LDSLiving Fhe

FHE from A to Z52 Complete Family

Home Evenings

Shauna Gibby

f.h.e from A to Z

F.H.E. FROM A TO Z SHAUNA GIBBY • 1

Table of ContentsAGENCY ....................................................................2

APOSTLES ................................................................4

ATONEMENT ..........................................................6

BAPTISM ...................................................................8

BLESSINGS .............................................................10

THE BOOK OF MORMON ................................13

COMMANDMENTS ............................................16

COVENANTS .........................................................19

THE CREATION ...................................................21

DISCIPLESHIP ..................................................... 23

DIVINE NATURE ................................................. 25

EDUCATION .........................................................27

ENDURING ........................................................... 29

ETERNAL LIFE ......................................................31

FAITH ...................................................................... 34

FAMILIES ............................................................... 36

FAMILY HISTORY ............................................... 38

FASTING ................................................................ 40

FORGIVENESS ..................................................... 42

GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT ....................................... 45

GODHEAD .............................................................47

GRATITUDE .......................................................... 50

HONESTY .............................................................. 52

INTEGRITY ............................................................55

JESUS CHRIST ..................................................... 58

KINDNESS ............................................................. 60

LOVE ....................................................................... 62

MARRIAGE ............................................................ 64

MISSIONARY WORK .......................................... 66

MODESTY .............................................................. 68

PATIENCE ............................................................. 70

PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS ..............................73

PERSONAL REVELATION ................................ 76

PIONEERS ............................................................. 78

PLAN OF SALVATION ....................................... 80

PRAYER .................................................................. 82

PRIESTHOOD ...................................................... 85

PROPHETS ............................................................ 88

REPENTANCE ...................................................... 90

THE RESTORATION .......................................... 93

RESURRECTION ................................................. 96

SABBATH DAY ..................................................... 98

THE SACRAMENT .............................................101

SCRIPTURE STUDY ......................................... 103

SERVICE ............................................................... 105

TALENTS...............................................................107

TEMPLES ..............................................................110

TESTIMONY ........................................................ 112

TITHING ............................................................... 114

WORD OF WISDOM ......................................... 117

WORK .................................................................... 119

ZION ....................................................................... 121

f.h.e from A to Z


AgencyOur agency—our ability to choose and act for ourselves—was an essential element of this plan. Without agency we would be unable to make right choices and progress. Yet with agency we could make wrong choices, commit sin, and lose the opportunity to be with Heavenly Father again.(Robert D. Hales, “Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life”, Ensign, Nov. 2010, 24–274.)

Song:

“Know This That Every Soul Is Free,” Hymns, #240

Scripture:

The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency. (Moses 7:32)

Lesson:

On a large sheet of paper, write the following statement by the Prophet Joseph Smith (see Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 181): “The devil has no _____ ____ __ ____ __ __ ______ ___.” Write the following words (the rest of the Joseph Smith statement) on separate strips of paper and mix them up: “power,” “over,” “us,” “only,” “as,” “we,” “permit,” “him.” Invite your family to reassemble the individual words in a way that they think best finishes the Prophet’s statement. Ask:

• What does this statement by Joseph Smith teach you about the excuse “The devil made me do it”?

• Why is it important to know we have power to act and choose for ourselves? (See 2 Nephi 2:27.)

• When have you seen Satan use peer pressure to get people today to make bad choices?

• How does allowing the devil such power affect our ability to make correct choices?

Challenge your family to think seriously about some of their recent choices and where they might lead. Have them think of ways they can prevent the devil from having power over them in their personal lives.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Old Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2009], p. 7.)

Refreshment

Chewy Chex® Mix

This treat is a hit with all ages.

8 cups Rice Chex (or the Chex

cereal of your choice)

1 cup coconut

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup chow mein noodles

1/4 cup butter or margarine

6 cups miniature marshmallows

Combine Chex, coconut, almonds,

and noodles in a large bowl. Melt

butter over medium heat; blend in

marshmallows and stir until melted.

Pour over cereal mixture; spread

on waxed paper to cool. Store in

an airtight container or individual

plastic bags. Makes about 10 cups.

(Julie Badger Jensen, The Essential Mormon Cookbook, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004] p. 130.)

Agency


Story:

U-Dandy Resented RestraintDavid O. McKay

Recently I had great pleasure in training a well-bred colt. He had a good disposition, clean, well-rounded eye, was well-proportioned, and all in all, a choice equine possession. Under the saddle he was as willing, responsive, and co-operative as a horse could be. He and my dog “Scotty” were real companions. I liked the way he would go up to something of which he was afraid. He had confidence that if he would do as I bade him he would not be injured.

But “U-Dandy” resented restraint. He was ill-contented when tied and would nibble at the tie-rope until he was free. He would not run away, just wanted to be free. Thinking other horses felt the same, he would proceed to untie their ropes. He hated to be confined in the pasture, and if he could find a place in the fence where there was only smooth wire, he would paw the wire carefully with his feet until he could step over to freedom. More than once my neighbors were kind enough to put him back in the field. He learned even to push open the gate. Though his depredations were provoking and sometimes expensive, I admired his intelligence and ingenuity.

But his curiosity and desire to explore the neighborhood led him and me into trouble. Once on the highway he was hit by an automobile, resulting in a demolished machine, injury to the horse, and slight, though not serious, injury to the driver.

Recovering from that, and still impelled with a feeling of wanderlust he inspected the fence throughout the entire boundary.

He even found the gates wired. So, for awhile we thought we had “U-Dandy” secure in the pasture.

One day, however, somebody left the gate unwired. Detecting this, “U-Dandy” unlatched it, took “Nig,” his companion, with him, and together they visited the neighbor’s field. They went to an old house used for storage. “U-Dandy’s” curiosity prompted him to push open the door. Just as he had surmised, there was a sack of grain. What a find! Yes, and what a tragedy! The grain was poison bait for rodents! In a few minutes “U-Dandy” and “Nig” were in spasmodic pain, and shortly both were dead.

How like “U-Dandy” are many of our youth! They are not bad; they do not even intend to do wrong, but they are impulsive, full of life, full of curiosity, and long to do something. They, too, are restive under restraint, but if they are kept busy, guided carefully and rightly, they prove to be responsive and capable; but if left to wander unguided, they all too frequently find themselves in the environment of temptation and too often are entangled in the snares of evil.

(Linda Ririe Gundry, Jay A. Parry, and Jack M. Lyon, editors, Best-Loved Christmas Stories of the LDS People, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2001] p. 429.)

Activity:

Give everyone a sheet of paper and have them make a paper airplane. See which ones fly the farthest, highest, loopiest, etc.

f.h.e from A to Z


ApostlesIt has always seemed a remarkable thing to me that, although the Lord chose twelve Apostles to assist him in the work of the ministry, and to extend it following his death; and that although Paul, who was an Apostle, declared that the Church should be “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets” . . . the office of Apostle, and certainly a Council of Twelve Apostles, is not found to my knowledge in other Christian churches.(Gordon B. Hinckley, “Special Witnesses for Christ,” Ensign, May 1984, 49)

Song:

“The Fifth Article of Faith,” Children’s Songbook, p.125.

Scripture:

And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say unto you, for you are mine apostles, even God’s high priests; ye are they whom my Father hath given me; ye are my friends. (Doctrine and Covenants 84:63)

Lesson:

Show your family a picture of each member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and First Presidency, but do not show their names. (These pictures can be found in a recent May or November Ensign.) Let each family member see how many of these men they can name.

Explain that Jesus also called Twelve Apostles when He was on earth. Have your family try to name as many of Jesus’ original Twelve Apostles as they can. Ask family members to read Mark 3:16–21 and find the names of the original Twelve Apostles.

Discuss the following questions:

• According to Mark 3:13–15, what did Jesus ask these men to do?

• According to the Bible Dictionary (“Apostle,” 612), what is the principal responsibility of an Apostle?

• How do Apostles witness that Jesus is the Christ today?

• What messages do you remember from the Apostles in the last conference?

Refreshment

Honey Candy

2 cups honey

1 cup sugar

1 cup cream

Combine ingredients in heavy

saucepan. Stir over low heat until

sugar is dissolved. Cook, stirring

as little as possible, until mixture

reaches hard ball stage (260

degrees). Remove from heat; pour

onto buttered shallow pan or

buttered platter. Turn edges in with

spatula so they will not harden and

candy will cool more quickly. When

barely cool enough to handle, pull,

using only buttered finger tips, until

light and fluffy. Twist into ropes of

desired thickness. With scissors cut

into pieces of desired size.

(Winnifred C. Jardine, Mormon Country Cooking, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980] p. 301.)

Apostles


Invite family members to share feelings, testimonies, or personal experiences they may have had with today’s Apostles.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 59.)

Story:

Heber J. Grant

Forty years ago this October conference [1922], I met the late Elder George Teasdale at the south gate of the Tabernacle grounds. He shook hands with me and said: “Brother Grant, I am delighted to see you. You and I are going to be—” and he stopped suddenly and his face turned red. But the Lord gave me the balance of the sentence. Four times in my life I have been permitted to read the thoughts of people. The balance of Brother Teasdale’s sentence was—“sustained this afternoon as apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ to fill the vacancies in the Quorum.” And that went through me like a shock of electricity.

I came to the Sunday afternoon meeting of the conference, because of this partial sentence, and the balance that was given to me, with the assurance in my heart that Brother Teasdale and myself would be sustained as apostles. Those of you who were at that conference remember that it adjourned without filling those vacancies. I do not believe that any mortal man ever more humbly supplicated God during the next few days to forgive him for his egotism than I did for thinking I was to be chosen as an apostle. As you are aware, within a week a revelation came to John Taylor calling Brother Teasdale and myself to those positions.

It has never ceased to be a wonder to me that I do represent the Lord here upon the earth. My association from childhood with the remarkable and wonderful men that have preceded me has made it almost overwhelming to think of being in the same class with them.

I have felt my own lack of ability. In fact when I was called as one of the apostles I arose to my feet to say it was beyond anything I was worthy of, and as I was rising the thought came to me, “You know as you know that you live that John Taylor is a prophet of God, and to decline this office when he had received a revelation is equivalent to repudiating the prophet.” I said, “I will accept the office and do my best.” I remember that it was with difficulty that I took my seat without fainting.

. . . But from that day I have never been bothered, night or day, with the idea that I was not worthy to stand as an apostle, and I have not been worried since the last words uttered by Joseph F. Smith to me: “The Lord bless you, my boy, the Lord bless you; you have got a great responsibility. Always remember this is the Lord’s work and not man’s. The Lord is greater than any man. He knows whom He wants to lead His Church, and never makes any mistake. The Lord bless you.”

(As quoted in Jack M. Lyon, Linda Ririe Gundry, and Jay A. Parry, Best-Loved Stories of the LDS People, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], p. 258–262.)

Activity:

Working together as a family, memorize the names of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles in order. (Note: If you’d like to do it to music, see “LDS Apostle Song-April 2009” on You Tube.)

f.h.e from A to Z


AtonementThe Savior’s atoning sacrifice has made it possible for you to be forgiven of your sins. . . Determine to partake worthily of the sacrament each week and fill your life with virtuous activities.(Mary N. Cook, “A Virtuous Life—Step by Step,” Ensign, May 2009, 117–19.)

Song:

“He Sent His Son,” Children’s Songbook, p. 34.

Scripture:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Object Lesson:

Materials needed: An eraser.

Procedure: Ask the class to suppose that at the beginning of each school year each student was given an eraser to use. When a mistake was made, the eraser would be used to correct it instead of writing over it or crossing it out. This would allow the student to correct the error and learn from it. It would not be important how much of the eraser was left at the end or the year. What would matter would be that it was used each time it was needed. Therefore, even a student who made many errors could finish the year successfully.

Explain that as children of God we have been given an eraser to take care of our mistakes. It is repentance. It is important that we don’t cover up or ignore our shortcomings. We must use the process our Savior’s atonement made possible for us to correct the errors in our lives. In the end it will not matter how often we have had to rely on repentance. What will matter is whether we did repent every time it was needed. By doing this we can finish this earth life successfully.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, More Power Tools for Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], p. 61.)

Refreshment

Chip/Vegetable Dip

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

1 cup grated cheese

1 16-ounce package frozen broccoli,

chopped

1 package Italian dressing mix

Combine all ingredients in a

medium-sized baking dish and bake

at 350° F. for 15 to 20 minutes.

Serve with your favorite chips or raw

vegetables.

(Janeen W. Baadsgaard, The LDS Mother’s Almanac, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 331.)

Atonement


Story:

I once asked a young boy graduating from Primary what was his favorite scripture story. “The Tower of Babel,” he quickly responded. His answer was somewhat of a shock for me, so I asked him what that story taught him. “It teaches me that there is only one way to get to heaven,” he said.

We cannot build our own stairway to heaven; we must climb the one the Lord has provided. This stairway is constructed by the Lord, for He stands waiting for His children to climb toward Him. Far too many people want to build their own stairway, and though they may proceed with their construction plans, they never reach high enough to achieve the goal of reunion with our Father in Heaven. There is no other stair!

(S. Michael Wilcox, Don’t Leap With the Sheep, [Salt Lake City, Deseret Book, 2001], p. 166.)

Activity:

Show the family a picture of Jesus Christ.

Pass the picture around the family. As each family member holds it, have them express their feelings for the Savior.

f.h.e from A to Z


BaptismBaptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God. (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:555.))

Song:

“Baptism,” Children’s Songbook, 100.

Scripture:

And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God. (2 Nephi 9:23)

Lesson:

Baptism is a commandment. Find 3 Nephi, chapter 27, verse 20 in the Book of Mormon. Complete the following sentence:

When Christ was teaching the Nephites, he told them, “Now this is the _____________; ______________, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be _______________ in ______________ name.”

When we are baptized, we obey Christ’s commandments. But we also promise to live God’s principles. We promise to be good members of the Church of Jesus Christ. We promise to help other people. We promise to show others how a good member of Christ’s church acts. We promise to serve God. And we promise to keep His commandments.

If you have already been baptized, you should keep your promises to Heavenly Father. If you have not been baptized, you should try to keep the promises anyway. Trying to keep promises before you are baptized helps you keep them after you are baptized.

True or false?

________ You make promises when you are baptized.

________ Someone who is eight years old may be baptized.

________ Anyone can perform baptisms.

________ A person who is baptized does not have to go all the way under the water.

Refreshment

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies2 cups boiling water

2 cups raisins

3 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups shortening

4 eggs

1 cup raisin liquid

2 teaspoons vanilla

5 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons each of soda, salt,

cinnamon, and cloves

4 cups quick oats

Preheat oven to 350° F. Bring 2 cups of

water to a boil in a medium saucepan.

