Tuesday, December 21, 2010

"Teaching, No Greater Call"

Well, that is what Elder Boyd K. Packer says, and I believe he is correct! It has seemed to be my lot; being put into that classification. Not by any desire on my part, only by a natural course of events I have passed through since I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints back in 1952.
My first call came from the Missionaries that Baptized me. (I know that is not the formal way of doing things in the Church, but the Ward was in the process of preparing to build a new Meeting House, and the Bishop was a very busy man at the time. I guess he felt the need for a new member on the Primary Board and gave the Elders the responsibility of asking me to take the Sunbeam Class.) I had no idea what that was, but when I learned they were very small children, I ventured the 'leap of faith' and accepted.
They told me where and when to be there to teach these 'sweet things' and I obeyed. I was welcomed by the Sisters at Prayer Meeting. Having received my teaching manual from the Missionaries, I was prepared as best I could, under the circimstances.
Each week was a nerve racking experience. I didn't know very much more than these 'little ones' and I had a certain amount of fear weighing me down. What if I taught them a 'false doctrine'? I wouldn't, of course do so with any fore thought, but I could certainly fall into that trap out of the lack of knowledge I started out with.
As it turned out, they didn't leave me in that calling long. However it was during this time I learned there were meeting that would help me prepare for each week. The reason I hadn't gone, simple, I had no idea there were such meetings. Being 'green' I missed out on an awful lot. Once I got my footing, and felt a bit more secure in what I was doing, I felt the need for more study. Soon, I found myself called to teach the Blazer Boys. This was soon followed by moving me up to the Trekker Class of boys. Mostly these kids were great, but they did have the deeply routed desire to see just how far they could go with any new teacher. It was a real test for both sides. I guess that was the beginning of me laying down rules - you act like 'gentlemen' I act like a 'lady'. They soon learned I would give tit for tat. Things went pretty smoothly from then on. (It wasn't until later in life I learned from one of those boys, after he had been on his Mission; that they learned early on just how far they could 'push my buttons'. I always had long finger nails, usually painted a red color. I would stand behind a chair while teaching and hold onto the back of the chair. When I had reached my 'max' with their ornary actions, he informed me, I would begin to tap my finger nails on the back of the chair. That was when they knew to 'knock it off'.) It appeared then I lacked a great deal more control than I gave myself credit for. Oh well, we live and learn.
You know, as I look back on it, I never taught a single class of girls in Primary or MIA. I guess the girls were too much of a challenge for me! It was, however, in those years of going to Stake Meetings and having the great experience of attending Relief Society and enjoying the expertise of some pretty great teachers that I began to grow and develope as a teacher. There was a hunger to know more, to be informed about more than just the basics. I would attend anything that I felt would help me broaden my base. This included day long sessions in "Know Your Religion". They don't have that here anymore, I feel it is a sore loss to those who come into the Church and have no place to expand their knowledge of the Gospel through setting at the feet of so many talented and knowledgeable teachers. Many of those who inspired me have now gone on to 'higher areas' to share their great teaching abilities.
I could go on, and on about many of the things I have done, but it was one such 'teaching interlude' that got me thinking about my past. I am not sure it will interest any of you that much, but it was one of the 'moments' that I shall ever remember and hold very close to my heart.
I had been called to teach Relief Society. The basis of Study that year was the Life of Christ in the New Testiment. The other Sisters in the Anaheim Stake who were teaching this material developed quite a bond, and worked together in gathering material to share. Six Sisters working on separate phases of the topic brought a broader outlook to every Ward in the Stake. In fact I remember spending hours in the Univesity of California Fresno in their Library studying out of books that were no where else available to us. I wish I had the copies of the pages we made. I learned a very great deal about the life and times of Christ. It would be great to look over those pages again and again to refresh my memory.
The last class of the year was one I had worked especially hard on. My classes were the best attended in our Ward, and I wanted to leave the topic with a very special experience for every Sister who would be there. Jay and I looked for just the right picture of Jesus. When we found it, Jay took it and put, I forget, how many coats of clear lacquer over it. Letting each one dry before he would put the next coat on. We bought a very special frame for it and then went to the Pharmacy and got a bottle of glisterine (sp). What they use in the movies to make tears for the actors.
With the picture prepared as it had been, I hoped I could produce an effect that would make the figure cry. It was a very important conclusion to my lesson that day. We experimented with the picture many times, and each time it was effective, but only for a short time. The drop would run off very quickly. So I decided to have the drop put on when the picture was laying flat, leave it flat until the very last moment then lean the picture ever so slightly for the tear to run down 'slowly'. When the day came, I had all my visual aids put out on the table. I had asked a number of the Sister to participate, which they did. One particularly gave me a detail following the class I will share with you later.
