Monday, May 7, 2012

Joseph Smith Lesson 3 - Faith in Trials


Joseph Smith: Faith in Trials
By Deborah Rowley
Object Lesson: Coal to Diamonds
Begin the lesson by having the family list on a white board or large piece of paper all the trials that Joseph Smith had to face in his life. The list may include some of the following: Constant persecution for his beliefs, the death of several of his children, no home of his own, beaten by mobs and tarred and feathered, arrested on false charges and thrown into prison, suffered in Liberty Jail for 4 months, forced to move by mobs, betrayed by his friends. Show your family a piece of coal, or a dark colored rock or piece of charred wood that looks black like coal. Then show the family a diamond. How does a piece of coal turn into something as beautiful and as priceless as a diamond? Explain that intense heat is necessary to bring about this change. Joseph Smith started out as a rough piece of coal at 14 years old and became a treasured diamond to the Lord. What caused the change? Joseph himself described it this way:
“As for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life. It all has become a second nature to me, and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation, for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth, for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies. For the Lord God hath spoken it. I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain, and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus, I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty.”
(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, page 304)

Activity: Obstacle Course
Work as family to build an obstacle course in the backyard or in an open area inside the house. Some ideas for obstacles inside include: jumping over a stack of pillows, crawling under the table, stepping over a string tied to two chairs, weaving around some bar stools, and climbing over the piano bench. Some ideas for obstacles outside include: Climbing up a slide, running around a tree, crawling under a trampoline, leaping over some pool noodles, weaving around some bicycles, and jumping over a wagon.
After the obstacle course is built, gather the family and tell them that they are going to be timed as they run through the obstacle course. The first time the family runs through the obstacle course, they need to do so while balancing a small object on their nose like a block or little toy. To balance the toy, they will need to hold their nose high in the air, making it hard to see the ground. Give each family member a turn to try to navigate the obstacles this way then discuss it. How did they like running the obstacle course with their nose up in the air? Now give the family a chance to run the obstacle course without something balanced on their noses. Discuss the two experiences as a family. How was the 2nd time different? How can this be compared to the challenges that we face in this life? When we say someone has their nose in the air, what quality are we referring to? How does pride make our obstacles harder? How does being humble help us in facing challenges?

Liken the Scriptures:
Share with the family the scriptures in the Doctrine and Covenants that the Lord gave to Joseph Smith when he was in Liberty Jail. Section 121: 1-6 describes Joseph pleading for help. Section 121:78 and Section 122: 5-9 are part of the Lords’ answer and his comforting explanation about the purpose of trials.

Testimony:
Bear your testimony of the blessing that trials and challenges can be to us if we are humble and turn to the Lord.  Have family members share any personal experiences about how they have made it through difficult times. Encourage the family to be slow to murmur and quick to remember the Lord when they are experiencing challenges.

Treat: Rocks
Have some rocks for refreshments by making a batch of chocolate no-bake cookies. Remind the family of the good things than can come from heat or trials. Use your favorite recipe or try the one below:
No-Bake Cookies
Mix 2 cups sugar, ½ cup butter, and ½ cup milk in a sauce pan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 ½ minutes. Remove from the heat, add 1 tsp. vanilla. Pour the mixture over 3 ½ cups oats and 4 Tablespoons of cocoa. Quickly stir and drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. 

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