This Year's Come Follow Me

 

Before “Come Follow Me” was introduced the Doctrine & Covenants was part of a Church history study – taught in order of time frame when the revelation was given. 

Today we are taught chronologically – but it still helps to know one’s church history to know why the revelation was given.  Our goal is to find Jesus within the scriptures – not to dwell on church history.  We are also taught to teach by the Spirit – which I don’t think was the case today.

I have a hard time resonating with the current gospel doctrine instructor – though I’m not alone.  I wanted to share a discovery on my part but did not get the opportunity as my comments seemed to be brushed aside.  The instructor – who normally thrives on class participation – wanted to back up to the lost manuscripts and introduce Oliver Cowdrey.  Okay, I admit that my comment was a wee bit ahead of where he wanted to start – but I didn’t like the direction of conversation as comments seemed to focus more on the trivial matters than the message.  Also an entire class could be dedicated to any one section (6 – 11) but trying to cram all six into just one class is a bit much.

My comment was on (or would have been) on section 7 given between those dedicated to Oliver who had been serving as scribe but thought it would be great if he could also translate as Joseph.  A scribe is a gift.  It took Joseph and Oliver less time (about three months) to translate the entire Book of Mormon than did the first (lost) 116 pages.  Translating is a gifts.  One is not necessarily better than the other.  Same with John and Peter’s gifts mentioned in section 7.  Peter’s desire was to be guaranteed a place with the Savior on the other side – whereas John’s was to continue service until the time when the Savior made (or will make) his return.  BOTH are great gifts, talents, what have you.  One is not greater than the other.

My youngest son takes like a duck to water in almost everything he tries.  We don’t all have that in us.  Some are great at playing piano (or any instrument) , some are great at delegating or recognizing the talents of others (see this post), some are great at listening or cooking or crafts or computers . . . . we don’t all have to have the same talents.  We can benefit by enjoying or utilizing the talents of others.  We need to embrace one another and share our gifts with others and enjoy having that ability to appreciate the gifts of others.

There are many members of the “Come Follow Me” facebook page who will share their talents just by commenting or posting.  One such member is exceptional at pulling gems from different “Come Follow Me” podcasts and videos and making up power points bringing many views together.  I think it is awesome.

I still learn so much from videos I watch.  I am constantly taking screenshots and sorting “slides” for my own personal comprehension and I always study as though I am going to teach.  Well, I try to anyway. 

Last year I followed John Hilton religiously with this “Book of Mormon Master Class” videos.  And I have followed Scott Woodward with his “Doctrine and Covenant” backstory and message videos.  

He made up 15 of them three years ago. Unfortunately there aren’t any after section 19.  He currently does a podcast with Casey Griffiths.  I really wish he had continued with the “nutshell” videos.  I think they’re quite informative and am grateful that they’re still available for view.