FHE LessonsLessons and ideas for family home evening!

Scripture

D&C 98:13

13 – And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name’s sake, shall find it again, even life eternal.

Hymn

I Have a Family Tree – Primary Songbook #199 or They the Builders of the Nation – Hymn #36

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.

1. They, the builders of the nation,
Blazing trails along the way;
Stepping-stones for generations
Were their deeds of ev’ry day.
Building new and firm foundations,
Pushing on the wild frontier,
Forging onward, ever onward,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!

2. Service ever was their watchcry;
Love became their guiding star;
Courage, their unfailing beacon,
Radiating near and far.
Ev’ry day some burden lifted,
Ev’ry day some heart to cheer,
Ev’ry day some hope the brighter,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!

3. As an ensign to the nation,
They unfurled the flag of truth,
Pillar, guide, and inspiration
To the hosts of waiting youth.
Honor, praise, and veneration
To the founders we revere!
List our song of adoration,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!

Lesson

*For Younger Children*  Explain why we celebrate Memorial Day. Honor an ancestor. Discuss why it is important to honor our ancestors. Testify and express thanks for ancestors who have gone before us and sacrificed so we can learn from them and live better lives.

What is Memorial Day?

Explain to your children that Memorial Day is a special day set aside to honor our ancestors and others who have passed away. Mention that on Memorial Day we should also honor people who have died serving our country and fighting for our freedom. Explain that even though we may not have met these people, even our own ancestors, we owe so much to them.

Honor a family member

Take this time to honor one of your family ancestors. Select an ancestor who may have sacrificed a lot for their descendants – whether they served in the military, walked across the plains as a pioneer, or sacrificed in another way. You may consider showing pictures, telling stories, or even reading diary excerpts. 

General Authority personal story: Read the following quote from Elder Cecil O. Saumelson’s talk from the Friend.

“I have great love for my ancestors. It’s comforting to know that not only my father, who has passed away, but also my grandparents, great-grandparents, and others who have died are cheering for me and for my family. I believe that is true for everyone. Our ancestors love us, and we should love them, just as we love our relatives who are with us now.”

Discuss the following questions

• What did this specific ancestor sacrifice in order for those who came after them to have a better life?
• How are we blessed by their sacrifice?
• What can we learn from their example?
• Why is important to honor our ancestors and other people who have sacrificed for us?

Testify and express thanks for ancestors who have gone before us and sacrificed so we can learn from them and live better lives.

*For Teenagers and Adults* Explain why we celebrate Memorial Day. Honor an ancestor. Discuss why it is important to honor our ancestors.  Watch “Until We Meet Again” Testify and express thanks for ancestors who have gone before us and sacrificed so we can learn from them and live better lives.

What is Memorial Day?

Explain to your children that Memorial Day is a special day set aside to honor our ancestors and others who have passed away. Mention that on Memorial Day we should also honor people who have died serving our country and fighting for our freedom. Explain that even though we may not have met these people, even our own ancestors, we owe so much to them.

Honor a family member

Take this time to honor one of your family ancestors. Select an ancestor who may have sacrificed a lot for their descendants – whether they served in the military, walked across the plains as a pioneer, or sacrificed in another way. You may consider showing pictures, telling stories, or even reading diary excerpts.

Discuss the following questions

• What did this specific ancestor sacrifice in order for those who came after them to have a better life?
• How are we blessed by their sacrifice?
• What can we learn from their example?
• Why is important to honor our ancestors and other people who have sacrificed for us?

(Recipes taken from www.TastyKitchen.com )

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.

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.

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?

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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)

Scripture

Exodus 12: 14

14- And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Hymn

I Have a Family Tree–Primary Song #199 or Faith of Our Fathers Hymn 84

Faith of Our Fathers

1. Faith of our fathers, living still
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious word.

[Chorus]
Faith of our fathers, holy faith,
We will be true to thee till death!

2. Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee,
And thru the truth that comes from God,
Mankind shall then be truly free.

3. Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife,
And preach thee, too, as love knows how,
By kindly words and virtuous life.

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.

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Read “A Single Piece of Paper” by Afton Wade (Jan 1993 Friend) and discuss the importance of ancestors. (You may want to use clipart to help tell the story.)

A pedigree chart! I knew that horses, dogs, and maybe even cats had pedigrees, but here was Sister Jones handing out pedigree charts for us to take home and fill out. Now I had heard everything!

I folded the paper and quickly thrust it into my pocket. Mom and Dad were always busy working and probably wouldn’t even have time to look at it, but Sister Jones had said that it was very important to know who our ancestors were. Well, I’d try my best. After we all filled out our charts, she was going to take us to the family history library for a tour. And after that, we were going for ice cream! I love ice cream.

