Family | FHE Lessons

Speak Kind Words

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Posted in Commandments, Family, Individual Worth | Posted on 09-05-2013

Tags: cursing, speak kind words, words

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Proverbs 15:1

“1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words - Hymn #232 or Kindness Begins With Me -Children’s Songbook #145

Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words

1. Let us oft speak kind words to each other
At home or where’er we may be;
Like the warblings of birds on the heather,
The tones will be welcome and free.
They’ll gladden the heart that’s repining,
Give courage and hope from above,
And where the dark clouds hide the shining,
Let in the bright sunlight of love.

(Chorus)
Oh, the kind words we give shall in memory live
And sunshine forever impart.
Let us oft speak kind words to each other;
Kind words are sweet tones of the heart.

2. Like the sunbeams of morn on the mountains,
The soul they awake to good cheer;
Like the murmur of cool, pleasant fountains,
They fall in sweet cadences near.
Let’s oft, then, in kindly toned voices,
Our mutual friendship renew,
Till heart meets with heart and rejoices
In friendship that ever is true.

Kindness Begins With Me

I want to be kind to ev’ryone,
For that is right, you see.
So I say to myself, “Remember this:
Kindness begins with me.”

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children*

Read and use the tips from “Cutting Out Cutting Remarks” (taken from the Ensign). Testify of the importance of avoiding cutting words and using kind language.

I was becoming increasingly concerned with the mean comments and name-calling that my children seemed to be using more and more frequently. I had tried several approaches to stop the negative talk without much success.

Then one Sunday my oldest son mentioned that his Primary lesson had been about the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. I knew the story: the Lamanites, who had been converted by the Spirit through the teachings of Ammon and his brothers, repented and buried their weapons of war, covenanting with God that they would never use them again (see Alma 24:15–19).

Suddenly an idea came to me. If they could bury their weapons, or swords, then why couldn’t we bury our weapons—our words? An idea for a family home evening lesson began to take shape.

First, I asked my son who had mentioned the story to be prepared to tell it to the family and to read verses 17–18 from Alma 24 [Alma 24:17–18]. Next, I prepared some small slips of paper on which to write the words and phrases that needed to be buried. As a visual aid, I used a “Mormonad” poster showing a boy with knives flying out of his mouth and captioned, “Cutting remarks are really hurting.” For our songs, I chose “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145) and “Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words” (Hymns, no. 232).

When Monday night came, I had the children write down on little slips of paper the objectionable words and phrases they had been using. Because it was pouring rain, I had to abandon my original idea of burying our words in the backyard and instead used the trash can. Still, the kids’ enthusiasm was remarkable. We made a ceremony out of burying our word “weapons” by promising not to use them again.

Since that time my children have found new and better ways to express themselves. And the Mormonad hangs in a prominent place as a reminder to speak kindly to one another. On rare occasions when someone forgets and uses unkind words, it is enough to say, “We buried that, remember?”—Alice E. Workman, Vancouver, Washington

Testify of the importance of avoiding cutting words and using kind language.

*For All Family Members*
Read or summarize “Speak Kind Words” by Marion G Romney (taken from the Ensign). Testify of the importance of avoiding cutting words and using kind language.

Speak Kind Words

My appeal in this message is that we control our tongues, and by speaking kind words to each other emulate in our relationships with each other the loving kindness the Lord has for his people, as expressed by Isaiah when he said:

“I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.” (Isa. 63:7.)

Jesus said, “Do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:35–36.)

The following succinct statement epitomizes the matchless loving kindness of the Savior:

‘Twas a thief said the last kind word to Christ: Christ took the kindness and forgave the theft. (Robert Browning, Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations,13th ed., 1955, p. 573-b.)

It is not clear that Jesus forgave the theft, but he did speak the kind words: “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43.)

And for his crucifiers he prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34.)

Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, said:

“I … beseech you … with all lowliness and meekness … to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace [and] let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. …

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Eph. 4:1–3, 29, 31–32.)

In his general epistle, the apostle James gives this counsel:

“Be swift to hear, [but] slow to speak.” (James 1:19.)

He then thus contrasts the outspoken pretender with the man who has so bridled his tongue as to in truth control his words:

“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, … this man’s religion is vain.”

And then he adds:

“If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 1:26; James 3:2.)

This bridling of the whole body is a lofty objective. To reach it requires a real struggle, however. For notwithstanding the tongue is a small member of the body, it is very effective and it seldom wears out. James reminds us that as with a small bit in a horse’s mouth “we turn about [his] whole body” and with a very small helm great ships driven by fierce winds are easily controlled, so with the tongue, a little member of the body, great things are boasted and great fires are kindled. He charges it with being “a world of iniquity,” with defiling the whole body and setting “on fire the course of nature,” pointing out that although “every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” (See James 3:2–8.)

Although nearly two thousand years have passed, the evils against which James so forcefully, counseled are still with us; but they are no more consistent with the life of a Latter-day Saint than they were with the life of a former-day saint.

Long before the time of Jesus and Paul and James, the Old Testament prophets were expounding the same doctrine and giving the same advice:

“A soft answer turneth away wrath,” said the wise author of Proverbs, and added, “but grievous words stir up anger.

“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. …

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. …

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. …

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Prov. 15:1–2, 4; Prov. 31:10, 26.)

In America, King Benjamin instructed parents not to suffer their children to “fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness.” (Mosiah 4:14.)

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, he has Polonius instruct his son Laertes to “give thy thoughts no tongue. … Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice: Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.” (Act I, Scene 3.)

Someone else has said:

“If wisdom’s ways you widely seek, five things observe with care: of whom you speak, to whom you speak, and how, and when, and where.” (Anon., The New Dictionary of Thoughts, Standard Book Co., 1961, p. 678a.)

In these latter days—more than a year before the Church was organized—the Lord, in projecting missionary service and specifying qualifications for the work, said:

“Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence” (D&C 4:6; italics added)—thus identifying these virtues as essential to missionary service.

Later the Lord specified them as prerequisite to the exercise of priesthood power.

“No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

“By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile.” (D&C 121:41–42.)

“Discretion of speech is more than eloquence; and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words or in good order.” (Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, 13th ed., 1955, p. 121-a.)

The Prophet Joseph Smith told the Relief Society sisters of his day that “the tongue is an unruly member” and gave them this counsel: “Hold your tongues about things of no moment—a little tale will set the world on fire.” (History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5:20.)

Let us, therefore, resolve to control our tongues and by speaking kind words to each other emulate the loving kindness of our Lord.

Should we be moved by anger to speak rashly, think of these lines by President Charles W. Penrose:

School thy feelings, O my brother;

Train thy warm impulsive soul;

Do not its emotions smother,

But let wisdom’s voice control.

(Hymns, no. 340.)

And these of H. R. Palmer:

Angry words! oh, let them never

From the tongue unbridled slip;

May the heart’s best impulse ever

Check them ere they soil the lip.

Love is much too pure and holy,

Friendship is too sacred far,

For a moment’s reckless folly

Thus to desolate and mar.

Angry words are lightly spoken;

Bitt’rest tho’ts are rashly stirred—

Brightest links of life are broken,

By a single angry word.

(Deseret Sunday School Songs, no. 67.)

Rather than malign, defame, slander, or speak evil of another, let us remember and implement the message of the beautiful hymn, “Nay, Speak No Ill,” and then be as lenient with failings of another as we are of our own.

Let us go further and, in the words of Joseph L. Townsend,

… speak kind words to each other

At home or where’er we may be;

Like the warblings of birds on the heather,

The tones will be welcome and free.

They’ll gladden the heart that’s repining,

Give courage and hope from above,

And where the dark clouds hide the shining,

Let in the bright sunlight of love.

(Hymns, no. 94.)

Testify of the importance of avoiding cutting words and using kind language.

FHE Treat

Treat

Dulce Quesadillas or Sweet And Spicy Pretzels

Dulce (Sweet) Quesadillas

Ingredients (makes 2)

2 medium flour tortillas (spread olive oil on one side of each tortilla)
1/4 cup of chocolate chips (semi sweet or dark)
1 banana, sliced
1/4 cup of peanut butter, smooth
2 teaspoons sugar (separated into 1 teaspoon portions)
2 teaspoons cinnamon (separated into 1 teaspoon portions)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Rub olive oil on one side of each tortilla. Place one tortilla on cutting board with olive oil side down.
Spread peanut butter on the tortilla. Place banana slices on peanut butter, then strawberries on the bananas. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the fruit.
Close the quesadilla with the other tortilla. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and sugar mixture over the quesadilla.
Place in oven and bake for 7 minutes, flip the quesadilla, sprinkle with other half of cinnamon and sugar, and return to oven. Bake for an additional 8 more minutes (make sure the chocolate has melted and the quesadilla gets a little bit crisp).
Remove from oven, let cool just a bit and cut into sections. Enjoy!

(Taken from A Cedar Spoon)

Sweet And Spicy Pretzels

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped and divided
3/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup almonds
1 1/2 tbsp butter
4 cups tiny pretzels (salted or unsalted)
2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine brown sugar, 1 tsp. thyme, salt, cinnamon and red pepper (optional) in a small mixing bowl.
Combine the pecans and almonds on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Baked at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes, or until the nuts begin to brown.
Combine the nut mixture and butter in a medium bowl, stirring until the butter melts.
Stir in the pretzels and syrup. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over pretzel and nut mixture and toss gently with tongs or two wooden spoons.
Spread the pretzels evenly in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes, stirring once.
Sprinkle the remaining thyme over the cooked pretzel mixture.
Cool completely and serve at a party, or eat as a snack on the go. Store in an air tight container

(Taken from A Cedar Spoon)

Activity

1- Bury your “weapons”: Write words and phrases you would like to stop using against each other at home and bury them symbollically. (see Cutting Out Cutting Remarks)

2. Bowl-quet (bowling + croquet): Set up three to five empty plastic soda bottles on a flat surface, then see how many you can knock down in two tries with a croquet mallet and ball.

Relief Society

1

Posted in Family, Relief Society | Posted on 15-03-2013

FHE Scripture

Scripture

1 Corinthians 13:8

“8 Charity never faileth…”

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

Love At Home- Hymn #294 or As Sisters in Zion- Hymn #309

Love At Home

1. There is beauty all around
When there’s love at home;
There is joy in ev’ry sound
When there’s love at home.
Peace and plenty here abide,
Smiling sweet on ev’ry side.
Time doth softly, sweetly glide
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Time doth softly, sweetly glide
When there’s love at home

2. In the cottage there is joy
When there’s love at home;
Hate and envy ne’er annoy
When there’s love at home.
Roses bloom beneath our feet;
All the earth’s a garden sweet,
Making life a bliss complete
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Making life a bliss complete
When there’s love at home.

