Missionary Work

0

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

Tags: ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Alma 29:1

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

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

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

I Want to Be a Missionary Now

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

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

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

Called to Serve

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

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

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

FHE Lesson

Lesson

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

 

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

What are ways we can be a missionary?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why don’t you drink tea or coffee?

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

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

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

Why don’t you swear?

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

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

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

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

A Testimony of the Truth

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

Seeing Others as They May Become

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

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

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

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

Courage Needed

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

Blessings and Happiness

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

Prayers Heard and Answered

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

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

Guidance of the Spirit

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

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

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

Loving Kindness

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

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

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

FHE Treat

Treat

Cookie Dough Bites or Pumpkin Cake Roll

Cookie Dough Bites

Yields 2 Dozen Cookies

Ingredients

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

Instructions:

1.  Cream butter and sugar together.

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

3. Roll into 1-inch balls.

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

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

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

 Pumpkin Cake Roll

Ingredients:

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

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

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

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

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

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

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

Sharing the Gospel

0

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

Tags: , , , , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Alma 29:1

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

 

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

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

I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

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

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

High on the Mountain Top

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

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

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

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

 

FHE Lesson

Lesson

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


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

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

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

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

“That’s President Monson,” Alex said.

Jake didn’t say anything.

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

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

“Why did you stop going?” Alex asked.

Jake shrugged. “I don’t know.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’m sure!” Jake said.

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

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

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

After church, Alex’s family took Jake home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Testify of the importance & simplicity of missionary work.

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



 Sharing the Gospel Through Social Media

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Testify of the simplicity & importance of sharing the gospel.

 

FHE Treat

Treat

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars or Lemon Crisps

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

24 Servings

Ingredients

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

Instructions:

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

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

 Lemon Crisps

42 Servings

Ingredients:

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

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

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

2- Create a Mormon.org profile.

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

First Presidency Message: July

1

Posted in Prophet | Posted on 09-07-2012

Tags: , , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Psalms 118:24

24 - This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

I Will Follow God’s Plan – Primary Songbook #164 or Press Forward, Saints- Hymn #81

I Will Follow God’s Plan

My life is a gift; my life has a plan.
My life has a purpose; in heav’n it began.
My choice was to come to this lovely home on earth
And seek for God’s light to direct me from birth.
I will follow God’s plan for me,
Holding fast to his word and his love.
I will work, and I will pray;
I will always walk in his way.
Then I will be happy on earth
And in my home above.

Press Forward, Saints

1. Press forward, Saints, with steadfast faith in Christ,
With hope’s bright flame alight in heart and mind,
With love of God and love of all mankind.

[Chorus]
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

2. Press forward, feasting on the word of Christ.
Receive his name, rejoicing in his might.
Come unto God; find everlasting light.

3. Press on, enduring in the ways of Christ.
His love proclaim thru days of mortal strife.
Thus saith our God: “Ye have eternal life!”

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children*Read the First Presidency Message from the July Ensign. Make a list of  your gifts and abilities. Add your testimony to President Uchtdorf ‘s, that we are “Always in the Middle”.

Read all, or part, of the First Presidency Message from the July Ensign.

Always in the Middle

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

By many world calendars, July marks the middle of the year. While the beginnings and endings of things are celebrated and remembered, the middle of things often goes unnoticed.

Beginnings are times for making resolutions, for creating plans, for bursts of energy. Endings are times for winding down and may involve feelings of completion or loss. But with the proper outlook, considering ourselves as in the middle of things can help us not only to understand life a little better but also to live it a little more meaningfully.

The Middle of Missionary Work

When I speak to our young missionaries, I often tell them they are in the middle of their missions. Whether they just arrived the day before or are to depart for home the day after, I ask them to think of themselves as always being in the middle.

New missionaries may feel they are too inexperienced to be effective, and so they delay speaking or acting with confidence and boldness. Seasoned missionaries who are close to completing their missions may feel sad their missions are coming to a close, or they may slow down as they contemplate what they will do after their missions.

Whatever the circumstances and wherever they serve, the truth is that the Lord’s missionaries are daily sowing countless seeds of good tidings. Thinking of themselves as always being in the middle of their missions will embolden and energize these faithful representatives of the Lord. As it is with full-time missionaries, so it is with all of us.

We Are Always in the Middle

This change in perspective is more than a simple trick of the mind. There is a sublime truth behind the idea that we are always in the middle. If we look at our location on a map, we are tempted to say we are at a beginning. But if we look more closely, wherever we are is simply in the middle of a larger place.

