Seminary-Notes

Seminary Snapshots

2009-05-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

The Thursday, May 14, 2009 issue of _The Mormon Times_ (a section that appears each Thursday in the _Deseret News_ newspaper published in Salt Lake City, Utah) included a front-page story entitled:

"Early-morning Seminary Snapshots"

In addition to the front page story, there are seven additional articles on pages M4 and M5.

Those articles are being posted today (15 May 2009). You can them online at:

http://www.mormontimes.org/

There are articles about daily Seminary programs in Nova Scotia, Canada; Hawaii; Wichita, Kansas; Laramie, Wyoming; Charlottesville, Virginia; Vairico, Florida; and El Mirage, Arizona.

Have fun!

Best wishes,

Ken

http://www.kenalford.com/
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
(801) 491-8164

Student Scripture Mastery Videos

2009-05-01T05:09:00.000-07:00

Question:
What do Seminary classes from these cities have in common?

* Oakley, Idaho
* Bayfield, Colorado
* Sugarland, Texas
* Evansville, Indiana
* Palm Springs, California
* West Chicago, Illinois

Answer:
They are among the growing list of Seminary classes that
have created scripture mastery music videos.

Many student-produced Seminary Videos have been posted
online. Here are some YouTube links to view their creations:

* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN4HJu4z8HM&feature=channel
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BZ7vrs_DHQ&feature=channel
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3Y0CeQiPmc&feature=channel
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4Rx1rxkxmc&feature=channel
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5VJJtxxyAo&feature=channel
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FgUG-rrXxU&feature=channel

Each of these videos uses a song from the LDS Scripture Rock
CD product series as their soundtrack.

...and I'm pleased to announce that two new LDS Scripture Rock
products have just been released:

* Book of Mormon LDS Scripture Rock CD ($11.95)
and
* Book of Mormon LDS Scripture Rock CD/DVD ($16.95)

There are now LDS Scripture Rock CDs and CD/DVDs for every
Seminary scipture mastery set. There are 50 songs on each
CD -- 25 with vocals and 25 instrumental versions. The CD/DVD
product has the same CD and a DVD with 50 karaoke-style videos
you can view on computers or DVD players.

Here are links for two karaoke videos (from the Book of Mormon
CD/DVD) that have been posted online:

* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpIFrtMu6SQ

* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiX9NmnEK7M&feature=PlayList&p=BBA9449971E5AED8&index=0&playnext=1

(Additional karaoke samples are also posted online at
www.YouTube.com. Search for "LDS Scripture Rock")

You can purchase LDS Scripture Rock CDs and CD/DVDs at
www.KenAlford.com, Deseret Book, the BYU Bookstore, and
numerous independent LDS bookstores.

Student-created Seminary videos can be a fun way to let your
students show creativity and reinforce gospel principles
that you have discussed as a class.

You might wish to give it a try!

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
(801) 491-8164

S&I Annual Report 2009

2009-04-11T08:43:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been asked questions like these:

1) How many students are enrolled in Seminary?
2) Where and when did Seminary begin?
3) How many countries have Seminary programs?
4) How many kinds of Seminary are available?
5) Are there more students in Seminary or Institute?

These questions, and many others, are answered in the:

SEMINARIES AND INSTITUTES OF RELIGION
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2009

You can download and read a copy by:

* Visiting www.ldsces.org
* Clicking on the "Annual Report 2009" link
(on the left column)

This excellent 5-page summary of Seminary and Institute
Programs contains a wealth of useful and interesting
information.

You will also learn that there are no more "Early Morning"
Seminary programs. ("Early Morning Seminary" is now called
"Daily Seminary.")

And, in case you're curious, here are the answers to the
questions above (as of the 2007-2008 school year):

1) 361,993
2) 1912 at Granite High School in Salt Lake City, Utah
3) 139 countries
4) Three: Daily, Released-Time, and Home-Study
5) Seminary

You may also be interested to learn that in the 2007-2008
school year there were 19,086,744 hours in religious
education given by full-time missionaries, part-time
service missionaries, and called teachers.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
(801) 491-8164

Seminary Notes: What to Remember...