3. Kindly heaven smiles above
When there’s love at home;
All the world is filled with love
When there’s love at home.
Sweeter sings the brooklet by;
Brighter beams the azure sky.
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high
When there’s love at home.

As Sisters in Zion

1. As sisters in Zion, we’ll all work together;
The blessings of God on our labors we’ll seek.
We’ll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor;
We’ll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.

2. The errand of angels is given to women;
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
To cheer and to bless in humanity’s name.

3. How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission,
If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed.
Oh, naught but the Spirit’s divinest tuition
Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or summarize “Relief Society: A Sacred Work” by Julie B. Beck (taken from October 2009 Gen Relief Society Meeting). Testify of the importance and blessings that come from the service of Relief Society sisters.

Ours is a work of salvation, service, and becoming a holy people.

This is a beautiful gathering of Relief Society women. Since our last general meeting, I have been blessed to visit many of you. Thank you for your faithful lives and dedicated service. In recent general Relief Societymeetings, we have been taught how strong and immovable Latter-day Saint women know and fulfill the purpose of Relief Society.¹Tonight I hope to enlarge our testimony and understanding of Relief Society as a faith-based work. I will speak of the purpose of this work and the way we accomplish it.

We know that the purpose of Relief Society as established by the Lord is to prepare women for the blessings of eternal life by helping them:

1.Increase their faith and personal righteousness.
2.Strengthen their families and homes.
3.Serve the Lord and His children.

The history, purpose, and work of Relief Society are unique among all women’s organizations. In 1942, for the centennial of the Relief Society, the First Presidency of the Church said:

“No other woman’s organization in all the earth has had such a birth. …

“Members [of Relief Society] should permit neither hostile nor competitive interests of any kind to detract from the duties and obligations, the privileges and honors, the opportunities and achievements of membership in this great Society.”²

If our membership in Relief Society is so important, we need to know what sets us apart from every other woman’s group or organization. Everything we do in Relief Society matters because Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, visited Joseph Smith and, through him, the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth. Relief Society is part of that restoration. The Prophet Joseph Smith defined the purpose of the Relief Society and instructed the sisters in their purpose, just as he taught priesthood leaders in Kirtland and Nauvoo their priesthood purpose and work. Ours is an organization that continues to be led today by prophets, seers, and revelators.

Relief Society is unique because it was organized after the “pattern of the priesthood”³and we operate on a general and local level under the direction of priesthood leaders. We work in partnership with priesthood leaders, who hold keys which give them authority to preside in the name of the Lord. We operate in the manner of the priesthood—which means that we seek, receive, and act on revelation; make decisions in councils; and concern ourselves with caring for individuals one by one. Ours is the priesthood purpose to prepare ourselves for the blessings of eternal life by making and keeping covenants. Therefore, like our brethren who hold the priesthood, ours is a work of salvation, service, and becoming a holy people.

President Boyd K. Packer has taught that “the Relief Society has very broad responsibilities.

“Attendance at the Sunday meeting is but a small part of your duty. Some of you have not understood this and have set aside much of what Relief Society has meant over the years—the sisterhood, the charitable and practical parts of it.”

He explained:

“The Relief Society, the Prophet [Joseph] told us, is organized after the pattern of the priesthood. When a man holds the priesthood, … it requires full dedication and loyalty. …

“Membership in the priesthood magnifies the man and the boy. Wherever he is, whatever he does, no matter with whom he associates, he is expected to honor his priesthood. …

“If you sisters follow after that pattern, … you will serve your organization, your cause—the Relief Society. …

“Service in the Relief Society magnifies and sanctifies each individual sister. Your membership in Relief Society should be ever with you.”⁴

Working in the Lord’s Way

When our purpose is clear, it naturally follows that there is an appropriate way to carry out our responsibilities. Let us review how the faith-based work of Relief Society is to be administered. One of the most precious commodities we all have is time. Most women have many responsibilities and never have sufficient time to do everything their hearts and minds want to do. We show respect for the Lord and the sisters when we use Relief Society time in an inspired way.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught: “A wise man once distinguished between ‘the noble art of getting things done’ and ‘a nobler art of leaving things undone.’ True ‘wisdom in life,’ he taught, consists of ‘the elimination of non-essentials.’” President Uchtdorf then asked: “What are the nonessential things that clutter your days and steal your time? What are the habits you may have developed that do not serve a useful purpose? What are the unfinished or unstarted things that could add vigor, meaning, and joy to your life?”⁵We can apply his questions to allRelief Society meetings and work.

Relief Society Sunday Meetings

We hold the weekly meeting of our society on Sundays as part of our regular three-hour block of meetings. It is amazing to contemplate that every Sunday, all around the world, thousands of groups of sisters are gathering to increase their faith, strengthen their families, and coordinate their efforts to provide relief. Our Sunday meetings are only 50 minutes in length, so we begin those meetings by taking care of essential business that will help us be more unified and effective in ourRelief Society work. We keep our business brief, dignified, organized, and in keeping with who we are and what we are to do.

Just as the sisters in the first Relief Society meetings received instruction from prophets and apostles, we study the words of Church leaders today. What a blessing it is to have correlated resources that teach doctrine and principles to help us live the gospel in our personal lives and homes. Because this work is based on faith, Relief Society lessons are most effective when inspired teaching takes place and “[she] that preacheth and [she] that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.”⁶

Additional Relief Society Meetings

All of our meetings and activities are meetings of Relief Society sisters. For the past number of years, we have called additional Relief Societymeetings home, family, and personal enrichment meetings. In response to concerns about the complexity of that title and the different interpretations about the purpose of those meetings, a decision has been made that the name “home, family, and personal enrichment” will be discontinued effective now. In counsel with the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, it was determined that rather than give these additional Relief Society meetings a new title, all such meetings and activities will now be referred to simply as Relief Society meetings. Individual Relief Society meetings that are held during the week can be called whatever they are: Relief Society service, classes, projects, conferences, or workshops.

These additional meetings can be valuable supplements to Sunday instruction, especially for sisters who serve in Primary or Young Women or who are unable to attend Sunday meetings. These meetings also provide a wonderful place to bring our friends of other faiths and to include Relief Society sisters who do not actively participate in the Church. All Relief Society members and their friends are invited and welcome. However, sisters should not be made to feel that attendance at these meetings is mandatory.

Under the direction of the bishop, the ward Relief Society presidency can use these meetings to address spiritual and temporal needs of individuals and families in the ward and to strengthen sisterhood and unity.

When sisters meet for Relief Society meetings during the week, they have the opportunity to learn and accomplish the charitable and practical responsibilities of the Relief Society. This is where they learn and practice skills that will help them increase their faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and provide service to those in need. These meetings are meant to be instrumental in teaching the skills and responsibilities of womanhood and motherhood in the Lord’s plan. It is here that women learn and apply principles of provident living and spiritual and temporal self-reliance, and they also increase in sisterhood and unity as they teach one another and serve together.

The ward Relief Society president oversees all Relief Society meetings. As part of this responsibility, she counsels regularly with the bishop regarding how these meetings can help meet the needs of individuals and families in the ward.

The Relief Society presidency prayerfully considers how often they should hold Relief Society meetings during the week and where they should hold them. They then make a recommendation to the bishop, taking into consideration the time commitments of sisters, family circumstances, travel distance and cost, financial cost to the ward, safety, and other local circumstances.

These meetings are usually held at a time other than on Sunday or on Monday evening. They are generally held monthly, but the Relief Societypresidency may recommend that the meetings be held more often or less frequently. Efforts should be made to meet at least quarterly. At least one member of the ward Relief Society presidency should be in attendance at every meeting. Under the direction of the stake presidency, the stake Relief Society presidency may plan and carry out one or two stake Relief Society meetings each year for all Relief Society sisters in the stake.⁷

Relief Society leaders prayerfully counsel together about the topics that will strengthen sisters and their families and about the best ways to teach those topics. The Relief Society president ensures that these plans are approved by the bishop. She also ensures that the plans are consistent with current policies about activities, including policies about finances. Although the Relief Society president oversees these meetings, she may ask her first or second counselor to assist her. She may also recommend another sister in the ward to be called to serve as the Relief Society meeting coordinator to help the presidency plan and carry them out.

Meetings can focus on one topic or be divided into more than one class or activity. Generally, teachers at these meetings should be members of the ward or stake. Each year, one meeting may commemorate the founding of the Relief Society and focus on its history and purposes.

In planning Relief Society meetings held during the week, leaders give priority to topics that will fulfill Relief Society purposes, such as marriage and family, homemaking, provident living and self-reliance, compassionate service, temple and family history, sharing the gospel, and other subjects requested by the bishop.⁸

When we plan, we ask what the Lord needs us to learn and become in order to be prepared for eternal life. In the wisdom of the Lord, every ward has its own unique characteristics, which no other ward shares. This can be compared to the DNA that identifies every human being as unique. Every bishop has the responsibility for his specific ward. Each ward Relief Society president has a calling to assist one bishop. Each bishop and Relief Society presidency have had hands laid on their heads to receive inspiration for their particular responsibilities and not for any other ward or group of Relief Society sisters.

If we work with this understanding, we will seek revelation and work in companionship with a bishop to fulfill the purposes of Relief Society in our own wards. As a result of operating in this way, if sisters and families need to be prepared for emergencies, the Relief Society can organize, teach, and inspire that preparation. If sisters and families need to prepare for the temple, the Relief Society can organize, teach, and inspire sisters to do that. If a bishop needs young single adult women to share the gospel and bring their friends back into activity, the Relief Society can organize, teach, and inspire that work. If mothers need to learn how to nurture and care for their children, the Relief Society can organize, teach, and inspire that work. If sisters need to learn and improve homemaking skills that will help their homes become a center of spiritual strength, then the Relief Society can organize, teach, and inspire that work. As has happened throughout our history, if priesthood leaders need to accomplish something significant, they can call upon the Relief Society to help them.

Using Relief Society meetings appropriately will increase the ability of theRelief Society to work in powerful ways with priesthood leaders in every ward. As Joseph Smith said in the Doctrine and Covenants:

“Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.

“You know, [sisters], that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.”⁹

Relief Society and priesthood leaders, this message will serve as your current official policy regarding additional Relief Society meetings. Should you have questions regarding anything we have taught here after studying this message, please counsel together in your own wards and stakes to discover the solutions you need.

