[Teachldsseminary] Ideas????

[Cristine Holt]

This *is* a tough time of year! Your thoughts about feasting vs nibbling at
the blessings Heavenly Father offers us reminded me of something I've done
from time to time with my students. It is adaptable for just about any time
of year or any book of scriptures.

I set up a long table with breakfast foods: little smokies, little bagles,
donut holes, chocolate milk chugs, orange juice....any sort of breakfast
food. In front of each food (or behind) I place a large sign which spells
out things we should do to keep us spiritually fed. Such things as: read
scriptures, pray twice a day, go to seminary each day, attend Mutual, renew
our covenants during sacrament, attend Sunday school, etc. You get the idea.

If they are doing these things, they can partake of the food that is with
the sign. If not, they pass up the food. Yes, it is The Honor System. But
before they are introduced to the food, I prepare them by reading something
from a General Authority or show them a video clip that talks about what we
need to do to feast upon the Words of Christ or something similar. Because I
am away from home right now (visiting in SLC no less), I apologize that I
can't give you a direct reference for the information I "fed" them before
introducing them to the food. As they were eating breakfast, I reinforced
what I was trying to teach them with a video or some other activity that
wouldn't interfere with their feasting (or nibbling).

Yes, it is true that sometimes they watch to see how full the other plates
are. Yes, this won't hit home every time, but it has proven to be impactful
to someone every time I've done this. I've felt the Spirit every time. And
the students remember the experience. It seems to me that John Bytheway gave
a talk that tied in well with feasting. Sorry I can't offer better resources
at this time. Hang in there! This is a tough time, but it can be a fruitful
harvest for many of our students.

.cristine holt.

Seminary Supervisor, Davenport Iowa Stake