Opening the gate, I ran up the stairs, waving the paper, exclaiming, “Mom, Dad, look what I got in church today!”

Dad lowered the volume on the television. He’s a great sports fan and never misses his games. That’s why he doesn’t get to church very often—the meetings are at the same time as the games.

“See, Dad, it’s a pedigree chart. Sister Jones says it’s important to find out about our families—where they lived, and when, and anything interesting we can find out about them, like the stories Grandad tells us.”
Mom came through the back door just then, smiling and brushing dirt from her knees. She had been planting new flowers. She loves working in her garden. Dad said that our home was a showplace because of the flowers blooming everywhere. Sunday was the only day Mom had to tend to her garden. She wished she had more time for church—maybe one day she would, and then she’d go, she said.

We sat on the porch steps while I explained my assignment to fill in the pedigree chart. To my surprise, Mom and Dad both began helping me, and we had a grand time!

Mom told me how her grandparents had come across the Atlantic Ocean when they left Sweden to come to America. The ship they were sailing on almost went down in a sudden, violent storm. How thankful they were to reach land and begin their new lives.

Dad’s grandparents had lived in a tiny log cabin in Kentucky. They became friends with the Indians, who helped them through the first cold, bitter winter.

The more they remembered, the more excited they became. They got out the old picture album, which had pictures of stern-looking men—some with curly mustaches—often holding canes and wearing hats, and women in long dresses, some holding fat little babies and surrounded by children. We were having such a good time that Dad even forgot his football game! And instead of going back out to her flowers, Mom began writing letters to her sisters and brothers for any information they had about their ancestors.

The next Sunday I could hardly wait to show Sister Jones my pedigree chart. And Mom had given me a note saying that she’d so enjoyed filling out the sheet that she wanted to help take our class to the library.
That afternoon, Dad phoned his mother in Kentucky, and they talked and talked about his family. Do you know—Dad’s great-grandfather had known Brigham Young!

That was just the beginning. We’re now planning a huge family reunion this summer with aunts, uncles, and cousins of all ages and sizes coming from all over. Dad says that there may be even a hundred! I can hardly wait to meet so many of my family.

Oh yes—I overheard Mom and Dad talking the other day, and miracle of miracles, they’re going to start coming to church with me. They said, “It’s about time to get our priorities in place.” Now, I’m not sure what “priorities” are, but I am sure that we’ll have plenty of room for them. And to think it all started with that single piece of paper!

*Discuss these questions as a family*
1- What was Dad doing when he came home from church?
2- What was Mom doing?
3- What was the paper that was brought home from church?
4- Are our ancestors important? Why?

Testify of the importance of ancestors and honoring them on Memorial Day.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Watch the video on the History of Memorial Day. Discuss the importance of Memorial Day & the various things our ancestors have done for us.

History of Memorial Day (video)

(taken from History.com)

What have our ancestors done for us?
Do we have relatives that have served or are serving in war?
What sacrifices did they make?

Testify of the importance of ancestors and honoring them on Memorial Day.

Treat

Balloon Cupcakes or Best Fudge Brownies

Balloon Cupcakes

Ingredients:

Baked cupcakes
Frosting (equal amounts of yellow, green, blue, and red)
Curling ribbon (yellow, green, blue, and red)

Instructions:

1-Frost the cupcakes yellow, green, blue, and red and arrange them on a large platter or cake cardboard.

2- Tape a length of ribbon to the bottom of each cupcake.

3- Tie all the ribbons together and curl the ends as shown.

Best Fudge Brownies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup unsalted butter
8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 cup sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

1- Cut the butter into 1/2-inch pieces and place them in the top of a double boiler in which the water is barely simmering. (No Double Boiler? No Problem. The trick is to find a heatproof bowl that fits about halfway inside one of your medium-size saucepans. A glass bowl or a metal mixing bowl with a handle works well. Be sure to fill the pan with only 1 or 2 inches of water – your bowl should always rest above the water, never in it.)

2- As the butter melts, sprinkle the chocolate evenly into it. Leave the mixture over the heat for 5 minutes, then stir or whisk it until smooth. Transfer the top of the double boiler to a cooling rack and let the chocolate cool to room temperature.

3- Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350º. Lightly butter a 9- by 9-inch square cake pan (do not use a smaller pan) and dust it with flour, knocking out the excess.

4- Combine the sugars in a large mixing bowl, using your fingers to break up any lumps. Add the eggs. Beat the eggs and sugar until well blended – about 30 seconds – with an electric mixer set on medium-high speed. Blend in the vanilla extract. Add the cooled chocolate (which should still be liquid) and mix on medium speed just until evenly blended.

