“I Will Hasten The Work…”

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Posted in Missionary Work | Posted on 15-02-2013

FHE Scripture

Scripture

D&C 88:73-74

73- Behold, I will hasten my work in its time.

74- And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean;

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

When He Comes Again- Primary Songbook #82 or Israel, Israel, God is calling- Hymn #7

When He Comes Again

1. I wonder, when he comes again,
Will herald angels sing?
Will earth be white with drifted snow,
Or will the world know spring?
I wonder if one star will shine
Far brighter than the rest;
Will daylight stay the whole night through?
Will songbirds leave their nests?
I’m sure he’ll call his little ones
Together ’round his knee,
Because he said in days gone by,
“Suffer them to come to me.”

2. I wonder, when he comes again,
Will I be ready there
To look upon his loving face
And join with him in prayer?
Each day I’ll try to do his will
And let my light so shine
That others seeing me may seek
For greater light divine.
Then, when that blessed day is here,
He’ll love me and he’ll say,
“You’ve served me well, my little child;
Come unto my arms to stay.”

Israel, Israel, God is calling

1. Israel, Israel, God is calling,
Calling thee from lands of woe.
Babylon the great is falling;
God shall all her tow’rs o’erthrow.
Come to Zion, come to Zion
Ere his floods of anger flow.
Come to Zion, come to Zion
Ere his floods of anger flow.

3. Israel, angels are descending
From celestial worlds on high,
And to man their pow’r extending,
That the Saints may homeward fly.
Come to Zion, come to Zion,
For your coming Lord is nigh.
Come to Zion, come to Zion,
For your coming Lord is nigh.

2. Israel, Israel, God is speaking.
Hear your great Deliv’rer’s voice!
Now a glorious morn is breaking
For the people of his choice.
Come to Zion, come to Zion,
And within her walls rejoice.
Come to Zion, come to Zion,
And within her walls rejoice.

4. Israel! Israel! Canst thou linger
Still in error’s gloomy ways?
Mark how judgment’s pointing finger
Justifies no vain delays.
Come to Zion, come to Zion!
Zion’s walls shall ring with praise.
Come to Zion, come to Zion!
Zion’s walls shall ring with praise.

 

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or summarize “A word for the Hesitant Missionary” by Presidennt Dieter F Uchtdorf(taken from the Feb 2013 Ensign). Testify of the importance of Missionary Work and Sharing the Gospel every time we can. 

Disciples of Jesus Christ have always been under the obligation to take His gospel to the world (see Mark 16:15–16). Nevertheless, sometimes it is difficult to open our mouths and speak about our faith to those around us. While some members of the Church have a natural gift for talking to others about religion, others are a little hesitant or may feel awkward, embarrassed, or even fearful of doing so.

To that end, may I suggest four things that anyone can do to follow the commission of the Savior to preach the gospel “unto every creature” (D&C 58:64).

Be a Light - A favorite saying of mine often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi reads, “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.”1 Implicit in this saying is the understanding that often the most powerful sermons are unspoken.

When we have integrity and live consistently by our standards, people notice. When we radiate joy and happiness, they notice even more.

Everyone wants to be happy. When we members of the Church radiate the light of the gospel, people can see our happiness and sense the love of God filling and overflowing in our lives. They want to know why. They want to understand our secret.

That leads them to ask questions such as “Why are you so happy?” or “Why do you always have such a positive attitude?” The answers to these questions, of course, lead perfectly into a conversation about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Be Conversational - Bringing up the subject of religion—particularly to our friends and loved ones—can seem daunting and challenging. It doesn’t have to be. Mentioning spiritual experiences or talking about Church activities or events in casual conversation can be easy and pleasant if we invest a little courage and common sense.

My wife, Harriet, is a wonderful example of this. When we were living in Germany, she would find a way to work Church-related topics into her conversations with friends and acquaintances. For example, when someone asked about her weekend, she would say, “This Sunday we had an impressive experience in our church! A 16-year-old young man gave a beautiful talk in front of 200 people of our congregation about living a clean life.” Or, “I learned about a 90-year-old woman who knitted more than 500 blankets and gave them to our Church’s humanitarian program to be shipped to people in need all around the world.”

More often than not, the people who heard this wanted to know more. They asked questions. And that led to opportunities to talk about the gospel in a natural, confident, nonpushy way.

With the advent of the Internet and social media, it is easier today to talk about these things in a conversational way than ever before. What we need is simply the courage to do so.

Be Full of Grace - Unfortunately, it is so easy to be disagreeable. It happens too often that we argue, belittle, and condemn. When we become angry, rude, or hurtful with people, the last thing they want is to learn more about us. It is impossible to know how many people have either left the Church or never joined because someone said something that hurt or offended them.

There is so much incivility in the world today. Because of the anonymity of the Internet, it is easier than ever to say toxic or grating things online. Shouldn’t we, the hopeful disciples of our gentle Christ, have a higher, more charitable standard? The scriptures teach, “Let your speech be alway[s] with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6).

I like the idea of our words being clear as a sunny sky and full of grace. Can you imagine what our families, wards, nations, and even the world would be like if we could adopt this simple principle?

Be Filled with Faith - Sometimes we take upon ourselves too much credit or too much blame when it comes to others accepting the gospel. It’s important to remember that the Lord doesn’t expect us to do the converting.

Conversion comes not through our words but through the heavenly ministrations of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes all it takes is one single phrase of our testimony or about an experience to set in motion the softening of a heart or the opening of a door that can lead others to experience sublime truths through the promptings of the Spirit.

President Brigham Young (1801–77) said he knew the gospel was true when he “saw a man without eloquence, or talents for public speaking, who could only say, ‘I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that theBook of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of the Lord.’” President Young said when he heard that humble testimony, “The Holy Ghost proceeding from that individual illuminate[d] my understanding, and light, glory, and immortality [were] before me.”2

Brothers and sisters, have faith. The Lord can magnify the words you speak and make them mighty. God doesn’t ask you to convert but rather to open your mouths. The task of converting is not yours—that belongs to the person hearing and to the Holy Spirit.

Every Member a Missionary - My dear friends, today there are more ways than ever for us to open our mouths and share with others the joyful news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a way for everyone—even the hesitant missionary—to participate in this great work. We can each find a way to use our own particular talents and interests in support of the great work of filling the world with light and truth. As we do so, we will find the joy that comes to those who are faithful and courageous enough “to stand as witnesses of God at all times” (Mosiah 18:9).

Testify of the importance of Missionary Work and Sharing the Gospel every time we can. 

 

*For Younger Children* Read or summarize “A heart Filled with Love“ by President Henry B. Eyring (taken from the Feb2013 Friend). Testify of the importance of Service and Sharing the Gospel every time we can. 

Many of you participated in a day of service. There were thousands of them organized across the world.

In a day of service, more than 120 members of one ward volunteered to help. In three hours they transformed the grounds of a church in our community. It was hard and happy work. The ministers of the church expressed gratitude. All who worked together that day felt unity and greater love. Some even said that they felt joy as they pulled weeds and trimmed shrubbery.

