by
Alice Gifford
Here are my notes from my 1999 training meeting This year we have been focusing on "The Light of Christ"
and the theme of "The Lord is My Light".
Many of you have watched the video "Turning Point" with us at Ward Conferences
and hopefully you've asked yourself, "What Kind of Light Do I Give" - "Have
I been a "Turning Point" in someone else's life" or maybe you yourself have
been searching for that "Beacon" of light.
I read an interesting talk given by Wendy Watson @ BYU Women's Conference and she had some
interesting thoughts.
She asked, "What kind of "light" are you searching for? Is it a Beaconing
Light, an Invigorating Light, or Inspiring Light? Maybe an Embracing Light , or a
sanctifying Light Some may need a changing Light, a Refining
Light. The Light of Christ offers all of these.
However, some of us are captivated by other types of light - The Refrigerator Light,
Computer Light, TV Light and even the Limelight.
What "light" compels "You?" And does it compel and propel you more
than the Light of Christ"?
In the book _A New Witness for the Articles of Faith _ it says By following the
"Light of Christ, [we] are all led to the gospel.
Tonight I'd like to focus on leading our YW to the gospel - As we serve in our callings,
do we seek the "light" of Christ so that we may safely guide the YW we have
stewardship over safely to the Lord?
Share experience in the temple - I had a problem - I took it to the Lord.
If you have concerns - take them to the Lord - ask for his guidance - it's better than
anything I could give you tonight!
As we've visited your wards and branches, we talked a lot about simplification. The
thought has come to me over and over when I've asked "What do you want me to teach
them"
The answer has been - Focus on the Gospel, Use the scriptures to teach , Focus on the
Savior - He is our strength
These are the latter-days and the signs are evident as the adversary steps us the assault
- especially towards our youth and the toll has been great. I've been reading the book
Millennial Generation, what a great book!
Quote from book re: generation of righteous leaders and parents.
We have been given the tools and the instruments to fight the battle and win! I feel
confident the answer is in the tools we choose to use. My challenge to you to night is to
change some of the tools you are using.
Here is the Plan - Simplify by Using Your Lessons more Effectively & Use the Tools
You've Been Given
Plan Mutual, Personal Progress,
Camp Certification , Service and Combined AP/YW activities around your lessons.
Lessons - Advisors - Prepare like it is the last lesson you will ever give to the YW.
Study the lessons - I've been doing this and I can't tell you how uplifting it has been
for me! Be Prepared. Presidency Members /Be As Prepared to Teach that Lesson as the
Advisor. Know what is being taught each Sunday so you can be involved in the teaching -
without taking away from the Advisors intent.
The lesson schedule should be part of your Presidency & Board Meetings. Your
relationship should be a partnership. Presidency Members and Advisors - talk to each
other. Discuss what your goals are for the class - Who and how do you want to reach them.
Discuss ways that each lesson can be reinforced and accomplish those goals.
Mutual & Personal Progress - What suggestions do you want to take to the Class
presidency meeting. One of your responsibilities as leaders is to guide the Class
Presidency in the right direction. If you know first, what direction you want to lead them
- it's a lot easier. One of you should be prepared to discuss options for Personal
Progress goals and one should be prepared to suggest ideas to reinforce the lessons.
Combined AP/YW activities - Again, the lesson schedule should be part of the meeting. YW
take their focus to the meeting, YM can do the same and then plan an activity together
that will meet the needs of both. Suggest you have a planning meeting and plan at least 3
months if not 6 months in advance. If all parties come to the meeting prepared with ideas
and goals, your initial meeting may be more than one hour, but it will be productive and
successive meetings can be kept to an hour as you add to the schedule.
The idea here is to have the YM meet separately to discuss their goals and ideas and for
the YW to do the same and then meet to discuss how to accomplish these goals. Always PLAN
With A PURPOSE
If you need to re-plan the next six months - please do it. I feel like I can promise you
this will make your calling a lot easier!
Upside down Plates - A friend shared this concept with me, - Too often we go to meetings
expecting to be fed, but offer nothing in return. We need to rethink our stewardship
responsibilities and then train the youth-Come to
the meeting with a full plate. /ag
