Elder Holland: Fan the Flame of Your Faith

In his talk "Lord I Believe," Elder Holland taught one of the most important principles to have in your testimony tool kit.  When doubts and problems arise--(which they will)--do not lead with your unbelief.  Instead, "Be true to the faith you do have," and "Fan the flame of your faith."

The Brethren teach with such tangible imagery, and as parents we'd be wise to help our children latch onto and experience first-hand what these analogies mean in real life, so that they can understand how they apply spiritually.

I decided that an easy way to word Elder Holland's teachings for wee little children is to say, "Stick with your faith."  Don't leave it when things get hard, but "stick" with it.

To go along with this catchphrase, we made a candle display using sticks from our backyard that we hot-glued onto fabric and then glued to the candles.

Being able to light their candles was a big thrill. 

And I think they were proud of their creations.

But you can't exactly "fan the flame" of a candle the same way you can a fire. 

So, while we were making our "stick with your faith" candles inside, Steve was building a fire outside.

Now, my kids have seen me stoke a fire before, but I'm guessing that most children have not had a ton of experience being allowed to fan a fire themselves, before...which makes teaching the words of the apostles this way that much more memorable and effective.

Seeing that our once brilliant fire had died down, we talked about what we should do to give it the best chance of surviving and returning to it's previous, roaring glory.

The children were instructed to "fan the flame" and then to feed the fire with brush and branches that they could collect from around the yard.

This took work, but it definitely drove the point home that Elder Holland was making.  If your fire is burning low, you don't stomp it out...You must take care of that tiny flame of a testimony that burns inside of you, no matter who or what throws water on it.  You must "first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe."

Find more General Conference Review Lessons below:

I'm not afraid to follow the Savior - Elder Oaks

Catch the Wave - Elder Nelson

His Doctrine Will Not Change - Elder Hales

Fan the Flame of Your Faith - Elder Holland

Stay in Condition - President Packer

A Christ-centered Home - Elder Scott

The Importance of a Body - Elder Bednar

With Christ, Darkness Cannot Succeed - President Uchtdorf

"Eye" Will Be Tolerant as Well as Kind - President Monson

And be sure to check out "The Prophetic Family Proclamation" on WBMW!