Add raisins to boiling water. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl cream sugar and

shortening until fluffy. Stir in eggs one

at a time. Strain raisins from liquid and

add 1 cup of liquid to the sugar and

shortening mixture. Add vanilla. Mix until

well blended. Discard remaining liquid.

In a separate bowl, mix together flour,

baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon,

cloves, and oats. Add to the creamed

mixture. (This may require hand mixing.)

Carefully stir in the raisins. Scoop walnut-

sized scoops onto ungreased cookie

sheets and bake for 12 minutes. Makes

approximately 12 dozen cookies.

(Lion House Desserts, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2000], p. 104.)

Baptism


________ Your little brother who is five years old may be baptized.

________ You do not need to repent before you are baptized.

(Ann Laemmlen and Jackie Owen, Articles of Faith Learning Book, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1990], p.47, 51.)

Story:

George’s Birthday Present

George was a little boy who lived in Salt Lake City. At that time the temple had not yet been completed and there were few meeting houses. When boys and girls became eight years old, they were baptized in nearby streams or ponds. All the Cannon children were baptized on their eighth birthday in the Jordan River, which ran near their grandfather’s home.

A few weeks before George was to be eight years old, he became very ill with typhoid fever. When his birthday came, George was still too weak to walk. At first, both Father and Mother said they thought he was not well enough to be baptized on his birthday. However, the boy insisted.

“Please Father,” he begged, “take me to the Jordan River in your buggy. If you will carry me down to the river to be baptized, I know I’ll be able to walk out afterward by myself.”

Father and Mother looked at the eager face of their little boy. They could not question the faith of this child who had been so sick.

It was a beautiful morning, warm and sunny. Father brought the horse and buggy around to the front door. He carried George to it and tucked a light blanket around George’s legs. Mother climbed in beside him, and the family drove to the Jordan River.

George J. Cannon often told about the feeling of strength that spread through him after he came up out of the water of baptism: “I walked from the river and ran to the buggy,” he would say. “This was a moment I can never forget.”

(Lucile C. Reading, Shining Moments: Stories for Latter-day Saint Children, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1985], p. 17–18.)

Activity:

Show your family the picture of Alma baptizing at the Waters of Mormon (In a paperback copy of the Book of Mormon or use Gospel Art Picture Kit, no. 309 available at lds.org). Discuss ways this picture shows the importance of baptism to these people.

On a sheet of paper make two columns. Label one column “I Covenant,” and the other “That I May.” As you read Mosiah 18:8–10, have a family member list what we covenant to do at baptism and what we will receive of the Lord if we keep our covenants. Ask how Alma’s people felt about the covenants they made with the Lord. (See Mosiah 18:11.) How will keeping our covenants show the Lord how we feel about our baptism? Discuss as a family ways they can mourn with, comfort, share a witness with, or bear the burdens of another person, especially other family members. Challenge them to do a specific service this week and then later report how it made them feel.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Book of Mormon, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 135–136.)

f.h.e from A to Z


BlessingsWhen we encounter challenges and problems in our lives, it is often difficult for us to focus on our blessings. However, if we reach deep enough and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much we have been given.(President Thomas S. Monson, “The Divine Gift of Gratitude,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 87.)

Song:

“I Think the World is Glorious,” Children’s Songbook, p. 230.

Scripture:

And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it. (Mosiah 2:41)

Lesson:

Sing “Count Your Blessings” (Hymns, no. 241) with your family. Ask them how long they think it would take to name all the Lord’s blessings “one by one.”

Take turns reading aloud Helaman 6:7–13. Have each family member identify a way the Lord blessed the Nephites or Lamanites and how it is similar to a blessing the Lord has given that family member.

Read aloud verse 17 and ask:

• What happened when the Lord abundantly blessed the Nephites and Lamanites for a long time?

• Why do you think this happens so often?

• How could they have prevented such attitudes and actions?

• How is our family doing at staying close to the Lord rather than “setting [our] hearts upon [our] riches”?

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Book of Mormon, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 254.)

Refreshment

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 3/4 cups softened butter

1 3/4 cups brown sugar

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

4 eggs

5 1/2 tablespoons water

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

6 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

3 cups chocolate chips

Line cookie sheet with waxed paper;

set aside. In large mixing bowl,

cream butter and sugars. Add eggs,

water, and vanilla; mix until creamy.

Add flour, salt, and baking soda; mix

well. Gently fold in chocolate chips,

mixing only until chips are evenly

distributed. (Over mixing results in

broken chips and discolored dough.)

Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared

cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees

for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden

brown. Makes 5 to 6 dozen 3 1⁄2-inch

cookies.

(Lion House Classics, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2004], p. 110.)

Blessings


Story:

Virginia Driggs Clark“Blessings in Disguise”

I have had an experience that I think others might like to hear. It was mine to have—but not mine to keep.

Two months before our baby boy was born, the doctors found it necessary for me to have a major operation for cancer. During the time of my convalescence and while we awaited the arrival of the baby, we had frequent prayers. The stake, under the leadership of President Ezra Taft Benson, united in fasting and prayer. I was administered to often; and many, many times the voices of our three children (the baby could not talk) were raised in the petition, “Help Mother to get well soon.” The doctors shook their heads. I had one chance in one thousand—it was only a question of time.

What I want others to know is the experience that came because of this illness. The spirit of humility was poured down upon us, and the knowledge that God is all-powerful was made known to us. Through frequent prayers, we were led to trust in his plan and to know that all would be well.

The spirit of repentance permeated our home. We felt that we must live better and do better if we would expect the Lord to bless us and give us what we wanted so very much.

The spirit of our love toward each other and our children, and of the children toward each other, was felt. We showed each other every day the affection and appreciation we had for each other. Days might be numbered, but love would guide us through.

The spirit of appreciation for our blessings came to us, and we felt as if our cup would run over. Our little boy was born and was perfect. The children remained well. My husband, Harold, was blessed with health to carry on his work and church activities. Life took on new meanings. God had been good to us.

And there came to us a display of friendliness. A neighbor across the alley, whose antagonism against anyone who would have so many children in the city had made little unpleasantries on various occasions, sent with the children large bouquets of flowers that she had grown and picked from her own garden; and for the first time in the year we had lived there, she smiled and waved to me.

There came to us gifts of all kinds—flowers, food, and clothes. Money came to us through the mail with the simple greeting, “Merry Christmas.” Interested friends who knew we had not been able to can during the summer brought to us over a hundred quarts of fruits and vegetables. A young lady who had never met me knitted a wool sweater for the baby.

Blessings came to us because Harold continued in his calling as a bishop. When asked about financial arrangements, the doctors said, “You’re a bishop in your church. We will give you service at a minimum charge.”

When I returned to the hospital for the second time for an operation, there was no one to care for the family. A young lady who was visiting her sister volunteered to come into our home. She had never met us, but for two weeks she had complete charge of five children and the house. When she was ready to return to her family we gave her a little gift and hid some money in the package—money that we knew she would not accept outright. The next day she came back with it, and with tears in her eyes she said, “It has been an honor for me to be in the home of the bishop. My husband is in the South Pacific, and I do not want to be deprived of any blessings by taking pay. I know that my reward will come in other ways.” She would not accept any remuneration.

Blessings


People say to me, “Oh, how terrible! What an awful experience your sickness has been. You must try to forget it and start a new life.”

It must not be that way! I never want to forget. And so I put these things down in writing that I may remember. I know that the memory of it will make me a happier and better person.

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Remarkable Stories from the Lives of Latter-day Saint Women, vol. 2, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1975].)

Activity:

Before FHE, prepare slips of paper with the following blessings (or others you choose). House, Doctor, Food, Shoes, Vision, School, World, Work, Scriptures, Hearing, Friends, Flowers, Clothes. Put the folded slips in a bowl or basket.

Family members take turns .pulling a slip of paper out of the bowl and drawing a picture for the rest of the family to guess the blessing.

f.h.e from A to Z


The Book of MormonI would like to discuss one of the most significant gifts given to the world in modern times. The gift I am thinking of is more important than any of the inventions and technological revolutions. This is a gift of greater value to mankind than even the many wonderful advances we have seen in modern medicine. It is of greater worth to mankind than the development of flight or space travel. I speak of the gift of the Book of Mormon.(Ezra Taft Benson, “The Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Jan. 1992, 2)

Song:

“The Golden Plates,” Children’s Songbook, p. 86.

Scripture:

And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. (2 Nephi 4:15)

Lesson:

Write the last part of D&C 42:12 on a poster board: “Teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fullness of the gospel.”

Cut the poster board with the verse on it into several pieces, similar to a jigsaw puzzle.

Give the members of your family some of the pieces of the puzzle. (Reserve a few key pieces that would keep the family from being able to read the verse.) Invite the family to put the puzzle together on a table or other flat surface. Ask them if they can read the verse. They won’t be able to because of the missing pieces. Tell them that like the puzzle, the Bible is missing some of the”plain and most precious” parts (see 1 Nephi 13:26) of the gospel. The Book of Mormon fills in some of those missing pieces and gives us the fullness of the gospel.

Use the missing pieces to complete the puzzle. Invite the family to read the scripture.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Building Blocks for Better Lessons, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1998], 14.)

The Book of Mormon


Story:

The Cheapest Book in the StoreRobert E. Wells

I listened to this experience at a stake conference as told by a member who had been asked to give his testimony about his conversion.

The brother said he rode to and from work about an hour each way on a company bus to a sugar mill outside of town. He liked to read books on the boring ride but did not have the money to buy new books. He had a favorite bookstore which also sold used and secondhand books. One day, with very little money, he entered the store and asked the owner what the cheapest big book was, of over two hundred pages, in the entire place.

The owner pointed to a box of very old books in a corner. “Those are about to be junked,” he said. “The prices are marked, but I might even lower it more if you find something you like.”

The interested reader dug through the box of dusty and discarded volumes. The cheapest one in the whole box was a very tattered, coverless, stained, but intact Book of Mormon. He bought it because it had over five hundred pages and was the cheapest book there. He had already read the Koran, the Talmud, and the Bible, so he thought the Book of Mormon would be as educational as any other religious book. He was a voracious reader and liked the printed word, he explained to the store owner.

On the bus he started to read the old, beaten Book of Mormon. He did not mind the double columns with every verse numbered, because he felt it gave a certain dignified importance to each thought. He did not mind the lack of illustrations, nor did he expect any in such a book. But the spirit of the contents intrigued him. He liked the old-fashioned and unique way the story began. He followed it carefully, pondering over what he was reading.

This fellow got all the way to 2 Nephi chapter 2, when something strange began stirring within him. . . .

The brother giving his conversion story went on to say that as he read in this chapter he felt an urge to pray to God for the first time in his adult life. He said he had gone to Mass as a boy with his mother until he was about twelve; then, since his father never went, he decided that he was grown up enough that he did not have to go to Mass nor pray anymore.

Refreshment

Chocolate Crackle Cookies

1/4 cup shortening, melted

1/4 cup cocoa

1/2 cup oil

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a

large mixing bowl, cream together

shortening, cocoa, oil, sugar, eggs,

and vanilla until well mixed. Add

flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix

well, then add walnuts and chocolate

chips, if desired. (Dough will be very

sticky and almost runny.) Refrigerate

dough for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.

Drop and gently roll dough by

tablespoonfuls in powdered sugar,

being careful not to overhandle

dough. Place on a greased or wax

paper–covered cookie sheet. Bake

for 9 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake.

The cookie dough may be stored

in the refrigerator for up to 5 days;

baked cookies will store for at

least 2 weeks, if well covered and

refrigerated. These cookies freeze

beautifully. Makes approximately 5

dozen cookies.

(Lion House Classics, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2004] p. 10.)

The Book of Mormon


Now he offered a simple prayer to God in his mind, saying, God, what is this book? What am I feeling? What am I supposed to do about it?

He said his answer was nothing more than the impression to wait and God would tell him more. That night, the fellow was reading in his humble home when two missionaries on their way home felt a distinct inspiration to stop at his door. They followed the Spirit. As the man opened the door to their knock, the entry light fell on the Book of Mormon that one of the missionaries held in his hand in such a way that the title was easily visible to him. He exclaimed, “You’ve got my book!” The missionary held his book more tightly, thinking, “No, this is my book.” The fellow explained, “No—it’s just that I have never seen a Book of Mormon with a cover on it. Come on in! I want to talk to you.” He later joined the Church.

(Sunshine for the Latter-day Missionary Soul, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2000], p 17.)

Activity:

Play “Scripture Chase.”

Have each family member write a topic (that could be found in the Book of Mormon) on a slip of paper. Put all the slips into a bowl or basket. Take turns drawing a slip of paper out of the bowl. Give everyone a set amount of time (possibly 2 minutes) to find a scripture with that topic. Very young children can be teamed up with an older family member. The first person or team to find a scripture gets two points. Everyone who finds a scripture in the allotted time gets one point. Have each person read aloud their scripture before drawing the next slip.

The person with the most points at the end of the game wins.

f.h.e from A to Z


CommandmentsThe effect of God’s commandments and laws is not changed to accommodate popular behavior or desires. If anyone thinks that godly or parental love for an individual grants the loved one license to disobey the law, he or she does not understand either love or law.(Dallin H. Oaks, “Love and Law,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 26–29.)

Song:

“Keep the Commandments” Children’s Songbook, p. 146.

Scripture:

Consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual. (Mosiah 2:41)

Object Lesson:

Draw a large square on a piece of paper. Tell your family that it represents the four sides of a fence. Explain that many people might consider this fence restrictive and try to jump or climb over it. Others would consider the fence as a way to keep anything from hurting them.

Heavenly Father has given us a protective fence called the commandments. Invite family members to name some of the commandments. Write them around the outside of the square. Ask how each of these commandments protects us.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book Two, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 65–66.)

Story:

Listening to the Right Sources of PowerHarold B. Lee

A very grievous case came before a high council and stake presidency that resulted in the excommunication of a man.

The very next morning I was visited in my office by the brother of this man. He said, “I want to tell you that my brother wasn’t guilty of what he was charged with.”

“How do you know he wasn’t guilty?” I asked.

“Because I prayed, and the Lord told me he was innocent,” the man answered.

I asked him to come into the office. As we sat down, I asked, “Would you mind if I ask you a few personal questions?”

Commandments


He said, “Certainly not.”

“How old are you?”

Forty-seven.”

“What priesthood do you hold?”

He said he thought he was a teacher.

“Do you keep the Word of Wisdom?”

“Well, no.” He used tobacco, which was obvious.