5- Sift the flour and salt into a medium bowl, then stir them into the chocolate mixture, about half at a time, until no streaks of flour remain. Stir in the nuts. Then scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it with a spoon.

6- Bake the brownies on the center oven rack for 30 to 35 minutes. When done, the brownies will have risen slightly and the top will have a thin, brittle crust. Do not overbake. For the best results, use 3 toothpicks to test for doneness. Insert one into the brownies about 1 inch from the side; it should come out clean. A second toothpick inserted 2 inches from the side should have a little batter stuck to it, and a third, inserted in the center, should be coated with a bit more batter than that.

7- Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool the brownies thoroughly. To get the cleanest cuts, cover and refrigerate the brownies for several hours before slicing (provided you can resist that long). Serve slightly cool or at room temperature. Makes 12 to 16 brownies.

(Recipes taken from Familyfun.go.com)

Scripture

3 Nephi 23:12-13

12. And it came to pass that Nephi remembered that this thing had not been written.

13. And it came to pass that Jesus commanded that it should be written; therefore it was written according as he commanded.

Hymn

Families Can Be Together Forever Hymn 300 or Children’s Songbook 188

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.

Lesson

*For Younger Children* (Share a story from an ancestors journal and discuss the importance of journal keeping.)

*For Teenagers or Adults* Share and discuss the following article by Spencer W Kimball also, if time permits,  share a story from an ancestors journal. (Spencer W. Kimball, “President Kimball Speaks Out on Personal Journals”, New Era, Dec. 1980, 26)

His journal was 33 black binders on the shelves of his personal study when President Spencer W. Kimball was called to be President of the Church in 1973. Since then, he has frequently counseled and exhorted members of the Church to keep personal journals.

On a number of occasions I have encouraged the Saints to keep personal journals and family records. I renew that admonition. We may think there is little of interest or importance in what we personally say or do—but it is remarkable how many of our families, as we pass on down the line, are interested in all that we do and all that we say.

Any Latter-day Saint family that has searched genealogical and historical records has fervently wished its ancestors had kept better and more complete records. On the other hand, some families possess some spiritual treasures because ancestors have recorded the events surrounding their conversion to the gospel and other happenings of interest, including many miraculous blessings and spiritual experiences. People often use the excuse that their lives are uneventful and nobody would be interested in what they have done. But I promise you that if you will keep your journals and records, they will indeed be a source of great inspiration to your families, to your children, your grandchildren, and others, on through the generations. Each of us is important to those who are near and dear to us—and as our posterity read of our life’s experiences, they, too, will come to know and love us. And in that glorious day when our families are together in the eternities, we will already be acquainted.

Would every family, as they now hold their home evenings, train their children from young childhood to keep a journal of the important activities of their lives, certainly by the time they begin to leave home for schooling and missions?

From time immemorial the Lord has counseled us to be a record-keeping people. Abraham had a book of remembrance, and Adam had one. You may think of them as not being as highly educated as we are, but they were well-trained people. Adam spent much effort being the school teacher for his children. He and Eve taught their sons and daughters. He taught them the gospel in their home evenings, and he taught them reading and writing and arithmetic. And they kept their books of remembrance. How else do you think Moses, many hundreds of years later, got the information? These records had been kept, and he referred to them and got the history of the world, which wasn’t in any library other than that. Can you see your responsibility?

Early in the American life of the family of Lehi, his son Nephi said: “Having had a great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God, therefore, I make a record of my proceedings in my days. …

“And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.” (1 Ne. 1:1, 3.) This great record included not only the movements of his people, but his own personal life.

When the Savior visited this continent following his resurrection, he commanded the Nephites and Lamanites to bring their records up to date. He said to them: “Behold, other scriptures I would that ye should write, that ye have not.

“And it came to pass that he said unto Nephi: Bring forth the record which ye have kept.

“And when Nephi had brought forth the records, and laid them before him, he cast his eyes upon them and said:

“Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant Samuel, the Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people, that at the day that the Father should glorify his name in me that there were many saints who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should minister unto them. And he said unto them: Was it not so?

“And his disciples answered him and said: Yea, Lord, …

“And Jesus said unto them: How be it that ye have not written this thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto many and did minister unto them?

“And it came to pass that Nephi remembered that this thing had not been written, … therefore it was written according as he commanded.” (3 Ne. 23:6–13.)

And again in our day the Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith, “And again, let all the records be had in order, that they may be put in the archives of my holy temple” (D&C 127:9).

