Leadership Journeyman Week 2

SUMMARY SKILLS

Learn/Understand: 

This week we are going to be learning a skill that will help with our future magazine submission assignment. We will be learning how to write an effective summary.

If you've ever gone over time on a presentation in class or if you've ever bored your mom to tears giving a word-for-word description of a book you just read then maybe, just maybe, you could use a little practice at getting better at summaries! And that's great because being able to succinctly summarize information is an awesome real-life skill that you will use in your adult life!  I've never used long division as an adult (I literally had to re-learn the skill when my kids hit 4th grade math) BUT I use summarizing skills all the time. Sorry to all you math people, don't be sad, I'm sure you can use long division as an adult too. 

Summaries show up when you read a headline -- a one sentence main idea of the news article that lets you know if you want to read further. A summary can be a blurb on the back of the book that leaves you wanting more or could be a table of contents in a book or magazine. Summaries can be about a play, book, concert or sporting event or writing up notes from a young women/men meeting or work meeting. 

Summaries are also playing a part in writing a resume cover letter, an obituary or when watching a movie trailer! Summaries are all over the place.

I like this concise video about how to write a summary. Take notes as you watch so you can refer to your notes when doing your writing assignment:

 https://www.khanacademy.org/ela/cc-2nd-reading-vocab/xfb4fc0bf01437792:cc-2nd-fairy-tales-retold/xfb4fc0bf01437792:close-reading/v/summarizing-stories-reading-khan-academy

Know/Do

Now we are going to practice those skills. Sign up for a fairy tale that we are all familiar with on this google doc -- I'm guessing most of us are familiar with the Disney version so stick with that if possible. Write a summary of this fairy tale for your assignment. I want you to sign up for a fairy tale that you know so well that you can retell it in a summary without looking up the story online because if you look it up online guess what you'll find: a summary! and that would be a little TOO helpful. If you need to rewatch the move, or re-read a storybook as part of your homework and take notes as you go then that is totally fine and even encouraged. Just don't google for the plot. 

Finally, I want you to try writing a different kind of summary. The first activity was very factual and information based. This type of summary can be more creative. I want you to write your own obituary -- this shouldn't feel morbid, an obituary is a beautiful summary of a person's life. What would you want included? What things matter to you that you want remembered? 

Go to this site to read recent obituaries to notice the format and types of details others use. Notice how while there is a similar format to follow, the information people choose to include can vary greatly, making this a more creative summary. 

That's it! Come prepared to read yours aloud in class :D 

Leadership- Master Class Week 1

This week we will be discussing the book Spirit, by David Butler. 

As you read mark your book and come prepared to share 4 quotes that stood out to you and 1 new thing that you learned about the spirit that you never knew before. 

We'll be having our book discussion at the Payson Temple so text me, 435-709-5525 so I know you're coming and I have enough rides :) 

Leadership - Journeyman Week 1

This week we are going to be studying the art of conversation with the end goal of becoming confident conversation starters with a knowledge of the types of questions that keep a conversation alive and interesting! 

Do ALL 5 tasks numbered below, in order! :) 

Study/Learn

1)Before you watch the following two videos I want you to open your commonplace book and write down answers to these questions:

What has worked for me in the past as a good conversation starter?

What would I consider to be 5 tips for creating a quality conversation? (we're going to generally define "quality conversation" as an interaction that was uplifting and not-awkward/uncomfortable. This means even small talk with a cashier could be a quality conversation but so could an awesome in-depth convo with your best friend)

2)Watch this video and take notes in your commonplace book - notice how she compares being a great interviewer to being a great conversationalist. 

3)Watch this video and add to your notes on conversation skills. 

You should now have a good idea of what your conversation strengths are and have hopefully learned a new tip or two for improving your own conversation skills. With this knowledge I want you to ask yourself -- what about this topic is still a source of apprehension/lack of knowledge for you? Is it talking to a stranger? Starting up a conversation in a group setting? Talking to someone of the opposite gender? Overcoming anxiety around conversation? Do you wonder how to be approachable and invite conversation with body language? Know what you want to know more about? Go on to #4

4)I want you to do your own research in regards to your own conversation hurdle and come prepared to share a new tip with us in class that you learn from your research. Everyone will be sharing at least ONE NEW TIP with the entire class that they learned from their extra study.

Know/Understand

Book learning will only take you so far, the best way to become great at conversation is to start practicing and practice every chance you get! 

5)You need to start up a conversation with a stranger or a person that you don't know well at all. This could be a neighbor, a cashier, a person in your YM/YW class that you don't normally talk to. Stretch yourself! Come prepared to share about your experience in class. 