Words from the Book of Mormon helped them know why they felt that joy. It was King Benjamin who said to his people, “Learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are … in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17). And it was Mormon who taught in his words in the Book of Mormon, “Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him” (Moroni 7:47).

The Lord is keeping His promise to you as you keep yours. As you serve others for Him, He lets you feel His love. And in time, feelings of charity become part of your very nature. And you will receive the assurance of Mormon in your heart as you persist in serving others in life that all will be well with you.

Testify of the importance of Service and Sharing the Gospel every time we can. 

 

*For Teenagers or Young Adults*  Read or summarize this excerpt from “A word for the Hesitant Missionary” by Presidennt Dieter F . Uchtdorf (taken from the Feb 2013 Ensign). Testify of the importance of Missionary Work and Sharing the Gospel every time we can. 

Sharing with a Friend

By Adriana Vásquez, Colombia

One day while studying for my seminary class, I had a beautiful and distinct impression. As I was reading over the lesson for the next day, I saw the face of a friend from school and had the strong feeling that I should share my testimony with her.

Despite the clarity of this impression, I was afraid. I was worried that my friend might reject me, particularly because she didn’t seem to be the kind of girl who would be interested in joining the Church.

I thought back to a talk by Sister Mary N. Cook of the Young Women general presidency in which she challenged us to work hard and be valiant.1 I wanted to be like this, so I wrote this girl a letter and testified of the truthfulness of the Church and of my love for the Book of Mormon. The next day I slipped a copy of the Book of Mormon, together with my letter, into her bag.

To my surprise, my friend was very receptive to the gospel. Starting that day, she would tell me about what she had learned in her study of the Book of Mormon. A few weeks later, I introduced her to the missionaries. Almost immediately, she received a confirmation from the Holy Ghost that what she was learning was true. The missionaries and I cried as she told us of her feelings. My friend was soon baptized, and her parents were amazed to see the changes that had occurred in her.

I am so happy I was able to overcome my fears and help bring the gospel into her life.

Note: 1. See Mary N. Cook, “Never, Never, Never Give Up!” Ensign, May 2010, 117–19.

Testify of the importance of Missionary Work and Sharing the Gospel every time we can. 

 

FHE Treat

Treat

Raspberry S’Mores or Pears With Rosemary Sugar  

Raspberry S’Mores 

Ingredientsraspberrysmores

8 graham crackers
32 large marshmallows, cut in half
2 1.5-ounce chocolate bars (such as Hershey’s)
1 cup fresh raspberries

Instructions:

1. Adjust rack to middle position and heat broiler or toaster oven.

2. Break the crackers in half to form squares and place on a baking sheet.

3. Arrange 4 marshmallow halves on top of each square. Broil for 30 to 60 seconds or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

4. Break each chocolate bar into 12 pieces. Arrange the chocolate and raspberries on top of half the crackers.

5. Invert the remaining marshmallow-topped crackers onto the raspberry-and-chocolate-topped crackers, pressing gently to make sandwiches.

Stack them, if desired.. (Taken from My Recipes)

Pears With Rosemary Sugar

Ingredients:pearssugar

3 pears
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup sugar

Instructions:

Core pears and cut into wedges. Arrange the wedges on dessert plates. Drizzle with orange juice. Combine rosemary with sugar and sprinkle over the pears. (Taken from My Recipes)

 

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

1- Current Church news  - Discuss the ways in which the church is working to hasten the work.
New MTC in Mexico, Missionary Applications Jump 400%

2- Find a local Service Opportunity

3- Play your family’s favorite board game.

Testimony

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Posted in Missionary Work, Prayer | Posted on 20-12-2012

Tags: , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Quote from President Boyd K Packer

“A Testimony is not thrust upon you; it grows. And a testimony is a testimony, and it should be respected, whether it is small or large. We become taller in our testimony like we grow in physical stature and hardly know it is happening, because it comes by growth.”

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

The Church of Jesus Christ- Primary Songbook #77 or Testimony- Hymn #137

The Church of Jesus Christ

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I know who I am.
I know God’s plan.
I’ll follow him in faith.
I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
I’ll honor his name.
I’ll do what is right;
I’ll follow his light.
His truth I will proclaim.

Testimony

1. The witness of the Holy Ghost,
As borne by those who know,
Has lifted me again to thee,
O Father of my soul.

2. I know that thou art in the heav’n.
I know the Savior reigns.
I know a prophet speaks to us
For our eternal gain.

3. My eyes are wet; my heart is full.
The Spirit speaks today.
O Lord, wilt thou my life renew
And in my bosom stay.

4. As testimony fills my heart,
It dulls the pain of days.
For one brief moment, heaven’s view
Appears before my gaze.

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or summarize “The Tradition of Light & Testimony” by Elder L Tom Perry (taken from the Dec 2012 Ensign). Testify of the importance of gaining & strengthening a testimony.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly a worldwide Church. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that the Church could never have become what it is today without the birth of a great nation, the United States of America. The Lord prepared a new land to attract the peoples of the world who sought liberty and religious freedom. This new land was blessed with strong leaders who felt duty bound to establish a government that allowed individuals to worship according to their own conscience.

The Founding Fathers of the United States believed that religious faith was fundamental to the establishment of strong government. Many people in the world, however, have forgotten the central importance of religious beliefs in the formation of the policies, laws, and rules of government. Many Americans, for example, do not understand that the founders believed the role of religion would be as important in our day as it was in their day. The founders did not consider religion and morality an intellectual exercise—they forcefully declared it an essential ingredient of good government and the happiness of humankind.

This position was set forth by the first U.S. president, George Washington, in his Farewell Address. He said:

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. … Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. … Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

“It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.”1

The United States is the promised land foretold in the Book of Mormon—a place where divine guidance directed inspired men to create the conditions necessary for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was the birth of the United States of America that ushered out the Great Apostasy, when the earth was darkened by the absence of prophets and revealed light. It was no coincidence that the lovely morning of the First Vision occurred just a few decades after the establishment of the United States.

The First Vision precipitated a flood of revealed truth. Knowledge was restored about the nature of the Godhead. A new translated scripture gave a second witness and testament of Jesus Christ. The restoration of the priesthood reendowed mankind with the power and authority to act for and on behalf of God in conducting priesthood ordinances and in reestablishing the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth. We are blessed to be members of the restored Church.

A Plan for Spiritual Security

One of the blessings of the restored Church is living prophets. President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) had a beautifully clear understanding of priorities. He taught, “Much of what we do organizationally [in the Church] … is scaffolding, as we seek to build the individual, and we must not mistake the scaffolding for the soul.”2

President Lee was not minimizing the role of the Church in the salvation of men, women, and families. Rather, he taught powerfully that the core of the gospel of Jesus Christ is individuals, families, and homes, which the Church functions to support.3 The Church, therefore, is the scaffolding with which we build eternal families.

I belong to a branch of the Wing family tree. Members of the Wing family still own the oldest home built in New England that has stayed in the same family. It is called the Old Fort House. It was the home of Stephen Wing and his family after they arrived in America about 1635.