Visiting Teaching

Much of the essential Relief Society work we do doesn’t happen in meetings. Let’s focus now on learning about visiting teaching. Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf. This is one duty we have in the Church where we are certain to have the help of the Lord if we ask for it. This is one responsibility that is certain to increase our faith and personal righteousness and strengthen our own homes and families as we become partners with the Lord. A sister in this Church has no other responsibility outside of her family that has the potential to do as much good as does visiting teaching.

Because this is the Lord’s program of individual watchcare for His daughters, the policies regarding visiting teaching are approved by the First Presidency as outlined in the Church Handbook of Instructions.Because visiting teaching focuses on individual sisters, Relief Societyleaders do not organize women into groups for the purpose of visiting teaching.

The bishop, who is the ordained shepherd of the ward, cannot possibly watch over all of the Lord’s sheep at one time. He is dependent on inspired visiting teachers to help him. We know we should each choose to be a friend to everyone in our ward, but the bishop and Relief Societypresident have the responsibility to receive revelation as to who should be assigned to watch over and strengthen each individual sister. Ideally, every sister should watch over and strengthen at least one other sister in her ward. It is our blessing to pray for another sister and receive inspiration as to how the Lord would have us care for one of His daughters.

Visiting teaching becomes the Lord’s work when our focus is on people rather than percentages. In reality, visiting teaching is never finished. It is more a way of life than a task. Faithfully serving as a visiting teacher is evidence of our discipleship. We demonstrate our faith and follow a pattern established by the Lord as we report on our assignment every month. If our watchcare were primarily about reporting that every sister in the ward heard the Visiting Teaching Message printed each month in the Ensign and Liahona, it would be much more efficient to read it aloud to everyone in a sacrament meeting. Our reports are most helpful to the bishop and the Relief Society president when we inform them of the spiritual and temporal well-being of sisters and how we have been able to serve and love them.

How grateful I am for all of my visiting teachers who, over the years, have demonstrated their faith as they have served, taught, strengthened, and loved me in inspired ways.

Welfare and Compassionate Service

Our compassionate service and assistance with the welfare needs of individuals and families are an outgrowth of visiting teaching. A Relief Society president learns of the needs of people in her ward through visiting teachers and her own visits to ward members. Sometimes she organizes us to help others, and at other times we serve “according to [our] natures,”¹⁰following the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Many years ago I learned from Sister Camilla Kimball, wife of President Spencer W. Kimball, to “never suppress a generous thought.” By following her counsel, we can know with certainty that our Father in Heaven knows us personally because He sends us to be His hands and heart to those in need. As we do so, our faith in Him is strengthened.

Conclusion

We live in a happy and exciting time of growth in the history of the Church, and Relief Society is part of making that history. Joseph Smith said, “Let every man, woman and child realize the importance of the work, and act as if success depended on his individual exertion alone; let all feel an interest in it, and then consider they live in a day, the contemplation of which animated the bosoms of kings, Prophets, and righteous men thousands of years ago—the prospect of which inspired their sweetest notes, and most exalted lays, and caused them to break out in such rapturous strains as are recorded in the Scriptures.”¹¹

I rejoice to know that the Lord loves us enough to guide us in this work through prophets, seers, and revelators and that we belong to a Church that operates with continuing revelation. I feel a certainty that as each sister does her part to ensure that the purposes of Relief Society are fulfilled, angels will be our associates and we will be participants in amazing miracles. We celebrate and give thanks for the essential, sacred work we have been given, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Testify of the importance and blessings that come from the service of Relief Society sisters.

*For Younger Children* Read or summarize “Our Perfect Example” by Katie K. (taken from the March 2012 Friend). Testify of the importance and blessings that come from the service of Relief Society sisters.

My mom’s calling is to help set up for Relief Society activities. One night she needed to help set up for an activity. When I found out she was leaving, I was in a bad mood. Then she asked me to serve with her. At first I didn’t want to, but I agreed. Once we got there I helped set up different stations. I liked making things look nice for the women. I forgot why I had been in a bad mood and began to think about others. If our Lord Jesus Christ washed the feet of His disciples, then it should be clear to us that He expects us to follow His example. When I helped my mom I wasn’t washing feet, but I was doing something for someone other than myself. It makes me proud to be a part of a church where members follow Jesus Christ’s example.

Testify of the importance and blessings that come from the service of Relief Society sisters.

*For Teenagers or Young Adults* Read or summarize “Looking Forward to Relief Society” (taken from the October 2012 New Era). Testify of the importance and blessings that come from the service of Relief Society sisters.

When your 18th birthday approaches, you may wonder what it will be like to attend Relief Society instead of Young Women. Here are answers to some of the questions you may ask yourself.

Photo illustrations by Derek Israelson

When do I switch from Young Women to Relief Society?

Young women usually advance to Relief Society on their 18th birthday or in the coming year. The exact day you advance to Relief Society will depend on your individual circumstances, including school graduation, college attendance, and your desire to continue with your peers. Counsel with your parents and bishop or branch president to decide the right time for you. By age 19, however, you should be participating fully in Relief Society.

What will Relief Society meetings be like on Sunday?

Relief Society meetings are a lot like Young Women meetings. You have opening exercises and a lesson.

On the first Sunday of each month, the lesson topic is selected and given by the Relief Society presidency. On the second and third Sundays, you’ll have a lesson from a manual (this year, it’s Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith). On the fourth Sunday, you’ll study a talk from a recent general conference. When you enter Relief Society, you can ask for a manual and lesson schedule so you can read the material before class each week.

Does Relief Society have activities like we do in Mutual?

There will usually be one activity (called a “Relief Society meeting”) every month, though the Relief Society president may hold them more or less often. These meetings might include classes to help you learn new skills or strengthen your testimony, service activities, or other gatherings so you can get to know the sisters in your ward and stake. Just like you did in Mutual, you can invite friends who are not members of the Church to these meetings.

How can I prepare for Relief Society?

You’re probably more prepared than you think. The first thing you’ll want to know is that Relief Society has three purposes. They are to help women:

1.Increase faith and personal righteousness.
2.Strengthen families and homes.
3.Seek out and help those in need.

You’re already doing a lot of these things in Young Women and Personal Progress, so Relief Society will help you continue them.

If you’d like to know more about Relief Society, read Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, which you can find in distribution centers or online at lds.org/go/02J.

If your ward has a combined Relief Society and Young Women activity, you may want to go and talk with Relief Society sisters. You’ll start to build friendships that will continue when you enter Relief Society.

What will visiting teaching be like?

You’ll have the opportunity and responsibility to be a visiting teacher and to have visiting teachers of your own. Visiting teachers are often assigned in companionships, and they can become friends who help watch over, strengthen, and teach you. So if you find yourself in need, you can ask them for help; and if the sisters you visit teach are in need, they can ask you for help.

Where possible, you’ll meet with each sister you visit teach at least once a month. You may share the “Visiting Teaching Message” from the Ensign.Location and travel circumstances may limit communications to phone calls, letters, or e-mails.

Visiting teaching is more than just a single visit—it’s a way to nurture each sister throughout the month. It might include sitting by her in Relief Society, praying for her daily, sending her a text message just to say hello, or wishing her well if you know she has a big event coming up. Visiting teaching is a great way to form friendships with sisters you may not have grown as close to otherwise, it helps you learn gospel doctrines and principles with each month’s message, and it helps you serve Heavenly Father as an instrument in His hands.

How can I make friends with Relief Society sisters who are a lot older than I am?

It’s natural to think you don’t have much in common with older sisters, but rather than focus on your differences, think about everything you have in common. Remember that a lot of the women know something about what you’re going through at this age. They wondered what they would do after finishing high school, looked forward to working or getting an education, dated, and prepared for marriage. Ask them about their experiences, and see how much you can learn. And think of how you can learn and share with them too, such as teaching them more about technology. You all have ways to help each other, and service is a great way to make friendships.

You can also participate in Sunday lessons. Try to make comments, even if it feels intimidating. Share your experiences as well. As the sisters learn more about you, it will help you all to grow closer to one another.

Testify of the importance and blessings that come from the service of Relief Society sisters.

FHE Treat

Treat

Yogurt with Fruit and Nuts or Mini Pizzas

Vanilla Yogurt with Fruit and Nuts

Ingredients

2/3 cups low-fat plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup of your favorite fruit (berries, cherries, oranges, pineapple, etc.)
2 tablespoons assorted nuts (or any nut), chopped
2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint leaves, optional

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, combine yogurt and vanilla. Mix well and divide between two small bowls. Top with fruit, nuts and chopped mint if desired.

(Taken from The Comfort of Cooking)

Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:

Mini Pizzas
1 ball refrigerated pizza dough, store bought or homemade
1 cup pizza sauce or jarred pasta sauce
Your desired toppings (see below for ideas)
Topping Ideas
· Cheese: Mozzarella, Mexican cheese, Asiago, Parmesan, Romano, bleu cheese, feta, provolone
· Meat: Chicken, Italian sausage, bacon, ham, beef, chorizo, pepperoni, prosciutto, shrimp
· Vegetables: Tomatoes, artichokes, roasted red peppers, onions, green peppers, jalapenos, spinach, cherry tomatoes, olives, mushrooms, banana peppers, squash, sweet corn, peas, avocado
· Other: Pineapple chunks, black beans, fresh basil, garlic, sprouts, capers

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400° F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil. Place pizza dough on a well-floured surface, press dough firmly with your fingers to shape, and stretch gently into a 12” x 8” rectangle.
With a round cutter, cut dough into 18-20 rounds; place rounds 1 inch apart on baking sheet. Top each with pizza sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings.
Bake mini pizzas for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

(Taken from The Comfort of Cooking)

Activity

1- Watch a video about the Relief Society

2- Do something for a Relief Society sister to show appreciation for her service.

A Happy Family

4

Posted in Family, Love | Posted on 04-10-2012

Tags: Family, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Love

FHE Scripture

Scripture

John 13:34

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

A Happy Family - Primary Songbook #198 or Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth- Hymn #298

A Happy Family

1. I love mother*; she loves me.
We love daddy*, yes sirree;
He loves us, and so you see,
We are a happy family.

2. I love sister*; she loves me.
We love brother*, yes sirree;
He loves us, and so you see,
We are a happy family.

Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth

1. Home can be a heav’n on earth
When we are filled with love,
Bringing happiness and joy,
Rich blessings from above—
Warmth and kindness, charity,
Safety and security—
Making home a part of heaven,
Where we want to be.