Leadership Apprentice Week 1

Study & Learn 

• Your unique talents and abilities many times are so natural to you that they are invisible from your vantage point. For this reason we want to ask others who you trust and know you well to shine the light on what they think you do great at.
  
  The following exercise is meant to help you gather as much feedback possible from those you trust and know most to help you understand your strengths, your natural talents/unique abilities as much as possible. 
  
  
• Read through the script below, feel welcome to customize it if desired, and then email/text it to as many trusted family members and/or close friends as possible. Preferably send the email/text to at least 8 to 10 people you respect and know well. Remember many people you reach out to will want to take some time providing a thoughtful response so don't always expect a fast reply but do make sure to give them a clear deadline.
  
  
• Natural talent/strengths reach out email/text script:
  
  
• Hello (name),
  
  I am currently taking a course about discovering my natural talent(s), strengths and things I do really well. This course is based upon the belief that everyone possesses a combination of talents, interests, and capabilities that are unique to that person.
  
  I would really appreciate it if you would help me identify my own natural/unique talents/strengths by sending me as much detail/insight to the following question:
  
  What do you personally see as my natural talent(s)/strength(s) or things you have seen me do really well?
  
  You could describe my unique characteristics, the strengths you appreciate about me, what you have noticed about how I do things, what you can count on me for, or any other distinguishing features you see about who I am to you.
  
  I would be very grateful if you could respond within the next week or less if you're interested in helping me. Thank you for your support. I look forward to hearing from you.
  
  All the best,
  
  Your Name
  
  
  
• As you gather responses from people read through the responses and look for patterns in what people said. Examine the ways people chose to describe your natural abilities unique to you. Start a page in your commonplace book and label it "The Natural Abilities Unique to Me". From there list each person's name and identify the keywords or phrases they used that really hit home for you. Once you have gone through all responses, look back and take note of recurring words, phrases, or ideas. This will be vital information to use in our upcoming Week 2 exercises.
  
  

Know & Understand

1. Watch this 24 minute video, make notes, thoughts, questions about talents, gifts, etc.
• https://youtu.be/uBkGg3GMyW
  
  
2. Discover extra insight about your personality strengths and weaknesses by taking the free Jung Typology Test online and write in your commonplace book your personality type, your thoughts and feelings about the results. 
• http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp
3. Questions to ponder and document in your journal: 
• What are the differences between Spiritual Gifts, Talents, Natural Abilities and Skills? 
• How might your spiritual gifts help you develop your skills to bless the world?

Become & Serve

• Pray to your Father in Heaven and ask Him to help you understand your unique talents, gifts you should be conscious of. Counsel with Him and ask for revelation for how you can best use your gifts to bless people in this world. Record your inspiration, feelings and personal revelation in your journal.
  
  
• Discuss with your parents and/or friends the opportunity and blessing of getting your patriarchal blessing if you have not done so already. It's up to you of course if you feel it's the right time to move forward with this or not. At minimum have a discussion with your parents or someone who has their patriarchal blessing and discuss how this blessing has helped that person become more aware of the unique gifts given to him/her. Record your responses and feelings in your journal.
  
  
  
  

Month #6 2020-2021 Leadership Academy Apprentice

 

Month 6# Apprentice: "Great are the Words of Isaiah"

PLEASE WEAR CHURCH CLOTHES TO CLASS THIS WEEK SO THAT WE WILL BE RESPECTFUL AND FEEL REVERENCE FOR THE PASSOVER MEAL WE WILL BE HAVING. 

AND PLEASE BRING YOUR SCRIPTURES TO CLASS.  

WE'LL BE USING THEM A LOT.

Study/Learn

1 - Start a commonplace book page on Understanding Isaiah

2 - Study map #5 (The Assyrian Empire) in your Bible maps.  You can find the online copy here, print it and glue it in your commonplace book

3 - Read the section entitled "Isaiah" in the Bible Dictionary and summarize it in your commonplace book.

4 - Read the following scriptures and write the reference and a one sentence summary and who is speaking for each one on your Understanding Isaiah page in your commonplace book:

• 1 Nephi 19:23-24
• 2 Nephi 6:5
• 2 Nephi 11:8
• Mosiah 14:1
• 3 Nephi 20:11
• 3 Nephi 23:1

5 - Add the following to your Jewish History timeline and write them on your Understanding Isaiah commonplace book page:

• 721 BC - Assyrians capture the northern kingdom of Israel (the ten tribes)
• 701 BC - Assyrians attack the southern kingdom of Judah and surround Jerusalem but do not conquer it
• 587 BC - Babylonians take the kingdom of Judah into captivity
• 537 BC - King Cyrus allows the Jews to return to Judah

6 - Read the article "10 Keys to Understanding Isaiah" by Bruce R. McConkie and take notes in your commonplace book.  

