I did something that the Laurels really liked and I think any age would like it. We were talking about Christ and how he stands at the door and waits for us to open it. (The one with no doorknob)

I went to an appliance store and got a box from a washing machine. It had 4 sides but the top and the bottom cut out. I then cut out flap windows in one of the walls. On the flap-window I taped a piece of paper that said something positive on the outside and something negative that could be read from the inside. For example: On the inside of one window said "I'm too tired to pray" -- on the outside it said, "Pray always". I had about 10 windows all different sizes. A YW sat in the box on a small chair and we turned out the lights. We shined a directional light on the box and asked her if she could see any light. (The windows were closed and she couldn't) Then we asked her to read one of the windows. -- One said, "Too serious dating" she chose that one and we told her she could "right that" and open the window -- she pulled the flap toward her and the outside (now inside, but upside down) read "wholesome dating ". I asked her if she could see light? She said yes -- but not enough (great answer :} )

We opened all the windows and sometimes we closed some -- Sometimes we conquer things and then fall behind -- thank goodness for the other things we do right because then "The light of Christ" is not cut off completely just because we are not perfect.

Inside the box I wrote "My world" symbolizing our small worlds compared to the eternities. Also the YW would peek out the top of the box once in a while and look at the class... so I added "every once in a while we do catch a small glimpse of the eternities -- and we see for a small moment how wonderful the light can be."

The girls loved it. The class was about the Savior -- but could be used in a lesson about overcoming temptation in everyday life or praying (a window being all the reasons we don't pray) or whatever could relate to the Light of Christ. This stresses the fact that it is up to us how much we receive His Light.

I laminated a square card with the scriptures D&C 11:28, Alma 38:9, Moroni 7:19. Told them to use this as a coaster to the candle (and candle holder) I handed out. They had to promise to read the scriptures before the lit the candle (before not after :}

Other windows I included were:

Not getting enough sleep -- Word of Wisdom

"She makes me sick! They are such dorks!" -- Be kind to friends and others

There's nothing for me at YW"s" -- Supporting other YW

Taking the Sacrament unworthily -- Thinking before taking the Sacrament.

Scriptures? I can't find the time!" -- Daily scripture reading

Some R rated movies -- NO R rated movies

Contention in my home -- Loving your family

It only show my belly a little -- Modest dress

But you can make up your own and address the needs of your YW

This idea came from the Seminary List

When we studied this lesson, I wanted to get across to the kids the idea of having an eye single to the glory of God. I used a spotting scope (closer range than a telescope), putting it at one end of my room. On the other end I put a small sticker of Christ on the wall and focused the scope on that sticker. We talked about how, as we grow in the gospel there are many distractions as well as many good things to be involved with. The trick is to learn, through our growth, to focus all we do on the Savior. Then we talked about how you can focus friendships, sports, and all the other things the youth do, on the Lord. As we grow spiritually, we view the Savior in our lives with greater focus and detail. I let all who wanted come and look through the scope.

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