The nucleus of the house was constructed for protection. Its walls are two feet (0.6 m) thick, made of hewn oak trunks driven into the ground to form the typical construction of a New England garrison. It has two separate walls. The space in between was filled with sandstone for protection against arrows and bullets. The fort was the center of the home. As the Wing family grew, it added onto the sides of the original fort house. But the fort remained their protection, their safe haven.

Perhaps each of us should consider building structures for our spiritual security that are free from the influences of the world—places where we can protect and teach family members how to meet the challenges of a world that is always threatening core gospel values. I prefer to be optimistic, so I continue to hope for positive change in the world. But I’m also a realist, so I form a contingency plan in case positive changes don’t come. My contingency plan for spiritual security must account for all the content—both good and evil—that is being pushed through various media. Where do I look to learn about how to build such a contingency plan for the spiritual security of my family? I look to the Church—the scaffolding with which I build an eternal family.

There are two principal reasons I appreciate President Lee’s metaphor for the Church as scaffolding for our eternal families. First, it helps me understand what the Church is. Second, and equally important, I understand what the Church is not.

The Church as scaffolding is perhaps best represented by a statement the Prophet Joseph Smith made about his role as the leader of the Church. He said, “I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.”4Eternal principles are the scaffolding the Church provides. These eternal principles are embedded in the doctrines of the kingdom of God and are reflected in His eternal plan of happiness. We meet as members of the Church to teach and learn from each other the principles of righteousness and to receive saving ordinances so the scaffolding is steady and stable as we build our eternal families.

Notice that the Church is not meant to do the work of parents; rather, it guides the work of parents. The Church offers an eternal form. As builders of eternal families, we are reassured by promises that if we build according to this eternal form, our efforts can provide the safety and protection we seek for those we love most.

Our challenge is to use the Church as scaffolding to build a family that is as spiritually strong or stronger than the Old Fort House is physically strong. How do we do this?

The Importance of Traditions

I believe family traditions are like the hewn oak trunks driven into the ground to build the Old Fort House. Make the honoring of family traditions—holiday traditions, birthday traditions, Sunday traditions, dinnertime traditions—and the development of new ones a priority throughout your lives. Honor them, write them down, and make certain you follow them. Studies show that the reason young people join gangs is for the tradition and ritual of belonging to something larger than self. That is what a family should be. Be certain you are creating a rich environment in which your family can look forward to special times of the year when traditions hold you together as a great eternal family unit.

Understand that this is neither a simple nor an easy solution. Just as Rome was not built in a day, neither are family traditions. Family traditions can offer basic and lasting support, but there’s a lot that must be built around them. Perhaps family traditions work only when they create a role for every member of the family and when there is united effort to build them. This means family members need to spend time together and learn how to work together. When it comes to families, there is no such thing as quality time without a certain quantity of time.

When you consider employment, for example, reflect on how much time a job will demand of you each day. Is it one that will keep you working 14 hours a day and prevent you from arriving home until after your children are in bed? I’m not suggesting such employment opportunities are out of bounds, but if you choose them, you must find creative ways to remain connected to your family. The scaffolding of the Church will help remind you of your eternal priorities.

For my career I selected retail business. Our stores were open six days a week from 10:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night. My normal workday was at least 10 hours, sometimes 12 to 15. I had to be very careful to have time for my children, and I believe that seeing the Church as scaffolding continuously reminded me of my eternal priorities.

For example, I involved all of my children in part-time jobs at our stores. My oldest daughter used to come in and update sales figures so that my reporting was always current and I could make year-over-year comparisons. I had my son work in accounts payable during the summer. I taught my youngest daughter how to run a cash register so she could be a part-time cashier. This gave us the opportunity to see each other during the day, have lunch together several days a week, and spend precious one-on-one time together. The best time together was during the daily commute to and from work.

Scaffolding for Our Professional Lives

I also believe the Church can provide scaffolding for our professional lives. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we represent the Savior and His Church. For us, being as good as someone else from another church is not good enough. President George Albert Smith (1870–1951) taught this lesson when he said:

“Within the last year, I have had the privilege of meeting and conversing on the gospel with some men who live in this community [Salt Lake City], not members of our Church. One man had resided here for twenty years, a man whose life is above reproach, a good citizen, a splendid businessman, one who has kindly feelings towards our people. He told me that he had … come to the conclusion that we were just as good as our neighbors who are members of other churches; he could not see any difference in us.

“I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that is no compliment to me. If the gospel of Jesus Christ does not make me a better man, then I have not developed as I should, and if our neighbors not in this Church can live among us from year to year and see no evidence of the benefits that come from keeping the commandments of God in our lives, then there is need for reform in Israel.”5

A member of the Church who is worthy of a temple recommend should always stand out in whatever professional circles he or she belongs to. Dare to be different. Never worry about offending others by living up to the standards of the Church. I promise you that living up to temple recommend standards will bless and never hurt you in any situation in which you may find yourself.

Reflecting the Savior’s Light

As I read and watch the news each day, I am shocked at the difficulties we are creating for ourselves. As times and conditions change and become more complex, there seem to be fewer and fewer individuals capable of shouldering the responsibilities of leading positive change. I issue a challenge to you who are leaders and future leaders to recognize that the world is changing rapidly. There is an urgent need for leaders capable and bold enough to take on the immense challenges that face us today.

The moral foundation of a strong Judeo-Christian tradition appears to be eroding in the United States and in other nations. This tradition was based on justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity. It was not based on laws and regulations but on the Light of Christ in every good and decent citizen.

The number of people who subscribe to these beliefs and values is dwindling, but you and I remain true. We have covenanted with the Savior to represent Him. By representing Jesus Christ and reflecting the Light of Christ in our lives, we can help many of our brothers and sisters remember their Judeo-Christian traditions and heritage.

We must be bold in our declarations and testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ. We want others to know that we believe He is the central figure in all human history. His life and teachings are the heart of theBible and the other books we consider to be holy scriptures. The Old Testament sets the stage for Christ’s mortal ministry. The New Testament describes His mortal ministry. The Book of Mormon gives us a second witness of His mortal ministry. He came to earth to declare His gospel as a foundation for all mankind so that all of God’s children could learn about Him and His teachings. He then gave His life in order to be our Savior and Redeemer. Only through Jesus Christ is salvation possible. This is why we believe He is the central figure in all human history. Our eternal destiny is always in His hands. It is a glorious thing to believe in Him and accept Him as our Savior, our Lord, and our Master.

Remember all that the Church has done, is doing, and can do for you and your family. And remember that this is not just any other church; it is the restored Church of Jesus Christ.

Testify of the importance of gaining & strengthening a testimony.

 

*For Younger Children* Read or summarize “How can I be a witness of Jesus Christ?” by Elder D Todd Christofferson (taken from the Dec 2012 Friend). Testify of the importance of gaining & strengthening a testimony.

We are witnesses of Jesus Christ when we live so as to reflect His teachings. The way we act, speak, look, and even think should reflect Him and His ways.

We are witnesses of Jesus Christ when we talk to others about our feelings about Him.

We are witnesses of Jesus Christ when we live with a happy outlook that shows our faith in Him.

We are witnesses of Jesus Christ when we bear testimony to others and help them learn of and follow Him.

Testify of the importance of gaining & strengthening a testimony.