2. Drawing fam’ly near each week,
We’ll keep love burning bright.
Serving Him with cheerful hearts,
We’ll grow in truth and light.
Parents teach and lead the way,
Children honor and obey,
Reaching for our home in heaven,
Where we want to stay.

3. Praying daily in our home,
We’ll feel His love divine;
Searching scriptures faithfully,
We’ll nourish heart and mind.
Singing hymns of thanks, we’ll say,
“Father, help us find the way
Leading to our home in heaven,
Where we long to stay.”

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read & discuss the article listed below (taken from the Oct First Presidency Message). Watch the video below. Testify of the importance loving & forgiving one another so that we can have a happy family.

The great Russian author Leo Tolstoy began his novel Anna Karenina with these words: “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”¹ While I do not have Tolstoy’s certainty that happy families are all alike, I have discovered one thing that most have in common: they have a way of forgiving and forgetting the imperfections of others and of looking for the good.

Those in unhappy families, on the other hand, often find fault, hold grudges, and can’t seem to let go of past offenses.

“Yes, but …” begin those who are unhappy. “Yes, but you don’t know how badly she hurt me,” says one. “Yes, but you don’t know how terrible he is,” says another.

Perhaps both are right; perhaps neither.

There are many degrees of offense. There are many degrees of hurt. But what I have noticed is that often we justify our anger and satisfy our consciences by telling ourselves stories about the motives of others that condemn their actions as unforgivable and egoistic while, at the same time, lifting our own motives as pure and innocent.

The Prince’s Dog

There is an old Welsh story from the 13th century about a prince who returned home to find his dog with blood dripping down its face. The man rushed inside and, to his horror, saw that his baby boy was missing and his cradle overturned. In anger the prince pulled out his sword and killed his dog. Shortly thereafter, he heard the cry of his son—the babe was alive! By the infant’s side lay a dead wolf. The dog had, in reality, defended the prince’s baby from a murderous wolf.

Though this story is dramatic, it demonstrates a point. It opens the possibility that the story we tell ourselves about why others behave a certain way does not always agree with the facts—sometimes we don’t even want to know the facts. We would rather feel self-justified in our anger by holding onto our bitterness and resentment. Sometimes these grudges can last months or years. Sometimes they can last a lifetime.

A Family Divided

One father could not forgive his son for departing from the path he had been taught. The boy had friends the father did not approve of, and he did many things contrary to what his father thought he should do. This caused a rift between father and son, and as soon as the boy could, he left home and never returned. They rarely spoke again.

Did the father feel justified? Perhaps.

Did the son feel justified? Perhaps.

All I know is that this family was divided and unhappy because neither father nor son could forgive each other. They could not look past the bitter memories they had about each other. They filled their hearts with anger instead of love and forgiveness. Each robbed himself of the opportunity to influence the other’s life for good. The divide between them appeared so deep and so wide that each became a spiritual prisoner on his own emotional island.

Fortunately, our loving and wise Eternal Father in Heaven has provided the means to overcome this prideful gap. The great and infinite Atonement is the supreme act of forgiveness and reconciliation. Its magnitude is beyond my understanding, but I testify with all my heart and soul of its reality and ultimate power. The Savior offered Himself as ransom for our sins. Through Him we gain forgiveness.

No Family Is Perfect

None of us is without sin. Every one of us makes mistakes, including you and me. We have all been wounded. We all have wounded others.

It is through our Savior’s sacrifice that we can gain exaltation and eternal life. As we accept His ways and overcome our pride by softening our hearts, we can bring reconciliation and forgiveness into our families and our personal lives. God will help us to be more forgiving, to be more willing to walk the second mile, to be first to apologize even if something wasn’t our fault, to lay aside old grudges and nurture them no more. Thanks be to God, who gave His Only Begotten Son, and to the Son, who gave His life for us.

We can feel God’s love for us every day. Shouldn’t we be able to give a little more of ourselves to our fellowmen as taught in the beloved hymn“Because I Have Been Given Much”?² The Lord has opened the door for us to be forgiven. Wouldn’t it be only right to put aside our own egotism and pride and begin to open that blessed door of forgiveness to those with whom we struggle—especially to all of our own family?

In the end, happiness does not spring from perfection but from applying divine principles, even in small steps. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have declared: “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”³

Forgiveness is positioned right in the middle of these simple truths, founded on our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. Because forgiveness connects principles, it connects people. It is a key, it opens locked doors, it is the beginning of an honest path, and it is one of our best hopes for a happy family.

May God help us to be a little more forgiving in our families, more forgiving of each other, and perhaps more forgiving even with ourselves. I pray that we may experience forgiveness as one wonderful way in which most happy families are alike.

Watch the following video:

Testify of the importance loving & forgiving one another so that we can have a happy family.

*For Younger Children* Read & discuss the scenarios listed below (taken from the Oct First Presidency Message suggestions). Watch the video below. Testify of the importance loving one another so that we can have a happy family.

President Uchtdorf teaches that we should forgive our family members. See how Joseph’s and Anna’s choices affect their family.

Joseph and his little sister, Anna, are playing together. Anna snatches Joseph’s toy away from him. What should Joseph do?

Joseph gets angry at Anna. Anna cries. Joseph’s mother disciplines him for fighting with his sister. Joseph is sorry that he made a poor choice.

Joseph forgives Anna and finds another toy to play with. They play together happily. Their mother is glad that Joseph was kind to his sister and kept peace in the family. Joseph feels happy for choosing to forgive.

Later, Joseph and Anna need to help their mother prepare dinner. Joseph doesn’t help. What should Anna do?

Anna complains to her mother. Anna argues about having to do the work alone. At dinner everyone is unhappy because of the arguing.

Anna forgives Joseph and helps with dinner. Their mother is grateful for Anna’s help. The family enjoys being together at dinner. Anna feels good that she chose to forgive.

How do your choices to forgive affect your family’s happiness?

Watch the following video:

We should love one another and spend time with one another.

Testify of the importance loving one another so that we can have a happy family.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read & discuss the article listed below (taken from the Oct First Presidency Message). Watch the video below. Testify of the importance loving & forgiving one another so that we can have a happy family.

Those in unhappy families, on the other hand, often find fault, hold grudges, and can’t seem to let go of past offenses.

“Yes, but …” begin those who are unhappy. “Yes, but you don’t know how badly she hurt me,” says one. “Yes, but you don’t know how terrible he is,” says another.

Perhaps both are right; perhaps neither.

The Prince’s Dog

A Family Divided

Did the father feel justified? Perhaps.

Did the son feel justified? Perhaps.

Prayer and Peace

One evening I argued with my mom and felt pretty bad. So I decided I would pray. Although I was in a bad mood and didn’t want to be “spiritual,” I knew praying would help me feel happier and less argumentative. After my mom left the room, I started my prayer. “Dear Heavenly Father, I’ve come to Thee tonight because …” No. I opened my eyes and unfolded my arms; that sounded awkward. I tried again. “Heavenly Father, I need …” That also sounded strange. I felt Satan urging me to give up my prayer of asking Heavenly Father for help.

Suddenly I had a prompting to say thank you! So I did, and thoughts started spilling from my mind of all the many things I could thank my Father in Heaven for. When I was done thanking Him, I discussed the problem at hand.

Afterward I felt a wonderful peace inside me, the warm spiritual feeling that I know our Heavenly Father and my parents love me and that I am a child of God. I was able to apologize to my mother and accept her apology.

No Family Is Perfect

Watch the following video:

Testify of the importance loving & forgiving one another so that we can have a happy family.

FHE Treat

Treat

Banana Bread Bars or Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich

Banana Bread Bars

24 Servings

Ingredients

Banana Bread Bars:

1-1/2 c. sugar

1 c. sour cream

1/2 c. butter, softened

2 eggs

1-3/4 (3 or 4) ripe bananas, mashed

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 c. all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Brown Butter Frosting:

1/2 c. butter

4 c. powdered sugar

1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

3 tbsp. milk

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 375F. Grease and flour 15×10-inch jelly roll pan. For the bars, in a large bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, butter, and eggs until creamy. Blend in bananas and vanilla extract. Add flour, baking soda, salt, and blend for 1 minute. Stir in walnuts.

2. Spread batter evenly into pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

3. Meanwhile, for frosting, heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until boiling. Let the butter turn a delicate brown and remove from heat immediately.

4. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk. Whisk together until smooth (it should be thicker than a glaze but thinner than frosting). Using a spatula, spread the brown butter frosting over the warm bars (the frosting will be easier to spread while the bars are still warm) (Taken from Life’s Simple Measures)

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich

16 Servings

Ingredients:

1 box (19.9 oz. each) brownie mix
3 ½ cups vanilla lowfat frozen yogurt
½ cup M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies
2 8-inch round cake pans
Wax paper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms (not the sides) with wax paper.

2. Prepare brownie mix according to the package directions. Divide batter between the two prepared cake pans.

3. Bake according to the package directions. Remove and cool completely.

4. Run a small paring knife around the edges of each brownie, loosening it from the pan.

5. Invert one layer onto a cookie sheet, and spread vanilla ice cream on top, coming right to the edge (you can slightly soften the ice cream first).

6. Place the other brownie layer on top, and press gently to secure. Place in the freezer until firm, about 2 hours.

7. Just before serving, press M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies into the ice cream.

8. Cut into thin wedges and serve right away. (Taken from Bright Ideas)

Activity

1- Secret service.
(Write each family members name on a small piece of paper. Place the pieces of paper in a bowl. Have each family member draw out a name. Each person will do secret acts of service for the person who’s name they drew. Be sure to keep it a secret. *Help other younger children in the family*)

2- Love Circle
(Place a chair in the center of the room. Have a family member sit in the chair. Then go around the room and everyone will say something nice about the person in the chair. Take turns so that every family member gets a turn in the chair.)

3- Play Do you love your neighbor.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

2

Posted in Family | Posted on 02-07-2012

Tags: Blessings, Faith, Forgiveness, Love, Prayer, Work

FHE Scripture

Scripture

The Family: A Proclamation to the World (para. 7)

“Happiness in Family Life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

Families Can Be Together Forever – Primary Songbook #188 or Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth- Hymn #298

Families Can Be Together Forever

1. I have a fam’ly here on earth.
They are so good to me.
I want to share my life with them through all eternity.
2. While I am in my early years,
I’ll prepare most carefully,
So I can marry in God’s temple for eternity.