2009-04-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

A poem for today...

WHAT TO REMEMBER AND WHAT TO FORGET
by Priscilla Leonard

Forget each kindness that you do
As soon as you have done it;
Forget the praise that falls to you
The moment you have won it;
Forget the slanders that you hear
Before you can repeat it;
Forget each slight, each spite, each sneer
Wherever you may meet it.

Remember every kindness done
To you, whate'er its measure;
Remember praise by others won
And pass it on with pleasure
Remember every promise made
And keep it to the letter
Remember those who lend you aid,
And be a grateful debtor.

Remember all the happiness
That comes your way in living.
Forget each worry and distress;
Be hopeful and forgiving.
Remember good, remember truth,
Remember heaven's above you.
And you will find through age and youth
True joys, and hearts to love you.

(Source: Clip-Art Features for Church
Newsletters 3, George W. Knight, p. 67)

I hope you have a great experience listening
to General Conference this weekend!

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
(801) 491-8164

Backward Words

2009-03-06T11:29:00.001-08:00

Here's a quick and easy Attention Getter that you can use at the beginning of a lesson:

Select a question related to the topic of your lesson
Write your question out
Reverse the letters in each word
Write the reversed version on the board

For example, if your introductory question is:

Why did Paul write to the Corinthians?

You would write this on the blackboard:

Yhw did Luap etirw ot eht Snaihtniroc?

It usually doesn't take students very long to figure out what you have done, but by that time you have captured their attention and interest and can begin the lesson.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

A View of Jerusalem

2009-03-03T10:20:00.001-08:00

As you teach from the scriptures, it is always helpful
to have new and interesting experiences and stories
to share with your students. This is especially true
when teaching the New Testament.

I am writing to let you know about a new book:

A VIEW OF JERUSALEM: A Collection of Memories
by Erin Sheely Tolman.

Erin wrote this book in Jerusalem while she was a student
at the Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center.

Two chapters are available online for you to read:

* Treading the Winepress
* Masada

(Visit www.KenAlford.com to read these chapters.)

From the limestone balcony outside her Jerusalem bedroom,
Erin saw the city of Jerusalem laid out below her –-
the Dome of the Rock flashing gold in the sun. From that
same balcony, she heard gunfire and saw smoke rising
from the Old City where Palestinian rioters fought with
Israeli police. These violent clashes in Jerusalem flared
during September 2000 and continued for months while Erin
and 175 other students at the BYU Jerusalem Center traveled
through the Holy Land.

In thirty-eight vignettes, you can travel with Erin as she
hikes through ruins, explores religious and cultural sites,
and visits the places where Jesus Christ spent His time
on earth. Read the scriptures in the Garden Tomb, float
in the Dead Sea, climb Mount Sinai, and wade in the Sea
of Galilee.

These are a few of the experiences that create a firsthand
account of the beauty and conflict that exist in this part
of the world -- a land which holds a place in the hearts
of so many.

This book is available until 15 March at www.KenAlford.com
for the introductory price of $12.95. (The regular price
after that time will be $13.95.)

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
(801) 491-8164

A Teacher's Example

2009-02-28T14:40:00.000-08:00

President Gordon B. Hinckley had a wonderful way of admonishing and encouraging -- all at the same time.

You may wish to take a few minutes to reflect on your life and your students as you read President Hinckley's comments from his February 7, 2003 CES Fireside address:

"Your example will count for more than all of your words concerning Church history and doctrine. Let them see in you the sweet fruits of a life well lived after the pattern of the Lord. Let your marriage be strong and solid and sweet and ennobling. Let your parenthood be an example of what they wish to be in their own parenting. Let there be something of a light tone in your life. Let there be fun and happiness, a sense of humor, the capacity to laugh occasionally at things that are funny."