“Do you pay your tithing?”

He said, “No”—and he didn’t intend to as long as that blankety-blank-blank man was the bishop of the ward.

I said, “Do you attend your priesthood meetings?”

He replied, “No, sir!” and he didn’t intend to as long as that man was bishop.

“You don’t attend your sacrament meetings either?”

“No, sir.”

“Do you have your family prayers?” and he said no.

“Do you study the scriptures?” He said well, his eyes were bad, and he couldn’t read very much.

I then said to him: “In my home I have a beautiful instrument called a radio. When everything is in good working order we can dial it to a certain station and pick up the voice of a speaker or a singer all the way across the continent or sometimes on the other side of the world, bringing them into the front room as though they were almost right there. But after we have used it for a long time, the little delicate instruments or electrical devices on the inside called radio tubes begin to wear out. When one of them wears out, we may get some static—it isn’t so clear. Another wears out, and if we don’t give it attention, the sound may fade in and out. And if another one wears out—well, the radio may sit there looking quite like it did before, but because of what has happened on the inside, we can hear nothing.

“Now,” I said, “you and I have within our souls something like what might be said to be a counterpart of those radio tubes. We might have what we call a ‘go-to-sacrament-meeting’ tube, a ‘keep-the-Word-of-Wisdom’ tube, a ‘pay-your-tithing’ tube,a ‘have-your-family-prayers’ tube, a ‘read-the-scriptures’ tube, and, as one of the

Refreshment

Chocolate Marshmallow Surprises

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoons each of soda and salt

1/2 cup each of cocoa and shortening1 teaspoon vanilla1 cup sugar1 egg

1/2 cup milk20 marshmallows, cut in halfChocolate Icing (see recipe)Nut topping, if desired

Chocolate Icing

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar2 tablespoons cocoaDash salt3 tablespoons milk1 tablespoon each of butter and

shortening

Preheat oven to 350° F. Stir together

flour, soda, salt, and cocoa; set aside.

In a separate bowl, cream together

shortening, vanilla, sugar, and egg.

Alternately blend in dry ingredients

and milk. Drop batter from a teaspoon

2 inches apart on ungreased baking

sheet. Bake 8 minutes. Remove cookies

from oven, set one marshmallow half

on each cookie and return to oven for 1

minute more. Remove from oven and set

aside for 1 minute; then drop a spoonful

of icing on each marshmallow-topped

cookie, letting it drizzle over all. Sprinkle

with crushed nuts, if desired. Makes 3 to

4 dozen cookies.

For icing, combine powdered sugar,

cocoa, and salt. Heat together milk

and butter and beat enough of it into

the powdered mixture, along with

shortening, to make a soft icing.

(Elaine Cannon, compiler, Five Star Recipes from Well-Known Latter-day Saints, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2002], p. 239.)

Commandments


most important—one that might be said to be the master tube of our whole soul—we have what we might call the ‘keep-yourselves-morally-clean’ tube. If one of these becomes worn out by disuse or inactivity—if we fail to keep the commandments of God—it has the same effect upon our spiritual selves that a worn-out tube has in a radio.

“Now, then,” I said, “fifteen of the best-living men in that stake prayed last night. They heard the evidence and every man was united in saying that your brother was guilty. Now you, who do none of these things, you say you prayed and got an opposite answer. How would you explain that?”

Then this man gave an answer that I think was a classic. He said, “Well, President Lee, I think I must have gotten my answer from the wrong source.” And, you know, that’s just as great a truth as we can have. We get our answers from the source of the power that we wish to obey. If we’re following the ways of Satan, we’ll get answers from Satan. If we’re keeping the commandments of God, we’ll get our answers from God.

(Jay A. Parry, Jack M. Lyon, Linda Ririe Gundry, editors, Best-Loved Stories of the LDS People, Vol. 2, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1999].)

Activity:

Divide the family into two teams and give each team a piece of paper. Tell them to number from one to ten on their paper. Ask each group to work together and list, in order, as many of the ten commandments as they can. Turn to Exodus 20:1-17 and correct each group’s answers.


f.h.e from A to Z


CovenantsFather in Heaven knows us as individuals. The covenants we make with Him are performed one on one.(Bonnie D. Parkin, “Celebrating Covenants,” Ensign, May 1995, 78)

Song:

“I Love to See the Temple,” Children’s Songbook, p. 95.

Scripture:

And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters. (Mosiah 5:7)

Lesson:

Ask your family to think of a time when someone made a promise to them but never kept it. Ask how it made them feel. Then ask them to think of the last promise they made to someone. (You might have a family member share their promise.) Ask:

• Why do we make promises?

• What do we call promises we make with Heavenly Father? (Covenants.)

• Why is it important that we keep our promises and covenants?

Take turns reading D&C 3:16–20 and ask the following questions as you read:

• What did the Lord promise He would do for His people? (Give them knowledge of the Savior—verse 16.)

• To whom did the Lord make that same promise in verses 17 and 18? (The descendants of the Nephites and Lamanites.)

• How will the Lord keep His promise? (By preserving the Book of Mormon record.)

• What part can we play in helping the Lord to fulfill this promise? (Do missionary work.)

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 7.)

Refreshment

Banana Bread

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 ripe bananas, crushed

2 eggs

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350° F. Sift

together flour and soda, then mix all

ingredients together and pour into a

greased loaf pan and bake 1 hour.

Makes 1 loaf.

(Elaine Cannon, Five-Star Recipes from Well-known Latter-day Saints, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002] p. 28.)

Covenants


Story:

“Her Mother Died Before the Salt Lake Temple Was Completed”Heber J. Grant

I shall always be grateful, to the day of my death, that I did not listen to some of my friends when, as a young man not quite twenty-one years of age, I took the trouble to travel all the way from Utah County to St. George to be married in the St. George Temple. That was before the railroad went south of Utah County, and we had to travel the rest of the way by team. It was a long and difficult trip in those times, over unimproved and uncertain roads, and the journey each way required several days.

Many advised me not to make the effort—not to go all the way down to St. George to be married. They reasoned that I could have the president of the stake or my bishop marry me, and then when the Salt Lake Temple was completed, I could go there with my wife and children and be sealed to her and have our children sealed to us for eternity.

Why did I not listen to them? Because I wanted to be married for time and eternity—because I wanted to start life right.

Later I had cause to rejoice greatly because of my determination to be married in the temple at that time rather than to have waited until some later and seemingly more convenient time.

Some years ago . . . I was out in one of the stakes attending a conference, and one of my daughters, who was the representative of the Young Women’s general board at the conference, said: “I am very grateful to the Lord that I was properly born—born under the covenant, born of parents that had been properly married and sealed in the temple of the Lord.”

Tears came into my eyes, because her mother died before the Salt Lake Temple was completed and I was grateful that I had not listened to the remarks of my friends who had tried to persuade me not to go to the St. George Temple to be married. I was very grateful for the inspiration and determination I had to start life right.

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Classic Stories from the Lives of Our Prophets, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1971].)

Activity:

Have family members take turns sitting back-to-back on the floor. As they work together and push against each other’s back they can stand up without using their hands. Compare this to the two-way promises of a covenant.

f.h.e from A to Z


The CreationI testify that God lives! Jesus is the Christ and Creator! He is Lord over all the earth. As beneficiaries of the divine Creation, what shall we do? We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations.(Russell M. Nelson, “The Creation,” Ensign, May 2000, 84)

Song:

“My Heavenly Father Loves Me,” Children’s Songbook, p. 228

Scripture:

And I, God, saw everything that I had made, and, behold, all things which I had made were very good; and the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Moses 2:31)

Object Lesson:

Take a “click-style” ball-point pen apart (top, bottom, ink cylinder, and spring) and show all the little parts that make it work. Ask: Do you think that these parts could put themselves together to form a pen? Put them in a paper sack and have two or three family members shake the sack and see if the pen reassembles itself.

Explain that the world and our bodies are much more complicated than the pen. They could not have been created by chance. There must have been a creator, and he is our Heavenly Father.

(Alma Heaton, Tools for Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1979], p. 10.)

Story:

Heavenly Father asked Jehovah to make an earth for us to live on. He told Jehovah how to create the earth and Jehovah obeyed.

First, Jehovah divided the light from the darkness. He called the light day and the darkness night. When he finished, he called that time the first day.

Next Jehovah made the sky over the earth. He divided the waters above the sky from the waters under the sky. When he finished, he called that time the second day.

Jehovah separated the waters below the sky from the dry land. He called the land earth and the waters seas. He commanded the earth to bring forth grass, seed, and fruit. When he finished, he called that time the third day.

Refreshment

Bavarian Mints

These mints are out of this world.

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened

condensed milk

2 (8-ounce) Hershey® bars

1 (1-ounce) square unsweetened

chocolate

2 tablespoons butter

3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

In the top of a double boiler combine

all ingredients except peppermint

extract and vanilla. Stir over low heat

until melted. Add peppermint extract

and vanilla. Pour into a greased 8x8-

inch pan. Let cool until firm. Cut into

squares. Makes 25.

(Julie Badger Jensen, The Essential Mormon Cookbook, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004] p. 134.)

The Creation


Next Jehovah placed lights in the sky. He made stars and a moon to rule the night. He also made the sun to rule the day and give light to the earth. When he finished, he called that time the fourth day.

Jehovah next made fish to swim in the seas and birds to fly in the air. When he finished, he called that time the fifth day.

Jehovah put animals and insects and worms on the earth. Then Heavenly Father said, “Now let us make man in our image. Let them rule over the fish of the sea, over the fowl of the air, over the cattle, and over all the earth.”

So Heavenly Father and Jehovah created man in their image, male and female. They named the man Adam, and Adam named the woman Eve. Heavenly Father put Adam and Eve in a beautiful garden called Eden. Heavenly Father said, “It is good,” and he called that time the sixth day.

Then Heavenly Father and Jehovah rested. This time of rest was the seventh day. Because of this, Heavenly Father made the seventh day of every week holy. He called it the Sabbath.

(Sherrie Johnson, Bible Treasury for LDS Children, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1999], p. 4.)

Activities:

Give some modeling clay or salt dough to each family member. Assign one to shape a sun; another, a moon; one, the earth; and the rest, stars. Place the creations where all can see them.


Play In the Beginning. “It” says, “In the beginning God created something that begins with . . . (any letter).” The others try to guess what it is thinking of. The correct guesser becomes “it” for the next time.

(Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968], p. 53.)

f.h.e from A to Z


DiscipleshipThe pure love of Christ is expressed as we give selfless service. Helping one another is a sanctifying experience which exalts the receiver and humbles the giver. It helps us become true disciples of Christ.(Silvia H. Allred, “The Essence of Discipleship,” Ensign, May 2011, 84.)

Song:

“Love One Another,” Children’s Songbook, p. 136.

Scripture:

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35)

Lesson:

As a family, sing or read the words to “Love One Another.” (Hymns, no. 308.) Ask your family where these words came from. Read John 3:31–35 and have your family watch for the words they have just sung. Ask:

• How did Jesus exemplify these words?

• How will people know if we are disciples of Jesus Christ?

• What can we do to love each other in our home?

• If we show love to one another, what are we becoming? (Verse 35.)

Set a goal to have each family member memorize John 13:34–35. When all have accomplished that goal, plan a special activity the family will enjoy and that will allow all family members to feel each other’s, and the Savior’s, love.


Story:

It is easy to treat certain people kindly because we like them, for they are part of our group. But as true disciples of the Lord, we will endeavor to treat everyone kindly. As we do, we will find more and more people we like, including those whom we thought we might never like in the beginning. We

Refreshment

Coconut Macaroons

2 cups coconut

2 1/4 cups granulated sugar

1 cup flour

Pinch of salt

1 1/2 tablespoons corn syrup

3/4 cup hot water

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted

Mix coconut, sugar, flour, and salt

in a mixing bowl. In a separate

bowl, add corn syrup to water and

dissolve. Add eggs and vanilla. With

a mixer on low speed, add liquid

ingredients to dry ingredients and

mix until evenly blended. Allow

mixture to rest and absorb moisture

for 30 minutes. Scoop onto cookie

sheet with an ice cream scoop. Bake

at 350 degrees F. for 18–20 minutes.

For added flair, dip half of the cookie

in melted chocolate chips and place

on wax paper to set up.

(Recipes from the Roof, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2011], p. 120.)

Discipleship


will not experience in this mortal sphere the capacity to love as Christ loved, but in our feeble effort to make daily progress, the Lord will hear our earnest prayers, our desire to be a true disciple, and with his help we can participate in life-changing experiences for ourselves and for others.

One time when I was speaking to an adult fireside, I felt impressed to share something concerning my love and appreciation for an individual struggling to overcome the devastating problem of alcoholism. Upon my return home, I received a letter from someone in that audience, a stranger until that night, and now a friend. A woman suffering from the effects of alcoholism in her own life wrote, “Since that Saturday night that I met you, I’ve been so filled with the Spirit, I have walked around for days now with a lump in my throat. For the first time in years I have prayed to my Father in Heaven, and I feel hope. I’m longing to come ‘home.’ I feel such an urgency to change. I’ve always felt like the last leaf on the tree, clinging for all it’s worth, not courageous enough to let go and fall, afraid the fall will hurt. I hang on all alone. It’s as though you reached out your hand and said, ‘It’s okay, let go. I’ll be here. You’re not alone.’ This fall as I watch the golden leaves break loose and drift from their branches, I will think of you. Maybe someone else will regain their testimony because of your love and concern. Maybe they, like me, have found the courage to let go because a hand was there to hold.”

If love can be expressed and felt between two people in an entire congregation, think what can happen when you express love to one another in small groups or just one to another. We need each other.

What will you do this year about love? Will this year be a retread, same old habits, liking some people, disliking others, ignoring or rejecting others? It is said that to ignore or to reject is even more devastating to people than to dislike them. Could you raise your voice to express a friendly hello to a fellow traveler who might be carrying a load on his back?

(Ardeth Greene Kapp, Joy of the Journey, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1992].)

Activity:

Play Ringleader.

1. Send one person out of the room.

2. Select one person in the room to be the ringleader. Everyone else will mimic his movements and gestures as he make some kind of motion every few seconds. For example, he may scratch his nose, pat his head, or rub his leg.

3. Call the other person back into the room to see whether he can guess who the ringleader is while everyone else mimics the ringleader. If the person who went out can guess within three guesses who the ringleader is, then the ringleader becomes the guesser for the next round. If he cannot guess the ringleader, then he continues as the guesser for the next round.

Explain that just as they followed the ringleader, it is more important to follow Jesus Christ.

