So can you guess what we have been studying in our “Building Lasting Relationships” Class?You guessed it, the First Presidency document entitled:
“The Family ~ A Proclamation to the World”
As you know, it boldly goes where no other church on the face of the earth dares to go.
And if you go through it line by line, you can find 38 unique gospel principles within the 4 corners of that inspired document (and counting.)
How did the First Presidency pack so many principles into such a short and simple document? The more and more we study it, the more amazing it becomes.
Of course, here in Seattle, “The Proclamation” is the focal point to some pretty emotionally charged debates. So it has been good to discuss it concepts. In doing so, the young adults are better enabled to articulate a positive position without getting so emotionally defensive.
As we made final preparations for class, Mike came up with a “brilliant” idea. You know, one of those simple, easy-to-do, last minute things he tends to just spring on me now and then. Basically his idea was this, “Since we are studying the FAMILY Proclamation, why don’t we just whip up a good old fashion FAMILY meal for the students while we discuss the issues? You know, something simple, like roast turkey, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy and such?”
Of course, the word “Simple” is not the word that went through my mind. I quickly found myself reminding Mike that somehow our “little” class has grown to, oh, I don’t know, a class size of about 30+. A simple “roasted turkey, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy for just a small group of THIRTY? Just what was he thinking? We don’t feed that many at Thanksgiving. Plus there was no time, there was no budget. No, no, no, I am telling him!
So on our way to Sam’s Club to pick up a turkey and the potatoes, (I never could say “no” to that man,) Mike did promise to peel, cook and smash all the potatoes and I actually talked him out of making home-made rolls and just buying some. And I have to admit, when it was all said and done, it actually didn’t turn out to be that big of an ordeal. Besides, most of these kids don’t see home cooked meals for long stretches. So it probably is the least that we can do for them now and again.
But just to top the week off, I reminded Mike it was also “Bastille day” this past week (French Independence day – Having served in France, of course, I still just have to celebrate these things.) Anyway, with it being “Bastille” day, I couldn’t go without making a crepe or two. And of course, once I got the crepe maker out, Mike once again talked me into making enough crepes for our other night class. So there you go. It is just lucky we are only teaching two night classes this summer term. But I have to admit, it is fun to eat and mingle, and not just “lecture” the kids. It really does give us a chance to get to know each of the kids a little better. What is it about breaking bread with someone that tends to breakdown their inhibitions? Well, anyway, getting to know each of these kids at little better is one of the best parts of being here.
And, we really do discuss real gospel issues (in between bites at least.) Hopefully, in addition to the food, we are getting a better handle on “the how” to keep these kids interested in institute, who are just brilliant enough to be hanging around the Institute while they are working on their doctorate or other college coursework. They are so great. We are so very blessed to be here.
So, until next week, just try to remember our summer P-day slogan:
As we made final preparations for class, Mike came up with a “brilliant” idea. You know, one of those simple, easy-to-do, last minute things he tends to just spring on me now and then. Basically his idea was this, “Since we are studying the FAMILY Proclamation, why don’t we just whip up a good old fashion FAMILY meal for the students while we discuss the issues? You know, something simple, like roast turkey, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy and such?”
Of course, the word “Simple” is not the word that went through my mind. I quickly found myself reminding Mike that somehow our “little” class has grown to, oh, I don’t know, a class size of about 30+. A simple “roasted turkey, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy for just a small group of THIRTY? Just what was he thinking? We don’t feed that many at Thanksgiving. Plus there was no time, there was no budget. No, no, no, I am telling him!
So on our way to Sam’s Club to pick up a turkey and the potatoes, (I never could say “no” to that man,) Mike did promise to peel, cook and smash all the potatoes and I actually talked him out of making home-made rolls and just buying some. And I have to admit, when it was all said and done, it actually didn’t turn out to be that big of an ordeal. Besides, most of these kids don’t see home cooked meals for long stretches. So it probably is the least that we can do for them now and again.
But just to top the week off, I reminded Mike it was also “Bastille day” this past week (French Independence day – Having served in France, of course, I still just have to celebrate these things.) Anyway, with it being “Bastille” day, I couldn’t go without making a crepe or two. And of course, once I got the crepe maker out, Mike once again talked me into making enough crepes for our other night class. So there you go. It is just lucky we are only teaching two night classes this summer term. But I have to admit, it is fun to eat and mingle, and not just “lecture” the kids. It really does give us a chance to get to know each of the kids a little better. What is it about breaking bread with someone that tends to breakdown their inhibitions? Well, anyway, getting to know each of these kids at little better is one of the best parts of being here.
And, we really do discuss real gospel issues (in between bites at least.) Hopefully, in addition to the food, we are getting a better handle on “the how” to keep these kids interested in institute, who are just brilliant enough to be hanging around the Institute while they are working on their doctorate or other college coursework. They are so great. We are so very blessed to be here.
So, until next week, just try to remember our summer P-day slogan:
And try to do a little yourselves. Thanks again for ALL you do!
Love,
Elder “Mike” & Sister “Jenny” Thornton
Love,
Elder “Mike” & Sister “Jenny” Thornton
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