You should continue on in this important work of recording the things you do, the things you say, the things you think, to be in accordance with the instructions of the Lord. Your story should be written now while it is fresh and while the true details are available.

Your private journal should record the way you face up to challenges that beset you. Do not suppose life changes so much that your experiences will not be interesting to your posterity. Experiences of work, relations with people, and an awareness of the rightness and wrongness of actions will always be relevant. Your journal, like most others, will tell of problems as old as the world and how you dealt with them.

Your journal should contain your true self rather than a picture of you when you are “made up” for a public performance. There is a temptation to paint one’s virtues in rich color and whitewash the vices, but there is also the opposite pitfall of accentuating the negative. Personally I have little respect for anyone who delves into the ugly phases of the life he is portraying, whether it be his own or another’s. The truth should be told, but we should not emphasize the negative. Even a long life full of inspiring experiences can be brought to the dust by one ugly story. Why dwell on that one ugly truth about someone whose life has been largely circumspect?

Your journal is your autobiography, so it should be kept carefully. You are unique, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more noble and praiseworthy in their way than those recorded in any other life.

What could you do better for your children and your children’s children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved? Some of what you write may be humdrum dates and places, but there will also be rich passages that will be quoted by your posterity.

We hope you will begin as of this date. If you have not already commenced this important duty in your lives, get a good notebook, a good book that will last through time and into eternity for the angels to look upon. Begin today and write in it your goings and your comings, your deeper thoughts, your achievements, and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies. We hope you will do this, our brothers and sisters, for this is what the Lord has commanded, and those who keep a personal journal are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives.

*Discuss these questions as a family and record your thoughts individually*
1- How could writing down your feelings help you cope with a traumatic experience?
2. In what way could writing in a journal ease a sense of loneliness?
3. How can a journal help you evaluate your progress?
4. Why is it important to maintain a proper balance between stressing the good and noting the negative?
5. Why is a journal a good place to record promises to yourself and to the Lord?
6. Why do you suppose sacred experiences gain validity by being recorded?
7. Are you keeping your journal current? If not, what specific things can you do to be more consistent?
8. What can parents do to train their children from young childhood to keep a journal?
(Questions Taken from: Janet Brigham, “Discover Yourself: Keep a Journal”, Ensign, Dec. 1980, 57)

Treat

Crunchy Sesame Candy or Pear Fritters

Crunchy Sesame Candy

Ingredients:

1 cup sesame seeds (about 6 ounces)

3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

3 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

1- Generously coat two large sheets of waxed paper with cooking spray. In a medium skillet, toast the sesame seeds over medium-low heat, stirring often, until they’re fragrant and golden, 5 to 7 minutes.

2- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and honey. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the sugar is melted and the mixture is thick, about 5 minutes (because melted sugar can get quite hot, this is a step best left to parents). Add the sesame seeds to the sugar and stir well with a wooden spoon.

3- Place one sheet of the waxed paper on a work surface, greased-side up. Scrape the mixture onto the paper and top it with the remaining sheet of waxed paper, greased-side down. Using a rolling pin, roll the mixture into a square about 1/4 inch thick (a great job for kids).

4- Remove the top sheet of paper and cut the candy into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife. Let the candy cool completely. Break apart the pieces and store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to package them. Makes about twenty-four 1-inch squares.

Pear Fritters

Hands-on time: 15 minutes plus 15 for frying
Total time: 30 minutes
Makes: 24 fritters

Ingredients:

Canola, peanut, or vegetable oil for frying

1 pound (grapefruit-size piece) prepared dough

1 firm pear, peeled, cored, and grated

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup currants

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions:

1- Fill a medium saucepan with 2 inches of oil and heat it to 360-380 degrees. As the oil warms, cloak the dough to help it hold its shape while it rises: dust it with flour, then quickly shape it into a ball by stretching the surface and tucking it under the bottom, then rotating it a quarter-turn as you work. On a well-floured surface, roll it out into a 9- by 12-inch rectangle.

2- Combine the pear, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, currants, and nuts in a small bowl. Spread the mixture over the dough, stopping 1/2 inch from the edge. Starting at a long end, tightly roll the dough into a log as shown, then pinch the seam to seal it. Use a pair of kitchen shears to cut off 1/2-inch-thick slices from the log.

3- Fry the fritters in batches by carefully placing a few of them into the oil at a time, leaving enough room to let them rise to the surface as they cook. Fry them for about 1 minute, then use a slotted spoon to gently flip each one and fry it until golden brown on both sides, about 1 minute more. (You may need to flip them over a few times to brown them evenly.) Transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Dust the fritters with confectioners’ sugar and let them cool slightly before serving.

(Recipes taken from Familyfun.go.com)