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COME FOLLOW ME: BOOK OF MORMON-TEACHING IDEAS & RESOURCES | ALMA 36-38

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Come Follow Me: Book of Mormon, Teaching Ideas and Free Resources

ALMA 36-38

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

Each Come Follow Me Lesson asks important and reflective questions. When I first began my individual study these questions threw me off. Simply because many of these questions required so much depth and individual reflection in order to answer honestly. My first approach to come follow me was to get in, get out, get it done, check it off. These questions simply didn’t allow me to do so. In fact, I felt a little sick when I would read a question like, “How does the spirit speak to you?” and I wouldn’t know the answer right away. After a time, and pondering on that specific question I realized IT’S OKAY. In fact, I think these questions were meant to be set aside, thought about, and pondered. When we try and come up with the quick easy, obvious, answer, we are depriving ourselves of an opportunity to reflect, ponder, pray, and RECEIVE REVELATION. Is this not the whole reason for Come Follow Me? Are we not trying to finetune and recognize how we, and how to receive personal revelation.

So each week I will list out some of the questions issued in Come Follow Me. Maybe you pick to ponder about all of them, maybe you pick just one. Whatever you do, ponder on this for the ENTIRE week. Pray about it, discuss it with loved ones, then at the start of the new week, take the time to write down your impressions or thoughts, share them with your family, testify of powerful insights.

  • How has this truth affected you?
  • How does this account of repentance and forgiveness inspire you to follow Alma’s example and turn to the Savior?
  • Have you ever thought about what a miracle and blessing it is to have the scriptures today?As you read Alma 37, look for the blessings that come from having the scriptures.
    • How have you experienced these blessings?
    • How can we use the scriptures to help “show forth [God’s] power unto future generations”? (Alma 37:18).
  • In Alma 37:38–47, Alma compares “the word of Christ” to the Liahona. As you ponder this comparison, reflect on the ways you have experienced the miracle and power of Christ’s teachings “day by day”
  • As you read Alma 37:6–7, ponder and record ways you’ve seen this principle at work in your life. What are some small and simple things the Lord uses to bless you and accomplish His work?
  • From Alma 36:5–26 that teaches about being “born of God.” What do we learn from these verses? Perhaps family members could share how they have applied the principles Alma described.
  • Alma 36:18–21, 24 How could we use these verses to help someone see that repentance is a joyful experience, not a dreadful one? How can repentance inspire us to share the gospel with others?
  • What are some of the “small and simple things” (Alma 37:6) that bring about great things in our lives?
    • In what ways is the word of Christ like the Liahona?
    • How can we help each other study the scriptures more diligently?
  • Why is it wise to learn to keep the commandments while “in [our] youth”?
  • Does your family know what a bridle is? Maybe you could show them a picture of one and talk about how it is used to control an animal.
    • What does it mean to “bridle [our] passions”?
    • How does bridling our passions help us be “filled with love”?

Lesson:

I was excited to find that this week’s Come Follow Me Lesson included one of my favorite scriptures that was the center of a favorite Relief Society Lesson I had once prepared to teach.

While preparing this lesson, I had what I can only attribute to as a spiritual insight with how to introduce the lesson. I began this lesson as an Inquiry Lesson, meaning the lesson begins with questions posed, problems, or scenarios, and then it is up to the learner to find the answers, make the connections, or essentially to identify the lesson’s objective without it being told to them. I’ll try and introduce the ideas I’d like to share with you in the same way:

Below you will find one of my favorite paintings, “ Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte (By Georges Seurat)”

 

Take a moment just to observe the painting.

  • What do you see?
  • What do you notice?
  • Does the painting evoke any emotion, memory…etc.
  • What do you notice about this painting that is unlike other paintings?
  • Observe the images of the painting below, what do you notice now?

What you are observing is a painting technique known as pointillism:

“One form of painting that developed in the late 1800s involves using tiny dots of primary colors (Red, Yellow, Blue) to create pictures in which secondary colors can be seen. This technique is called pointillism, and it was first used to describe the work of French artist Georges Seurat.

Pointillism is often considered part of the Post-impressionist movement. It was primarily invented by painters George Seurat and Paul Signac. While Impressionists used small dabs of paint as part of their technique, Pointillism took this to the next level using only small dots of pure color to compose an entire painting. –Wonderopolis

This painting is by far the most famous of the Pointillism paintings. It was George Seurat’s masterpiece. It is over 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Every bit of the painting is done with tiny little dots of pure color. Seurat worked on it for around two years. You can see it today at the Art Institute of Chicago. 