Chorus
Fam’lies can be together forever
Through Heav’nly Father’s plan.
I always want to be with my own family,
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord has shown me how I can.

Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children, Teenagers or Adults* Explain to your children what “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” is. Read the proclamation, or segments which you would like to share. Select one of the family principles listed in the seventh paragraph of the proclamation which you would like to work on as a family. Watch “Proclamation”. Testify of the sacred blessing of families and of their central role in the Plan of Salvation.

Explain to your children what “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” is. Read the proclamation, or segments which you would like to share.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah. It explains that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

You can read the full proclamation here.

Select one of the family principles listed below, as mentioned in the seventh paragraph of the proclamation. Discuss the importance of this principle and ways your family can better incorporate that importance principle into your family life. Young children may want to draw pictures of how they will help use that principle in the home.

Faith
Prayer
Repentance
Forgiveness
Respect
Love
Compassion
Work
Wholesome Recreational Activities.

**You may consider using the Church Website as a resource as you study these important principles. Follow this link to view pages devoted to teaching these principles. Select your family’s decided principle in the left column. You can watch videos and read quotes and talks to learn more about how you can strengthen your family with that principle. (Note: This resource can be used for future family home evening lessons as you learn about different principles.)

Watch the following video of Elder Ballard describing the importance of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

Testify of the sacred blessing of families and of their central role in the Plan of Salvation.

FHE Treat

Treat

Easy Apple Dumplings and Peanut Butter Pie

Easy Apple Dumplings

Ingredients:

2 whole Granny Smith Apples, Cored And Peeled
2 cans Refrigerator Crescent Rolls
2 sticks Butter
1-½ cup White Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
½ cans Mountain Dew
Ground Cinnamon

Instructions:

Cut apples into 8 slices each.

Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan.

Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir.

Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples.

Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.

Peanut Butter Pie

Ingredients:

1 whole 8-inch Graham Cracker Pie Crust
8 ounces, weight Cream Cheese
1 cup Peanut Butter
½ cups Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
8 ounces, weight Frozen Whipped Topping, Thawed

Instructions:

With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Blend in peanut butter and vanilla. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon mixture into the prepared pie crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

(Recipes taken from www.TastyKitchen.com )

Activity

1- Family Memories – Enjoy spending time together, and discuss your favorite family memories. You could watch old family movies, look at old pictures, or simply tell stories!

2- Play your family’s favorite outdoor game, either in your backyard or at the park.

Eternal Marriage

0

Posted in Family, Temple | Posted on 11-05-2012

Tags: Blessings, Commandments

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Matthew 16:19

19 – And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

I Love to See the Temple- Children’s Songbook #95 or Families Can Be Together Forever – Hymn #300

I Love to See the Temple

1. I love to see the temple.
I’m going there someday
To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.
For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I’ll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.2. I love to see the temple.I’ll go inside someday.
I’ll cov’nant with my Father;
I’ll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I’ve learned this truth:
A fam’ly is forever.

Families Can Be Together Forever

1. I have a fam’ly here on earth.
They are so good to me.
I want to share my life with them through all eternity.
[Chorus]
Fam’lies can be together forever
Through Heav’nly Father’s plan.
I always want to be with my own family,
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord has shown me how I can.

2. While I am in my early years,
I’ll prepare most carefully,
So I can marry in God’s temple for eternity.

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Demonstrate Eternal Marriage using the Ripple object lesson. Highlight the marriage of grandparents or other family member. Discuss Eteranl Marriage. Testify of the sacred sealing power of an Eternal Marriage.

Ripple Object Lesson

Fill a large bowl, or even the sink, with water. Drop a small pebble in, showing the rippling effect. Point out to family members that many of the decisions they make in their lives will have an effect similar to the effect of the pebble on the water. The effects of these decisions will continue on and on, touching other people’s lives besides their own.

Highlight the marriage of grandparents or other family member

Briefly, tell the story of how your grandparents or other married family members met. Show pictures taken throughout their marriage. Discuss and show pictures of what has come out of their marriage (rippling effect). Make the point that because they married the right person, at the right time, in the right place, wonderful blessings have come from it.

Discuss the following questions about Eternal Marriage

Why is temple marriage so important?
How will it affect your life now and in the future?

Discuss how deciding early in your life that you want a temple marriage could help you make many correct decisions in the future.

Testify of the sacred sealing power of an Eternal Marriage

*For Teenagers or Adults* Demonstrate Eternal Marriage using the Ripple object lesson. Highlight the marriage of grandparents or other family member. Read Quote on Eternal Marriage. Testify of the sacred sealing power of an Eternal Marriage

Ripple Object Lesson

Highlight the marriage of grandparents or other family member

Read and discuss the following quote:

“Probably the most consequential event in your lives takes place when you are united in marriage. It will have a far reaching effect upon your future. Like the ripples caused by a pebble cast upon a placid pool, the decision you make in regard to where, with whom, and by whom this event will take place will affect not only you, but the lives of many others, especially your children.” (ElRay L. Christiansen, in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, p. 34; see also Ensign, May 1974, p. 25.)

Discuss ways children can prepare now to be married in the temple someday.

Testify of the sacred sealing power of an Eternal Marriage

FHE Treat

Treat

Pear-Cinnamon Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream or Coconut Oatmeal Chewies

Pear-Cinnamon Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:

Filling Ingredients:

4 whole (to 5) Large Pears (Bosc Work Well)
⅔ cups Sugar
¼ teaspoons Salt

Topping Ingredients:

1-½ cup All-purpose Flour
⅓ cups Sugar
⅓ cups Firmly Packed Brown Sugar
½ teaspoons Cinnamon
½ cups Pecans, Very Finely Chopped
1 stick Butter, Melted

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Peel, core, and dice pears. Place into a bowl and stir together with 2/3 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Stir together. Drizzle melted butter gradually, stirring with a fork as you go until all combined.

Pour pears into a baking dish; top with crumb topping.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Place pan on top rack of oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until topping is golden brown.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Coconut Oatmeal Chewies

Ingredients:

1 cup Granulated Sugar
1 cup Brown Sugar
2 whole Large Eggs
1 cup (2 Sticks), Butter, Softened To Room Temperature
2 teaspoons Vanilla
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
½ teaspoons Salt
2-½ cups All-purpose Flour
1 cup Shredded Coconut
1 cup Quick Oats

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased or lined (Silpat or parchment) baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes, until the cookies are set but not overly browned (bake a few minutes longer for a crispier version).

(Recipes taken from www.TastyKithcen.com)

Activity

1- Enjoy a slideshow or/videos of Mom and Dad’s wedding day!

2- Play Silent Charades

Have team one leave the room as team two decides on a word that team one will have to guess. When team one returns, team two says a word that rhymes with the mystery word as a clue. For example, if the mystery word is “cat,” team two might say “bat.”
Team one then starts guessing by acting out a word that rhymes with “bat,” such as “rat” or “flat.” When team two recognizes the word team one is miming, they either shake their heads no (and team one must mime another rhyming word) or yell “Yes!” if the word is the correct one. The teams switch roles for the next round.

(Game taken from Familyfun.go.com)

Mother’s Day

1

Posted in Family, Holiday | Posted on 27-04-2012

Tags: Family, Love, Service

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Alma 56:47-48

47 – Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

48 – And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

Dearest Mother, I Love You – Primary Songbook #206 or Home Can Be a Heaven On Earth – Hymn #298

Dearest Mother, I Love You

Gentle words I hear you say.
Your kind hands help me each day.
You’re my mother kind and true;
Dearest mother, I love you.

Home Can Be a Heaven On Earth

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Tell a story of your own Mother. Read “The Most Important Job” (The Friend, May 201). Discuss things each family member has learned from their mother. Testify of the sacred role that mothers have.

Tell a story of your own Mother.

Tell a favorite story about your own Mother or Mother-In-Law. Consider including important things that you have learned from her, as well as entertaining stories that your children would enjoy.

Read the following poem from The Friend, May 2010

The Most Important Job

I’m thankful for my mother’s hands, which help me every day.
With her hands she shows me how to work and how to play.
It seems that when I need some help, her hands are always there
To tie my shoes, or make my lunch, or comb my messy hair.
Her hands know how to fix my bike and how to make my bed,
And how to find a scripture verse to ease my worried head.

I want my hands, like Mother’s, to serve others every day.
I want my hands to know, like hers, how to work and play.
I know that when she needs some help, my hands can help her too.
Because she’s taught me well, they know exactly what to do.
I’ll thank my mother for her hands and hug her really tight
And promise her to use my hands to always do what’s right.

Make a list of things that each family member has learned from their mother. Discuss how we can take those things learned and use them to serve others.

Testify of the sacred role that mothers have.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Tell a story of your own Mother. Read excerpts from “Mother Told Me”. Watch the Mother’s Day Mormon Messages video. Testify of the sacred role that mothers have.

Tell a story of your own Mother.

Tell a favorite story about your own Mother or Mother-In-Law. Consider including important things that you have learned from her, as well as entertaining stories that your children would enjoy.

Read the following excerpts from the talk “Mother Told Me” given by Elder Bradley D. Foster

As President James E. Faust said: “There is no greater good in all the world than motherhood. The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation” (“Fathers, Mothers, Marriage,” Liahona and Ensign, Aug. 2004, 3).

Perhaps the reason we respond so universally to our mothers’ love is because it typifies the love of our Savior. As President Joseph F. Smith said, “The love of a true mother comes nearer [to] being like the love of God than any other kind of love” (“The Love of Mother,” Improvement Era, Jan. 1910, 278).

As in all things, the Savior set the perfect example in the love He showed for His earthly mother. In the final, most pivotal moment of His mortal life—after the anguish of Gethsemane, the mock trial, the crown of thorns, the heavy cross to which He was brutally nailed—Jesus looked down from the cross and saw His mother, Mary, who had come to be with her Son. His final act of love before He died was to ensure that His mother would be cared for, saying to His disciple, “Behold thy mother!” And from that point on the disciple took her unto his home. As the scriptures say, then Jesus knew that “all things were now accomplished,” and He bowed His head and died (see John 19:27–28, 30).

Discuss the important lessons we can each learn from our mothers and how these lessons can teach us to serve others.

Watch the following Mormon Messages Video, which highlights youth expressing their love for their mothers.

Testify of the sacred role that mothers have.

FHE Treat

Treat

Berry Cheesecake Parfaits or Soft and Easy Lemon Cake

Berry Cheesecake Parfaits

Ingredients:

1pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1-1/2cups cold milk
1pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1-1/2cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided
24NILLA Wafers, coarsely chopped
1-1/2cups mixed blueberries and sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions:

BEAT cream cheese in medium bowl with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding mix; mix well. Whisk in 1 cup COOL WHIP.

