While interviewing parents about how they teach their children to follow the spirit I have learned two things:
- 1. there are so many more ways to teach this important, essential life changing skill than I ever dreamt
- We need to share these ideas and experiences more with each other
are a few of the ideas I have collected. The first ones are easy things
you can do with younger ages and the next ones you can do with youth
The wind is like the spirit. Read John 3:8 and Act 2:2
Turn on a fan. Ask the children if they can see the wind. Then put a child with long hair in front of it and ask if they can see the effects of the wind. Discuss how this is like the spirit.
The spirit speaks in a quiet voice. Read 1 Kings 19:11-12
Have the children make a lot of noise in the room for one minute as you whisper a kind remark. After they stop ask them if they heard what you said. Now ask them to “be still” and repeat the remark. Could they hear it. The spirit does not compete with the noise of the world. Discuss the characteristics of the spirit.
By the spirit you may know the truth of all things. Read Moroni 10:5
Play a cube game: Assign an action to each of the six numbers on a dice. For example: 1 – smile, 2 – read something inspiring, 3 – serve, 4 – attend temple, 5 – get up early, 6 – share an experience. Roll the dice and have the person say when the spirit has asked them (or someone they know) to do the thing that lands on top. OR have the person tell an experience of when they followed the spirit they felt like doing the thing that lands on top.
The spirit guides us and brings all things to our remembrance. Read 2 Nephi 32:5.
Have each person in the group share an experience a memory of when they have felt the spirit and followed or not followed his instructions.
What are you going to do when….
Divide your paper into two columns. Write “Important decisions” at the top of one column and “Invite the Holy Ghost” at the top of the other. Have the children fill in the first column by listing important decisions they will make throughout life. Then have them fill in the second column with what they will do to invite the Holy Ghost into their life so they can receive help in making these decisions.
When in doubt about an answer take the litmus test by asking, “Does my answer…”
* Invite to do good?
* Increase my love for God, myself and/or my family?
* Inspire new growth or positive learning experiences?
* feel good/happy(fill in any gifts of the heart) AND logical/orderly (fill in any gifts of the mind)? (D&C 8:2; Philippians 4:7)
If you answer yes to all the above then you know your answer is from God and you can proceed with more confidence.
your paper into two columns on the first column write, “How did I feel
at my most spiritual experiences?” and on the second column write, “If I
could feel that way and more so all the time, how would I be
different?” Fill in the columns.
Examples could include: joyful, happy, like singing on the first column and on the second could be: more forgiving, more gratitude, complete, “I can accomplish all things”, etc.
I know there are so many more ways to teach and to learn how to follow the spirit more. I’m reminded of the story of Parley P. Pratt who left his farm and home because he felt the spirit tell him to leave in search of more truth. He did so and was lead to a man who loaned him the Book of Mormon and it forever changed who he was and what he did with his life. I want to be more like Parley and have the faith and the courage to follow the spirit even when it is hard. If you have other ways and experiences I’d love to hear them, please share them below. May God give us all the strength to do the all things the spirit asks of us.