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

An 1852 Editorial

2009-02-28T14:38:00.001-08:00

You may occasionally find students who challenge you in class by saying something similar to: "Why should I even try to learn all of this stuff?"

Here's a helpful quotation from an 1852 Deseret News newspaper editorial that explains the importance of learning all we can in this life.

The author of the editorial is not identified, but as Dr. Robert J. Matthews noted [in his book, Selected Writings of Robert J. Matthews: Gospel Scholars Series, p. 110] "it sounds very much like President Brigham Young."

Here is the statement:

"Some have supposed that it would make but little difference with them whether they learned much or little, whether they attained to all the intelligence within their reach, or not, while they tarry in this world, believing that if they paid their tithing, went to meeting, said their prayers, & performed those duties which were specially commanded, that it would be well with them ...
"But this is a mistaken idea, and will cause every soul to mourn who embraces and practices upon it, when that soul arrives in the world of resurrected bodies ... they will realize, to their sorrow, that God required of them in this world not only obedience to His revealed will, but a searching after His purposes and plans."

(Original source: "To the Saints," Deseret News, 9 February 1852, p. 2)

May we always be learning and willing to learn.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Daily Scripture Reading

2009-02-13T14:35:00.000-08:00

Encouraging students (and reminding ourselves, too) to read the scripture daily is an extremely worthwhile activity.

Here is a great quotation from Elder Oaks that is worth sharing in your classroom:

"The idea that scripture reading can lead to inspiration and revelation opens the door to the truth that a scripture is not limited to what it meant when it was written but may also include what the scripture means to a reader today. Even more, scripture reading may also lead to current revelation on whatever else the Lord wishes to communicate to the reader at that time. We do not overstate the point when we say that the scriptures can be a Urim and Thummim to assist each of us to receive personal revelation.

"Because we believe that scripture reading can help us receive revelation, we are encouraged to read the scriptures again and again. By this means, we obtain access to what our Heavenly Father would have us know and do in our personal lives today. This is one reason Latter-day Saints believe in daily scripture study."

(Source: Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, January 1995, p. 8)
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Teaching Students to Teach Themselves

2009-02-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

The first 2009 issue of "The Religious Educator" (Volume 10, Number 1) contains a conversation with Elder Dale E. Miller, who served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from April 1997 to October 2006.

During that interview, Elder Miller made the following comment that sums up much of what we try to do with our students. He said:

"The idea is to teach the students how to teach themselves in personal study, how to ponder, how to gather information, how to get their spiritual eyes open so they understand things more deeply."

The excitement and challenge of teaching is to figure out, with the help of the Holy Ghost, how best to do that for each of our students.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

LDS Library 2009

2009-01-30T14:31:00.000-08:00

My absolute favorite tool for researching gospel questions is a software product called LDS LIBRARY 2009.

With one search, for example, you can easily and quickly find every scripture (including scriptures in the Joseph Smith Translation) where the word "atonement" appears. From the same search, you can also read quotations from prophets, apostles, and gospel scholars about the atonement. With one more click you can next learn about the Hebrew or Greek word(s) translated as "atonement" in the Bible. (In case you're interested, the answer is "kaphar" in Hebrew which means "to cover" and "katallage" in Greek which means "exchange, adjustment of a difference, or reconciliation.")

The LDS LIBRARY 2009 software collection includes complete, searchable text for over:

1,150 LDS books
More than 2,100 LDS periodicals
800 world literary classics
650 religious classics (non-LDS)
78 historical works

LDS LIBRARY 2009 contains over 1,000 titles that were not available in the LDS Library 2006 version. It also includes hundreds of scripture chains, built-in video and text help, ability to bookmark or highlight, and hundreds of photos, maps, and pictures (including Bible maps, Book of Mormon lands, prophets, apostles, temples, etc.).

I find it invaluable for preparing lessons, answering questions, studying the scriptures, and preparing talks.