 

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Read or summarize “Do I Even Have a Testimony?” (taken from the Dec 2012 New Era). Testify of the importance of gaining & strengthening a testimony.

During a recent fast and testimony meeting, I sat on a cushioned folding chair in our little branch building and tried to convince myself to go up and bear my testimony. I don’t necessarily get stage fright, but I don’t enjoy talking in front of everybody either. Part of me wanted to get up there, and the other part made up excuses not to. The words “I don’t even have a testimony” popped into my mind.

I quickly took those words back, if you can do that with thoughts, because I knew it wasn’t true. “Of course I have a testimony,” I said to myself. “It may not be an extremely great or strong testimony of every gospel topic, but I have a strong belief in some gospel principles.”

I started listing them in my mind. “I know that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost love all of us. I believe that families are extremely important and that through the plan of salvation, families can live together forever.”

I had recently turned 14, and my mom told me with a smile, “Joseph Smith was 14 when he had the First Vision.” I knew this, but that simple sentence strengthened my testimony of Joseph Smith. I know that he was a true prophet called of God and that he translated the Book of Mormonand restored the gospel.

Not all of this came to mind right then, but in the days that followed I thought a lot about that Sunday. As with my testimony of the ProphetJoseph Smith, my belief and testimony of other things didn’t grow just because of what I learned or heard but also through things that happened to me.

For example, last October my grandpa passed away. He had been sick with diabetes for a long time. His was the first funeral of a familymember I’d been to, and it was a very sad time for my family and me. Being among all of my relatives during the funeral and knowing we would see Grandpa again strengthened my testimony that families are extremely important and play a key part in Heavenly Father’s plan. I know that because my mom and dad were sealed in the temple, our family can live together forever. I am so thankful for their choice.

This week my dad taught us a lesson about the Holy Ghost during family home evening. He listed several things we can do to bring the Holy Ghost into our hearts. Among them is bearing our testimonies. He said that it takes courage to bear testimony but that the Lord will bless you with the Holy Ghost for your bravery. This week is a fast Sunday, and I look forward to sharing my testimony with my branch.

Testify of the importance of gaining & strengthening a testimony.

FHE Treat

Treat

Almond Toffee Bites or Cinnamon Pretzels

Almond Toffee Bites

Ingredients

1 cup salted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp kosher salt
12oz milk chocolate, melted
1 cup unblanched whole almonds
1 cup finely ground walnuts

Instructions:

1. On a foil lined baking dish (11×7)- or in a silicone brownie bite pan- arrange almonds in a single layer. Set aside.

2. In a heavy pan, combine butter, sugar, vanilla and salt. Cook over medium-high heat with a wooden spoon until butter melts, stirring constantly. Continue cooking (AND STIRRING) an additional 5-7 minutes until candy turns the color of almonds (about 300 degrees). Pour over almonds. If using the brownie bite pan, I use a small metal scoop to get toffee into each bite, working quickly!

3. Cool completely.

4. When candy is cooled and set (about 2 hours), spread chocolate over top of toffee. Sprinkle generously with ground walnuts. If doing both sides, use only half of the chocolate and walnuts. Allow top to set before flipping over and doing bottom. When set, pop out of silicone pan and store in a airtight containers. OR cut into pieces. (Taken from Shugary Sweets)

Cinnamon Pretzels

Ingredients:

16 oz. pretzels
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300; Put pretzels in roasting pan.  Mix oil, sugar, and cinnamon.  Pour oil mixture over pretzels.  Stir to coat. Bake 30 minutes–stirring twice. (Taken from Susabell)

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

1-Have a family testimony meeting.

2- Write down your testimony now and then write it down again in a year.

3- I Know the Book of Mormon is True Hidden Picture.

Baptism

1

Posted in Missionary Work, Ordinances, Priesthood | Posted on 09-11-2012

Tags: , , , , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

John 14:15

15 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

When I Am Baptized – Primary Songbook #103 or - Come, Follow Me Hymn #116

When I Am Baptized

1. I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.

2. I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,
And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

Chorus
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

Come, Follow Me

1. “Come, follow me,” the Savior said.
Then let us in his footsteps tread,
For thus alone can we be one
With God’s own loved, begotten Son.

2. “Come, follow me,” a simple phrase,
Yet truth’s sublime, effulgent rays
Are in these simple words combined
To urge, inspire the human mind.

3. Is it enough alone to know
That we must follow him below,
While trav’ling thru this vale of tears?
No, this extends to holier spheres.

4. Not only shall we emulate
His course while in this earthly state,
But when we’re freed from present cares,
If with our Lord we would be heirs.

5. We must the onward path pursue
As wider fields expand to view,
And follow him unceasingly,
Whate’er our lot or sphere may be.

6. For thrones, dominions, kingdoms, pow’rs,
And glory great and bliss are ours,
If we, throughout eternity,
Obey his words, “Come, follow me.”

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or summarize the following article “Come Unto Christ” by President Henry B Eyring (taken from March 2008 Ensign).  Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ and being baptized.

The words “come unto Christ” are an invitation. It is the most important invitation you could ever offer to another person. It is the most important invitation anyone could accept. From the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel in this dispensation, it has been the charge given by Jesus Christ to His representatives. Their charge has been “to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.” 1

Every member of the Church, upon accepting the baptismal covenant, becomes a disciple who has promised to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ at all times in any place he or she may be in. 2 The purpose of our witness is to invite people to come unto Him.

All of us should be intensely interested in learning how to issue that invitation effectively. We know from experience that some will not respond. Only a few responded when the Savior Himself offered this invitation during His mortal ministry. But great was His joy in those who recognized His voice. And great has been our joy when those we have invited have come unto Him.

Know That He Is the Way

It is worthwhile to ponder over those instances in our own lives when people have responded. Personally, I have seen a pattern when people have accepted that invitation. In each case the Holy Ghost has manifested at least three truths to them. The experiences have not always come in the sequence in which I will list them, but they all come to the hearts of those who truly come unto Christ.

First, they come to feel that the only way they can have the happiness they want most in this life and in the world to come is through Jesus Christ. They come to believe these words from the Book of Mormon: “Behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved.” 3

That assurance is not easy to feel in a world in which many voices say that there is no God, that there is no sin, and that happiness is found in pleasure. But our voices can be more powerful if we can get the gift of bearing a sure witness that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior of the world. That witness will come most powerfully out of your own experiences with the Atonement of Jesus Christ working in your life. If you reflect often on how His Atonement has changed you and if you give thanks often, you will find that your witness of Him gains power to touch the hearts of others. When those you invite out of your own testimony feel that witness, they will come to accept Him as their Lord and Savior. And that acceptance, when it comes, will warm their hearts and yours.

Covenant and Obey

Second, those I know who have truly come unto Him make covenants to obey and to follow Him. It may begin by keeping simple commitments, such as reading the Book of Mormon or going to a sacrament meeting. It must come out of their faith that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior. When they keep the commitment out of that faith, they feel something. They may not be able to identify the feeling in words, but they feel better. Obedience, even in small things, brings that blessing from God. And in time they begin to feel a repentant heart and with it a desire to make the covenant of baptism, to take the Savior’s name upon them, and to be cleansed from sin.