Know/Understand

• In preparation of our Passover Feast today, read this article, Roots and Branches by Elder Cook about the coming of Elijah the Prophet on Passover, April 3, 1836 and what the fulfilling
  of Malachi's prophecy means for us.
• OPTIONAL: Watch one of the following movies about the Jewish people or the Passover
• The Ten Commandments
• Prince of Egypt
• Fiddler on the Roof

Become/Serve

Find your favorite scripture from Isaiah (either from the Bible or the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon) and make it beautiful and hang it up in your room or if it's digital, put it as the lock screen on your phone.  We'll be meeting at the church, so we won't have the wire to hang it on.  

This is my favorite Isaiah scripture:     

Month #5 2020-2021 Leadership Academy Apprentice

 APPRENTICE: Innovation

"Be still, and know that I am God."

- Psalm 46:10

Study/Learn

1. Read the chapter "Problem Solving" in "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader" by John C. Maxwell.  Mark quotes you like in your book for the discussion.
2. Read and memorize Psalm 46:10.  Do we find this same scripture anywhere else?  Find me another reference.
3. Memorize this month's quote: "It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment." - Marcus Tullius Cicero
4. Read this pamphlet on Finances.  
5. Read these scriptures and paraphrase them in you CPB:
   
• Malachi 3:10–11
• Luke 16:10–11
• 1 Timothy 5:8
• D&C 19:35
• D&C 48:4
• 1 Timothy 6:10
• D&C 38:30
6. You make $1600 month (after taxes).  Put yourself together a serious budget to live with as an adult out on your own and bring it to class.  (This is your ticket into class, so don't leave it at home!) 

Know/Understand

Do both of the following:

1.  Read through the following principles of money and choose one to study in more depth.  Come to class with a creative way to show the class what you learned.  We will not be presenting, you will be hanging what you brought on the wire. Be creative! (You can find the original article here.) 

• True wealth is measured by relationships, not by dollars. Your faith and your family is always more valuable than your paycheck, so don’t compromise what matters most in the pursuit of wealth. It’s okay to have money, but never let money have you! Don’t kill yourself trying to get wealth only to miss out on real life in the process. Work hard to provide for your family, but don’t harm your relationships in the process. Your family can do with less “stuff” if it means having more of YOU! (Proverbs 23:4, Jacob 2:19)

• Debt is a form of slavery, so get rid of it as fast as you can. When we shackle ourselves up with
  
  
  the “golden handcuffs” of debt, we’re giving away part of our freedom to a debtor. God wants us to live in freedom; not in slavery. So, do everything you can to get out of debt and avoid going into more debt. Saving for a rainy day helps take away the "need" to go into debt when an emergency or unexpected expense comes up.  (Proverbs 22:7, D&C 19:35)

• Lasting wealth comes from consistent discipline, not “get-rich-quick” schemes. Our culture wants everything NOW, so many of us have a financial plan of winning the lottery someday or betting on a lucky stock. This is a poor approach, which is why so many lottery winners end up depressed and bankrupt. Lasting wealth is the result of a strong work ethic over a long period of time when applied with these other principles as well.  (Proverbs 13:11, Helaman 13:19)

• It’s ALL God’s money. We’re just managers of it. This principle changed the way we looked at “our” money and “our” stuff. None of it actually belongs to us. The only part that belongs to us is the responsibility to be good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. Once we learned we were managers of God’s resources; we stopped acting so entitled and immature in our impulsive purchases and we became more disciplined. Paying attention to your incoming and your outgoings and living off a budget is a good start to this principle. (Psalm 24:1, Mosiah 4:16, 19, 24)

• Money is NOT evil, but greed is.  People have often misquoted the Bible to say “money is the root of all evil” which is not what the Bible actually says. Money is a great resources for good when in the hands of people who follow the Bible financial principles, but when an unhealthy love of money becomes the primary desire of our hearts, it’s become an unhealthy idol, and greed can drive us to do barbaric things in the unquenchable quest for more. (1 Timothy 6:10)

• Generosity blesses both the giver and the recipient.  The happiest people I know are generous
  
  
  people and the most miserable are misers. When we’re generous, everybody wins. When we’re stingy, everybody loses. We know this already which is why every Christmas we all watch movies about Ebenezer Scrooge! Now, we just need to put the principle into action. (Matthew 7:2, D&C 1:10)

• You can’t take it with you, but you can shape eternity with it.  There’s never been a hearse pulling a U-Haul, because we obviously can’t take our wealth with us, BUT we can invest it into people and ministries that will create an eternal legacy. Commit to using your money to making a difference that will outlive you! (Matthew 6:19-21)

2.  As a family, prepare and bring a single college student/missionary friendly meal that is relatively healthy, easy to make and inexpensive.  (Do NOT bring Ramen or mac & cheese!)  Bring enough to share with the whole group as this will be lunch that day.  It can be a breakfast, lunch or dinner.  