======================
10% DISCOUNT OFFER
======================

If you enter the discount code below during the online checkout, you can receive a 10% discount as either a new or upgrade customer:

*** 10% DISCOUNT CODE: RAF-KA-0004 ***

You can order online at: ldsaudio.com

======================
TWO BONUS OFFERS
======================

If you order LDS Library 2009 using the 10% discount code listed above, please email me your electronic receipt, and you will also receive (at no additional cost):

A free copy of the NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE MASTERY VANITY LICENSE PLATES (a $3.50 value), and
A free subscription as a NEW TESTAMENT or BOOK OF MORMON [SEMINARY-NOTES] CLUB member -- qualifying you to receive 13 months of free downloads of additional teaching resources. (Please let me know which year you prefer.) [Seminary-Notes] CLUB details are available online here.

To illustrate the depth of the LDS Library 2009 collection, there are 116 scripture aids and commentaries that included -- extremely useful every Seminary year, and these are just 116 of the over 1,150 LDS books included! This software product gives you a complete gospel library.

The complete list of the books, periodicals, and other works included in LDS Library 2009 is available online here.

You will receive 10% off the regular retail prices (which are $99.95 for new customers, $39.95 for upgrade customers).

Please contact me if you have any questions about this great product or would like additional information.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com

BYU Saints at War Project

2009-01-24T10:16:00.000-08:00

Occasionally (and this is one of those rare instances), I will take the
opportunity to share non-Seminary information with you...

I am writing today to ask for your possible assistance in "spreading the
word" among friends and LDS acquaintances that Brigham Young University's
Saints at War project is still accepting submissions, photos, and artifacts
from LDS veterans, current military servicemen and women, and others
(including contractors) who participated in post-Vietnam military deployments.

We are especially interested in receiving experiences from Gulf War,
Afghanistan, and Iraq participants. Please let potential contributors
know about this project.

From 24-28 January 2009, BYU-TV (which is available on most cable and
satellite TV systems) will be broadcasting a short segment about this project
as part of the BYU Weekly television program. Here's the broadcast schedule
(times listed are Mountain Standard Time):

BYU Television
========================
January 24 @ 4:30 PM
January 25 @ 9:00 AM
January 26 @ 8:00 AM
January 28 @ 4:00 PM

All "Saints at War" submissions will be placed in the L. Tom Perry
Special Collections Library at Brigham Young University and some
submissions will be published.

The Saints at War website is: http://www.SaintsatWar.org
(Forms and submission guidelines are available there.)

Additional information is also available online at MormonTimes.com:
http://www.mormontimes.com/mormon_voices/mormon_experience/?id=5846

I am happy to answer any questions regarding submissions or this project.

Thank you for your help!

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
(801) 491-8164

New Scripture Mastery Aids

2009-01-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I mentioned "A Brand New Year" --
the church's new website for youth and youth leaders.
In that newsletter, I briefly mentioned the new online
Seminary scripture mastery aids.

This week I want to highlight and enthusiastically
endorse them!

The Seminary Scripture Mastery Tools section online at
ABrandNewYear.lds.org contains three major tool sections:

1) Find
2) Understand and Apply
3) Memorize

The FIND section is an outstanding Flash animation game
that requires users to find scripture mastery scriptures
on actual pages from the Standard Works. This is the most
realistic scripture mastery identification activity I have
seen. Users can play using the First 13, Last 12, or
All 25 scriptures from an individual Seminary year, or
All 100 scripture mastery scriptures from all four Seminary
years. (Make sure that you give it a try! It's challenging
and fun!)

In the UNDERSTAND AND APPLY section users select a
scripture mastery scripture and then look for scripture
principles, application opportunities, and can set
personal goals -- all of which can be printed. The tool
contains explanatory information to teach users how to
find scripture principles and look for ways to apply
those principles in their daily lives.

The MEMORIZE section displays the scripture mastery
scripture text. There are three different Steps to help
users memorize the scripture.

a. In Step 1, users can hide individual phrases
(so that only part of the scripture text remains visible),
display only first letters, as well as listen to an audio
version of the scripture text.

b. In Step 2, individual words have been removed from
the scripture text. Users can drag the words to the
correct place in the scripture while being timed.

c. In Step 3, colored scripture blocks appear, and
users are able to type the scripture from memory and then
compare it with the actual scriptural text.