People come to make that crucial choice for many reasons. At first one man we taught could not see the need to be baptized. After all, he had tried to be good all his life. He had committed no serious sin. He had been baptized as a child in another church. But then two things came to his mind. One was that the Savior was baptized out of obedience, having never sinned. The other is that he wanted to make the commitment to the Savior through the authority of the true priesthood, just as the Savior went to John to be baptized.

Another young man we taught chose to be baptized out of a heart broken by the sorrow he felt for his sins. As he came up out of the waters ofbaptism, he threw his arms around my neck, tears streaming down his cheeks, and said in my ear, “I’m clean. I’m clean.”

Their choices to make the covenant of baptism sprang from a common faith. They knew that if they would keep a covenant to obey the Savior’s commandments, He would keep His covenant with them to lead them toward eternal life. They were ready to come unto Him that they might be changed and led by Him and, in time, become like Him.

Strive to Become like Him

That leads to the third thing I have seen in the lives of those who have truly come unto Him. They strive to become like Him. They begin to try to do unto others as they know He would do. You and I have seen that in faithful people soon after their baptism and receiving of the Holy Ghost. Once, I went with my missionary companion to visit a family we had taught and baptized just a few weeks previously. The parents took us down into their basement to show us a room. It had been the bedroom of one of their two daughters. But she had now moved in with her sister. The bedroom she vacated was filled with everything the family would need in an emergency.

We had not taught them anything about emergency preparedness. When we asked why they had done something so difficult so quickly, the reply was that they had read in a Church magazine that the Lord would like families to be prepared to take care of themselves and others. They said, “Isn’t that what Latter-day Saints do?”

That simple faith extended to everything they felt the Savior would have them do. And their desire to follow Him lasted. And it changed them. They had always been kind, trying to help others. But that ability to show charity grew. And that has been the pattern in all those I have known who continued to come unto Him over a lifetime.

We sometimes speak of retaining members as if we held them in. We can and we must be a friend to those who have made the choice to come unto Him. They can become discouraged when trials come, as trials always do. Yet we must remember that the best and surest friends they have are the Savior and His Father, who is also their Father. Heavenly Father and the Savior will send them the Holy Ghost to comfort them and confirm their faith if they are humbly obedient. So, for example, when going visiting teaching or home teaching with a new member, if you give him or her the chance to pray or to teach or to make the appointment, you may give him or her more strength than just your expressions of love. It will bring down the powers of heaven. And that will lift them through trials and protect them from pride when blessings begin to come to them, as blessings will.

A Change of Heart

Another wonderful thing will happen. When you give your heart to inviting people to come unto Christ, your heart will be changed. You will be doing His work for Him. You will find that He keeps His promise to be one with you in your service. You will come to know Him. And in time you will come to be like Him and “be perfected in him.” 4 By helping others come unto Him, you will find that you have come unto Him yourself. If you want to be near Him, to feel His peace, you can do it best in His service.

He is the one who said:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 5

I testify that He will keep that promise to those we invite for Him. And He keeps that promise to those who serve Him by doing the inviting.

Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ and being baptized.

 

*For Younger Children* Read or tell the following story: “What My Father Gave Me” (taken from the Nov 2012 Friend). Testify of the importance of being baptized.

I’ve gotten lots of great birthday presents in my life, but what I got from my dad on my eighth birthday takes the cake. And it all started when he asked me a single question in a room full of people.

That room was in our church building, and the people filling it were myfamily members. I had never seen so many of them in church at one time! We were all there to see my cousin Bre get baptized.

As I watched Bre’s parents take pictures of her in her white dress, I started feeling really excited about my own baptism.

I went over to look at the font, thinking about what my special day would be like. Would the water be warm? Would all my family be there? I hoped I would feel the peaceful, clean feeling that I had heard other people tell about. All of these thoughts were tumbling around in my mind when Dad walked over and asked the question that changed everything.

“Chris, who do you want to baptize you?”

Here’s the thing: my dad couldn’t baptize me because he wasn’t a member of the Church.

My mom is a convert, which means she got baptized later in life. But my dad never seemed to want to be baptized, and that made me sad sometimes. I didn’t talk about it very much because I didn’t want to make him feel bad. But this time, I decided to tell him.

“I want you to baptize me. You’re my dad!”

I still remember the look on his face. First he was surprised. Then he looked kind of sad. Then his expression turned thoughtful, as if he were thinking about something important.

“C’mon, buddy. We’ll talk about it later,” he said, wrapping his arm around me as we headed to our seats.

The next day, I stood with my dad again—this time in front of the bishop’s office. It was time for me to meet with the bishop for my baptismal interview. I was pretty nervous, and it seemed like Dad was too. He kept pacing back and forth in front of the office door. After I had my interview, Dad walked right up to the bishop.

“What do I have to do to be able to baptize my son?” he asked.

The bishop froze, right in the middle of his handshake. You should’ve seen the smile that came across his face! He told my dad that he needed to be baptized and receive the Aaronic Priesthood. My dad said that he was finally ready to make these special promises with Heavenly Father.

You can probably guess how this story ends. A month later, I stood in the baptismal font dressed in white. The water was warm. My family was there. Best of all, my dad was standing next to me, ready to baptize me.

I know that lots of kids are still waiting and praying for a family member to get baptized. It’s hard to wait, but we can keep being good examples and never give up hope. Knowing this makes me feel even more grateful for the decision my dad finally made—the decision that gave me the best birthday of my life.

“I will honor my parents and do my part to strengthen my family.”

Testify of the importance of being baptized.

 

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Read or summarize the following article: “An Empty Font” (taken from the February 2012 New Era). Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ & being baptized.

It was 7:45 a.m. on a rainy August morning here in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. We (the full-time missionaries in the Freetown District) had planned a baptismal service and were determined to hold it, rain or shine. It was then I received a call from Brother Allieu, a member from our branch, but I could not totally understand what he was saying, as he was speaking rapidly in Krio, the local language. I told him to take a deep breath and speak slowly. He did so and said, “Elder Naeata, there is no water for the baptismal font. I am sorry. There is no water.”

I thanked him for the call and then announced the bad news to the other elders. Immediately we began to think of how we could still perform this sacred ordinance. It was then that Elder Agamah reminded us of the waterfall and pond up the mountain nearby in a place called Mellow. The elders all agreed we should try and hold the baptism there, so we obtained permission to do so.

As everyone gathered later that morning at the bottom of the mountain, the group came to a stark realization of the formidable task looming ahead. However, the determined company had no sign of hesitation to press forward. Men and women and even children walked and talked happily up the wet and slippery trail. Gradually ascending, we took a short detour to cross the river.

As we hiked, the zeal of some in the party began to fade when the rain picked up, but we pressed forward with hope. Still, the rugged path seemed to have no end. Finally we arrived at our destination. Our hearts were happy, but the rain persisted to beat down upon us. As we prepared for the baptismal service, we took refuge from the rain under a large mango tree.

We opened by singing the hymn “The Spirit of God” (Hymns, no. 2). After the opening devotional we went to the baptismal site. The water was rushing off the falls and into the pond where we would perform the sacred ordinance.

