MIGHTY CHANGE OF HEART/OBJECT LESSON

Alma taught the Saints in Zarahemla, who were casual in the observance of God's law; the Saints at Gideon, who were more committed; and (next week) the apostates in Ammonihah. The most crucial parts of his sermon in all three places was the coming of Jesus Christ and repentance.   Even the Saints in Gideon who were doing fairly well were still told to search their hearts and repent.

In Zarahemla, he gave them a list of things for doing what a former colleague used to call "a check-up from the neck up" (Alma 5: 15-30) He left them with this promise: that if they would repent and come more firmly unto Christ, He would give them a new heart.

I teach the primary section of our home Church meetings.  I have two great-grandchildren who come every week, ages 4 and 6. I attempt to come up with teaching activities that keep them involved and interested.  I came across a beauty on YouTube that I'm using tomorrow.  It's and object lesson on change - more specifically, how can you change a heart? Using the natural laws of chemistry, I can change one substance into another substance in both physical appearance and molecular structure. It changes glue into a bouncy ball.

The substance I will use that needs to be changed is white glue.  Its messy (kind of like life); its sticky (ditto); and once it has you stuck, you are going nowhere.  

To make a lasting change, one needs a little knowledge of molecular chemistry or a good video on YouTube! 

The glue consists of a chain of polymers.  Borax dissolved in water produces a chemical reaction that permanently changes the substance.

The Borax causes the glue to pull together into a mass.  In the beginning this mass is like the Slime kids love to play with.  After kneading it to get all the air bubbles and water out, it is a substance that will bounce!
One it has changed into this bouncy substance, it can never go back to being glue again! 

The grandchildren won't understand the molecular science involved, but they will have fun watching the change, particularly if they get to get their hands into the mess.  The only point to make is that using natural laws of chemistry,  we changed one thing into another, different thing.  By allowing Jesus into our hearts, He can use natural spiritual law to turn one thing into another - a stony or hateful heart into a loving and humble heart. Here is a link with a youth minister performing this experiment.

Laws of nature, physical change

Recipe Part 1
1/2 c. very warm or hot water
1 T. Borax powder
Stir to dissolve

Recipe Part 2
1/2 c. white or clear glue
1/2 c. water
Food coloring (optional)

When water and glue are thoroughly mixed, pour it into the bowl with Borax water and stir.  Continue to stir until is gathers into a glob (it won't take long)

Knead the glob to remove excess water and air bubbles

When firm, roll into a ball with your hands.

Bounce.

Here is another recipe that doesn't use borax. (Borax is very hard to find these days.  Most people don't use it in their washers anymore.)

glue and salt

© June 2020 Dr. Kathleen Rawlings Buntin Danielson

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