As it is with space, so it is with time. We may feel we are at the beginning or end of our lives, but when we look at where we are against the backdrop of eternity—when we realize that our spirit has existed for time beyond our capacity to measure and, because of the perfect sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ, that our soul will exist for an eternity to come—we can recognize that we are truly in the middle.

Recently I felt impressed to redo the headstone on my parents’ grave. Time had not been kind to the grave site, and I felt that a new headstone would be more fitting for their exemplary lives. When I looked at the birth dates and death dates on the headstone connected by the usual insignificant little dash, this small symbol of a lifespan suddenly filled my mind and heart with an abundance of rich memories. Each of these treasured memories reflects a moment in the middle of my parents’ lives and in the middle of my life.

Whatever our age, whatever our location, when things occur in our lives, we are always in the middle. What’s more, we will forever be in the middle.

The Hope of Being in the Middle

Yes, there will be moments of beginnings and moments of endings throughout our lives, but these are only markers along the way of the great middle of our eternal lives. Whether we are at the beginning or the end, whether we are young or old, the Lord can use us for His purposes if we simply set aside whatever thoughts limit our ability to serve and allow His will to shape our lives.

The Psalmist says, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we [should] rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Amulek reminds us that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors” (Alma 34:32; emphasis added). And a poet muses, “Forever—is composed of Nows.”1

Being always in the middle means that the game is never over, hope is never lost, defeat is never final. For no matter where we are or what our circumstances, an eternity of beginnings and an eternity of endings stretch out before us.

We are always in the middle.

President Uchtdorf teaches that no matter your age, you can do something to help others. In your journal or on a piece of paper, list or draw your gifts or abilities. Children may want to ask their parents what they think their gifts are.

Decide how you could use your gifts to help others in the situations below.

helping pictures

 

At the end of your list of gifts, write or draw one way you can use those gifts to help others this week.

 Add your testimony to President Uchtdorf ‘s, that we are “Always in the Middle”.

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Read the First Presidency Message from the July Ensign. Make a list and discuss things you can do “in the middle” of your missionary preparation. Add your testimony to President Uchtdorf ‘s, that we are “Always in the Middle”.

Together as a family, read the First Presidency Message from the July Ensign.

Always in the Middle

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

By many world calendars, July marks the middle of the year. While the beginnings and endings of things are celebrated and remembered, the middle of things often goes unnoticed.

Beginnings are times for making resolutions, for creating plans, for bursts of energy. Endings are times for winding down and may involve feelings of completion or loss. But with the proper outlook, considering ourselves as in the middle of things can help us not only to understand life a little better but also to live it a little more meaningfully.

The Middle of Missionary Work

When I speak to our young missionaries, I often tell them they are in the middle of their missions. Whether they just arrived the day before or are to depart for home the day after, I ask them to think of themselves as always being in the middle.

New missionaries may feel they are too inexperienced to be effective, and so they delay speaking or acting with confidence and boldness. Seasoned missionaries who are close to completing their missions may feel sad their missions are coming to a close, or they may slow down as they contemplate what they will do after their missions.

Whatever the circumstances and wherever they serve, the truth is that the Lord’s missionaries are daily sowing countless seeds of good tidings. Thinking of themselves as always being in the middle of their missions will embolden and energize these faithful representatives of the Lord. As it is with full-time missionaries, so it is with all of us.

We Are Always in the Middle

This change in perspective is more than a simple trick of the mind. There is a sublime truth behind the idea that we are always in the middle. If we look at our location on a map, we are tempted to say we are at a beginning. But if we look more closely, wherever we are is simply in the middle of a larger place.

As it is with space, so it is with time. We may feel we are at the beginning or end of our lives, but when we look at where we are against the backdrop of eternity—when we realize that our spirit has existed for time beyond our capacity to measure and, because of the perfect sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ, that our soul will exist for an eternity to come—we can recognize that we are truly in the middle.

Recently I felt impressed to redo the headstone on my parents’ grave. Time had not been kind to the grave site, and I felt that a new headstone would be more fitting for their exemplary lives. When I looked at the birth dates and death dates on the headstone connected by the usual insignificant little dash, this small symbol of a lifespan suddenly filled my mind and heart with an abundance of rich memories. Each of these treasured memories reflects a moment in the middle of my parents’ lives and in the middle of my life.

Whatever our age, whatever our location, when things occur in our lives, we are always in the middle. What’s more, we will forever be in the middle.

The Hope of Being in the Middle

Yes, there will be moments of beginnings and moments of endings throughout our lives, but these are only markers along the way of the great middle of our eternal lives. Whether we are at the beginning or the end, whether we are young or old, the Lord can use us for His purposes if we simply set aside whatever thoughts limit our ability to serve and allow His will to shape our lives.