A father entered the pond and helped his son into the water when, suddenly, the rain stopped. The rays of the sun broke through the clouds and illuminated the pond. We could feel the presence of the Spirit. After the father baptized his son, a husband baptized his wife, and then the elders baptized their investigators. The sun continued to shine, as did the smiles on our faces.

We closed the service by singing “Come, Follow Me” (Hymns, no. 116). Yes, indeed, we did follow Him. We followed our Savior up and down the mountain, across full, flowing creeks, up the steep and wet trails, and through the rain. And those who were baptized truly followed the Savior’s example as they entered the waters of baptism.

Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ & being baptized.

FHE Treat

Treat

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate or Apple Enchiladas

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Yields 3 Servings

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup hot cocoa mix (no marshmallows)
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
whipped cream or marshmallows optional

Instructions:

1. In a medium sauce pan over medium low heat whisk together your milk and hot cocoa mix.

2. Add your canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice.

3. Heat until desired temperature is reached.

4. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and/or marshmallows and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. (Taken from Cookies & Cups)

Apple Enchiladas 

Ingredients:

1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
Instructions:

1. Spoon about one heaping quarter cup of pie filling evenly down the center of each tortilla.

2. Sprinkle with cinnamon; roll up, tucking in edges; and place seam side down in prepared dish.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, white sugar, brown sugar and water.
4. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes.
5. Pour sauce over enchiladas and let stand 45 minutes.
6. Bake in preheated 350 degrees oven 20 minutes, or until golden.
7. Serve with vanilla ice cream. (Taken from Cornfed Momma)

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

1- Play Mother May I? & work towards a picture of the Savior.

2- Memorize your baptism covenants.

3- Have each individual share things they remember from their baptism.

Missionary Work

0

Posted in Missionary Work | Posted on 02-11-2012

Tags: ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Alma 29:1

1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

  I Want to Be a Missionary Now – Primary Songbook #168 or - Called to Serve Hymn #249

I Want to Be a Missionary Now

1. I want to be a missionary now.
I don’t want to wait until I’m grown.
I want to share the gospel while I’m young,
For I have a testimony of my own.

2. I want to tell my friends about our church
And the happiness it brings to me.
I’ll tell them how the gospel was restored,
Tell them how the Book of Mormon came to be.

3. Then I can be a missionary now.
I don’t have to wait until I’m grown.
I’ll live each day the best that I know how,
And they’ll see I have a testimony of my own,
A testimony of my very own.

Called to Serve

1. Called to serve Him, heav’nly King of glory,
Chosen e’er to witness for his name,
Far and wide we tell the Father’s story,
Far and wide his love proclaim.

[Chorus]
Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name;
Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name;
Forward, pressing forward, as a triumph song we sing.
God our strength will be; press forward ever,
Called to serve our King.

2. Called to know the richness of his blessing—
Sons and daughters, children of a King—
Glad of heart, his holy name confessing,
Praises unto him we bring.

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Watch the following video on Missionaries.  Testify of the importance of sharing the gospel & being a member missionary.

 

“Every member… a missionary!”
(President David O McKay April 1959 General Conference)

What are ways we can be a missionary?

Testify of the importance of sharing the gospel & being a member missionary.

*For Younger Children* Read or share the following: “What’s the Answer?” (taken from the Nov 2012 Friend). Testify of sharing the gospel & answering our friends questions about the church.

We are blessed to have testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but not everybody believes the same way we do. Here are some ways to answer your friends’ questions about the gospel.

Why don’t you play sports or go to birthday parties on Sundays?

One of God’s commandments is “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Instead of going to parties or sports games, I keep the Sabbath day holy by going to church, spending time with my family, and serving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Why can’t you watch certain TV shows and movies or play certain video games?

I try to only watch and play things that make me feel good inside. Things with bad language, violence, and immodesty don’t give me a good feeling, so I stay away from them.

Why don’t you drink tea or coffee?

Being healthy is important to me. My church teaches me to not take coffee, tea, alcohol, or anything else that might hurt my body.

Why don’t you wear short skirts or shirts that have spaghetti straps?

When I dress modestly, I feel like I am respecting the body Heavenly Father gave me.

Why don’t you swear?

I try to only say things that will make me and other people feel good. Swearing would make me feel bad about myself, and I’d make others feel bad too.

Testify of sharing the gospel & answering our friends questions about the church.

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Read the following article: “Love, Joy and Inspiration” (taken from the Nov 2012 New Era). Watch the following video. Testify of the importance of sharing the gospel & being a member missionary.

“We affirm that missionary work is a priesthood duty—and we encourage all young men who are worthy and who are physically able and mentally capable to respond to the call to serve.”

A Testimony of the Truth

“There is absolutely nothing in this world that will provide more comfort and happiness than a testimony of the truth. … If you feel that you do not yet have the depth of testimony you would wish, I admonish you to work to achieve such a testimony. If it is strong and deep, labor to keep it that way. How blessed we are to have a knowledge of the truth.”

Seeing Others as They May Become

“There are countless individuals who have little or no testimony right now, those who could and would receive such a testimony if we would be willing to make the effort to share ours and to help them change. In some instances we can provide the incentive for change. …

“… For those members who have slipped from activity or who hold back and remain noncommittal, we can prayerfully seek for some way to reach them. Asking them to serve in some capacity may just be the incentive they need to return to full activity. … We need to bear in mind that people can change. They can put behind them bad habits. They can repent from transgressions. They can bear the priesthood worthily. And they can serve the Lord diligently. …

“We can help them to overcome their shortcomings. We must develop the capacity to see men not as they are at present but as they may become when they receive testimonies of the gospel of Christ. …

“The same principle … applies to those who are not yet members. We should develop the capacity to see men not as they are but as they can become when they are members of the Church, when they have a testimony of the gospel, and when their lives are in harmony with its teachings.”

Courage Needed

“Courage is the word we need to hear and hold near our hearts—courage to turn our backs on temptation, courage to lift up our voices in testimony to all whom we meet, remembering that everyone must have an opportunity to hear the message.”

Blessings and Happiness

“We are blessed with so very much. And yet it is sometimes difficult to view the problems and permissiveness around us and not become discouraged. I have found that, rather than dwelling on the negative, if we will take a step back and consider the blessings in our lives, including seemingly small, sometimes overlooked blessings, we can find greater happiness.”

Prayers Heard and Answered

“Our prayers are heard and answered. We are familiar with the truth found in 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon: ‘Men are, that they might have joy’ (2 Nephi 2:25). I testify that much of that joy comes as we recognize that we can communicate with our Heavenly Father through prayer and that those prayers will be heard and answered—perhaps not how and when we expected they would be answered, but they will be answered and by a Heavenly Father who knows and loves us perfectly and who desires our happiness. Hasn’t He promised us, ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10)? …

“… Our Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and will help us as we call upon Him for assistance. I believe that no concern of ours is too small or insignificant. The Lord is in the details of our lives.”

Guidance of the Spirit

“The Lord’s purposes are often accomplished as we pay heed to the guidance of the Spirit. I believe that the more we act upon the inspiration and impressions which come to us, the more the Lord will entrust to us His errands.

