We are at the time in the school year where everyone is tired. Spring Break was very early for us and the months of April and May have very few days off. These "up and moving" days are important to balance out the dark, sleepy mornings.

(and yes, I corrected the spelling of Philippians on the posters pictured below)

 Happy Teaching!

Forgiving Others

In 2 Corinthians 2:11, Paul teaches that when we don't forgive others, we give satan an advantage over us.
This powerful video featuring Kristy Glass shows the importance of forgiving others-even those who never apologize to us. Click HERE to view.
I told my students that one of the most difficult things they would ever have to do is to forgive someone who does not show remorse or never apologizes.
Forgiving others is not for them, it is for us and Kristy clearly shares this principle.

Image from Soulseeds

The Apostle Paul

As I am teaching the New Testament, I am developing a great love for the Apostle Paul (Saul) and his ability to teach and connect with a variety of audiences with confidence. I appreciate that he reaches "the one" yet can teach an entire town.
He teaches with the power of the Holy Ghost, knowing this is his greatest source of strength.
This is an example I strive to emulate in my teaching.

Illustration by Dan Burr

I recently read this article that describes much of what I admire about Paul.
It is fitting for all teachers. The Apostle Paul as Master Teacher
Enjoy!