The Psalmist says, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we [should] rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Amulek reminds us that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors” (Alma 34:32; emphasis added). And a poet muses, “Forever—is composed of Nows.”1

Being always in the middle means that the game is never over, hope is never lost, defeat is never final. For no matter where we are or what our circumstances, an eternity of beginnings and an eternity of endings stretch out before us.

We are always in the middle.

President Uchtdorf tells missionaries to think of themselves as being in the middle of their missions. You can also apply this idea to your mission preparation: whether you are 12 or 18, you can prepare to serve a mission.

Discuss and make a list of some things you can do “in the middle” of your mission preparation? The following is a list of ideas you may discuss.

  • Always be worthy to attend the temple.
  • Learn to recognize promptings from the Holy Ghost by writing down your promptings and acting on them.
  • Pray for the missionaries.
  • Ask the missionaries in your area what they recommend you do to prepare to serve a mission.
  • Learn to manage your time effectively, including important activities such as service, scripture study, and journal writing.
  • When talking with a family member, share a scripture that inspired you recently. Explain what you think about the scripture.
  • Ask your friends about their religions and what they believe. Be willing to share your beliefs. Invite them to church or activities.

As you recognize that you are in the middle of your mission preparation, you can live your life to be more worthy of the Lord’s trust and the Spirit’s companionship.

Add your testimony to President Uchtdorf ‘s, that we are “Always in the Middle”.

(Lesson outline taken from the July 2012 Ensign)

FHE Treat

Treat

Golden Oreo Peanut Butter Bars and Berry Fudgsicles

Golden Oreo Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients:

FOR THE CRUST:
16 whole Golden Oreo Cookies
4 Tablespoons Butter

FOR THE FILLING:
⅓ cups White Chocolate Chips
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
¼ teaspoons Vanilla
⅓ cups Powdered Sugar
Edible Pearls For Garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Line an 8×8 square dish with foil, spray lightly with cooking spray and set aside.

For the crust, place the Oreos into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until crumbs have formed. Melt butter in the microwave and stir into the Oreo crumbs. Press well into the bottom of the prepared dish. Refrigerate.

For the filling, place white chocolate chips, butter and peanut butter into a heat proof bowl. Microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring in between until chocolate chips and butter have melted into the peanut butter creating a smooth consistency. Stir in vanilla and powdered sugar. Spread over chilled crust, smooth the top and refrigerate until solid, at least 2 hours. (You could place it in the freezer to speed things up.)

Remove the entire pan of bars by peeling foil away from the dish and lifting up. Cut into 24 squares and top with edible pearls. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Berry Fudgsicles

Ingredients:

1-½ ounce, weight Semi-sweet Chocolate, Chopped
¾ cups Milk
½ cups Half-and-half
⅓ cups White Sugar
1-½ Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 cup Raspberries, Pureed Until A Chunky Puree Is Formed

Instructions:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt chocolate. Whisk in milk, half-and-half, sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch (I used my spatula/whisk, which if you do not have, you need). Continue to stir mixture for 8-10 minutes, until thickened. Fold in butter and pureed berries.

Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until solid.

(Recipes taken from www.TastyKitchen.com )

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

1- Play “Tithing Tag” - One person is “bishop”. The bishop goes out of the room, and everyone else chooses someone to hide a penny. The bishop comes in when the penny is hidden, and the bishop finds the penny, and tries to guess who hid the penny. if he guesses right, the person who hid the penny is bishop.

2- Do yard work in your own yard, or serve a neighbor by working in their yard!

 

Missionary Work

0

Posted in Commandments | Posted on 14-06-2012

Tags: , , , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

 Matthew 28:19-20

19 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 - Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

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

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

Called to Serve 

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

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

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

 

FHE Lesson

 

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Read “How Can I Be a Missionary Now?”. Discuss things we can all do to prepare to serve a mission some day. Watch the Mormon Messages Video “6 Brothers”. Testify of the importance of preparing to serve a mission.

Read “How Can I Be a Missionary Now?”, by Elder Russel M. Nelson (Friend, Nov. 2011)

How Can I Be a Missionary Now?

You can have “a pure heart and clean hands” (Alma 5:19).

The light of the Lord can beam from your eyes.

Whether full-time missionaries or members, we should all be good examples of the believers in Jesus Christ.

You can invite a friend to read the Book of Mormon. Explain that it is not a novel or a history book. It is another testament of Jesus Christ.

Many of our friends do not know they are welcome in our Church buildings. An invitation to attend a Sunday meeting with you or to participate in a Church activity will help to make visitors feel more comfortable.