Needless to say, this was one of the most spiritual presentation I have ever made. I had worked over it with very special care, and hoped it would not be too theatrical, but would bring home the one point I felt everyone of the Sister needed to take away that day. I followed my outline to perfection. The other Sisters added their portion with great success. When I came to the end of the lesson, I had but one point to make. Of all the things Christ did, the one that brought home His love for us all was, that He wept. So my last words were: "and Jesus Wept!". I brought the picture up and the tear I had placed in the corner of His eye slowly began to fall. To my amazement, as I sat down, the tear remained on the cheek of the Lords face. We had the closing song and prayer, and the tear remained on the cheek. It wasn't until the class was leaving and I was putting my things away that the drop ran off onto the frame of the picture.
Now to the other Sister. She came to me after the class and in tears said she had practiced for over a week how to say those words: "and Jesus Wept". It was to be part of her presentation. She was amazed as she went through her material, she could not say those words. As she would come to that part, she would have another thought that would take her away from saying them. It happened three times. When she saw the close of the class, she understood why she had been unable to speak the words she had so carefully prepared for her part of the lesson.
I have used that picture with a tear in Seminary Classes and in other Relief Society classes. It never was as impressive by holding like it did that first time. That picture now hangs in my bedroom. It brings back many memories of a time when I was in tune with the Savior and able to bring the moment when He showed His greatest love for His children. In fact I think I still have that bottle of glisterine somewhere around as well.
Teaching is not a matter of just reading over the material, but having an ingrained knowledge and testimony that what is on the printed page is improtant, and that every person in that class is spending their time with the teacher to be uplifted and edified. Not a moment should be wasted with unimportant chatter. If the teacher believes what they are teaching, it will become so important that nothing less that the very most valuable information should be shared. A quick read through will not do that. A teacher needs to have gone the 'extra mile' in preparation to give every person in that class something of worth to take away.
Someone asked me after teaching those Relief Society Lessons how much time I put in, in preparing. We had 40 minutes a month on those lessons. When I sat down and looked over what we had done, I found I had put in at least 40 hours of work. The other Sisters had done a great deal as well. I could never have given everything I had learned, but it made a great resource for all the other lessons I taught since then. I believe I understand the statement made by Lynne Lund when her husband Gerald complained one time about not having enough time to prepare for a particular lecture. She said to him: "Gerald, you have been preparing for 20 years". I think, in some ways, I have done a similar thing. I have forgotten more than I can remember, but have retained enough when an opportunity arises, and I put myself into the material, my mind unfolds things I have studied and the message is given with the testimony I have of the truthfulness of what I am sharing.
You cannot teach what you have not studied, and you cannot bear a testimony of something you do not believe. I have been blessed to set at the feet of many wonderful teachers who have inspired and impressed me with their ability to gain, retain and then share their knowledge. It is the time spent that makes the difference. For every hour of teaching I have ever done, I have spent at least 4 hours in gathering and preparing. It has not been a labor, rather it has been time enjoyed in recalling things I have loved learning and love even more sharing.
Over the years I have taught hundreds of Seminary Students. I never knew how much of an impression I made - well, not until recently when Facebook came into my life. I have received a number of requests to be added as a friend. In a number of those request I had no idea who it was that was asking. When I accepted them, I learned they were past students who were telling me how much their Seminary Classes had ment to them, and how I was remembered as their teacher. I guess it is true, a teacher will likely never know how far reaching their efforts went until they are in the eternities. If the effort was well spent, there will be blessings. If the job was poorly done, there will be those questions: "why didn't you tell me?" There are never second chances when it comes to teaching. It is either well done, or not at all. A five minute run through just won't do, even if you have spent 20 years elsewhere gaining knowledge. Oh, I have given a five minute talk on the spur of the moments notice, but that is a whole other subject.
If you are called to teach, remember one thing, Robert J. Matthews taught me years ago. When you are called to teach, you represent the Lord in that class room. You owe it to yourself and to those in the room with you to be prepared and teach by the spirit. He told us as Seminary Teachers: "we have given you an over abundance of material, you may teach any of it, you may teach all of it, or none of it; but you must never leave out the Scriptures and you must always listen to the Spirit. Very good advice from a very great source.
I feel blessed indeed to have been called over and over again as a teacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have enjoyed every opportunity and feel sad that age now limits me in such calls. It seems even speaking is no longer something I am asked to do. Which means I look forward to other opportunities beyond the vail to again assist others in finding the truth and accepting the knowledge the Gospel holds for everyone.
I have never held a leadership possition in the Church. Well I guess that is not important, I have done that which was most enjoyable to me, and hopefully beneficial to others.