(George and Jeane Chipman, Games! Games! Games!, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1983], p. 144.)

f.h.e from A to Z


Divine NatureRemember who you are! You are elect. You are [children] of God.(Elaine S. Dalton, “Remember Who You Are!,” Ensign, May 2010, 120–23.)

Song:

“I Am a Child of God,” Children’s Songbook, p.2.

Scripture:

I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High (Psalms 82:6)

Object Lesson:

Materials Needed: One apple and a knife.

Procedure: Cut the apple in half widthwise, and show the inner part. Tell the class that every apple has a similar five-sided star inside that holds seeds. No matter what the condition of the apple is (withered, bruised, or ready for picking) the star and its seeds are still inside.

Explain that we are like the apple. Each of us has the potential (seed) of becoming like Heavenly Father. No matter what happens to us, we still have the seeds of a divine nature and the potential of godhood.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Power Tools for Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], p. 19.)

Story:

I was once driving on a dirt road far from any town, when I rounded a corner and saw a large flock of buzzards feasting on some carrion in the middle of the road. Buzzards are ugly. They have no feathers on their heads, and their skin is red. Their feathers are dusty brown. They have their purpose, but not many really admire them. There must have been about fifteen of them squabbling and fighting over the dead animal in the road.

One of them however, looked much larger than the others. I had never before seen a buzzard that big. He towered above the others. As my truck drew near, the buzzards began to fly off—all but the large one in the center. He seemed hesitant to leave the carrion and stayed long after the others had scattered. I had to slow down to avoid hitting him. When I was very close, I could see that he was not a buzzard at all but a golden eagle.

I love to see eagles circle and ride the air currents of the canyons. This was the first time I had seen such a magnificent bird accompanied by buzzards feasting on road kill. I felt a stab of sorrow that such a beautiful bird had

Refreshment

A Bunch of Crunch

1 package (any size) cornflakes

1 package (any size) oven-toasted rice

cereal

2 cups flaked coconut

1 lb. (4 cups) salted peanuts

2 cups sugar

2 cups white corn syrup

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

In a large bowl mix together cereals,

coconut and peanuts. In medium

saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup

and milk; cook and stir until mixture

reaches soft ball stage, washing

down sides of pan. Remove from

heat; stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal

mixture; stir until entirely coated.

Turn out onto counter top; separate

into pieces to cool. Store in a cool

dry place.

(Winifred Jardine, Mormon Country Cooking, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980] p. 302.)

Divine Nature


stooped to sharing such an unwholesome meal with such unwelcoming fellows.

I believe that the one doctrine Lucifer fears the most, and wants most to keep deeply veiled, is the conviction that we are literal sons and daughters of God. Lucifer hopes that if he can get us to see ourselves as belonging with the buzzards, to acquire a taste for carrion, we will forget our true identity and lose our taste for eternal things.

(S. Michael Wilcox, Don’t Leap With the Sheep, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2001], pp. 111, 113.)

Activity:

Have each family member write classified ads about another member of the family. You can only take five minutes to write it, and everything stated must be positive. At the end of the time, each person reads their ad aloud and the others guess whom it was about.

Sample ads:

For Sale: Eleven-year-old girl. Easy to love. Fun to be with. Never lies. Always ready to help out. Very clean and pure. Doesn’t get involved with bad people or bad things. Is very sweet and considerate. Awakens with a great big smile.

For Sale: One thirteen-year-old man. Does work and babysits for only a small plate of food. Knows how to clean house and can save you money by balancing your books. Does light yard work and likes animals. Showers regularly. If interested call GOOD GUY.

(Mina S. Coletti and Roberta Kling Giesea, The Family Idea Book Two, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1982], p. 219.)

f.h.e from A to Z


EducationYou need all the education you can get. Sacrifice a car; sacrifice anything that is needed to be sacrificed to qualify yourselves to do the work of the world. That world will in large measure pay you what it thinks you are worth, and your worth will increase as you gain education and proficiency in your chosen field.(Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” Ensign, Jan. 2001, 2)

Song:

“Teach Me to Walk in the Light,” Children’s Songbook, p. 117.

Scripture:

But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God. (2 Nephi 9:29)

Object Lesson:

Materials: A bowl filled with wheat or other whole grain.

Presentation: Ask what would happen if this grain was left in a dry place. Ask what would happen if it was planted and given water. Discuss.

Give a definition of wisdom (ability to judge what is right or true). Explain that the grain is like knowledge. To become wisdom, experience and time must be added. Ask what kind of experience can help make knowledge into wisdom (education).


Story:

Walk in My Zori

There is a saying in the American West about walking in the other person’s moccasins. Well, in Hawaii we have Japanese slippers called zori instead. These slippers are very special to me, because my life literally would not have been the same except for many pairs of zori.

My parents had little education themselves. Mother loved school but had to drop out in the sixth grade to care for her two younger sisters

Refreshment

Norwegian Pancakes

4 eggs

1/2 cup warm water

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup melted butter

1 1/4 cup flour

1 cup milk

Toppings: powdered sugar, butter, jam,

syrup, or fruit topping

Butter a sauté pan or griddle. Beat

eggs, water, and vanilla. Beat in

sugar; then butter, flour, and milk,

beating after each addition. Heat

pan to medium; then pour batter

by scoopfuls onto griddle (or single

scoop for sauté or crêpe pan). Turn

quickly and do not overcook. Stack

the crêpe-like pancakes and keep

in warm place until serving. Serve,

buttered and rolled with topping like

a crêpe—or serve flat and sprinkled

with powdered sugar, allowing

individual choice of toppings.

(5 Star Recipes from Well-Known Latter-day Saints, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2002], p. 171.)

Education


after her mother died. My parents wanted me to get an education so that I could have a better future than being a plantation laborer, as they were.

From the time I was fifteen, I lived away from home, working as a maid to put myself through high school. Then later, when I was going to college in Honolulu, I worked selling jewelry at Sears-Roebuck and as a clerk at the Swedish consulate. My burning desire was to become a teacher. My parents helped me with the tuition, but there was never very much money. I had to be careful of every penny. I thought that the money for my tuition came from my father’s earnings, and it was only after I had graduated from college that I learned differently. My family earned my tuition fifty cents at a time by making zori.

Think of it. Each week, a contractor would bring a huge pile of lauhala leaves to our village and pick up the finished zori, which were sold all over the islands, or maybe in the Far East, and in import-export stores. The lauhala leaves are long, with a row of spines running down each edge, and very fibrous. My two little brothers, Hiro and Tsugio, would prepare the leaves by scraping off the spines. I’m sure there were many times when their fingers would bleed from being torn by the thorns. Then they would scrape the fleshy part of the leaf away, leaving only the flat, fibrous part, soak this in water to make it pliable, and then roll it up into a little bundle to be stored until my parents could work on it. My father would slice the leaves with his sharp razors and weave the strips into the zori fabric. My mother would sew the fabric on her little foot-powered treadle sewing machine to a pattern form, trim the top edge and roll it over and sew it so that it wouldn’t unravel, and then sew it to the fabric sole to finish the zori. My tuition was about three hundred dollars per semester, so at fifty cents a pair that meant my family would have to make six hundred pairs of zori every three or four months.

Whenever I went home for vacations, I always helped with the zori. Everyone in our little village was poor and anxious to do any kind of piece work they could, and I just thought this was part of our family’s work. I did not realize that this was the sacrifice of my whole family for my education.

Every time I see these zori, I think of my family sustaining me so that I could walk forward into my future. And I appreciate that sacrifice.

(Chieko N. Okazaki, Lighten Up! Finding Real Joy in Life, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1993], p. 29.)

Activity:

Have everyone sit or stand on the floor, single file and facing forward, train-style. Have a simple object drawn on a piece of paper and show it to the last person in the line. They are to draw this object with their fingers on the back of the person in front of them. That person draws the same object on the back of the person in front of him, and so does each person up the line. The first person in the line will draw the object on paper. See if the beginning and ending pictures resemble each other. Trade places and draw a new picture.

(Clark L. and Kathryn H. Kidd, Kent D. and Shannon Pugmire, Ward Activities for the Clueless, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 2001], p. 294.)

f.h.e from A to Z


EnduringA ward, as well as a family, draws closer together as it endures together—what happens to one happens to all.(Richard C. Edgley, “Enduring Together,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 9–11.)

Song:“I Will Be Valiant,” Children’s Songbook, p. 162

Scripture:

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (James 5:11)

Lesson:

Ask family members to share any experiences they have had with racing. Invite a family member to read Hebrews 12:1 and discuss the following questions:

• What kind of a race do you think Paul was referring to? (The race of life.)

• Is the race of life like a sprint or a marathon?

• What “weights” should we set aside to enable us to run better?

• How is “enduring to the end” like finishing a race?


Story:

On the fourteenth of September, Brigham Young left his home at Montrose and started for England. He had been prostrated for some time by sickness, and at the time of starting on his mission was so feeble that he had to be assisted to the ferry, only some thirty rods from his house. All his children were sick, and he left his wife with a babe but ten days old, and in the poorest circumstances, for the mobs of Missouri had robbed him of all he had. After crossing the river to the Nauvoo side, Israel Barlow took him on a horse behind

Refreshment

Chocolate Cheesecake

2 cups Oreo® cookie crumbs, rolled fine

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar3 eggs


1/3 cup chocolate syrup1 pint sour cream3 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanillaChocolate chips

Crush whole Oreo cookies, including

frosting centers, to make 2 cups fine

crumbs. Press evenly onto bottom

and sides of 10-inch springform

pan. Whip cream cheese in mixer

bowl; gradually add sugar, then

eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.

Stir in chocolate syrup. Pour filling

into crust. Bake at 300 degrees for

55 minutes. Whip sour cream; add

sugar and vanilla. Spread on top

of cheesecake and return to oven.

Bake 10 more minutes. Cool before

removing sides from springform pan.

Garnish with a few chocolate chips.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Makes 10 to 12 servings.


Enduring


him and carried him to the house of Elder Heber C. Kimball, where his strength altogether failed him, and he had to remain there for several days, nursed by his wife, who, hearing that he was unable to get farther than Brother Kimball’s, had crossed the river from Montrose to care for him.

On the eighteenth of the month, however, Elder Young, in company with Heber C. Kimball, made another start. A brother by the name of Charles Hubbard sent a boy with a team to take them a day’s journey on their way. Elder Kimball left his wife in bed shaking with ague, and all his children sick. It was only by the assistance of some of the brethren that Heber himself could climb into the wagon. “It seemed to me,” he remarked afterwards in relating the circumstance, “as though my very inmost parts would melt within me at the thought of leaving my family in such a condition, as it were, almost in the arms of death. I felt as though I could scarcely endure it.”

“Hold up!” said he to the teamster, who had just started. “Brother Brigham, this is pretty tough, but let us rise and give them a cheer.” Brigham, with much difficulty, rose to his feet, and joined Elder Kimball in swinging his hat and shouting, “Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah for Israel!” Sisters Young and Kimball, hearing the cheer came to the door—Sister Kimball with great difficulty—and waved a farewell; and the two apostles continued their journey without purse, without script, for England.

B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1930), 2:23-24.

Activity:

Play “Bumblebee Buzz.”

Two family members stand back to back. At the signal they take a long breath, turn and face each other, and begin to buzz like bees. The one wins who buzzes the longest with one breath without stopping. If one starts laughing and thus stops buzzing he loses. Continue until a champion is determined.


f.h.e from A to Z


Eternal LifeI testify that the only way we and all mankind can come unto our Heavenly Father and know Him, and thus obtain eternal life, is to come unto the Lord Jesus Christ and know Him.(John M. Madsen, “Eternal Life through Jesus Christ,” Ensign, May 2002, 78)

Song:

“I Lived in Heaven,” Children’s Songbook, p. 4

Scripture:

And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God. (Doctrine and Covenants 14:7)

Lesson:

From colored paper, cut a set of six 2- to 4-inch circles for each family member. Label the six circles PRE-EARTH LIFE, BIRTH, EARTH LIFE, DEATH, SPIRIT WORLD, and LIFE WITH HEAVENLY FATHER. Punch a hole in the top of each circle. Give each person a hanger, some string or yarn, and a set of circles. Have each person cut the string into 6 lengths, then tie one end of each sting through the hole in each circle. Tie the other end of each string to the hanger to make a mobile. Talk to the children about how each of us is a spirit child of our Heavenly Father. Explain the phases of the plan of salvation as follows:

1. Pre-Earth Life. Before the earth was created, we lived with Heavenly Father. In this pre-earth life, Heavenly Father taught us about his plan and how we could become like him.

2. Birth. Eventually, each of us left the pre-earth life and the presence of our Heavenly Father. We were born on earth with a body of flesh and bones.

3. Earth Life. On earth, we have the chance to learn about the gospel and to make righteous choices.

4. Death. As our bodies become old, or sick, or are damaged by accidents or injuries, they stop working, and we die. At death our bodies and spirits are separated.

5. Spirit World. After we die, our spirits will go to the spirit world to receive further teachings.

6. Life with Heavenly Father. After our time in the spirit world, we will be resurrected and our spirits and physical bodies will be united. Those who are worthy will be able to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus.

(Shauna Mooney Kawasaki, My Family Can Be Forever, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 12.)

Eternal Life


Story:

David heard a thud in the family room. “Oh no,” he thought, “a bird must have flown into the window.” He raced outside and found that, unfortunately, he was correct. There on the ground was a tiny sparrow, stunned from the blow. Carefully he picked up the pile of warm feathers and carried it into his sister’s bedroom.

Melissa’s room smelled like a doctor’s office. But at least she was home now, instead of at the hospital. She sat up in her bed, trying to be cheerful.

“Look what just hit the window,” said David, holding out the sparrow. “I think it’s still alive. What should I do?”

Melissa pointed to her closet. “Get a shoe box and a washcloth. We’ve got to keep it warm, if it’s going to make it.”

Melissa had become an avid bird-watcher ever since her illness. Her family had hung birdhouses and feeders just outside her window. The jays and finches kept her company during the long hours that David was in school.

Melissa gently placed the bird’s trembling body under the washcloth in the box. David secured the box near a warm furnace vent for the evening.

The next morning, David had to go to school. But Melissa diligently fed the sparrow with an eyedropper several times during the day. Her feathered friend started sitting up, begging for more. It seemed to be gaining strength.

First thing Saturday morning David rushed to take his turn at the feedings. But when he lifted the washcloth, the sparrow was dead. David’s heart sank. He carried the shoe box into Melissa, and started to cry.

Melissa tenderly stroked the cold feathers with her pale fingers. “Don’t worry, David,” she said. “This little sparrow will live again. When something dies, its spirit leaves its body. That’s why its body feels cold and can’t move. But remember how Jesus was resurrected? Because he died for us, and was resurrected, all of us will be resurrected someday.”