“I have learned, as I have mentioned in previous messages, never to postpone a prompting. …

“The opportunity to be a blessing in the life of another often comes unexpectedly.”

Loving Kindness

“May we ever watch over one another, assisting in times of need. Let us not be critical and judgmental, but let us be tolerant, ever emulating the Savior’s example of loving-kindness. In that vein, may we willingly serve one another. May we pray for the inspiration to know of the needs of those around us, and then may we go forward and provide assistance.”

 ”Every member… a missionary!”
(President David O McKay April 1959 General Conference)

Testify of the importance of applying the things we learn from General Conference.

FHE Treat

Treat

Cookie Dough Bites or Pumpkin Cake Roll

Cookie Dough Bites

Yields 2 Dozen Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup salted butter, softened
1½ cups packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
6 ounces miniature chocolate chips

Instructions:

1.  Cream butter and sugar together.

2. Add remaining ingredients and mix well — use your hands to get it together the best.

3. Roll into 1-inch balls.

4. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Dip in chocolate, drizzle with chocolate or eat as is — equally delicious no matter what!

5. Let stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

6. Store in the refrigerator. (Taken from Disney Family)

 Pumpkin Cake Roll

Ingredients:

3 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
Filling
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional confectioners’ sugar, optional
Instructions:

1. Line a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks on high speed until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and pumpkin, beating on high until sugar is almost dissolved.

2. In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold into egg yolk mixture. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; gently fold into pumpkin mixture. Spread into prepared pan.
3. Bake at 375° for 12-15 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 5 minutes. Turn cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Gently peel off waxed paper. Roll up cake in the towel jelly-roll style, starting with a short side. Cool completely on a wire rack.
4. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until smooth. Unroll cake; spread filling evenly to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up again. Cover and freeze until firm. May be frozen for up to 3 months. Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before cutting. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.  (Taken from Taste of Home)

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

1- Write a letter to a missionary serving from your family or from your ward or branch.

2- Place several strips of paper in a bowl with different gospel topics on each strip of paper. Take picking a strip of paper and explaining the gospel topic on the paper. Continue until all gospel topics on the papers have been explained.

3- Look on the church website about requirements to serve a mission. Set specific goals on how to prepare.

Being an Example

1

Posted in Love, Missionary Work, Uncategorized | Posted on 14-09-2012

Tags: , , , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

1 Timothy 4:12

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

 

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

  I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus - Primary Songbook #78 or  Lord, I Would Follow Thee- Hymn #220

I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus

1. I’m trying to be like Jesus;
I’m following in his ways.
I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,

2. I’m trying to love my neighbor;
I’m learning to serve my friends.
I watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again.
I try to remember the lessons he taught.
Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts, saying:

Chorus
“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”

Lord, I Would Follow Thee

1. Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown,
Pause to help and lift another,
Finding strength beyond my own.
Savior, may I learn to love thee—

[Chorus]
Lord, I would follow thee.

2. Who am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can’t see.
Who am I to judge another?

3. I would be my brother’s keeper;
I would learn the healer’s art.
To the wounded and the weary
I would show a gentle heart.
I would be my brother’s keeper—

4. Savior, may I love my brother
As I know thou lovest me,
Find in thee my strength, my beacon,
For thy servant I would be.
Savior, may I love my brother—

 

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or tell the story of Abinadi (Mosiah 11:20 – 13:25;  17:1-20). Discuss the story of Abinadi & how he was an example of the believers. Brainstorm ways we can be examples of the believers. Testify of the importance of being an example of the believers.

Read or tell the story of Abinadi (Mosiah 11:20 – 13:25; Mosiah 17:1-20).

How was Abinadi an example of the believers?

What things can we do to be an example of the believers?

Re-read 1 Timothy 4:12.

Testify of the importance of being an example of the believers.

*For Younger Children* Share different stories from “Take the Lead” (Sept 2012 Friend). Discuss ways we can be an example. Testify of the importance and simplicity of being an example.

Take the Lead cards

Share simple ideas of how we can be an example.

Testify of the importance & simplicity of being an example.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Watch the video below “Charity: An Example of the Believers“. Re-read 1 Timothy 4:12. Brainstorm ways we can be examples of the believers. Testify of the importance & simplicity of being an example of the believers.

Re-read 1 Timothy 4:12.

Brainstorm ways we can be examples of the believers and live a more Christlike life.

Testify of the simplicity & importance of being an example of the believers.

 

FHE Treat

Treat

Magic Cookie Bars or Goldfish Marshmallow Pops

Magic Cookie Bars

36 Servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13×9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.

2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.

3. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature. (Taken from All Recipes)

 Marshmallow Pops

20 Servings

Ingredients:

1 bag light blue chocolate melts (found in the baking aisle of most craft stores)
1 – 10.5 ounce bag large marshmallows
1 box graham cracker crumbs (I used Keebler brand)
1 – 6.6 ounce bag cheddar goldfish
Large white pearl nonpareils
20 lollipop sticks

Instructions:

1. Melt blue chocolate melts according to package. I recommend placing chocolate in a microwavable bowl and melting in 30 second increments, mixing in between. Do not over-melt or the chocolate will be difficult to work with.2. Place lollipop sticks in marshmallows. Dip marshmallows into the chocolate. Tip: Tap excess chocolate off the marshmallow before proceeding to step 3.

3. Before the chocolate dries, dip the bottom in graham cracker crumbs. Add a goldfish and 2 white pearl non pareils.

4. Allow to dry and then enjoy! If you are making this a day in advance, make sure to place your pops in an air tight container or cover with saran wrap so they don’t go stale. (Taken from See Vanessa Craft)

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

1- Take some of the treat to a neighbor or friend.

2- Do a secret service for someone in the neighborhood.

3- Play Indoor Foot Volleyball.

Sharing the Gospel

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Posted in Commandments, Individual Worth, Jesus Christ, Missionary Work | Posted on 07-09-2012

Tags: , , , , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Alma 29:1

1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance to every people!

 

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

 I Hope They Call Me on a Mission - Primary Songbook #169 or  High on the Mountain Top - Hymn #5

I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

1. I hope they call me on a mission
When I have grown a foot or two.
I hope by then I will be ready
To teach and preach and work as missionaries do.

2. I hope that I can share the gospel
With those who want to know the truth.
I want to be a missionary
And serve and help the Lord while I am in my youth.

High on the Mountain Top

1. High on the mountain top
A banner is unfurled.
Ye nations, now look up;
It waves to all the world.
In Deseret’s sweet, peaceful land,
On Zion’s mount behold it stand!

2. For God remembers still
His promise made of old
That he on Zion’s hill
Truth’s standard would unfold!
Her light should there attract the gaze
Of all the world in latter days.

3. His house shall there be reared,
His glory to display,
And people shall be heard
In distant lands to say:
We’ll now go up and serve the Lord,
Obey his truth, and learn his word.

4. For there we shall be taught
The law that will go forth,
With truth and wisdom fraught,
To govern all the earth.
Forever there his ways we’ll tread,
And save ourselves with all our dead.

 

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Watch the video “By Small & Simple Things” below as a family. Brainstorm ideas of how each member of the family can share the gospel with those they come in contact with daily. Visit Mormon.org & watch  / view a few members Mormon.org profiles. Testify of the importance of missionary work.


  • Brainstorm ideas of how each member of the family can share the gospel daily
  • Visit Mormon.org – Browse the website as a family
  • Testify of the importance of missionary work

*For Younger Children* Read or tell the story “Missionary Friend” (taken from the Sept 2012 Friend magazine). Share ideas that we can each do to be a missionary to those around us. Testify of the importance and simplicity of missionary work.

Alex asked his friend Jake to play at his house on Saturday. They were having fun with race cars when Jake noticed a picture hanging on the wall.

“Who’s that?” he asked, pointing to the picture of Thomas S. Monson.

“That’s President Monson,” Alex said.

Jake didn’t say anything.

“You know, the prophet of our Church,” Alex said.

Jake looked embarrassed. “We don’t go to church anymore,” he said.

“Why did you stop going?” Alex asked.

Jake shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Do you want to come with me on Sunday?” Alex asked. “We could go to Primary together. My teacher is really great.”

Jake’s eyes brightened. “I’ll have to ask my mom, but I think she’ll let me go,” Jake said.

At lunchtime, Alex asked his mom, “Can Jake go to Primary with me tomorrow?”

“We have to check with Jake’s mother,” Mom said. “If she says yes, then of course he can go.”

Later that day, Jake’s mom came to pick him up.

“Can Jake go to Primary with me tomorrow?” Alex asked.

“Can I, Mom?” Jake said. “Alex says Primary is really great. They read stories, sing songs, and learn about people in the scriptures.”

“I don’t know,” Jake’s mom said, looking uncertain. “We haven’t been to church for a long time.”

“Please, Mom,” Jake said. “I want to go.”

“Jake is welcome to come with us,” Alex’s mom said.

“Are you sure you want to go?” Jake’s mom asked.

“I’m sure!” Jake said.

“Then I guess it’s OK,” Jake’s mom said.

Jake gave his mom a quick hug. “Thanks,” he said.

On Sunday morning, Alex’s family picked up Jake. He was dressed in his Sunday clothes. After sacrament meeting the boys went to Primary. When they got to class, their teacher said, “We’re so glad to have you here, Jake.”

After church, Alex’s family took Jake home.

“Thanks for taking me to church with you,” Jake said.

Alex’s mom smiled at him. “You’re welcome, Jake. We hope you’ll come with us again,” she said.

That evening at dinner, Alex asked, “Can I invite Jake to go to church with us next Sunday?”

Mom nodded. “I’m going to follow your example and invite his mother to go with us too,” she said.

“You’re a good missionary, Alex,” Dad said.

Alex was surprised. “I was just being a friend,” he said.

“That’s what a missionary is,” Mom said, “a friend.”

Share simple ideas of how we can be a missionary to those around us everyday.

Testify of the importance & simplicity of missionary work.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Watch the video below: “By Small & Simple Things“. Then read / share points from “Sharing the Gospel Through Social Media” (taken from the Sept 2012 New Era). Make a list of things family members can do with social media to share the gospel. Testify of the importance & simplicity of sharing the gospel.



 Sharing the Gospel Through Social Media

How many times have you heard how important it is to share the gospel? The prophets have taught “every member a missionary.” In the scriptures, the Lord declares that everyone should have the opportunity to hear the gospel: “For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every [person]” (D&C 58:64).

“The uttermost parts of the earth” may sound huge, but reaching every person has become easier thanks to technology such as the Internet and social media. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, “We are blessed to be living in such an exciting gospel dispensation. God is inspiring the minds of great people to create inventions that further the work of the Lord in ways this world has never known.”1

The Internet and social media allow free and fast communication, but it can be easy to forget that the Lord has given us these tools to share the gospel with people we know. Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught, “Today’s ‘manner of conversation’ seems to involve the Internet more and more. We encourage people, young and old, to use the Internet and the social media to reach out and share their religious beliefs.”2

To help you reach out and share your religious beliefs in this way, the Church created Mormon.org, a website for those interested in learning about the Church. There, Church members 14 years old and older can create an online profile, sharing their feelings about the gospel with the world. For step-by-step instructions, visit Mormon.org/create. Once you create your profile, you can share the link on blogs and social media pages.

Mormon.org is also a place where those not of our faith can learn more about our beliefs and our people and can even chat with full-time missionaries. If your non-LDS friends ever want to learn more, you can invite them to visit Mormon.org.

A more personal way to share the gospel and invite your friends to learn more is through social media. Mormon.org has pages on Facebook (facebook.com/mormon), YouTube (youtube.com/mormon), Google+ (gplus.to/mormon), and Twitter (twitter.com/mormonorg).3 On each of these social media sites, uplifting content about the gospel is posted (like videos, pictures, posts, and status updates). If your parents have given you permission to use these social media tools, you can share this content on your personal social media page.

On Facebook, YouTube, and Google+, you can leave comments on each post with your testimony, engage in online conversation with other users from around the world, and share the content on your own page. Sharing lets all your friends see the posts and learn more about the gospel. On Twitter, you can reply to posts and “retweet” them so others learn what you believe.

Be sure to add your own testimony when you share the Mormon.orgupdates, videos, pictures, and posts on your personal social media pages.

The Internet and social media are tools the Lord has given us to live His commandment that the gospel be taken to the “uttermost parts of the earth.” They make sharing the gospel so easy; anyone can do it. It’s never been easier for every member to be a missionary.

Make a list of things family members can do with social media to share the gospel.

Have each family member pick one thing from the list to do this week.

Testify of the simplicity & importance of sharing the gospel.

 

FHE Treat

Treat

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars or Lemon Crisps

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

24 Servings

Ingredients

1 3/4 sticks salted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for greasing pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
One 10 to 12-ounce jar strawberry preserves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch rectangular pan.

2. Mix together the butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Press half the oat mixture into the prepared pan. Spread with the strawberry preserves. Sprinkle the other half of the oat mixture over the top and pat lightly. Bake until light brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely, and then cut into squares.

 Lemon Crisps

42 Servings

Ingredients:

1 stick(s) (1⁄2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup(s) sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) each grated lemon zest & lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
1/4 teaspoon(s) each baking soda and salt
1 1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
Lemon Drizzle
1 cup(s) confectioners’ sugar
4 teaspoon(s) to 6 tsp lemon juice
Yellow nonpareils (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Beat butter and sugar 2 minutes or until fluffy. Beat in egg, lemon zest and juice, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda and salt until well mixed. On low speed, beat in flour just until blended.
2. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 1 1⁄2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on baking sheet 1 minute before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
3. Stir ingredients in small bowl until blended. Drizzle over cookies; sprinkle with nonpareils, if using.

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

1- Draw a picture or write a letter to missionaries serving from your ward or branch. Share your testimony, goals, experiences, etc.

2- Create a Mormon.org profile.

3- Have each family member write their testimony in a Book of Mormon & challenge them to give it away before the end of the month or year.