One of the hardest things for college students/missionaries on their own for the first time is figuring out what to eat that fits their budget and is quick to make.  Even those who are good cooks and are used to cooking for their families have a hard time cooking for just themselves without eating the same thing for 2 weeks because they accidently made a huge pot of soup!  A temptation is just to eat fast food every day or yucky things like Ramen or mac & cheese so we want to help you avoid that.  

For example, the Cloward's will be bringing English muffin egg sandwiches that are individual, can be
made in bulk and frozen, include protein, are inexpensive and can be adapted to fit various taste preferences.   

Bring the recipe with you (or email it to Sis. Cloward) and I'll put them all on the blog to help you start a recipe book for when you move out.  

 

Become/Serve

President Ezra Taft Benson said in General Conference 1973:

“What are some of the calamities for which we are to prepare? In section 29 the Lord warns us of ‘a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth.’ (D&C 29:16.) In section 45 we read of ‘an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.’ (D&C 45:31.) In section 63 the Lord declares he has ‘decreed wars upon the face of the earth. …’ (D&C 63:33.) In Matthew, chapter 24, we learn of ‘famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes. …’ (Matt. 24:7.) The Lord declared that these and other calamities shall occur. These particular prophecies seem not to be conditional. The Lord, with his foreknowledge, knows that they will happen. Some will come about through man’s manipulations; others through the forces of nature and nature’s God, but that they will come seems certain. Prophecy is but history in reverse—a divine disclosure of future events.  Yet, through all of this, the Lord Jesus Christ has said: ‘… if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.’ (D&C 38:30.) What, then, is the Lord’s way to help us prepare for these calamities? The answer is also found in section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants, wherein he says: [D&C 1:17–18, 37]. Here then is the key—look to the prophets for the words of God, that will show us how to prepare for the calamities which are to come [see D&C 1:38].” 

Go back to the Oct 2020 General Conference and read one of the 4 talks Pres. Nelson gave (Moving Forward, Embrace the Future with Faith, Let God Prevail, or A New Normal) and read it through looking for warnings he is giving and advice he is giving us to prepare for the future.  Listen to the Holy Ghost and prayerfully make a list of things you can do now to be better prepared both spiritually and physically for the future and for your adulthood.   Start working on your list right away. 

 

Month #5 2020-2021 Leadership Academy Journeyman

JOURNEYMAN: Patterns of Liberty

The Founding Fathers proclaimed Liberty to be an "unalienable right" bestowed by our Creator.  We are now at a point in time when we have to make a choice between Liberty and captivity and we must know that principles and patterns of Liberty in order to make the right choice.

Study/Learn

Do all of the following:

1. Read ONE of the following sections in the Patterns of Liberty book found here and for each of the stories record how this person or group of people lived the pattern of liberty (1. Love God, obey & serve Him; 2. Love others and serve them; 3. Protect individual liberty) in your CPB and come to class prepared to share your insights: 
   
1. Thomas Jefferson p. 70-73
2. Declaration of Independence p. 81-83
3. Signers p. 91-92
2. OR If your family bought the book, The Miracle of America, you can read ONE of these stories instead.  For each of the stories record how this person or group of people lived the pattern of liberty (1. Love God, obey & serve Him; 2. Love others and serve them; 3. Protect individual liberty) in your CPB and come to class prepared to share your insights:  
1. John & Abigail Adams p. 12-15
2. Thomas Jefferson p. 16
3. A Light to all Mankind p. 19
4. Caesar Rodney p. 20-22
3. Print and either read The Proper Role of Government by Ezra Taft Benson or listen to it here. Write down any thoughts and/or questions you have.  Bring your printed copy to class.  This is your ticket to journeyman class today.

Know/Understand

• Take good notes on what you learned and studied in you commonplace books and come prepared to participate in games and discussion.  Review all the people/events you learned about all year in Patterns of Liberty for a fun game.