    • 1999:    In the first of the evening’s blockbuster sales, Seurat’s “Island of the Grand Jatte” (1884) sold for $35.2 million, including commissions.  With inflation being around 55.6 million today
    • Estimated 3,456,000 dots make up the painting. 
    • Seurat called the style of painting Divisionism when he invented it, but the name was changed over time.
    • The smaller the dots, the clearer the painting and the sharper the lines, just like with the screen resolution on a computer monitor.
    • In many ways, Pointillism was as much a science as an art.
    • Vincent Van Gogh experimented with the Pointillism technique. It is evident in his 1887 self-portrait.
    • The style often used dots of complementary colors to make their subjects more vibrant. Complementary colors are colors of the opposite hue, for example, red and green or blue and orange.

Now, with that introduction to pointillism… how does this relate to the scripture found in Alma 37:6

Now ye may suppose that this is afoolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by bsmall and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

Above is the graphic organizer I created to help guide the Relief Society lesson mentioned above. I’ve uploaded this handout/graphic organizer as a free download for you. This would implement perfectly with Come Follow Me this week for your family or individual study or a lesson within your auxiliary. This FREE Download includes the depictions of “ Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte (By Georges Seurat)” as well as my notes on pointillism.

This is a FREE digital product. Feel free to add your own notes or edits, but remember this is for Personal Use Only. Feel free to point friends and family to the website membership (FREE) if interested in sharing this download with a different household.

*** This FREE Download is exclusive to members of Living on Lemon Lane. In order to access the download, you must be logged in. Not a member? Not a problem! Sign-up is FAST, FREE and Easy-Peasy Lemon Squeezy! Click here to become a member!

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Consider these questions & quotes as you consider how the idea of pointillism relates to the gospel theme of Small & Simple Things: (These questions & quotes, as well as others, can be found on the free graphic organizer above.) 

  • We are taught many small and simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, these seemingly small things bring to pass great things.”
  • What are some of the examples given of small & simple things we can do that will result in spiritual uplift and growth? Can you think of others?
  • Though each of these practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. Why is this a result:
  • How has one of these small & simple things blessed your life?
  • “Those “seemingly insignificant” private decisions include how we use our time, what we view on television and the internet, what we read, the art and music with which we surround ourselves at work and at home, what we seek for entertainment, and how we apply our commitment, to be honest, and truthful. Another seemingly small and simple thing is being civil and cheerful in our personal interactions.”
  • Do you feel something nudging you toward self-improvement/repentance while reading above? What’s one small & simple thing you can start doing?
  • “Another source of spiritual uplift and growth is an ongoing practice of repenting, even of seemingly small transgressions. Our own inspired self-evaluations can help us see how we have fallen short and how we can do better.”
  • “At the same time, we must be aware that Satan will use small and simple things to lead us into despair and misery.” – M. Russel Ballard
  • “The spiritual pattern of small and simple things bringing forth great things produces firmness and steadfastness, deepening devotion, and more complete conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.”             -David A. Bednar
  • What are some of the blessings and promises given to those that apply the spiritual pattern of small and simple things? Have you seen this in your own life?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Comment below your takeaways, insight, and thoughts when relating the concept of pointillism to the Gospel Concept of Small & Simple Things. ****This was the BEST part of the Relief Society lesson.

I could list off my ideas and thoughts and insight, but I promise the best insight and ideas will come from your ideas shared in the comments below!

The talk I used to guide and base this lesson was, “Small & Simple Things” by Oaks. This is arguably one of my favorite addresses given by President Oaks. You will notice many of the quotes I used on the FREE graphic organizer above were taken directly from this address.

Consider adding this video segment of his address to your lesson:

Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte (By Georges Seurat)” isn’t a favorite painting of mine because I love the colors or the scenery or even the very literal image of the painting itself. This is ironic because it is these requirements that determine other favorite art pieces. No, this painting by  Seurat is a favorite because of what you see when you look closely. In fact, its a favorite for what I see that’s not even there… It is a favorite because of the reminder that our finished live’s masterpiece will be made up of the small & simple strokes, compounded over time. Though the strokes are small and simple, each is intentional.

Lesson Extensions:

Consider having your children or students practice pointillism while creating, coloring, or painting the Liahona. For younger children, I would use the Free Liahona coloring page below, along with q-tips and paint! A blank piece of paper is perfect for older children and teens. Instead of using q tips try fine point markers. Also, consider making their piece of paper smaller to concentrate their work and dots. As your students or children work on their pointillism art. Discuss ideas such as what the dots could represent in their lives. Consider gospel habits we are asked to keep. What about this quote: 

“Those “seemingly insignificant” private decisions include how we use our time, what we view on television and the internet, what we read, the art and music with which we surround ourselves at work and at home, what we seek for entertainment, and how we apply our commitment to be honest and truthful. Another seemingly small and simple thing is being civil and cheerful in our personal interactions.”