LAYER half each of the wafers, berries and pudding mixture in 8 parfait glasses. Repeat layers.

TOP with remaining COOL WHIP.

Easy Lemon Cake

Ingredients:

1pkg. (2-layer size) lemon cake mix
2pkg. (3.4 oz. each) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Instant Pudding
1-1/2cups cold milk
1tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

Instructions:

PREPARE cake batter and bake as directed on package for 2 (8- or 9-inch) round cake layers. Cool in pans 10 min. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

BEAT pudding mixes and milk with whisk 2 min. Immediately spread over tops of cakes.

STACK cake layers. Frost with COOL WHIP.

(Recipes taken from www.KraftRecipes.com)

Activity

1- Make Mother’s Day cards and write notes to your mother or another special mother figure in your life.

2- Play “Mother May I?”

Family History

2

Posted in Commandments, Family | Posted on 13-04-2012

Tags: Blessings, Family History, Work

FHE Scripture

Scripture

3 Nephi 25:5-6

5 – Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord;
6 – And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Hebrews 11:40

40 - God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

Family History – I Am Doing It – Primary Songbook #94 or Turn Your Hearts – Hymn #291

Family History – I Am Doing It

1. Fam’ly history—I am doing it,
My fam’ly history.
And the love I feel when I’m doing it
Is very sweet to me.
I learn stories of my progenitors;
I write their history.
I keep records of my loved ones
On my own fam’ly tree.

2. Fam’ly living now and the ones who’ve died
Can all be sealed to me,
And someday I’ll meet ev’ry one of them,
I’m sure as I can be.
Oh what joy we’ll have when they say to me,
“We’re all a family.
I am yours and you are mine now,
Through all eternity.”

Turn Your Hearts

1. Turn your hearts; the Lord is coming,
Malachi the prophet said.
Turn your hearts in preparation
To the work of exaltation
For the living and the dead.

2. In the latter days Elijah
Will renew the plan sublime.
He will teach you and remind you
Of the promises that bind you
To all men throughout all time.

3. Turn your hearts toward your parents—
Generations gone before.
May you seek until you find them;
In the temple seal and bind them
To your hearts forevermore.

4. Turn in love to all your children—
Generations yet to be.
May your deeds of gospel giving,
Temple service, righteous living,
Bless them all eternally.

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Share this Family Home Evening with Grandparents or other family members. Show pictures and tell favorite stories of a couple selected ancestors. Testify of the importance of Family History work and learning about our ancestors.

Spend your Family Home Evening highlighting the lives of a couple of your ancestors.

If possible, invite grandparents or other close family members to share this evening with you. Choose one or more ancestors to honor. Show the family any pictures you may have of those people. Note their style of dress, and discuss how their life-styles may have been different from yours. Point out any family resemblances you can see in the pictures.

Have each family member read or tell stories about one of the ancestors. Help your children see your ancestors as real people who actually lived and had feelings and experiences like their own. Try to help your family feel closer to them and realize that they are an important part of your family. Mention physical traits, talents, or other good characteristics you and your children inherited from ancestors (for example, red hair like grandpa’s or musical talent like grandma’s).

Take several slips of paper and place the name of another ancestor on each. Place them in a bowl or other container and have each family member draw one out. During the coming month, have each person find out all he can about that ancestor by collecting pictures, talking to relatives who know about that person, and so forth. Younger children may work with an older family member. They could draw pictures about important events in the life of the ancestor.

Hold a special family home evening where each family member can present his findings.

Watch this video about the experience a young girl had with Family History

Have a discussion about what each of your family members, even your youngest children, can do to learn about their ancestors and do their own part of family history work.

Testify of the importance of Family History work and learning about our ancestors.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Highlight one of your family’s ancestors by showing pictures and telling a story or two. Have a discussion about the importance of the temple and Family History work. Watch a segment of Elder Bednar’s talk, “Family History: An Invitation” from October 2011 General Conference. Testify of the importance of Family History work and learning about our ancestors.

Highlight one of your family’s ancestors.

Choose one of your family’s ancestors – show pictures of them and tell a couple of your favorite stories about them.

Have a discussion about the importance of the temple and Family History work

Ask one member of the family to move to the far side of the room, away from the others who are all sitting together. Discuss how you would feel if one of your family could not be with you in the next life.

If possible, show a picture of the temple nearest you, or write the word temple on a piece of paper

What blessing can come to your family in the temple? (Being sealed together.)
What about those of our ancestors who died without being sealed in the temple? Will they always have to be separated from their family?

Point out that Heavenly Father loves all of his children. He made it possible for these people who died without the gospel to receive all of the sacred ordinances. Have the person return to the group.

Watch the following segment of Elder Bednar’s talk, “Family History: An Invitation” from October 2011 General Conference

Discuss what each family member can do to take part in the great work of Family History.

Testify of the importance of Family History work and learning about our ancestors.

FHE Treat

Treat

Raspberry-Mango Smoothie or Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Raspberry-Mango Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups Orange Mango Peach juice
1 cup cubed mangoes (or peaches)
1 cup raspberries
1 1/2 cups (about 3 large scoops) pineapple sherbet
2 cups ice (omit 1 cup ice per frozen fruit used)

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to your blender in the order listed and blend until smooth. Drink immediately. Makes 2 large smoothies or 4 smaller smoothies.

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

2 Cups sugar
1 Cup butter, softened
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 Cup sour cream
6 Cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons softened butter, (slice 2 Tablespoons 6 times totaling 12 tablespoons)
1 1/2 Cups packed light brown sugar, divided into 1/4 Cups
1 1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon, divided

Frosting
8 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 Cup powdered sugar
2-4 Tablespoons milk, to thin icing

Instructions:

1. In an electric or stand mixer, cream the sugar and butter. Add eggs, vanilla and sour cream until well combined. Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt until well combined.

2. In 2 batches, place in plastic wrap in a disc shape and chill for at least 2 hours for best results.

3. Once chilled, cut each disc into thirds and roll into a 1/8 inch thick oval, about 12 inches X 5 inches. Spread each rolled pieces of dough with 2 Tablespoons softened butter, 1/4 Cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Start rolling from the long end closest to you, rolling into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut 1/2 inch pieces of dough then placing onto a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes before removing from baking sheet.

4. To prepare frosting, beat the cream cheese until softened and smooth, slowly add powdered sugar and milk until desired consistency. Frost cookies then place in refrigerator until ready to serve. These are 100 times better chilled, trust me!!

Makes at least 6 dozen

(Recipes taken from www.OurBestBites.com and www.Picky-Palate.com)

Activity

1- Family Tree – Together as a family or individually, on paper or a poster, draw your family tree. You might consider hanging it somewhere in your home where your family can be reminded of their ancestors. Also, you can use the following family tree as a template. Click here for printable family tree template.

2- Write letters to your grandparents or other special family member.

I Am a Child of God

5

Posted in Family | Posted on 13-01-2012

Tags: Family, God's Love, Self Improvement

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Malachi 2:10

10 – Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

I Am a Child of God Primary Song #2 or Dearest Children, God is Near You Hymn #96

I Am a Child of God

1. I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

2. I am a child of God,
And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words
Before it grows to late.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

3. I am a child of God.
Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will
I’ll live with hime once more.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

4. I am a child of God.
His promises are sure;
Celestial glory shall be mine
If I can but endure.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

Dearest Children, God is Near You

1. Dearest children, God is near you,
Watching o’er you day and night,
And delights to own and bless you,
If you strive to do what’s right.
He will bless you, He will bless you,
If you put your trust in him.

2. Dearest children, holy angels
Watch your actions night and day,
And they keep a faithful record
Of the good and bad you say.
Cherish virtue! Cherish virtue!
God will bless the pure in heart.

3. Children, God delights to teach you
By his Holy Spirit’s voice.
Quickly heed its holy promptings.
Day by day you’ll then rejoice.
Oh, prove faithful, Oh, prove faithful
To your God and Zion’s cause.

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Use the following object lesson to teach your children about the love Heavenly Father has for them. Testify of the importance of knowing that we are all children of our Heavenly Father.

If possible, display a picture of each family member as a baby. Let the children try to find their own pictures and identify the others. Tell them about the circumstances surrounding their birth. You may wish to describe your feelings as a parent as you prepared for their coming to your home. Describe how you felt when you saw, held, and loved them for the first time. Then ask them to imagine how Heavenly Father must feel to see them growing and learning.

Share how a knowledge that you are a child of God has helped you to choose the right. A specific example of a righteous choice they would understand would be helpful. You could recall how you were tempted to be unkind and then remembered that you were a child of God and so did a kind thing instead. Use some example from your recent experience so that the child will see the point clearly.

Sing “I Am a Child of God” with your children. Then tell them what the words mean to you.

At bedtime, during different nights of the week, spend some time with each child to share with him your knowledge of his worth to you and to God. Give examples of how Heavenly Father and you have confidence in his ability to succeed in life.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read all or part of “You Are a Child of God” (Ensign, Oct. 1998). Testify of the importance of knowing you are a child of God.

Recently I observed young men who attracted attention to themselves because of their extreme styles of dress and grooming. One made a revealing remark when he said, “I’m trying to find out who I really am.” This occurred after I had come from a Church meeting where Primary children had sung “I Am a Child of God” (Hymns, no. 301). Such contrasting experiences emphasize the importance of knowing that we are literally children of God.

We are dual beings. Each soul is comprised of body and spirit (see D&C 88:15), both of which emanate from God. A firm understanding of body and spirit will shape our thoughts and deeds for good.

The Body

The marvel of our physical bodies is often overlooked. Who has not encountered feelings of low self-esteem because of physique or appearance? Many people wish their bodies could be more to their liking. Some with naturally straight hair want it curly. Others with curly hair want it straight. Occasionally some ladies, believing that “gentlemen prefer blondes,” become “decided blondes.”

Your body, whatever its natural gifts, is a magnificent creation of God. It is a tabernacle of flesh—a temple for your spirit. A study of your body attests to its divine design.

Its formation begins with the union of two reproductive cells—one from the mother and one from the father. Together, these two cells contain all of the new individual’s hereditary information, stored in a space so small it cannot be seen by the naked eye. Twenty-three chromosomes from each parent unite in one new cell. These chromosomes contain thousands of genes which determine all of the physical characteristics of the unborn person. Approximately 22 days after these two cells unite, a little heart begins to beat. At 26 days, blood begins to circulate. Cells multiply and divide. Some become eyes that see; others become ears that hear.