Strive to enlarge your own circle of friendship.

Discuss things we can all do to prepare to serve a mission some day. (These may include reading and studying the scriptures, saying daily prayers, befriend others of different faiths, going to primary, etc.) 

Watch the following Mormon Messages Video “6 Brothers”

Testify of the importance of preparing to serve a mission.


*For Teenagers or Adults* Discuss the importance of preparing through scripture and gospel study. Make a list of ways in which family members can learn more about Church history and organization.  Watch the Mormon Messages Video “6 Brothers”. Testify of the importance of preparing to serve a mission.

Discuss how important it is for missionaries to know the scriptures and understand the organization and history of the Church.

One young man tells the following story about himself:

“It was about the third day of heavy tracting when I decided that I had better straighten things out with my companion. After all, what was he doing telling everyone that the Book of Mormon took place in America and that the Book of Mormon was a history of the people on the American continent? During our talk, my companion got me straightened out, and I realized that somewhere in my ‘learning’ I had neglected to get understanding. You may find this hard to believe, but I really didn’t know the background of the Book of Mormon.”

Make a list of ways in which family members can learn more about Church history and organization. These may include listening attentively in Sunday School classes, participating in seminary programs, talking with people about their Church callings, and reading books.

To help your family become familiar with the scriptures and better understand the principles of the gospel, you may wish to do some of the following:

  1. Provide each family member with his own scriptures for study and marking.
  2. Obtain a list of the scriptures that full-time missionaries memorize, and systematically become familiar with them or memorize them as a family.
  3. Share testimonies in your home on Christmas Eve, Easter, or another special occasion.
  4. Discuss the things that a full-time missionary would need to know about the gospel. Then ask family members to identify some of the areas in which they need to learn more. Set family or individual goals to learn more about the gospel. These goals might include establishing a more regular and effective scripture study program, having family prayer more regularly, paying more attention in Church meetings, and studying books on Church history and doctrine. Consider using films and videocassettes from your meetinghouse library.
  5. In advance, assign each family member a topic or problem of interest to them, and have them use the Topical Guide to find scriptures that provide suggested solutions to the problems. Help family members see the value of using the scriptures in all of life’s experiences.
  6. Arrange to have a recently returned missionary present a missionary discussion to your family.

Watch the following Mormon Messages Video “6 Brothers”

Testify of the importance of preparing to serve a mission.

FHE Treat

Treat

Angel Sugar Cookies and Mini Lemon Loaves

Angel Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

2 whole Large Eggs
1 cup Canola Oil
2 sticks Butter, Softened
1 cup Sugar, Plus Extra For Sprinkling
1 cup Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
4 cups Plus 2 Tablespoons, All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Cream Of Tartar

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together eggs, oil, butter, sugars, and vanilla.

Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate dough one hour.

Using a cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

Smear a dab of butter all over the bottom of a glass, then dip the glass in granulated sugar. Use the glass to flatten each ball of dough, dipping again into the sugar each time. Repeat until all are flattened.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until cookies are just barely turning brown. Don’t overbrown!

Allow to cool before eating. Cookies are ultra crumbly!

Mini Lemon Loaves

Ingredients: 

FOR THE CAKES:
½ cups Butter, Softened
1 cup Granulated Sugar
2 whole Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 whole Large Lemon, Zested (about 5 Teaspoons Zest)
½ cups Sour Cream
1-½ cup All Purpose Flour, Sifted
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ teaspoons Baking Soda
¼ teaspoons Salt
3 Tablespoons Milk

FOR THE GLAZE:
¼ cups Fresh Lemon Juice
½ cups Granulated Sugar

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray mini pans with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in eggs, vanilla, lemon zest and sour cream. Scrape the sides and mix again. With the mixer on low speed, incorporate all dry ingredients until just combined, then stir in the milk. Scrape the sides and mix a few more times by hand. Spoon batter equally into prepared pans. Bake 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown and are baked thoroughly. Use the toothpick method to see if they are done. Mine were done at 18 minutes.

While lemon loaves are baking, mix ingredients together for the glaze and microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds or so to dissolve the sugar into the lemon juice. The glaze is done once the sugar has dissolved.

Once loaves come out of the oven, cool at least 15 minutes before removing from the pans. Spoon glaze over the loaves and continue to cool completely. Store in airtight containers until ready to serve.

(Recipes taken from www.TastyKitchen.com )

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

1- Complete this fun Missionary Activity from The Friend (Nov., 2009) – Click here for link.

2- Write letters to family members who are serving missions or to missionaries serving from your ward.

3- Play missionary tag outside!