David looked into his sister’s eyes. He knew she was not just thinking about the sparrow. He, too, had worried what would happen if Melissa died.

A few months later, Melissa did die. David loved and missed his sister very much. He was sad. But he often remembered her stroking

Refreshment

Angel Food Cake

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sifted cake

flour

1 1/2 cups sifted sugar

1 1/4 cups (10 to 12) egg whites, at

room temperature

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Preheat oven to 375° F. In a medium

bowl, sift flour and H cup sugar together.

Set aside. Combine egg whites, salt,

cream of tartar, and flavorings in large

bowl. Beat with flat wire whip, sturdy

egg beater, or at high speed of electric

mixer until soft peaks form. Add

remaining 1 cup sugar gradually, G cup at

a time, beating well after each addition.

When beating by hand, beat 25 strokes

after each addition. Sift in flour mixture

in four additions, folding in with 15 fold-

over strokes each time and turning bowl

frequently. (Do not stir or beat.) After

last addition, use 10 to 20 extra folding

strokes.

Pour batter into ungreased 9- or 10-inch

tube pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes for

9-inch cake and 30 to 35 minutes for

10-inch cake, or until cake springs back

when pressed lightly. Cool cake in pan,

upside down, 1 to 2 hours. Then loosen

from sides and center of tube with knife

and gently pull out cake. (An angel cake

pan with a removable bottom is ideal for

removing cake in perfect condition.)

(Lion House Desserts, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2000] p. 29.)

Eternal Life


the feathers of the bird and saying, “Don’t worry, David. This little sparrow will live again.”

(Christena C. Nelson, Sharing Times for Special Occasions, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1993], p. 18.)

Activity:

Make a one-year time box for your family to open the following Easter. Have each family member write a letter of his or her testimony of Christ. Then have everyone write down three things that they want to do better. Draw pictures and write what you think you will be doing the following year at this time. Weigh and measure everyone, and, last of all put in hand prints. Seal the box and put it in your Easter Holiday box to be opened next Easter. It is exciting to see how your family has grown spiritually and physically in a year.

(Jeni Gochnour, Family Home Evening Games, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1999], p. 65.)

f.h.e from A to Z


FaithRegardless of what may come, may faith, immovable and constant, shine above us as the polar star. Please, dear Father, bless us with faith.(Gordon B. Hinckley, “‘Till We Meet Again’,” Liahona, Jan 2002, 104–5)

Song:“Faith,” Children’s Songbook, p. 96.

Scripture:

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 6:11)

Object Lesson:

Ask the following three questions of your family.

1. What would happen if you sat in one of the chairs in the room? (It would hold you up.)

2. What would happen if you turned the light switch off? (The lights would go out.)

3. What would happen if you pressed a [pencil] against [a piece of paper] and moved it around? (It would write.)

Now try all three of the “experiments.” Afterwards ask the children how they could know the results of the experiments before they happened.

They were able to know because they have experienced these things over and over again. They have begun to trust the results. Share an example. The first time a baby turns a light switch off and on, it surprises him. But as he does it again and again it doesn’t surprise him anymore. He has developed faith in that light switch.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], p. 16.)

Story:

For a number of years, I was privileged to work with the wonderful Saints in the islands of the sea. All my life I have seen the power of the priesthood used to heal and bless in many ways. But I have seen the Polynesian Saints, through their faith and through the power of the priesthood literally control the elements.

Elder L. Tom Perry, Elder Robert L. Simpson, and I, accompanied by our wives, were assigned to hold a great regional conference in Tonga. The meeting was attended by thousands and thousands of Church members. Our conference was to be held in an open soccer stadium of the Liahona High School. No building on the island could hold such a large gathering.

It rained intermittently prior to the meeting, and I said to the local Tongan brethren, “What are the Saints going to do if it rains during the meeting?”

Faith


Their answer was, without hesitation, “It is not going to rain.”

I responded, “I certainly hope that is true. But what will we do if it rains?”

The brethren said, “Elder Faust, it will not rain.” And it did not rain until our meeting was over. I have seen this same kind of faith many times.

(James E. Faust, Stories From My Life, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2001], p. 79-80.)

Activity:

Write the following names on word strips: Adam and Eve, Noah, Joseph, Mary and Martha, Lehi, King Benjamin, Joseph Smith. Gather pictures of each of these people (available at lds.org). Place pictures on one side of a display area and names on the other. Both should be in random order.

Tell your family that there are many stories in the scriptures about people who showed faith in Heavenly Father. Explain that you will read a clue about one of the people in the scriptures and they must guess who that person is. When they guess the name, have them choose the correct picture. Place the name by the picture. Repeat until all the pictures have been identified.

Use the following clues:

Adam and Eve: Even though this couple was banished from their first home, they still had faith that Jesus Christ would pay for their sins through the Atonement.

Noah: This man showed great faith by building a large boat, even though it was probably far from any ocean.

Joseph: Even when he was sold and put in prison, he still knew that Heavenly Father loved him and would care for him.

Mary and Martha: Their faith made them send for Jesus when their brother became ill.

Lehi: When the Lord told him that his city would be destroyed, he left his home and traveled in the wilderness with his family.

King Benjamin: He taught his people about faith and the plan of salvation in ancient America.

Joseph Smith: He knew that Heavenly Father would answer his prayer if he prayed in faith.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Building Blocks for Better Lessons, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1998], p. 21–22)

Refreshment

Caramel Apple Squares

1 3/4 cups unsifted flour

1 cup quick cooking oatmeal

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, cold

1 cup walnuts, chopped

20 caramels, unwrapped

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 21-ounce can apple pie filling

In a large bowl, combine the flour,

oatmeal, brown sugar, baking soda,

and salt. Cut in the butter until

crumbly. Reserve 11⁄2 cups of this

crumb mixture; press the remaining

mixture on the bottom of a 9x13-inch

baking pan.

Bake at 375° for 15 minutes; remove

from oven. Add the nuts to the

reserved mixture and set aside.

In a heavy saucepan over low heat

(or in a microwave-safe bowl) melt

the caramels with the condensed

milk, stirring until smooth. Spoon the

apple filling over the baked crust.

Top with the caramel mixture, then

crumble the reserved crumb mixture

over the top.

Bake 20 minutes or until set. Cool

and cut into squares. This may be

served warm with ice cream. Makes

24 squares.

(Lion House Entertaining, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2001], p. 123.)

f.h.e from A to Z


FamiliesEach family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. . . . But our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results.(David A. Bednar, “More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 17–20.)

Song:“Love is Spoken Here,” Children’s Songbook, p. 190

Scripture:

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. (Doctrine and Covenants 64:33)

Object Lesson:

Display glue, tape, and staples. Ask what they have in common. (They all hold or bind things together.) Compare this to love in the family. Love is the most important element to strengthen family relationships and hold them together.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Building Blocks for Better Lessons, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1998], p. 25.)

Story:

Tamra Christensen

Out of school for the summer, my three boys were racing in and out of the house while I chased after their two-year-old sister, Sarah, who was doing her best to keep up with them. Desperately needing to get some housework done, I asked my oldest son, Jason, if he would watch her, which he reluctantly agreed to do.

A little while later, Jason came walking into the kitchen to find something to eat. Realizing he was alone, I asked him, “Where’s Sarah?”

Looking at me as if I were questioning his ability to keep track of her, he sarcastically said, “Oh, she’s out playing in the street.”

Even though I knew he wasn’t serious, I let out a sigh of relief when I heard her singing softly as she walked up the stairs from our basement. My five-year-old son, Adam, however, overheard Jason’s remark but apparently didn’t know

Refreshment

Bird’s Nest Cookies

1 (12-ounce) bag butterscotch chips or

chocolate chips

1 (12-ounce) can Chinese noodles

1 cup miniature marshmallows

Melt the butterscotch or chocolate

chips in the microwave in a medium

bowl. To do so, microwave on high

power for 1 minute and stir. Return to

microwave in 30-second increments,

stirring each time, until melted and

smooth.

When all the chips are melted and

the mixture is smooth, add the

remaining ingredients and stir well.

Use a tablespoon to drop the batter

onto a cookie sheet that has been

lined with waxed paper. Refrigerate

until the cookies are firm.

Makes 2 dozen cookies.

(Clark L. and Kathryn H. Kidd, 52 Weeks of Recipes for Students, Missionaries, and Nervous Cooks, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2007] p. 71.)

Families


that Sarah really was in the house. Suddenly, with a worried look on his face, he jumped off the couch and ran out to search for his little sister.

From our front window I could see him frantically running up and down the street, calling, “Sarah, Sarah!”

As I opened the door to call for Adam, what I saw touched my heart. There was my little boy kneeling on the sidewalk with his head bowed and his little hands clasped together. I could see his lips moving as he quietly prayed for help to find Sarah.

Gratitude welled up inside me as I saw the love Adam had for his little sister! Seeing him there on his knees, oblivious to the cars whizzing by, I knew that , had Sarah actually been lost, Heavenly Father would have answered his prayer. And from Adam’s point of view, He did.

(Sunshine from the Latter-day Saint Child’s Soul, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2001], p. 21.)

Activity:

Divide the family into pairs, and give each pair a piece of paper and something to write with. Have family members write down on their pieces of paper the first, middle, and last names of everyone in the room.

Explain that they have five minutes in which to make as many words as they can from the letters found in each person’s full name. The words cannot be proper nouns. Each word must be at least three letters long. The words must be formed using only one person’s complete name and then moving quickly onto the next complete name for more words. For example, from the name Lee Ann Smith you could form time, mile, eat, etc. From George Thomas Smith you could form math, moth, home, etc.

At the end of five minutes have everyone share the words they have formed. The words they have formed. The words are worth one point for each letter, with a bonus of five points if no other group formed the same word.

At the end of the activity explain that their names are very important. Their actions will determine what people will think of their names. Have everyone share one thing they think of when they hear the name of Jesus Christ. Point out to the family that every family member determines what people think of when they hear your family name.

(Allan K. Burgess and Max H. Molgard, Fun For Family Night: Book of Mormon Edition, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1990], p. 174.)

f.h.e from A to Z


Family HistoryAn eternal perspective of gospel conversion and temple covenants can help us see rich blessings in each generation of our forever families.(Elder Gerrit W. Gong, “Temple Mirrors of Eternity: A Testimony of Family,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 36.)

Song:“Families Can Be Together Forever,” Children’s Songbook, p. 188.

Scripture:

And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect. (Doctrine and Covenants 128:15)

Lesson:

Prior to the lesson, cut out long strips of paper that can serve as chain links. You will also need markers and a stapler or tape.

Invite your family members to take a paper strip and write their name on it. Making a paper chain, have them staple or tape their link to the parents’ links. Then have them make links for their grandparents and great-grandparents as far back as you wish and connect them to the chain. Read Malachi 4:5–6 together and ask:

• What is the “great and dreadful day of the Lord”?

• As you look at our chain, who are the fathers and who are the children?

• Why do our hearts need to turn to each other before the Second Coming?

To help answer this question read together D&C 128:18. Discuss the following questions as you read:

• How is our family chain like the “welding link” the prophet spoke of?

• How does baptism for the dead link our family together? (We

Refreshment

Fresh Cherry Cobbler4 cups fresh sour cherries, washed and

pitted*

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon instant tapioca

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup milk



In a saucepan, combine cherries,

1 cup sugar, tapioca, vanilla, and

lemon juice. Stirring frequently, heat

over medium-low heat until sugar is

dissolved. Mix together flour, 1 cup

sugar, milk, and baking powder. Melt

butter in 9–inch square baking dish

in 350–degree oven. Pour batter

on top of melted butter, and spoon

cherries on top of batter. Bake

uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 to

35 minutes.

*Note: 4 cups canned or bottled

sour cherries may be used instead of

fresh cherries. Drain and proceed as

directed.

(Paula Julander and Joanne Milner, Utah State Fare, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1995], p. 178.)

Family History


can be baptized for our ancestors who did not get the chance when they lived.)

• What are some other ways for our hearts to turn to our ancestors? (Genealogy, family histories, temple work.)

• According to this verse why is it so important that our family be sealed together? (We cannot get to the celestial kingdom (be made perfect) without them.


Story:

For eight years my father, Carl L. Vance, had been working on his family history.

A member of the Show Low 1st Ward, Show Low Arizona Stake, he had found most of what he needed except for the marriage certificate for his parents.

He had looked everywhere. He had even traveled to a courthouse in South Dakota to search for any kind of proof. Relatives and friends had no records either.

Some of the temple work had been done for part of his family, but still my father longed to do the sealings for his parents.

It looked like all hope was lost until July 11, 1991.

On that date, my father traveled to the county dump to unload some yard scraps.

After visiting with some men for a few minutes, my father proceeded to empty his pickup truck. He kicked some scrap lumber out of his way. Underneath one of the boards, he spied an old, dirty envelope with oil smeared across the front.

Out of curiosity, he picked it up and saw a return address of Pierre, S.D., the county in which his parents had lived.

On the envelope there was no address to which the letter might have been sent. The labeling had been torn off, but the postmark date was March 8, 1987.

Excited about finding something from his home state, he opened the envelope, which had already been partially opened, and pulled out its contents.

To my father’s disbelief, inside was his parents’ certificate for which he had been searching for eight years.

What my father had prayed, hoped for and wished for was right there in his hands at the county landfill.

Amid all the rubbish, he found a treasure that would make it possible for my grandparents to be sealed together and to establish that vital link that would connect our family with generations of ancestors through the eternities.

(Polly Adams, “Family History Moments: Junkyard Treasure,” LDS Church News, June 6, 1992.)

Activity:

Talk about the countries your ancestors come from. Learn something about the geography or culture of one of them.

f.h.e from A to Z


Fasting Fasting, coupled with mighty prayer, is powerful. It can fill our minds with the revelations of the Spirit, it can strengthen us against times of temptation. (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 73.)

Song:“Bless Our Fast, We Pray” Hymns, 138.

Scripture:

And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full. Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer. (Doctrine and Covenants 59:13–14)

Object Lesson:

Show a coat. Explain that coats are designed to keep us warm and to protect us from the cold. Yet they can only offer us this service if we wear them. Sometimes we don’t want to take the time to put one on; other times we don’t want to be encumbered with one; and still other times we are embarrassed to wear one because it isn’t quite fashionable. So we deny ourselves the comfort our coats could give us and instead we suffer with the cold.

Point out that living the principle of fasting is similar to wearing a coat. Fasting can offer us protection and comfort, yet at times we won’t make the effort to live the principle. So instead we suffer with the cold discomforts of a worldly life.