Discuss the beauty and detail of the piece when their are more small and simple dots as opposed to few. Consider the idea of how even though each dot is small and simple, it takes thought and intent of where to place it. Again… How does this relate to our own lives and the idea found in Alma 37?

Now ye may suppose that this is afoolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by bsmall and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

 

Click Here to Download the Coloring Page (pg.4)

Chiasmus Alma 36 Breakdown Activity

In Alma 36 we come across one of the most intricate and beautiful examples of a chiasmus found in the Book of Mormon, let alone known. The ENTIRE chapter of Alma 36 is written in this ancient, poetic form.

“In his blessing to his son Helaman, Alma uses chiasmus in recounting his conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This chart illustrates the deep structure of Alma 36. Jesus Christ is the crux of the chiasm, just as he is the center of the gospel and the only means whereby salvation can be attained. The turning point in Alma’s conversion was not the appearance of the angel or the fear of eternal banishment, but calling on the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Fittingly, Alma makes this spiritual turning point the literary focal point of this entire chapter, one of the finest examples of chiastic composition anywhere in world literature.”

John W. Welch

I was hoping to find a worksheet of sorts that would allow the learner to essentially experience, and breakdown the Alma 36 chiasmus. When I couldn’t find anything, I felt that I should take the time to create it, and add this as a second activity you could do with your students or family.

To truly appreciate the intricacies found in this chapter, one needs to devote the time and attention these scriptures deserve. I feel this graphic organizer|worksheet will do just that. This free download includes 3 forms.

  1. The first is a color-coded key that relates each parallel line, underlines the commonalities, and highlights the contrasts. This is best for observing and noticing.
  2. The second is more of a worksheet. The verses and words are listed but it is up to the reader to color code the parallel lines, underline the commonalities of each line, and highlight the contrasts found in the parallelism.
  3. Lastly, is a less supported version. This one requires the reader to discover the parallel statement in the verses that follow the turning point. As well as what the learner was required to do in the second version.

This may sound complicated, but with the color-coded key supporting your guidance, this should be very straight forward, and extremely eye-opening! Honestly, my appreciation for this chapter of scripture was increased as I worked on creating the key. It is one thing to know that the Book of Mormon includes text that follows the ancient poetic literary form known as Chiasmus. It is another to study scripture and understand the depth, complexity, and beauty found.

There will be some that argue and belittle by saying technically chiasmus can be found in many types of literature like speeches, or even children’s literature like Dr. Seuss. If you take this comment at face value with no experience to combat it these little things can be faith shaking, and hopefully promote spiritual searching and study.  However, when|if you’ve taken the time to study this chapter there is spiritual insight and solid ground that can be gained.

I love physical, concrete evidence of the Book of Mormon. However, have learned that those things are simply a cherry on top. I truly believe there will never be enough physical, concrete evidence to prove without a doubt the Book of Mormon’s legitimacy, just as I believe there will never be enough physical, concrete evidence to disprove it. What is the point of faith in either case? The validity was always meant to be searched out spiritually.

My hope is that you study this physical evidence of the Book of Mormon’s validity you will also gain spiritual insight, that this chapter wasn’t authored by a young farm boy, rather, translated. Little else matters when that spiritual insight is gained.

*** This FREE Download is exclusive to members of Living on Lemon Lane. In order to access the download, you must be logged in. Not a member? Not a problem! Sign-up is FAST, FREE and Easy-Peasy Lemon Squeezy! Click here to become a member!

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Below I will include a few of my favorite resources to aid your study of chiasmus and this chapter:

Click Here to Read the Full Supporting Article on the Video Above: 

Click Here to Read the Full Supporting Article on the Video Above: 

Education Week Address by John Welch, credited with discovering chiasmus in the Book of Mormon

 

If you do any of these activities PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take pictures and tag me! Post to the Facebook group, or tag @livingonlemonlane on Instagram! Don’t forget to pin these images to your Pinterest. This is a SMALL and SIMPLE way to support the efforts of Living on Lemon Lane and sharing these ideas with your friends and family.

Teaching Ideas for Toddlers & Young Children

Watch or Listen To:

With a 2-year-old and 4-year-old, I understand the STRUGGLE and the attention span you are dealing with. Below are some of my favorite videos or audio recordings|podcasts you can listen to and watch with your children. My favorites right now are the Book of Mormon Story videos.**Different from the newly released B.O.M. videos. These are illustrated and READ stories to your children. THESE are PERFECT for when everyone is strapped in the car seat. My 4-year-old now requests these over the radio. Each segment is only 2-4 minutes long. This allows us to listen, review and discuss together, and listen again throughout the week.  Many of the videos I share can be found on the Saint’s Radio Channel App. (Formerly Mormon Channel App, If you don’t already have this, DOWNLOAD NOW.)