These are outstanding tools that you and your students
can use anytime you have an Internet connection.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
(801) 491-8164

A Brand New Year

2009-01-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

I want to ensure that all [Seminary-Notes] readers are
aware that the church has launched a wonderful youth-oriented
website entitled: A Brand New Year

It is available online at:

ABrandNewYear.lds.org

It contains a wide variety of resources for youth, parents,
and Seminary and Mutual teachers, such as:

* Music downloads (in MP3 format)
* Sheet music
* Pictures
* Videos
* Commitment cards
* Scriptures
* General Conference
* Cellphone ringtones
* Scripture Activities
* New Era magazine articles
* Gospel topics

And for Seminary students and teachers...

This website includes a wide variety of resources
for every Seminary year:

* Student Study Guides
* Seminary Scripture Mastery Cards
* Scripture Timelines
* Seminary Scripture Bookmarks
* Scripture Reading Charts
* Pictures
* Maps
* Music from the Seminary videos
(in both MP3 format and sheet music)
* Audio for the scripture mastery scriptures

...and it includes a new Seminary scripture mastery scripture
section (that has resources for Finding, Understanding and
Applying, and Memorizing the scripture mastery scriptures)!

In short, this a great website that both you and your
students will find extremely beneficial.

Have fun!

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
(801) 491-8164

Are You Closer to the Savior?

2009-01-02T14:26:00.001-08:00

As you begin the new calendar year with your students, you may wish to take a few minutes during one of your first lessons to ask your students to ponder their answer to this question:

"Are you closer to the Savior than the last time I saw you?"

You may also wish to invite your students to write down their thoughts and impressions.

Best wishes,
Ken
http://www.kenalford.com/
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
(801) 491-8164

Story Day

2008-12-20T05:49:00.001-08:00

Almost everyone likes to hear a good story...

You may wish to take an upcoming activity day and make
it a "Story Day."

There are several ways to do this -- all of which can
be fun. Here are few ideas:

* Look through the Seminary Teachers Manual and gather
the stories that you did not use when you taught
that lesson.

* Invite students to bring a favorite gospel-centered
story to class. (If you're unsure what they may
bring, you can ask them to bring a photocopy to you
the previous week -- so you can check and order them.)

* You may invite students to write short stories that
are based on a New Testament scripture that illustrate
one or more gospel principles.

* Find stories from the Ensign or New Era magazines, etc.

Have fun!

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
(801) 491-8164

Christmas Attitude

2008-12-12T08:25:00.000-08:00

We have so much to be thankful for at this Christmas season!

Here's a favorite story of mine from Elder Dallin H. Oaksthat shows the importance of keeping the right attitudeand perspective:

"Just before Christmas one year, our bishop asked me, as a deacon, to help him deliver Christmas baskets to the widows of the ward. I carried a basket to each door with his greetings. When he drove me home, there was one basket remaining. He handed it to me and said it was for my mother. As he drove away, I stood in the falling snow wondering why there was a basket for my mother. She never referred to herself as a widow, and it had never occurred to me that she was. To a 12-year-old boy, she wasn't a widow. She had a husband, and we had a father. He was just away for a while. I anticipate that glorious future day when the separated will be reunited and all of us will be made complete as the Lord has promised. I testify of Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of the Eternal Father, whose priesthood authority and whose Atonement and Resurrection make it all possible..."

(Source: Oaks, Dallin H., Conference Report, October 2005)

Best wishes,
Ken
www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
(801) 491-8164

Think to Thank

2008-11-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

Think to Thank

[Seminary-Notes]
====================================
FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
====================================
Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to follow the admonition of the popular hymn and "Count Your Many Blessings."

Here is a great story of thankfulness (as shared in Chieko N. Okazaki's book entitled Lighten Up!, pp. 45-48.)

Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsie were Dutch women and devout Christians who hid Jews in their home during World War II, until the sisters were captured by the Gestapo and imprisoned. When they were transferred to Ravensbruck, the women's concentration camp, and moved into new quarters, their barracks were crawling with fleas. Corrie and Betsie had always been scrupulously clean and these vermin were abhorrent to them. Corrie tells the story:

"Here! And here's another one!" I wailed. "Betsie, how can we live in such a place!"

"Show us. Show us how." It was said so matter of factly it took me a second to realize she was praying. More and more the distinction between prayer and the rest of life seemed to be vanishing for Betsie.

"Corrie!" she said excitedly. "He's given us the answer! Before we asked, as He always does! In the Bible this morning. Where was it? Read that part again!"

I glanced down the long dim aisle to make sure no guard was in sight, then drew the Bible from its pouch. . . . "Here it is: 'Comfort the frightened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. . . . Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus-'"

"That's it, Corrie! That's his answer. 'Give thanks in all circumstances!' That's what we can do. We can start right now to thank God for every single thing about this new barracks!"

I stared at her, then around me at the dark, foul-aired room.

"Such as?" I said.

"Such as being assigned here together."

I bit my lip. "Oh yes, Lord Jesus!"

"Such as what you're holding in your hands."

I looked down at the Bible. "Yes! Thank you, dear Lord, that there was no inspection when we entered here!

Thank you for all the women, here in this room, who will meet you in these pages."

"Yes, " said Betsie, "Thank you for the very crowding here. Since we're packed so close, that many more will hear!" She looked at me expectantly. "Corrie!" she prodded.

"Oh, all right. Thank you for the jammed, crammed, stuffed, packed, suffocating crowds."

"Thank you," Betsie went on serenely, "for the fleas and for-"

The fleas! This was too much. "Betsie, there's no way even God can make me grateful for a flea."

"'Give thanks in all circumstances,'" she quoted. "It doesn't say, 'in pleasant circumstances.' Fleas are part of this place where God has put us."

And so we stood between piers of bunks and gave thanks for fleas. But this time I was sure Betsie was wrong. (Original source: Corrie Ten Boom, with John and Elizabeth Sherrill, The Hiding Place [New York: Bantam Books, 1971], pp. 197-99.)

But as events turned out, it was Betsie who was right. Both Corrie and Betsie were diligent missionaries, constantly bearing testimony to God, bringing the hope of Christ to women trapped in that dreadful place. Betsie was too sick to go out with the brigades of women workers into the forest where the women had to gather wood. She was assigned to knit stockings for German soldiers; and because there were so many women, Betsie was in a group that had to work in the barracks instead of the work room.

She was a lightning knitter who completed her quota . . . long before noon. She kept our Bible with her and spent hours each [afternoon] reading aloud from it, moving from [sleeping] platform to platform.

One evening I got back to the barracks late. . . . Betsie was waiting for me, as always, so that we could wait through the food line together. Her eyes were twinkling.

"You're looking extraordinarily pleased with yourself," I told her.

"You know we've never understood why we had so much freedom in the big room," she said. "Well-I've found out."

That afternoon, she said, there'd been confusion in her knitting group about sock sizes and they'd asked the supervisor to come and settle it.

"But she wouldn't. She wouldn't step through the door and neither would the guards. And you know why?" Betsie could not keep the triumph from her voice: "Because of the fleas! That's what she said, 'That place is crawling with fleas.'"

My mind rushed back to our first hour in this place. I remembered Betsie's bowed head, remembered her thanks to God for creatures I could see no use for. (The Hiding Place, pp. 208-9.)

Regarding thankfulness, President Monson has noted:

"Gracias, danke, merci -- whatever language is spoken, 'thank you' frequently expressed will cheer your spirit, broaden your friendships, and lift your lives to a higher pathway as you journey toward perfection. There is a simplicity -- even a sincerity -- when “thank you” is spoken." (Source: President Thomas S. Monson, "Think to Thank," Ensign, November 1998, p. 17.)

Here's a website where you can learn how to write "Thank You" in over 465 different languages.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Opening Doors

2008-11-20T06:35:00.000-08:00

Opening Doors

[Seminary-Notes]
====================================
FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
====================================

Many Seminary-aged students actively listen to General Conference, but may not often think about reading and reviewing the guidance and advice when it is published in the Ensign magazine.

Here is a recent request from President Monson (October 2008 General Conference) that we can all participate in -- especially if we bring it to our student's remembrance and attention:

There remain ... areas of the world where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely. As did President Spencer W. Kimball over 32 years ago, I urge you to pray for the opening of those areas, that we might share with them the joy of the gospel. As we prayed then in response to President Kimball's pleadings, we saw miracles unfold as country after country, formerly closed to the Church, was opened. Such will transpire again as we pray with faith.
Source: President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, November 2008, p. 6.

This can be a great (and simple) way to infuse a missionary spirit into our classroom -- and remind us that it is important to first recognize and then do what the Prophet has asked of us.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

A Vision of Christ

2008-11-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

A Vision of Christ

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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As you discuss the Savior's mortal life with your students and what it might have been like to have the wonderful opportunity of associating with Him, you may wish to share the following experience of Elder Melvin J. Ballard:

Away on the Fort Peck Reservation where I was doing missionary work with some of our brethren, laboring among the Indians, seeking the Lord for light to decide certain matters pertaining to our work there, and receiving a witness from him that we were doing things according to his will, I found myself one evening in the dreams of the night in that sacred building, the temple. After a season of prayer and rejoicing I was informed that I should have the privilege of entering into one of those rooms, to meet a glorious Personage, and, as I entered the door, I saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious Being my eyes have ever beheld or that I ever conceived existed in all the eternal worlds. As I approached to be introduced, he arose and stepped towards me with extended arms, and he smiled as he softly spoke my name. If I shall live to be a million years old, I shall never forget that smile. He took me into his arms and kissed me, pressed me to his bosom, and blessed me, until the marrow of my bones seemed to melt! When he had finished, I knelt at his feet, and, as I bathed them with my tears and kisses, I saw the prints of the nails in the feet of the Redeemer of the world. The feeling that I had in the presence of him who hath all things in his hands, to have his love, his affection, and his blessing was such that if I ever can receive that of which I had but a foretaste, I would give all that I am, all that I ever hope to be to feel what I then felt.

This quotation is found in several published sources. Here are two:

Bryant S. Hinckley, Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin J. Ballard, p. 156.
Leon R. Hartshorn, Exceptional Stories from the Lives of Our Apostles, pp. 11-12.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Personalized Birthday Cards

2008-10-31T06:38:00.000-07:00

Personalized Birthday Cards

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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If you make and/or give birthday cards to your students, here's a fun website you can use to easily personalize them:

1. Visit www.dmarie.com/timecapsule
2. Enter the student's birthday (mm/dd/yyyy)
3. Click the Quick Page link

This website will list the following information pertaining to that birthdate:

Top News Headlines

Top Songs

Current Prices (for things like bread, gasoline, cars, eggs, stamps, homes, etc.)

Famous People Born on that Date

Popular TV Shows

New Toys

Top Books

You can include any, or all, of the information in your birthday card.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

When In Doubt, Leave It Out

2008-10-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

When In Doubt, Leave It Out

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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Periodically, you may receive a copy of a quotation or talk that claims to be from Elder XYZ, or you may hear or receive a copy of a self-professed faith-promoting story (that, upon closer inspection, just does not seem quite right). The Internet and email have made this problem worse.

The most recent example that has crossed my inbox (multiple times) is a reported transcript from a supposed fast and testimony meeting statement from the President of the Quorum of the Twelve, President Boyd K. Packer.

Regarding that particular document...
Please note that President Packer's Office indicates that the report of his talk is not accurate. He has not approved the report of his talk or authorized its distribution. Members are encouraged to follow the instruction, counsel, and spirit of his recent General Conference talk.

A First Presidency letter from May 13, 2004 (that was read in sacrament meetings across the church) provides excellent council and official instruction for this, and similar, situations. In part it stated:

"... members of the Church [are] to never teach or pass on ... statements without verifying that they are from approved official sources. ... Any notes made when General Authorities, Area Seventies, or other general Church officers speak at regional and stake conferences or other meetings should not be distributed without the consent of the speaker. Personal notes are for individual use only."

This guidance is especially important for Seminary teachers. The best action to take is:

"When it doubt, leave it out."

Before sharing a quotation or story with students, ensure that you have a reputable, complete, and verifiable source (including page numbers).

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Prayers of Thanks

2008-10-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

Prayers of Thanks

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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The New Testament is full of opportunities to discuss with your students the great principle of prayer. Prior to doing so, may I recommend that you read and re-read Elder David A. Bednar's October 2008 General Conference talk entitled "Pray Always."

It is available online at www.lds.org and will, of course, be published soon in the November 2008 Ensign magazine.

Elder Bednar shared three principles about prayer:

Principle #1. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel
with the Lord in all our doings (see Alma 37:37).

Principle #2. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express
heartfelt gratitude.

Principle #3. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray
for others with real intent and a sincere heart.

I think that this statement from his talk is especially insightful and important:

"The most meaningful and spiritual prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests."

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

The Importance of Music

2008-10-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

The Importance of Music

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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In the October 1991 General Conference, Elder Boyd K. Packer said:

"Music can set an atmosphere of worship which invites [the] spirit of revelation, of testimony."
-- Ensign, November 1991, p. 22

It is probably an understatement, though, to say that not all Seminary students or Seminary classes appreciate and embrace the role that music can play in inviting the Holy Ghost to participate in class that day -- especially when they are asked to sing at 6:00 in the morning.

Did you know that there is a webpage on the official church website that contains many quotations from prophets and general authorities regarding the blessings available through righteous music? It is available here.

If your class is musically-challenged or unenthusiastic, you may wish to take a few minutes to have a discussion with them about the blessings that good music can provide in gospel classrooms.

You might begin your discussion by sharing the scripture mastery scripture Doctrine & Covenants 25:12:

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

As this is a New Testament year, you might ask students to read Ephesians 5:18-20:

"Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

and Colossians 3:16:

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Then you can ask students to read and discuss some of the quotations from the numerous choices on the webpage previously mentioned. Here are a few:

"We get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps
through any other thing except prayer."
     -- President J. Reuben Clark Jr., Conference Report, October 1936, p. 111

"Inspiring music may fill the soul with heavenly thoughts, move one to righteous action, or speak peace to the soul."
     -- President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, November 1974, p. 67

"Hymns can lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. They can fill our souls with heavenly thoughts and bring us a spirit of peace."
     -- "First Presidency Preface," Hymns, 1985, p. x

"When you sing the hymns, . . .ponder the meaning of the words, enjoy the spirit of the music. Sing with enthusiasm without regard to your tones. You will have a good feeling, and your spirit will be enlivened."
     -- Elder Graham W. Doxey, Ensign, October 1991, p. 26

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Jewish Holiday Helps

2008-10-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Jewish Holiday Helps

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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The fall Jewish holidays are here!
Rosh HaShanah (Feast of Trumpets was September 30), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement -- October 9), and Sukkoth (Feast of Tabernacles -- October 14) were set apart anciently by the Lord for Israel.

All of these holidays are full of wonderful imagery that testify of the Savior. In fact, Christ went up to the Temple during these holidays the fall before His crucifixion to teach the people that He was the fulfillment of the holiday symbols.

Gale Boyd's book, Days of Awe, can help you teach your students about the Savior through the Jewish holidays. In addition to the informative text, you'll find craft projects and easy-to-fix recipes and activity day lessons to help bring each of the Jewish seasons alive for your students.

Days of Awe is an electronic book, in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, and is available here.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com