Story:

“He Fasted, and He Prayed” Matthew Cowley

Two boys in New Zealand graduated from a high school down there. The principal came to me and he said, “President Cowley, these two boys should go on in their education. . . .”

Then he told me this story about one of them.

Refreshment

Fruit & Yogurt Parfait

1 quart blueberry yogurt

1 quart peach yogurt

1 quart raspberry yogurt

1 16-ounce box granola cereal

4 cups raspberries

4 cups strawberries, quartered

4 cups blueberries

Raspberries, for garnish

Mint sprigs, for garnish

In tall parfait-style glasses alternate

yogurt, granola cereal, and berries

to fill each glass. Garnish top with

whole raspberries and a sprig of

mint. Makes 20 parfaits.

(Lion House Weddings, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2003], p. 65.)

Fasting


“This young man came to me one day. He was living in the dormitory. He was what they called the monitor. It wasn’t a native high school, but he was a native. He came to me one day, and he said, ‘Mr. Hogan, I want to go home for three days.’I said, ‘Why, you can’t go home, you have a job here. What do you want to go home for?’He said, ‘Well, I am preparing to take my matric,’[as they call it down there, matriculation examination for entrance into a university]. He said, ‘I want to go home for three days and fast and pray.’

“I was astonished. I excused myself and went to my office and called up one of your members, one of our native members, and I said, ‘Listen to me, do you people have in your Church something you call fasting?’He said, ‘Yes.’I said, ‘What do you do it for?’‘When we want a blessing, we fast and pray.’I said, ‘Well, I have read about it in the Bible, but I have never heard of anybody doing it.’I went back to the young man and said, ‘You go home for three days.’He went home, and he fasted, and he prayed, and he was the top man in passing his matric examination.”

So he and his cousin went on to the university—one to study dentistry and one to study medicine.

(Jay A. Parry, Jack M. Lyon, and Linda Ririe Gundry, editors, Best-Loved Stories of the LDS People, Volume 2, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1999], p. 63.)

Activity:

Play “My Eyes Are Open.”

From one to four people are sent out of the room and an object is hidden in plain sight. The people come back and try to see the object. When one person sees it, he returns to his seat and says, “My eyes are open.” Continue until all have found it. Play as many times as you’d like.

Remind your family that sometimes we can’t see things that are right before our eyes. We need to use spiritual insight as well as physical vision. Fasting can increase our spirituality and help us “see” the things the Lord wants us to do.


f.h.e from A to Z


ForgivenessYes, to be in the right we must forgive, and we must do so without regard to whether or not our [enemy] repents, or how sincere is his transformation, or whether or not he asks our forgiveness.” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, 282–83.)

Song:“Help Me, Dear Father,” Children’s Songbook, 99.

Scripture:

I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. (Doctrine and Covenants 64:10)

Lesson:

Before beginning this activity, give each family member a small pebble to hold.

Share one or more of the following case studies with your family, or create some of your own. Ask family members to think about how they would feel and what they would do if this happened to them.

• You have worked hard drawing a beautiful picture. You leave the room for just a few minutes, and when you return, you discover that your little sister came in and scribbled all over it. What would you do?

• You are carrying an armful of things down the hall at school. Some kids are goofing around, and one of them bumps into you, scattering your things all over the floor. The person who bumped into you laughs and runs off. What would you do?

• You tell a friend something very personal, and the friend promises not to tell anyone. Later you find out that your friend broke the promise and even told other things about you that are not true. What would you do?

Ask your family to put the pebbles they are holding into one of their shoes. Have each person walk around and describe about how uncomfortable it is. Ask, “How can a little pebble be compared to feelings we have when we don’t forgive a person who has offended us?” (Those little pebbles are like the feelings we have when we don’t forgive someone who has offended us. They can start out small but then feel bigger and bigger. Walking around with a pebble in your shoe is like carrying a grudge and refusing to forgive someone who offended you.)


Forgiveness


Story:

Tears Began to Run Down One Boy’s FaceElder Joseph F. Merrill

Bishop M. O. Ashton told two stories that deeply impressed me. Each story was about a bishop and some boys. In the first one, a group of boys engaged in some Halloween pranks of a rather serious, provocative nature. The bishop secured the names of the boys and charged them to come to the sacrament meeting and publicly ask forgiveness for engaging in the pranks committed, on pain of excommunication for failure to do so. In consequence there are in that community today a number of families that grew up outside of the Church.

In the second case a group of boys and a bishop were involved. A wedding party was held at the bishop’s home. A big freezer of ice cream waited on the back porch for the refreshment hour. When the ice cream was to be served, it was observed that the freezer was empty. Pondering over the matter the bishop decided to invite the guilty boys to an ice cream festival and provided two freezers of ice cream for the occasion. All the boys accepted the invitation. When the lads were seated at the feast, it was noticed that tears began to run down one boy’s face. Soon all the other boys were in tears also. From among that group have come some of the finest leaders in their community.

Those were the factual stories told by Bishop Ashton. The two bishops of the story were undoubtedly actuated by the best of motives. Not for a moment would I question that. But one bishop was wise and the other unwise. The thought in the mind of one was to use persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and love . . . In the case of the other bishop he seems to have acted impulsively. . . . He forgot the scriptural injunction found in the Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-10:

Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Exceptional Stories from the Lives of Our Apostles.)

Refreshment

Mud Pie Brownies

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa, or 2

squares melted unsweetened

chocolate

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts

1 cup flaked coconut

1 (7-ounce) jar Marshmallow Creme

1 recipe Chocolate Frosting (below)

In a large bowl, beat together eggs,

sugar, and butter or margarine.

Beat in cocoa or melted chocolate

and flour. Stir in nuts and coconut.

Pour batter into a greased 9x13-

inch aluminum pan. Bake at 350

degrees for about 30 minutes.

While brownies are baking, make

Chocolate Frosting. Remove

brownies from oven. While hot,

spread with Marshmallow Creme,

then swirl in Chocolate Frosting.

Makes 15 brownies.

Chocolate Frosting

In large saucepan, melt butter over

medium heat. Stir in milk, cocoa,

and vanilla until well blended. Add

powdered sugar and stir in. Use hand

mixer to beat until smooth.

(Julie Badger Jensen, Essential Mormon Celebrations, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2005], p. 24.)

Forgiveness


Activity:

Get a large, thick stocking and place ten household items inside it such as a spoon, a small ball, a stapler, a small toy soldier, tweezers, an audiotape, a small ruler, a screwdriver, etc. Tie the end of the stocking closed.

Allow each family member two minutes to feel the contents of the stocking. During the two minutes, the person tries to identify and privately write down what he or she thinks the items are. When everyone has had a turn, the contents are shown as each person checks the answers on his or her paper.

This activity demonstrates that it is difficult to judge what’s inside something. This is especially true of people. We can see what people do, but we cannot see inside to understand how they feel.

(Max H. Molgard and Allan K. Burgess, The Best of Fun For Family Night, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 68.)

f.h.e from A to Z


Gifts of the SpiritHow should we lay hold of the Holy Ghost and claim its powers in our behalf?

. . . Have you tried to apply that to gain those powers? Have you asked God with a sincere heart and real intent? . . . You can’t gain or exercise one of those gifts of the Spirit without putting forth the effort. (Teachings of Harold B. Lee)

Song:“I Will Follow God’s Plan,” Children’s Songbook, p. 164

Scripture:

For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. (Doctrine and Covenants 46:11)

Lesson:

Share the following list of some “less-conspicuous” gifts that Elder Marvin J. Ashton compiled:

“The gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.” (“There Are Many Gifts,” Ensign, November 1987, p. 20.)

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said that “spiritual gifts come to those who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost,” but that they “do not come visibly, automatically, and immediately to all. . . .

“The scriptures tell us that we should desire and zealously seek spiritual gifts. (See D&C 46:8; 1 Cor. 12:31; 14:1, 11.) . . . In every case, the receipt of spiritual gifts is predicated upon faith, obedience, and personal righteousness. . . .

“We should seek after spiritual gifts. They can lead us to God. They can shield us from the power of the adversary. They can compensate for our inadequacies and repair our imperfections.” (“Spiritual Gifts,” Ensign, September 1986, pp. 68–69, 72.)


Story:

Many years ago I went to the hospital to give a blessing to a young man named Nick and his sister Michelle. Nick is a friend of mine and former home teaching companion, and his young life was threatened by diseased kidneys. Nick had not been well for a long time. Nick’s older sister Michelle had offered one of her own kidneys.

Gifts of the Spirit


The operation was successfully performed, but still in question was whether or not Nick’s body would accept this priceless gift from Michelle. You see, Michelle had given the gift not knowing if it would be accepted. Fortunately it was accepted. In like manner, our Heavenly Father has given us so many wonderful gifts, regardless of whether they will be accepted. He has offered us his peace, his comfort, his love. All we have to do to accept his gifts is to be obedient and follow him.

(James E. Faust, Stories From My Life, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2001], p.44.)

Activity:

Prepare enough strips of paper (approximately 1” x 8”) for each family member to have two or three. Have each person put their name on their strips and list one spiritual gift, special ability, or specific personality trait. Glue or tape the strips into circles and connect them together to form a chain. Hang your “spiritual gift” chain in your home for each family member to see.

(Adapted from: Shauna Mooney Kawasaki, I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2002], p. 12.)

Refreshment

Chiffon Cake

1 1⁄4 cups sugar1 tablespoon baking powder2 1⁄4 cups cake flour1 teaspoon salt1⁄2 cup salad oil5 egg yolks3⁄4 cup water2 teaspoons vanilla1 cup (7 to 8 large) egg whites1⁄2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Lemon Chiffon Cake Frosting2 cans lemon pie filling1 carton (8 ounces) Cool Whip®

In mixing bowl, sift dry ingredients

together. Add oil, egg yolks, water,

and vanilla; beat until smooth. Beat

egg whites with cream of tartar

until stiff. Pour yolk mixture over

whipped whites, folding together

until blended. Bake in ungreased

10-inch tube pan at 325 degrees for

55 minutes. When cake tests done,

invert tube pan and let hang until

cool.

Cut chiffon cake horizontally into 3

layers. Separate layers. Spread a thin

layer of lemon pie filling on cut side

of bottom layer, then place the next

layer on top of the pie filling and

spread the top of that layer with pie

filling. (It should take about 1⁄2 can

for each layer.) Fold 3⁄4 can of pie

filling into the Cool Whip and frost

inside the hole, outside the cake,

and on top of the cake. Cut, and

enjoy! This cake must be kept in the

refrigerator.


f.h.e from A to Z


GodheadWe declare it is self-evident from the scriptures that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are separate persons, three divine beings.(Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 40–42)

Song:“The First Article of Faith” Children’s Songbook, p.122.

Scripture:

The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22)

Lesson:

Invite your family to list the three members of the Godhead. Then talk about whether the members of the Godhead are three separate beings or one person. (See D&C 130:22.) Read Mosiah 15:1 and ask:

• Which member of the Godhead came to earth and was born of a virgin? (Jesus.)

• What name was Jesus known by in the Old Testament? (See D&C 110:1–4.)

• From what you’ve just learned, who was Abinadi referring to when he said, “God himself shall come down among the children of men”?

Families with older children can also read Mosiah 15:2 and ask:

• How is Jesus Christ both the Father and the Son?

Write the following statement on a piece of paper and show it to your family: “All fathers are sons, but not all sons are fathers.” Discuss whether or not your family thinks that statement is true, and help them understand what it means.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained, “There are ways in which Christ is so united with his Father that in some assignments he rightfully plays a fatherly role and rightfully bears the title of Father in doing so.” (Christ and the New Covenant, p. 183.) To help more fully explain this difficult doctrine, you

Refreshment

Chocolate Balls

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened

condensed milk

1/4 cup cocoa

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

6 to 8 tablespoons chocolate-flavored

sprinkles

Small foil or paper decorator cups

(optional)

Combine condensed milk, cocoa,

and butter or margarine in a medium

saucepan. Cook over medium-low

heat, stirring constantly for 7 to 8

minutes or until candy forms a ball

around the spoon and pulls away

from the sides of the pan. Remove

from heat and allow to cool to

room temperature. Place chocolate

sprinkles in a small dish. Butter your

hands and shape cocoa mixture

into 1-inch balls. Gently roll balls in

the chocolate sprinkles and place in

individual decorator cups. Cover and

chill before serving. Makes about 2

dozen balls.

(Lion House International, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997] p. 124.)

Godhead


may wish to review the following scriptures with your family: Hebrews 1:2; Moses 1:33; D&C 19:16.


Story:

Helen Patten was in the fifth grade when she began writing to a pen pal by the name of Charlotte Alvoet in Dundee, Scotland. Helen told her what she did in Primary, later Mutual, and sent pictures of the Church’s temples and other buildings, and places of interest in Utah.

An elder from Helen’s ward, Bruce Draper, was called on a mission to Scotland. Since Helen secretly wished that he might teach the gospel to Charlotte, she wrote a letter to Elder Draper, telling him about Charlotte and giving her address in case he should be assigned to work in Dundee.

About a week later Charlotte wrote to Helen telling her of the visit of two “Yanks.” It so happened that Charlotte had gone to a concert, so she was not home when they first called. The elders waited about two hours for her return but finally they had to leave. They left word with her grandmother that they wanted to call again the following Saturday. Charlotte returned home about fifteen minutes after they left. When she heard of the visit, she was so anxious to see these young men that she wrote to Helen that she could hardly wait for the next Saturday to come.

The next letter Helen received began, “Guess who was baptized yesterday! Guess who will be confirmed tomorrow! Guess who is the happiest girl in the world! ME ME ME!” She went on to write that both she and her mother had been converted in only two weeks.

Subsequent letters told of her interest in church activities, her new friends, and her part in the branch’s roadshow.

On August 21, she wrote the following:

“I just had to write this to you. I absolutely had to. I guess if I did not I would burst. Oh, the marvelous happening all because of being a Mormon. I must tell you from the beginning or I’ll get too mixed up.

“You see, [my school] is a Presbyterian school, where pupils of all Protestant faiths attend (Methodists, Episcopalian, and all that). In school we have one period each week for instruction in religion, and this is in the Presbyterian faith. Well, when I was baptized, there was little change since all we did was read the Bible. But this year our teacher decided that our religion period should be informal and should be a period for debate, so he said he would ask us to write one question that he would try to answer and that the class would discuss.

“I didn’t ask one question—I asked six! I knew all the answers, but I wanted to explain our teachings and doctrine to him. . . . [One of the questions I asked was concerning] the nature of the Godhead (if they were three in one or three separate beings).

“None of my friends had questions, so mine were all copied. Well, a fortnight later (yesterday) the teacher decided that we would discuss the question concerning the personality of our Father in heaven. He blithered on for a wee while about heathens and atheists. Then we got down to business. I brought up the belief of some that our Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three in one. Since we don’t believe that, I told him so. He asked me for proof, and was he surprised when I rattled off a list of scriptures! You see, I had sat up the night before reading the books I was given when the elders were teaching me. I read scriptures concerning our Father being separate from Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. After I had proved my point that they were not three in one, my master went on to another subject, saying, `Of course, we all know God is a spirit,’ and I read more scriptures about our Father in heaven having a body, hair, eyes, and back parts. It was marvelous. One thing led to another, and soon I was deep in telling the class

Godhead


the Joseph Smith story. I was inspired, and I know I had the Holy Ghost and the Spirit of the Lord within me as I talked. At the end I took over the class and was answering questions. Now twenty-one people know about Joseph Smith and heard my testimony as I bore it to them. They also saw the Book of Mormon.

“May God bless you always,

Love, Charlotte”

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Inspiring Stories for Young Latter-day Saints, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1975].)

Activity:

Make a collage. You will need a big piece of paper, old magazines, scissors, and paste. Find pictures in the magazines of things God made and cut them out. Paste them on the paper.

(Ann Laemmlen and Jackie Owen, Articles of Faith Learning Book, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1990], p. 16.)

f.h.e from A to Z


GratitudeI have come to feel that one of the most important ingredients for a happy life—a life of joy, contentment, hope, and peace—is gratitude. Surely gratitude—being thankful, being aware, and expressing appreciation—is one of the most important of all heavenly virtues.(Mary Ellen Edmunds, You Can Never Get Enough of What You Don’t Need, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2005], p.

138.)

Song:“Because I Have Been Given Much,” Hymns, 219.

Scripture:

And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more. (Doctrine and Covenants 78:19)

Lesson:

When we focus on blessings, expressing gratitude along the way, we will become increasingly aware of all that has been so generously shared with us. We notice what we’re thinking about, don’t we?

My friend Sharon told about a friend who did this exercise with her school class (Try it with your family):

She would tell them, “Look around the room and find all the things you can that are purple.” After they had a few minutes to do so, she had them close their eyes. Then she said, “Okay, now tell me all the things you saw that were yellow.” And they couldn’t do it. That’s because they had focused so intently on the purple that they didn’t even notice the yellow things. . .”

You can see the application to contentment and gratitude. When we focus on what we don’t have, pretty soon that’s all we can see, so we become discontented, and whiny, and unsatisfied. But when we focus on our many amazing blessings, we become more and more aware of them, and thus more and more content and humble and grateful. And I might add, happier. And more peaceful.

(Mary Ellen Edmunds, You Can Never Get Enough of What You Don’t Need, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2005], p. 153.)

Story:

I think of Rica, a wonderful woman who helped us while I was on my first mission in the Philippines. She was so tiny but did so much to help us. I think we could not have accomplished much without her doing the laundry, going to the market, fixing us food, and helping us clean our place. Without her we’d have to do everything ourselves, and there wouldn’t have been much time left for missionary work!

Rica lived with her three children, two daughters and a son, near a river. Her home was very small and very simple.

Gratitude


As I remember, she was a widow, raising her children alone. During the time she was with us, she joined the Church. What a happy time that was! She continues to be a faithful member of the Church.

In 1964 there was a terrible volcano with subsequent fires and flooding. Many had been killed, and many were homeless and suffering. Rica came to our home to say, “We should be helping these poor people—we are member’s of Jesus’ church!”

She then showed that she’d brought two things to share: a bucket and a pair of her son’s pants. She explained that someone could use the bucket to haul water, and that Johnny had two pair of pants, “and he only needs one.”

Does it strike you that this was like the parable of the widow’s mite? We had thought she was poor, yet she found something she could share.

(Mary Ellen Edmunds, Happiness: Finders, Keepers [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1999], p. 119–20.)

Activity:

Play “alphabetical gratitude.” Go around the room and have each person say something he is grateful for. The first person names something that starts with the letter a, and the next person names something beginning with the letter b. Continue around the room as many times as necessary until the entire alphabet is complete.

(Kimberly L. Bytheway and Diane H. Loverage, Traditions, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 73.)

Refreshment

Pumpkin Cheesecake

1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs,

rolled fine

3 tablespoons butter or margarine,

melted

3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese,

softened

1 cup sugar

3 eggs


1 1⁄3 cups plus 2 tablespoons pumpkin

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix graham cracker crumbs and

butter or margarine. Press firmly

onto bottom and sides of 9- or 10-

inch springform pan. Whip cream

cheese in mixer bowl; gradually add

sugar, then eggs one at a time. Stir

in vanilla. In separate bowl, combine

pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger,

cloves, and salt. Mix well; add to

cream cheese mixture. Pour filling

into crust. Bake at 300 degrees for

55 minutes. Whip sour cream; add

sugar and vanilla. Spread on top

of cheesecake and return to oven.

Bake 10 more minutes. Cool before

removing sides from springform pan.

Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.


(Lion House Classics, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2004], p.102.)

f.h.e from A to Z


HonestyThose who are living the principle of honesty know that the Lord does bless them. Theirs is the precious right to hold their heads in the sunlight of truth, unashamed before any man.(Gordon B. Hinckley, “We Believe in Being Honest,” Ensign, Oct. 1990, 2)

Song:“Jesus Loved the Little Children,” Children’s Songbook, p. 59

Scripture:

And let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you. (D&C 51:9)

Lesson:

Shortly after the Revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants section 50 had been received, the Saints from Colesville, N. Y., began to arrive in Ohio. They had been directed to gather in that locality and they had been promised that there they would receive The Law. The Saints in Ohio had been instructed to divide their land with their brethren, and it was the duty of Edward Partridge, who had been appointed Bishop to take care of the newcomers, as far as possible. Under the circumstances, Bishop Partridge asked for divine guidance. The Prophet inquired of the Lord for him, and received Section 51 as the answer to his prayers.

Have your family turn to D&C 51:9 and see how every man is supposed to “deal” with others? (Honestly.)


Story:

Wayne B. Lynn

I had stressed the need for honesty, explaining to my students that many times we don’t even know our integrity is being tested. I had shared with them experiences like Mr. Larkin’s at the corner drugstore. He had told me that Alfred could not be trusted.

“How do you know?” I inquired.

Refreshment

Speedy Cinnamon Sticks

These breadsticks are fast and fun.

1 loaf frozen bread dough

1⁄2 cup brown or white sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1⁄4 cup butter, melted

Thaw frozen bread dough for about

3 hours. Mix sugar with cinnamon.

Cut loaf lengthwise into 4 strips.

Cut strips horizontally in thirds,

making 12 strips. Combine sugar and

cinnamon. Roll each piece of dough

in butter, then in sugar cinnamon

mixture. Stretch and twist. Place on

greased baking sheet and let raise

1 hour; bake at 400° F. for about 12

minutes or until lightly browned;

sprinkle with additional sugar. Makes

12 cinnamon sticks.

(Julie Badger Jensen, The Essential Mormon Cookbook, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 153.)

Honesty


“Well,” he said, “often when I have lots of customers and I’m the only salesperson in the store, I let young people make their own change from the cash drawer. I started coming up short, so I carefully counted out the cash before and after several youngsters had made their own change. They were all honest with me except Alfred. I gave him two chances, and he failed me both times. So now I know that Alfred can’t be trusted.”

“Have you told him?” I asked.

“No, I never have. I just watch him very closely. I hope he never asks me for a job or for a recommendation.”

So my class should have been prepared for the snap quiz I gave them that Thursday afternoon. It was a twenty-question, true-or-false test covering material we had discussed during the week. They finished the test just as the bell rang for dismissal.

“Please pass your papers to the center of the aisle,” I instructed.

Later that evening I very carefully graded each paper, recording the score in my grade book but leaving no marks on the papers.

When the class assembled the next morning, I passed the papers back and, as usual, asked that each student grade his own paper.

I read each question aloud and with a word of explanation announced the correct answer. Every answer was accompanied by the usual student groan or sigh of relief at having given a wrong or right response.

“Please count five off for each one missed and subtract the total from one hundred,” I instructed. “Your scores please. John?”

“85.”

“Susan?”

“95.”

“Harold?”

“80.”

“Arnold?”

“90.”

“Mary?”

The response could hardly be heard: “45.”

I went on, putting the grades in my grade book, carefully recording each oral report next to the grade I had recorded the night before. The comparison was revealing.

A stillness settled on the class when I explained what I had done. Many did not look up from their desks; others exchanged furtive glances or quick smiles.

I spoke quietly to my students. “Some of you may wish to talk to me privately about our experience here today. I would like that.

Honesty


“This was a different kind of test. This test was a test for honesty. Were you true or false? I noticed that many of you looked at Mary when she announced her score of 45. Mary, if you don’t mind, would you please stand up? I want each of you to know that in my book Mary just achieved the highest score in the class. You make me feel very proud, Mary.”

Mary looked up rather timidly at first, then her eyes glistened as she broke into a smile and rose to her feet. I had never seen Mary stand so tall.

(Jay A. Parry, editor, Everyday Heroes, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2002], p. 1.)

Activity:

Seat everyone on the floor in a large circle with one person blindfolded in the center. This person is the “watchdog.” Place a wooden spoon beside the dog. This is the “bone.”

The object is for people in the circle to sneak up quietly to the watchdog and steal the bone without being heard. No throwing of the bone is allowed.

When the watchdog hears someone approaching, he points in their direction and says, “Bow wow.” If the watchdog points at someone out of place, that person has to return the bone and go back to his place. The game then continues as before.

If someone successfully steals the bone without the watchdog pointing to him, he trades places with the dog, and the play continues.


Gospel application: Since the watchdog is blindfolded, everyone must be honest and admit when they are caught.

f.h.e from A to Z


IntegrityMy brothers and sisters, let us live true to the trust the Lord has placed in us. Let us strive for personal, practical integrity in every endeavor, regardless of how mundane or inconsequential it may seem. The small matters accumulate to shape the direction of our lives.(Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Personal Integrity,” Ensign, May 1990, 30)

Song:“Primary Colors,” Children’s Songbook, p. 258.

Scripture:

And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord. (Doctrine and Covenants 124:15)

Lesson:

Explain to your family that Integrity can be defined as having your actions match what you know is right. Read the six scenarios and ask family members to respond with the correct action for each situation.

1. Stephanie went grocery shopping with her mom. While she was at the store, she saw a candy bar that she really wanted. Stephanie didn’t have any money. She put the candy bar in her pocket anyway. Was this right? What should Stephanie do?

2. Jason wanted to go to the school football game with his friends. His mom said he couldn’t go to the game, but could go to a Church activity instead. Jason agreed, but when he left the house, he went to the football game instead of the Church activity. Was this honest? What should Jason do?

3. Megan was having a hard time in her math class at school. The final exam was coming quickly and she hadn’t studied for it. Her best friend, Lisa, said Megan could look at her answers during the test. Is Megan being honest? Is Lisa being honest? What should they do?

4. Amy told her best friend, Melissa, a personal secret. Melissa promised not to tell anyone. When Amy wasn’t around, Melissa told Amy’s secret to others. Was this right? What should Melissa do?

5. Cory and Daniel were good friends at school. Cory always talked about the pets he had at home. Daniel doesn’t have any pets, but he told Cory he has a dog and talked about his dog all the time. Is this honest? What should Daniel do?

6. Matthew used Dad’s tools to try to fix his bike, then he left them out. When Dad got home, he couldn’t find his tools and asked if anyone had seen them. Matthew didn’t say anything. Is this showing integrity? What should Matthew do?

Integrity


(Deborah Pace Rowley, Before They Turn Twelve, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2007], p. 72.)

Story:

Hugh B. Brown

While I was in training [for the military], a young Mormon boy came into the camp. He was awkward. He was not educated very well, but he was a young Mormon boy who had been taught to live the gospel. After one parade, when he had gone through everything backwards, he was called by the captain to come into his office. The captain said, “I have noticed you, young fellow. You are from Cardston, aren’t you?”

He said, “Yes, sir.”

“You are a Mormon, I suppose.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Well, I just wanted to make friends with you. Will you have a glass of beer?”

“Sir, I do not drink liquor.”

The captain said, “The ——— you don’t. Maybe you will have a cigar then.”

He said, “Thank you, sir, but I do not smoke.”

The captain seemed much annoyed by this, and he dismissed the boy from the room.

When the young man went back to his quarters, some of the lesser officers accosted him angrily and said, “You fool, don’t you realize the captain was trying to make a friend of you, and you insulted him to his face?”

The young Mormon boy answered, “Gentlemen, if I must be untrue to my ideals and my people and do things that I have been instructed all my life I should not do, I’ll quit the army.”

When the time came for the final examinations in that camp, the captain sent this young man down to Calgary from Sarcee Camp to do some work for him, and they were having examinations while he was gone. When he returned the captain said, “Now you go in the other room there, and I will give you the list of questions, and you can write your examination.”

He went in and returned and said, “Sir, all the books we have studied are there on that desk. Surely you don’t want me to write my

Refreshment

Anna’s Apple Streusel1 package (1 tablespoon) active dry

yeast1/2 teaspoon sugar1/4 cup warm water1/2 cup milk1/4 cup oil1/4 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon salt1 egg1 to 2 cups flour3 or 4 large apples, peeled and sliced1/4 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Streusel Topping1/2 cup flour1/2 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 cup butter or margarine

In a bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water; stir to dissolve. Set aside. In a saucepan, scald milk. Add oil, sugar, and salt; stir to dissolve sugar. Pour milk mixture into a large mixing bowl, and add egg and 1 cup of the flour to make a paste. Stir in yeast mixture. Add remaining flour to make a soft dough. On a floured board, roll out dough about 1/2 inch thick. Place dough on a greased cookie sheet, and let rise in a warm place for 10 minutes. Place apple slices in a mixing bowl. Combine cinnamon and sugar, and sprinkle over apples. Mix well. Arrange apple mixture on dough and sprinkle with Streusel Topping (instructions below). Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve warm or cold with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Makes 12 servings.For Streusel topping: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut butter or margarine into flour mixture to resemble size of peas. Sprinkle on Apple Streusel as directed above.


Integrity


examination there where I can turn to those books.”

The captain said, “That is just what I do want. I know from my knowledge of you that you will not open a one of those books. You will be honorable, you will be honest, and I trust you.”

