Sunday Meetngs, I taught Relief Society too

Today was Sunday and my turn to teach the gospel in Relief Society. I learned last month that I am teaching the Gospel, not a "lesson." Anyone can read the lesson, but teaching is quite another. I have learned this from experience and love the learning that takes place as I prepare the material.

I take liberty and let the Spirit guide me. For example, today I went into Google an historical figure that has an important role to see that the Book of Commandments were saved and published through their diligence and vigilance besides risking their lives to preserve these precious historic documents. The Book of Commandments were the original relations received by Joseph from the Savior in answer to questions he had prayed about for the Church.

Candice's 3 Great-grandmother was Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner. She was ten years old when she first met the Prophet Joseph. She was privileged to read one of the first editions of the Book of Mormon. Then at age 14 she came across the pages that were tossed to be destroyed when a mob burned and ransacked the printing shop where W.W. Phelps had printed those pages. They were saved with Mary E. Rollins-Lightner risking her life for them. They ended up, she and her sister hiding in a cornfield to protect those pages. It is quite a story. I read the account to Aaron, Candice, Aislyn and Ella. It was a mini Family Home Evening for them as a bedtime story. Each of the girls loved it. I was pleased to be able to find the record online and print for my lesson time. The girls loved it and wanted more!

I enjoyed teaching today, and the sisters were animated and helpful in the class discussion. I really appreciate the opportunity to teach this lesson. I feel a closeness to Joseph Smith and his connection to the Gospel. I am the one who learns the most...what more can I expect?