Outpouring of Spirit

 Ella taught Young Women's today.  It was a busy week for her, and she had little time to prepare so she asked me for help.  The lesson was based around Joel 2:28: "“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will  pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:” 
She shared that scripture and they discussed it. Then she had them look up scriptures to learn about the roles that the Holy Ghost can play in our lives. (She also gave them cinnamon rolls...as they learned about the "rolls" of the Holy Ghost.) John 14:26-27 (comfort, give peace, teach, bring all things to remembrance), D&C 42:17 (witness of the Father and the Son), 2 Nephi 32:5 (tell you all things you should do), Moroni 10:5 (know truth), Moroni 8:26 (bring love and joy), 3 Nephi 27:20 (sanctify us), Galatians 5:22-23 (fruits of spirit...love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness).

Then she had people share experiences with how they have felt the Holy Ghost or He has done any of these things for them.

Then she shared this quote from Elder Uchtdorf:

“It is my witness that though at times we may feel buried by the trials of life or surrounded by emotional darkness, the love of God and the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will bring something unimaginable to spring forth.... 

My dear friends, my beloved brothers and sisters, God will watch over and shepherd you during these times of uncertainty and fear. He knows you. He hears your pleas. He is faithful and dependable. He will fulfill His promises. 

God has something unimaginable in mind for you personally and the Church collectively—a marvelous work and a wonder.” 

She had them read part of his talk "God Will Do Something Unimaginable" and then answer these three questions, and then they had a great discussion about them...especially about what they can do when they are experiencing trials or adversity.

1. What unimaginable blessings has God given to people in the scriptures after times of hardship? 

2. What did Elder Uchtdorf teach us to do so we can make good decisions when we face hardship? 

3. What unimaginable things do you think God may have for us? 

It was a beautiful lesson with a beautiful spirit there.