Cute video put out by the Church about friendship & forgiveness 

I am absolutely LOVING the YouTube Channel, Latter Day Kids. Each week they put out a beautifully illustrated video meant for young children to be used in conjunction with the Come Follow Me Lessons. This week’s video is all about All Things Denoting there is a God! You can even head to their website to download discussion questions to go along with the video and a fun coloring page.

Click Here to access this week’s Printables and Activities

If you have trouble finding the activity from the link above this one is a direct link, however, please remember to subscribe to Latter Day Kids as a way to THANK them for sharing their talents FREELY. 

Click here to subscribe to Latter Day Kids

 

Drawn In: Free Sample of Subscription Videos

The ONLY Paid Subscription I use for Come Follow Me

I’ve recently teamed up with David Bowman artist, author and creator of the Drawn-In Video Subscription to bring a discount to all Living on Lemon Lane readers. This is the ONLY Paid Come Follow Me product that I have a subscription to, and it is worth every cent. Each week you get TWO engaging and fun videos (around 20 minutes long each!) as well as exclusive content and printables! Like his books, instead of just introducing the scripture story he explains a principle, then takes it a step further by exploring APPLICATION.  Click here to watch his Free Videos, If you’re interested make sure to use the promo code LEMONLANE10 at checkout to receive 10% off of the yearly membership!

Click Here to Learn More, Use Code LEMONLANE10 for an exclusive discount off the yearly membership!Head to davidbowmanart.com to watch more FREE episodes and learn more about subscribing ($4.95 per month – gets you 2 episodes PER WEEK that go directly with Come Follow Me as well as supplemental PDF print outs)

 

Wonderful Podcast geared towards younger (Primary) reviewing some of the chapters this week.

Try this link if you’re having trouble playing the podcast:

Read:

Activity

See Lesson Extension for Activity Suggestion Above

Come Follow Me Suggestions:

  • Read Alma 37:6–7, and invite the children to crouch down every time you read the word “small.” Show them a few small things that can make big things happen or move big things, such as a battery or a car key. What big things happen or move because of these small things? Help the children think of some small or simple things God wants us to do. What big things can happen because of these small or simple commandments?

  • Show a picture or two of small things that accumulate into big things, such as a blade of grass and a field, or a raindrop and a lake. Testify that even small, simple actions can make a big difference in our lives and in the lives of others. Encourage the children to talk about some simple, good things they do every day, or share your own examples. Invite the children to pick one simple, good thing they can do this week and to draw a picture of themselves doing it. Invite them to take their drawings home and share them with their families.

  • Small Things For Alma 36–38 Read Alma 37:6 together. Crouch down when you hear the word “small” and jump up and spread your arms wide when you hear the word “great.” You could use the scripture verse or repeat the phrase, “Small things can make a great difference!” Talk about how small things like reading the scriptures or praying can make a great difference.

Click Here to Download the Coloring Page

Teaching Ideas for Families

Watch or Listen To:

Finding time to make Come Follow Me can be tough, it can also be tough to keep the attention of family members. The Book of Mormon videos recently released by the church are a WONDERFUL resource. 

Click Here for the Free Living Scripture Lesson Plan this Week

 

 

CLICK HERE: Listen to the Podcast: Stories from General Conference: Repentance

 

Read:

Activity Suggestions:

 

*** This FREE Download is exclusive to members of Living on Lemon Lane. In order to access the download, you must be logged in. Not a member? Not a problem! Sign-up is FAST, FREE and Easy-Peasy Lemon Squeezy! Click here to become a member!

Activity Suggestion from Ensign: 

Alma 37:38–47 (July 20–26) Liahona Treasure Hunt

Read Alma 37:38–40 together, which describes the Liahona. When Lehi’s family was faithful, the Lord used this compass to guide them.

  1. Draw a circle with an arrow in it. Ask someone to hold this pretend Liahona.

  2. Pick a small object to use as treasure. Have someone leave the room while the rest hide the treasure. Then ask the person to come back in the room and try to find it.

  3. If that person shares one way they can keep the commandments this week, the person with the Liahona can point them toward the treasure.

  4. Each person takes a turn searching and holding the Liahona.

Discussion: How does God try to lead and guide us in our lives? When have you felt that God was guiding you? For additional insights, read and discuss Alma 37:41–47.

Click Here to Download the Infographic

 

Individual Study & Extension

Watch or Listen To:

Read:

:MOST IMPORTANT PART:

Comment below and share YOUR favorite resources for this week of Come Follow Me in the Book of Mormon. Join the conversation on @livingonlemonlane on Instagram and stay updated on new blog posts!  If you enjoyed this PLEASE SHARE! Till next week.

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