Each organ is a wondrous gift from God. The eye has a self-focusing lens. Nerves and muscles control two separate eyes to make a single three-dimensional image. The eyes are connected to the brain, which records the sights seen. No cords or batteries are needed.

Each ear is connected to compact equipment designed to convert sound waves into audible tones. An eardrum serves as a diaphragm. Minute ossicles amplify sound vibrations and transmit a signal via nerves to the brain, which senses and remembers the sounds.

The heart is an incredible pump. It has four delicate valves that control the direction of blood flow. These valves open and close more than 100,000 times a day—36 million times a year. Yet, unless altered by disease, they are able to withstand this stress almost indefinitely. No man-made material developed to date can be flexed so frequently and so long without breaking.

Much could be said about each of the other precious organs in the body. They function in a marvelous manner, beyond my time or ability to describe.

Other attributes of the body are equally amazing, though less evident. For example, backup is provided. Each paired organ has instant backup available from the other of the pair. Single organs, such as the brain, the heart, and the liver, are nourished by two routes of blood supply. This design protects the organ if harm should come to any one channel.

Think of the body’s system of self-defense. To protect it from harm, the body perceives pain. In response to infection, it generates antibodies. They not only help to combat the immediate problem, but they persist to strengthen resistance to infection in the future.

One day my attention was directed to some three-year-old children who had lapped up water from a street gutter. The number of germs they ingested must have been incalculable, but not one of those youngsters became ill. As soon as that dirty drink reached each little stomach, its hydrochloric acid went to work to treat the water and protect the life of the child.

The skin provides protection. It also warns against injuries that excessive heat or cold might cause. It even sends signals that indicate trouble elsewhere. With fever, the skin perspires. When one is frightened, it pales. When one is embarrassed, it blushes.

The body repairs itself. Broken bones mend and become strong once again. Skin lacerations heal themselves. A leak in the circulation can seal itself. The body renews its own outdated cells. The average red blood cell, for instance, lives about 120 days. Then it is replaced by a newly regenerated cell.

The body regulates its own vital ingredients. Essential elements and chemical constituents are adjusted continuously. And regardless of wide fluctuations in the temperature of the environment, the temperature of the body is carefully controlled within narrow bounds.

If these qualities of normal function, defense, repair, regeneration, and regulation were to prevail in perpetuity, life here would continue without limit. Mercifully, our Creator provided for aging and other processes which ultimately result in physical death. We often think of death as untimely or tragic. But death, like birth, is part of life. When death claims an individual in the prime of life, we take comfort in knowing that the very laws which do not allow life to persist here are the same laws that will be implemented at the time of the Resurrection, when the body will be endowed with immortality.

The Spirit

Next I speak of the spirit. Prior to our mortal existence here, each spirit son and daughter lived with God. The spirit is eternal; it existed in innocence in the premortal realm and will exist after the body dies. The spirit provides the body with animation and personality. “All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure” (D&C 131:7). “The spirit of man [is] in the likeness of his person” (D&C 77:2).

Development of the spirit is of eternal consequence. The attributes by which we shall be judged one day are those of the spirit. These include the virtues of integrity, compassion, love, and more. Your spirit, by being housed in your body, is able to develop and express these attributes in ways that are vital to your eternal progression.

Spirit and body, when joined together, become a living soul of supernal worth. Indeed, we are children of God—physically and spiritually.

Physical Limitations

For reasons usually unknown, some people are born with physical limitations. Specific parts of the body may be abnormal. Regulatory systems may be out of balance. And all of our bodies are subject to disease and death. Nevertheless, the gift of a physical body is priceless. A perfect body is not required to achieve a divine destiny. In fact, some of the sweetest spirits are housed in frail frames. Great spiritual strength is often developed by those with physical challenges precisely because they are challenged. Such individuals are entitled to all the blessings that God has in store for His faithful and obedient children.

Eventually the time will come when each “spirit and … body shall be reunited again in … perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame” (Alma 11:43). Then, thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can become perfected in Him.

Personal Behavior

How should these truths influence our personal behavior? We should gratefully acknowledge God as our Creator. Otherwise, we would be as guilty as goldfish swimming in a bowl, oblivious to the goodness of their provider. “Ye must give thanks unto God,” said the Lord, “for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with” (D&C 46:32). And we can practice virtue and holiness before Him continually.

We will regard our body as a temple of our very own. We will not let it be desecrated or defaced in any way. We will control our diet and exercise for physical fitness.

Should not equal attention be paid to spiritual fitness? Just as physical strength requires exercise, so spiritual strength requires effort. Among the most important of spiritual exercises is prayer. It engenders harmony with God and a desire to keep His commandments. Prayer is a key to wisdom, virtue, and humility.

We will be careful about which counsel we heed. Many so-called experts give advice for the body—without thought for the spirit. Anyone who accepts direction contrary to the Word of Wisdom, for example, forsakes a law revealed to bring both physical and spiritual blessings. Some recommendations regarding use of our reproductive organs are based solely—and inadequately—upon physical considerations. Beware of such one-sided views! Paul taught that “if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Romans 8:13).

That caution pertains to pornography, which is highly addictive. In time, addictions enslave both the body and the spirit. Full repentance from addiction is best accomplished in this life, while we still have a mortal body to help us.

As children of God, we should not let anything enter the body that might defile it. We will cherish our chastity and avoid “foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown [us] in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:9). We will “flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, [and] meekness” (1 Timothy 6:11)—traits that edify the whole soul.

Who are we? We are children of God. Our potential is unlimited. Our inheritance is sacred. May we always honor that heritage—in every thought and deed.

Your body is a magnificent creation of God. Consider the heart—it is an incredible pump. It has four delicate valves that open and close more than 100,000 times a day, directing the flow of blood.

A study of your body attests to its divine design. For example, each paired organ has instant backup available from the other of the pair. Single organs, such as the brain, the heart, and the liver, are nourished by two routes of blood supply.

No less amazing is your eternal spirit. Among its attributes are the virtues of integrity, compassion, and love. The spirit and body when joined together, become a living soul of supernal worth. Indeed, we are children of God—physically and spiritually.

FHE Treat

Treat

No Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars or Stove Top Kettle Corn

No Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients:

1 1/2 C graham cracker crumbs
1 lb (3 1/2 C) powdered sugar
1 1/2 C creamy peanut butter
1 C (2 sticks) real butter, melted
1 12oz bag chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark, you pick!)
2 tsp shortening

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar and peanut butter and butter and beat until combined. Press into a parchment (or waxed paper or foil) lined 9×13 pan.

Place chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, until melted and smooth. Pour chocolate over peanut butter mixture and spread out evenly. Place pan in the fridge just until chocolate is set and then cut into bars. Tip: If the bars chill until the chocolate is too hard to easily cut, use a sharp knife and score the cuts first, then gently cut through. Can be stored in the fridge or at room temp. They will stay firmer if stored in the fridge!

*Tip: Instead of adding shortening to the chocolate topping, add a scoop of peanut butter. That will prevent the top from getting solid and it will taste yummy!

Stove Top Kettle Corn

Ingredients:

3 T canola or vegetable oil
1/3 C popcorn kernels

3 T granulated sugar

kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Place a large stock pot on the stove top. Set heat to medium-high. Add oil. While your oil is heating (it won’t take long), measure out your popcorn into a

small bowl. Add sugar to the kernels. When it’s time to cook, everything moves very quickly, so it’s important to have it all ready to go.

Wait until you see your oil smoke. This is one little trick that a lot of people overlook, but it’s important. The smoke is very faint, but if you just stare at the pot (it helps to get down parallel to it), you’ll see little billows of smoke coming up. That’s your cue! Pour popcorn kernels and sugar into the pot.

Immediately stir using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, scraping sugar from bottom of pan. This step should only take about 10 seconds. Cover pot with lid. You will need to shake the pot with your hands and you’ll want to make sure the lid stays on, so I get a dish towel and drape it over the top.
After a few minutes you should start hearing the pops. (If it doesn’t start popping after a few minutes, crack the lid to let some of the pressure out. Chances are when you put the lid back on, it will pop away). Continue the shaking every 20 second or so until you can tell almost everything is popped. Remove the lid and stir immediately.Hold the pot by the handles in a way that you’re securing the lid on as well. Shake the pan side to side in all directions and up and down a few times. Do this every 20 seconds or so. It will keep the sugar from burning on the bottom and help the kernels to be evenly coated.

Sprinkle Kosher salt to taste and then keep stirring. You can eat it warm right out of the pan (Disclaimer #2: caramelized sugar it HOT so don’t eat it right away.) or let it cool completely. It’s great either way!

(Recipes taken from ourbestbites.com)

Activity

1 – Which Child of God am I? – Write the name of each member of the family on separate pieces of paper. Tape each name on the each family member’s back. (It cannot be their own name and they cannot see the name.) Each person gets a turn to ask yes or no questions about their person to guess the name of the Child of God, or family member, that is on their backs. Whoever guesses first, wins!

2 – Each family member will draw a picture of their self and either draw or write down what their favorite personal qualities are. This activity is designed to get each family member thinking about qualities or gifts they have received from their Father in Heaven.

Extended Family

0

Posted in Family | Posted on 22-07-2011

Tags: Family, Family History

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Malachi 4:6

6- And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

I Have a Family Tree –Primary Song #199 or Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth Hymn 298

I Have a Family Tree

1. I have a fam’ly tree
With branches by the dozens.
I have grandpas. I have grandmas.
I have uncles, aunts, and cousins.

2. When it’s reunion time,
No matter what the weather,
It is such a happy day
When the fam’ly gets together.

Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth

1. Home can be a heav’n on earth
When we are filled with love,
Bringing happiness and joy,
Rich blessings from above–
Warmth and kindness, charity,
Safety and security–
Making home a part of heaven,
Where we want to be.

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Gather some family photos of extended family members. Explain who each person is and then play a memory game.

Display several photos of extended family members. Ask who they are and tell each ones name.

1- Are Grandmas and Grandpas important?

2- Are Aunts and Uncles important?

3- What about nieces, nephews and cousins?

Play a memory game. Place all of the pictures out on the floor. Have everyone close their eyes or leave the room. Remove one of the pictures. When they come back or open their eyes, they will need to figure out what family member is missing.

Testify of the importance of extended family and how we need to get to know them.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Ask the following questions and discuss the following scriptures. You may want to play a simple memory game.