Written this 21st day of December 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg

Saturday, December 11, 2010

What A Wonderful Time Of The Year!

As many of you know, I am connected, all be it loosely, with Sing Noel. It has been a very long journey from September till this first week in December, but we made it. Last night was our first performance, or should I say their first performance. I just stand around and watch. Well and listen too. The time spent has been most valuable. Not only in seeing the production coming together, but for the marvelous sound that was producted with the number of times the Choir had to sing each piece to get it in shape for last night. I had to admit that once they began to sing, the heavens seemed to open, and others joined in those sweet melodies.
We of course missed Bishop Kenneth Mallett at the podium as narrator, but I have to say Elder Bob Banfield did an outstanding job and his delivery was most effective as he set the stage for the Choir to sing their next piece of music. Elder Lenny Zinn did a superb job of directing, and I believe everyone in the choir loved working with him this year. Sister Melodie Kunz once again delivered a wonderful script with beautiful videos to bring a special spirit to the entire evening. The audience was most appreciative, and it was gratifying to see so many come up to the Choir Members and express their thoughts on the production. There will be another performance Sunday Evening. I do hope more will hear about it and come to this wonderful program.
Christmas I know is ment to be a time of merriment and lots of fun, good food and comradery, but it is always great to have things like Sing Noel to bring us back to the 'reason for the season'. As the Prophet put it, drop the last cylible of the word and you have Chirst. That is what it is all about. Though we as Latter-day Saints know that our Savior was born in the spring of the year, it is nice to have this time of year to remember such a momentous event in time. One just seems to think of the lonely Shepherds on the hills with their sheep on a cold crisp night. Their robes wrapped tightly around them as they watch over their flocks in the dark. What a spectacular sight that Star must have been. Lighting the sky and the surround area. Pointing the way to the stable where the little family was huddled together. I can't help but think of the man who had accepted the responsiblity of 'fatherhood' to this wonderous little 'babe' who laid in the humble bed of hay. How he had protected that sweet young mother as she carried and delivered this child. It would seem that the love of this man was most special. His willingness to be witness and to carry out the reponsibility of seeing this infant raised to go forth on his great mission. We seldom think of Joseph, but I like to remember him as a very important part of the Chirstmas Story.
Which makes me think of the many young families everywhere who have taken on the great task of brining children into this world and helping them find themselves through the many trials and adventures that await them as they pass through life. I am pleased to see the young husbands take an active part in the process. It is so important to have both parents envolved in raising children. Husbands and wives need to remember their spouses in loving and tender ways, like Joseph treated Mary. Willingly protecting her in a very serious cituations. I am sure he used soft words and tender touches to let Mary know that he was supporting her in every way. A soft word can be such a help in difficult times. In our everyday lives, it seems we are quick to lose patience and say things that may hurt, but, if we follow Jospehs example, we could avoid such moments and remember that as Joseph and Mary were 'called' to this great experience, each of us, seek out a mate whom we feel we can spend and eternity with. Should we not then strive to emulate the great example that Joseph and Mary set for us. Mary was quick to accept the charge of being the mother of Jesus. Joseph just as quickly accepted his part in the drama that was about to unfold to mankind. Though our 'call' is not as historic, we are never the less ment to met the challenges with just as much thought and effort as they did.
During this season, much love is expressed, and effort made to seek out things that will gladden the heart. It would be something if we could carry some of the spirit of Christmas with us 24/7 during the 365 days we have each year. Mothers finding the sweetness of Mary toward their children and the great appreciation for their husbands. Husbands to find the great strength that Joseph found in his 'calling' to be the father of such a great individual. We never know, we may be raising another leader or great talent. Fathers take over the charge to see needs are met in the family, but in doing so he must never forget that a womens work is never done and putting aside small things to express support will bring rich dividends.
We live in a fast paced world. We are warned and fore warned that times will soon change and we will have to be prepared to meet all the challenges that lay ahead. We will find the support at home one of the greatest blessings we have. Extended families lend help at times, and need to be appreciated for their willingness to step in when that help is needed. Repaying such kindness should be a paramount part of our family relationships. I can remember how greatful we have been over the years for the help my parents extended to Jay and I as we were getting started. They gave us the down payment for our first home. It wasn't a great amount according to todays standards, but it was far more than we had, and made such a difference in our lives. I will admit it wasn't easy to pay it back as fast as we would have liked, but we had learned well the addage, "neither a borrower or lender be". Having that responsibility lifted was such a great blessing. I guess with both of our parents families being raised in such poor circumstances we realized that that help had been gathered and hard come by years of frugalness and in some cases doing without personally. Mary and Joseph probably never had such support in their lives. Aren't we pleased to know that times have changed, but never forget they may change back. There are many lessons to be learned.
Well Christmas is upon us again, and like so many 'good things' in life, will just as quickly go as it has come. Our part is to take what blessings there are in store for us this year, enjoy, appreciate and then set ourselves towards a New Year that will give us more wonderous opportunities to grow and become all that we can be. Life is all too short to spend time looking back. My goal this next year is to follow the brethern. Get out of debt and get supplied to take care in any eventuality that may occur. I guess the years of working in both Boy and Girl Scouting has rubbed off on me; I want to 'be prepared'. I wish the same for each of you.

Written this 11 day of December 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg