Contributed by Carissa in OK cmason@redriverok.com
I brought all my cameras (my regular ones
and my collection of antiques), pictures I had taken, full albums, etc. and displayed them
for the girls to look at. I started off talking about Photography in general. Cameras,
films, accessories, types, when and where to use flash, etc...this made them think the
lesson was on how to take better pictures and stuff like that. I even let them take my
camera around the church and take 3 pictures each. I showed them how to use my 1970's
Minolta and gave them each 3 minutes to take 3 pics. They came back told me what they took
pictures of so no one would have the same picture. They were all so excited about all of
their pictures and couldn't wait to get them back.
Then, I started talking about how to clean a camera. You have to dust the lens with a
special tissue and an airbrush. You have to keep the inside of the camera clean, too or
specks of dirt or spots of residue will show up on your pictures. Keep the camera zipped
up in a case away from harsh weather and moisture. ALWAYS keep the lens cover on
when you are not taking pictures so the lens doesn't get scratched, hence, permanently
marring your photos. And NEVER leave your camera unattended. You never know what could
happen.
Then, I talked about the times when we've gotten our photos back and thought, "Man,
why did I take that picture?" or "Boy, that was a waste of a good shot."
and then given it back to the processor to be tossed out. And, in some peoples' case, they
work so hard for just that right shot and to their dismay when they get their pictures
back the realize they forgot to turn the flash on or they weren't quite focused right.
That one mistake led to a cascade of frustrations. (See where I'm going?)
I then did something that shocked even my 2nd counselor. I fiddled with the camera my
girls had used to take their photos for a while and said aloud,"I need to open this
and I can't quite do it" (in a labored tone) and then finally opened up the camera it
and ruined all of the girls photos they had just worked so hard for. When I heard the
hideous gasp in the room from all the girls I
asked them how many of them knew that opening a camera would ruin the film? They all
raised their hands and I asked them why they didn't warn me or tell me to stop? No one
could answer.
I went on to say "what if that roll of film had been something you worked so hard at,
worked for days or weeks? Maybe it was a wedding or party or special event that meant a
whole lot to you? What if you had been the one to open up the camera and ruin all your
shots? Would you have been upset if someone around you saw what you were about to do and
then didn't tell you? Probably. Hence, if someone close to you is about to make a big
mistake don't look the other way and not say anything. Warn them! Make them or someone
close to them aware of the situation and the consequences that could follow. And if you
don't, the
more blame and more punishment is on your head. Would your parents be happy if your little
brother or sister got burned but they find out that you saw him/her playing with matches
earlier and didn't say anything to them? NO! You'd get into big trouble! Would H.F. be
pleased with us if we saw one of our eternal brothers and sisters making a big mistake and
we didn't try to help or warn them? Of course not. What were your feelings when I opened
up the camera? Made your heart sink a little, huh?"
I then looked at one of the girls and asked her,"If you had been in control of the
camera would you have opened it up?" She of course said no. "So, don't let the
adversary be in control of your life and the decisions you make." I continued.
"Don't be weak and make decisions where someday you could look back and say, 'Man,
why did I do that?' (Man, why did I take that picture?) or 'Boy, that was a waste of a
decision that could've done some good.' (Boy, that was a waste of a shot.) Stay focused on
the Lord and on the good things in life. Don't let your "lenses"(testimony) get
coated with dirt and residue."
Then, I took them back and reviewed the steps of properly taking care of a camera. I let
them guess but put them on the chalkboard in this order:
1. Dust and airbrush the lens
2. Clean the inside
3. Protect your camera
4. Keep the lens cover on
5. Never leave unattended
I then likened these steps to us and ways we can stay righteous daughters of our H.F.
always. (Match #1s with #1s and #2s with #2s, etc...)
1. Keep ourselves pure and clean at all times!
2. Keep our thoughts clean and righteous because thoughts lead to actions.
3. Surround yourself with people that think, act, and believe the same as you do. That way
you're stronger against the bad things that can influence you.
4. Always keep your standards high to prevent something from happening that you can't take
back or repair.
5. Never let yourself be without the Holy Spirit!
Then, at the end of the lesson I let the girls take a whole roll of pictures to make up
for the one they lost. They loved it! And their handout will be the pictures they took and
I will give them those on Sunday.
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