Why is the immediate family important?

Read Ephesians 6: 1-4

Why are family relationships important?

Discuss Malachi 4: 6

Do you know all of your aunts and uncles? cousins? grandparents?

How many uncles do you have?

How many aunts?

Which ones are on your father’s side and which ones are on your mother’s side?

Play a memory game. Place several pictures of extended family members out on the floor. Have everyone close their eyes or leave the room. Remove one of the pictures. When they come back or open their eyes, they will need to figure out what family member is missing.

Testify of the importance of extended family and the importance of getting to know them.

FHE Treat

Treat

Whatta Melon Pop! or Lemon Cups

Whatta Melon Pop!

Ingredients:

1 cup strawberry sorbet
2 teaspoons mini chocolate chips
3 tablespoons water
1/2 cup lemon sorbet
2 drops green food coloring
wedge-shaped popsicle molds
popsicle sticks

Instructions:

1- To make a batch, mash together 1 cup strawberry sorbet, 2 teaspoons mini chocolate chips, and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl.

2- Put the the mixture into wedge-shaped popsicle molds (we used six 2-ounce molds), filling each about two-thirds full.*

3- Spoon a thin, even layer of lemon sorbet on top. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup lemon sorbet, 2 drops green food coloring, and 1 tablespoon water.

4- Spoon a layer into each mold and insert a popsicle stick. Freeze the pops for at least four hours.

*Tip: Here’s an easy way to fill the molds: mix these ingredients in a ziplock bag, snip a corner of the bag, then pipe in the mixture.

Lemon Cups

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons lemon zest
4 to 5 lemons
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from the lemons)
3 1/2 cups water
1 1/4 cups sugar
Mint leaves and lemon zest for garnish

Instructions:

1- Scrape the 2 teaspoons of zest from one of the lemons, then cut all of the lemons in half and juice them. Measure 1 cup, reserving the rest for another use.

2- Use a melon baller to remove any remaining pulp. Slightly trim the bottom of each lemon cup so it sits flat, then set them on a plate, cover, and place them in the refrigerator.

3- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the water to a boil, then add the lemon juice and zest and boil for 2 minutes.

4- Transfer the liquid to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature. Place the bowl in the freezer until the mixture begins to freeze, several hours or overnight. Use a fork to break up the ice, then stir it until fluffy.

5- Spoon 1/2 cup of the slush into each lemon half, then cover them and freeze until you’re ready to serve. Garnish with a mint leaf and lemon zest before serving, if you like. Serves 8 to 10.

(Recipes taken from Familyfun.go.com)

Activity

1- Look at old family photo albums.

2- Play Water Balloon Catch or Water Balloon Volleyball.

Fathers (Father’s Day)

1

Posted in Family, Holiday | Posted on 09-06-2011

Tags: Family, Gratitude, Holiday

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Enos 1:1

7- Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man—for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it—

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

My Dad–Primary Song #211 or I Know My Father Lives Hymn 302

My Dad

1. My daddy is my fav’rite pal,
And I help him ev’ry day.
It’s plain to see I want to be
Like him in ev’ry way.
He teaches me that honesty
Is best in all I do.
I’m very glad that he’s my dad,
And I know he loves me too.

I Know My Father Lives

1. I know my Father lives and loves me too.
The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true,
And tells me it is true.

2. He sent me here to earth, by faith to live his plan.
The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me that I can,
And tells me that I can.

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Read “The Father’s Day Surprise Cake” by Mella Bedell (June 1983 Friend). Discuss the importance of fathers and all that they do for us. (You may want to use clipart to help tell the story.)

Alisa helped her younger sister, Mikki, comb her long black hair. Then they hurried downstairs and ate breakfast. Tomorrow was Father’s Day, and the two girls were going shopping today for the ingredients to make a cake for their father. It was not going to be an ordinary cake—it would be filled with surprises!

As soon as they came home from the store, they took their aprons from the closet and helped each other tie them. Next they got all the ingredients out for the surprise cake and put them on the table. While Mikki greased and floured the cake pans, Alisa turned on the oven. Then, carefully measuring and stirring, the girls soon had the batter ready. Alisa spooned it into the cake pans while Mikki watched to see that both pans had the same amount.

At last the pans were in the oven, and the best part of making the cake batter had arrived. Alisa and Mikki each got a spoon and sat at the table and scraped the bowl.

Soon the cake layers were cooling on racks and the dishes were done. The girls ran up to their room to make the “surprise” part of the cake.

First they cut a piece of paper into several narrow strips. Then on each strip they wrote one thing that was special about their dad. Next they folded the strips and went back downstairs and wrapped each one in aluminum foil. With a knife Alisa carefully made little slits in the cake, and Mikki poked a wrapped strip into each slit.

Mother frosted the cake for them. She made pretty swirls around the edges and wrote “Happy Father’s Day” in the middle.

The next day after church they had a Father’s Day party. They sang Father’s favorite songs and played some games. When Mother cut the cake, she gave everyone a big piece. Father, of course, got the biggest one.

“What’s shining in my piece of cake?” he asked.

Alisa and Mikki looked at each other and grinned.

“That’s our surprise for you!” Alisa said.

“Yes,” Mikki told him. “You’re supposed to unwrap the foil and read the note out loud. Then we’ll take turns reading ours.”

Each person found and excitedly unwrapped the foil-covered surprises that had been hidden in the cake. Father’s face beamed as he read the first strip. It said, “We love you because you read stories to us.”

Mikki opened the next one and read, “We love you because you take care of us.”

Mother’s strip said, “We love you because you do things with us.”

Alisa had two surprise strips in her piece of cake. “We love you because you laugh a lot” was on the first one.

Alisa, Mikki, and Mother read the last one together: “We love you because you love us.”

“I really do,” Father said. “Thank you for a wonderful Father’s Day.”

*Discuss these questions as a family*
1- What did Mikki & Alisa make for their dad?
2- What did they stick in the cake?
3- Did their dad like it?
4- What are some things that dad &/or grandpa does for us?

Testify of the importance of fathers (be sure to also testify of the love Heavenly Father has for each of us).

*For Teenagers or Adults* Brainstorm and create a list of fathers that are mentioned in the scriptures. Discuss together the story of Alma the younger. Discuss fathers and what they have taught us.

Brainstorm and make a list of fathers that appear in the scriptures. Here are a few examples: Eli, Noah, Adam, Lehi, Alma, Mormon, Heavenly Father, etc.

Discuss the story of Alma the Younger (Mosiah 27). Alma the Elder never gave up on Alma the Younger. (The same is true with our earthly & Heavenly Father.)

What are things your father has taught you?
What are things your father has done for you?
How can we show appreciation?

FHE Treat

Treat

Happy Father’s Day Cake or A Grate Gift for Dad

Happy Father’s Day Cake

Ingredients:

9-by-12-by-2-inch cake, store-bought or homemade from scratch or a mix
Pastel icing the color of dad’s favorite shirt
Cardboard shirt box (ask at the drycleaner’s), lined with waxed paper
White paper for making a shirt collar and two cuffs
Colorful frosting for the tie

Instructions (How To Video):

1- Bake a cake in a 9-by-12-inch cake pan, remove from the pan, cool, and place on waxed paper.

2- Start by lining a 9-by-12-inch cardboard shirt box with tissue paper. Cover with a larger piece of waxed paper and flip the cake over and set it bottom-up in the box.

3- Frost with a pastel-shirt colored icing. Cut a collar and two cuffs out of white paper. The collar is a strip, rolled into a ring and taped, with a small V cut out of the center. The cuffs are rectangles with candy cufflinks.

4- Add a colorful frosting tie below the point where the collar will be placed. Just before serving, trim away the waxed paper and add the collar and cuffs.

A Grate Gift for Dad

Ingredients:

Brownie batter
Black food coloring
White frosting
Orange sugar
Caramel creams
Red, yellow, and green candy fruit slices
Hot Tamales candies

Instructions:

1- To make a batch of 12, place liners in a muffin pan, oil them, and fill them two thirds full of your favorite brownie batter, then bake according to the recipe directions. Let the brownies cool.

2- In a small bowl, mix one or two drops of black food coloring with 1/4 cup white frosting. Transfer the frosting to a ziplock bag and snip a small section from the corner. Pipe grate lines onto each brownie and let them set for 20 minutes. Add embers with a sprinkle of orange sugar.

3- Prepare the grill food as instructed below and press it in place atop each brownie.

Kebabs = A caramel cream and red, yellow, and green candy fruit slices, cut into small pieces + toothpick skewers
Pork chop = two thirds of a caramel cream, molded with fingers + black food coloring, applied with a toothpick
Hot dogs = Hot Tamales candies + black food coloring, applied with a toothpick.

(Recipes taken from Familyfun.go.com)

Activity

1- Play On Target.

2- Play your Dad’s Favorite Game.

3- Play Kick the Can or Hide & Go Seek.

FHE LessonsLessons and ideas for family home evening!

2

Posted in Commandments, Family, Individual Worth | Posted on 09-05-2013

Tags: cursing, speak kind words, words

Scripture

Hymn

Lesson

Treat

Activity

1

Posted in Family, Relief Society | Posted on 15-03-2013

Scripture

Hymn

Lesson

Treat

Activity

4

Posted in Family, Love | Posted on 04-10-2012

Tags: Family, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Love

Scripture

Hymn

Lesson

Treat

Activity

2

Posted in Family | Posted on 02-07-2012

Tags: Blessings, Faith, Forgiveness, Love, Prayer, Work

Scripture

Hymn

Lesson

Treat

Activity

0

Posted in Family, Temple | Posted on 11-05-2012

Tags: Blessings, Commandments

Scripture

Hymn

Lesson

Treat

Activity

1

Posted in Family, Holiday | Posted on 27-04-2012

Tags: Family, Love, Service

Scripture

Hymn

Lesson

Treat

Activity

2

Posted in Commandments, Family | Posted on 13-04-2012

Tags: Blessings, Family History, Work

Scripture

Hymn

Lesson

Treat

Activity

5

Posted in Family | Posted on 13-01-2012

Tags: Family, God's Love, Self Improvement

Scripture

Hymn

Lesson

Treat

Activity

0

Posted in Family | Posted on 22-07-2011

Tags: Family, Family History

Scripture

Hymn

Lesson

Treat

Activity

1

Posted in Family, Holiday | Posted on 09-06-2011

Tags: Family, Gratitude, Holiday

Scripture

Hymn

Lesson

Treat

Activity