Well, that young man, while overseas later on in the war, was sent for by his captain, who had then become a lieutenant colonel, in response to a call from general headquarters for the best man he had in his battalion. They had a special mission for him to perform. They said, “We don’t care anything about his education or his training. We want a man who can’t be broken when put under test. We want a man of character.”

(Edited by Jay A. Parry, Jack M. Lyon, Linda Ririe Gundry, Best-Loved Stories of the LDS People, Volume 2, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1999], 181)

Activity:

Play “Hunt the Ring.”

“It” stands in the middle of a circle of players. A piece of string long enough to go around the circle is slipped through a ring and the ends tied. All players in the circle grasp the string. “It” counts to ten with eyes closed so as not to see the ring passed initially. The ring is concealed under a player’s hand and is passed from player to player. “It” must find the player under whose hand the ring is concealed. The player caught with the ring becomes “it.”


(Deborah Pace Rowley, Before They Turn Twelve, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2007], p. 72-3.)

f.h.e from A to Z


Jesus ChristAs a special witness of the Only Begotten Son of our loving Heavenly Father, even Jesus Christ, I testify that . . . He lives. I promise that if you and those you love will seek Him in all humility, sincerity, and diligence, you will know with a surety too.(Robert D. Hales, “Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 29–32.)

Song:“I Feel My Savior’s Love,” Children’s Songbook, p. 74.

Scripture:

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)

Lesson:

Have each family member give a name or title for Jesus Christ. Go around as many times as needed until no one can think of any more names.

Divide your family into two groups and give each a blank sheet of paper and a pen. Invite them to read 3 Nephi 9:15–18 and write down as many names and titles of the Savior as they can find there. After they have completed their lists, ask:

• What are some of the important roles Jesus Christ plays in Heavenly Father’s plan?

• Are there any of the names or titles that you do not understand?

• If we combined our lists and then added the important roles, how many names, titles, or roles would we come up with?

Turn to page 633 of the Bible Dictionary and show the family the section titled “Christ, names of.” Have your family guess how many actual names, titles, and roles of the Savior are listed there. (Nearly 200.)

Ask your family to share which role of the Savior means the most to them and why. Invite family members to share their feelings about the Savior.


Refreshment

Blueberry Pizza

Crust:

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 cup flour

Filling:

1 cup powdered sugar

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 cups whipped topping

8 ounces blueberry jam

Mix crust ingredients and pat into a

well-greased round pizza pan. Bake

for 15 minutes at 325 degrees. Let

cool.

Beat powdered sugar and cream

cheese; fold in whipped topping and

spread over crust. Top with jam and

chill.

(Hollee Eckman and Heather Higgins, All that Jam, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2003], p. 102.)

Jesus Christ


Story:

A man in India was accused of stealing a sheep. He was brought before the judge, and the supposed owner of the sheep was present. Both claimed the sheep, and had witnesses to prove their claims, so it was not easy to decided to whom the sheep belonged. Knowing the habits of the shepherds and the sheep, the judge ordered the animal to be brought into court, and sent one of the two men into another room, while he told the other to call the sheep, and see whether it would come to him. But the poor sheep, not knowing the voice of a stranger, would not go to him. In the meantime, the other man in the adjoining room, growing impatient, gave a kind of “chuck,” upon which the sheep bounded away towards him at once. This “chuck” was the way in which he had been used to calling the sheep, and it was at once decided that he was the real owner.

Just as the sheep know the shepherd, we should be familiar with our Savior’s voice. We know that the Lord will never lead us astray or give us untruth, we need to learn to distinguish His voice from the noise all around us.

(edited by Rick Walton and Fern Oviatt, Stories for Mormons, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1983], p.74.)

Activity:

Review the First Article of Faith until everyone can repeat it from memory.

f.h.e from A to Z


KindnessKindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others.(Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Virtue of Kindness,” Ensign, May 2005, 26)

Song:“I’ll Walk With You,” Children’s Songbook, p. 140.

Scripture:

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (Luke 6:31)

Lesson:

Print “Kindness is a way of showing love” on a large strip of paper. Print the following words on slips of paper: PARENTS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, FRIENDS, PLANTS AND ANIMALS. Obtain five pictures of Christ: Jesus healing the blind (Gospel Art Kit 213), Sermon on the Mount (GAK 212), Christ and the Children (GAK 216), boy Jesus in the temple (GAK 205), Mary and Martha (GAK 219).

Hold up the pictures of the Savior. Ask the children what Jesus was doing (helping, serving, loving, and so on). Point out that Jesus always helped in a kind way. Tell the children that Jesus taught us to always show kindness. Being kind was one way Jesus showed love. Post the wordstrip and read it with your family.

Have family members take turns selecting a word slip. Have them discuss how they can show kindness to the subject on their paper. Remind them that being kind is more that just hugging and speaking nicely—kindness is also doing things for others.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book Two, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 59.)

Story:

Love requires courage. To share in Christ’s way is a courageous undertaking. Do it. Do it now. Respond to promptings that come. If we feel compassion or empathy without doing something, we may diminish our power to act, to respond.

I find that I think of kind things more often than I do kind things. I’ll get an idea, a prompting, but then too many times I chicken out. When I do respond, I have great adventures.

Refreshment

Scotch Shortbread Cookies

2 cups (1 pound) butter, softened

1 cup sugar

4 cups flour

Cream butter and add sugar; beat

until light and fluffy. Add flour and

mix well. Chill several hours. Roll

out about 1⁄4-inch thick on floured

board. Cut into 2x2-inch squares and

place on ungreased baking sheet.

Prick each cookie several times with

fork. Bake at 325 degrees about 30

minutes, until cookies are delicately

brown. Cool slightly before removing

from cookie sheet. Makes about 40

cookies.


Kindness


Once I was in a store standing in line to check out. (I have lots of experiences with that particular activity, and I almost always get in the slowest line; I don’t know if it’s a gift or a talent.) Anyway, I noticed that the woman behind the checkout counter seemed to be in a less-than-pleasant mood. She kind of locked horns with a person ahead of me in line. I couldn’t really hear or tell exactly what happened, but the clerk was not happy. A little prompting came inside of me: “Say something nice to her.” “I don’t want to.” “She needs it.” (Do you ever have conversations like this with the still small voice?) “She’ll bite my head off.” Back and forth it went. I was getting closer. My heart was pounding the way it does when you sit in a testimony meeting and you know you’re going to get up and you also know you’re going to die at the pulpit.

And then I was there, right up close to her. She was punching the keys and all. And this is what came out of my mouth: “Are you having a bad day?” It came out kindly and gently and seemed to catch her way off guard. She looked at me, getting ready to bite, and then said, “Does it show?” “Kind of.” She then told me that yes, she was having a very hard, bad, ugly day, and she told me some of the reasons why.

I didn’t know what to do. I was screaming at the still small voice in my mind, “Now what? You didn’t tell me what to do next!” But it came out: “Can I do anything to help you?” She looked at me with this what-in-the-world kind of look. It was an awkward moment. Then I said, “I know how to take out the trash.” And we both laughed.

We continued talking to each other as she finished ringing up my purchases. She thanked me as I left, and I felt so happy I was grinning—not just smiling, but grinning. I felt good all over. I’m not sure if that little exchange did much for the woman at the checkout, but it made a huge difference in my day and is a sweet memory even now, years later.

(Mary Ellen Edmunds, Love Is a Verb, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1995], p. 3–4.)

Activity:

Play “Candy Hunt.”

1. Hide several dozen pieces of wrapped candy in a room.

2. Divide the family into two teams and choose a captain for each.

3. Have the teams search for the hidden candy. When someone sees a piece of candy, only his team captain may pick it up.

4. After all the pieces have been found, each team divides up the candy and eats it.


f.h.e from A to Z


LoveThis principle of love is the basic essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Without love of God and love of neighbor there is little else to commend the gospel to us as a way of life.(Gordon B. Hinckley, Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], p. 317.)

Song:“Love One Another,” Children’s Songbook, p. 136.

Scripture:

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:11)

Lesson:

Read the words of the hymn, “Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd” (Hymns, no. 221). Ask:

• According to the hymn, what are a shepherd’s responsibilities?

• How would you describe a shepherd that fails to care for the flock?

Read together Zechariah 11:15–17 and notice how the shepherds of Zechariah’s day fulfilled their duties. Ask:

• Who is the flock these shepherds are supposed to take care of? (The Lord’s people.)

• How do you think the Lord feels about these types of shepherds?

• Who are our shepherds today? (Priesthood leaders, parents, etc.)

• What could happen if our parents and leaders do not care about us?

• What blessings come from parents and leaders who do their best to help us?

• When have you been blessed by the love and caring of your “shepherds”?

• How do you think it feels to have the responsibility of a shepherd?

Refreshment

Drop Doughnuts

2 eggs

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons melted shortening

1/3 cup milk

2 cups flour, stirred and measured


1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Beat eggs until very light. Add

sugar, melted shortening and milk.

Add dry ingredients which have

been sifted together. Mix well.

Drop by teaspoonfuls into deep

hot oil (375 degrees). Fry on all

sides until golden brown. Drain on

unglazed brown paper; sprinkle with

confectioners’ sugar.

(Winnifred C. Jardine, Country Cooking, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980] p. 47.)

Love


Bear your testimony of the joy that comes from serving and caring for those you love.


Story:

Angie Olson

I am a mom with three children who at times can be a handful. Elizabeth, my youngest, is seven years old and may very well be the most mischievous child you’ll ever meet. She’s conniving and fun all at once. She’s the one who frustrates us the most but who also keeps the laughter in our home. She recently taught me about serving others through kindness.

As I got home Friday evening, April 30, I was greeted at the door by Elizabeth, who shared with me some May Day hanging art she had created in school. As I reached to take it from her and hang it in the living room, she looked at me and said with conviction, “I’m going to give this to the man next door!” A little hurt by her desire to share with him and not me, I questioned her to make sure the man she was talking about was the man I was thinking about.

The neighborhood kids named our neighbor to the east the “mean man.” He spends a lot of time and money on his yard, and it is absolutely beautiful. If any child is caught in his yard, he threatens to call the police. He doesn’t say anything to anyone and, from what I’ve seen, doesn’t smile. I verified with her that this indeed was the man she was speaking of. I thought to myself, “Let’s see if she follows through on this one.”

The next morning was both May Day and Elizabeth’s birthday. I really thought that with so much excitement and lots of things to do, she’d forget about her plan. But as we headed out to take her brother to Scouts, she got into the car with the hymnbook (a hard surface to write on) and a plain piece of white paper for the note. We got very busy, and she was happy and thoughtful toward everyone all day.

After lunch she announced to me that she had done it. “I left if for him on his porch!” she said.“I wonder if he’s found it and if he likes it.”

The next morning I asked her about the note she’d delivered with her gift. Although somewhat reluctant to share it with me, she told me that the note simply said, “I love you, Your neighbor.” I have ever been grateful for her example to me. We now know almost all our neighbors, and we have discovered that the “mean man” next door isn’t so mean after all.

(Good Deeds: True Stories of Good Deeds, Charitable Acts, and Selfless Service, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 25.)

Activity:

Play “Guess Who Loves Me.” The person who is “it” thinks of something that someone in the family has done for him that showed love for him. The rest of the family tries to guess who did it. The one who guesses is “it” next time.


f.h.e from A to Z


MarriageI believe in marriage. I believe it to be the ideal pattern for human living. I know it to be ordained of God.(Boyd K. Packer, “Marriage,” Ensign, May 1981, 13)

Song:“Love At Home,” Hymns, # 294.

Scripture:

Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

(1 Corinthians 11:11)

Object Lessons:

Take two magnets and show how they attract one another. Explain that love brings two people together. After they are married and have children, love unites the entire family. Then turn them around so they repel rather than attract each other. Without love the family will lack strength and fall apart.

Take a plastic easter egg apart and attempt to roll the two halves across the table. (They will not roll because of their shape.) Put the halves together. Show how they roll smoothly across the table. Explain that if two people are truly united they can move together toward eternal life.

(Alma Heaton, Tools for Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1979], p. 17, 25.)

Story:

The Quiche Mayas of Guatemala(President Milton R. Hunter)

I had been informed that the Quiche Mayas of Guatemala still retained many of their ancient traditions, some of which evidently had their roots in Book of Mormon times, and so when I received the assignment to tour the Central American Mission, I wrote to President [Edgar] Wagner and requested that his missionaries arrange for me to interview some of the old Quiche Maya Indians at Totonicapan.

Refreshment

Easy Cherry Cheesecake

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup melted margarine or butter

1 8-ounce package cream cheese,

softened

2 tablespoons milk



2 cups whipped topping (1 envelope

mix prepared by package

directions)

1 can cherry pie filling

In a 9x13x2-inch pan, mix graham

cracker crumbs with melted

margarine. Use a fork and level well,

then press firmly in bottom and

along sides of pan. In a medium

bowl, combine and mix the cream

cheese, milk, powdered sugar, and

vanilla until smooth. Fold in the

whipped topping. Spread over

cracker crumbs, then cover with

chilled cherry pie filling. Chill 2 hours.


(Lion House Desserts, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2000] p. 15.)

Marriage


When I arrived at Totonicapan I found that the missionaries had engaged the services of a man named Jesus Caranza Juarez. Mr. Juarez was a very intelligent person. He had a thorough understanding of the traditions and religion of the Quiche Maya people.

I asked one of the missionaries to act as an interpreter. I said to the missionary, “Do not give Mr. Juarez any leading questions that might indicate to him the kind of answers that we desire to receive. I want to know the exact and accurate traditions of his people, and so I would suggest that you ask simple, straightforward questions.

The first question I asked was: ‘What are the Quiche Maya practices and teachings regarding marriage?’”

Mr. Juarez immediately replied: “Marriage is the most sacred, the most revered, the most holy, and the greatest of all the religious teachings and practices in the Quiche Maya religion. We have two kinds of marriages. In one kind the ceremony is performed by the priest. Only the good people marry in this kind of marriage. By good people I mean those who do not get drunk, those who do not steal nor lie, and those who are morally clean—in brief, the people who live in accordance with all the teachings of the Quiche Maya religion.”

Then he said, “The priest performs the marriage ceremony for those good people; and when he marries them, they are married not only for this life but for the next world also. They remain husband and wife forever.”

I was surprised, in fact astonished, to get such an explanation regarding the marriage custom of the Quiche Maya Indians. . . .

Although I was greatly surprised to find that the Quiche Maya Indians practice a form of marriage that they believe will endure throughout the next world, I was pleased to learn that such was their tradition because I have understood that every time the gospel of Jesus Christ has been on the earth in its fulness, God’s true law of celestial marriage has constituted part of that gospel.

I also know that the true gospel of Jesus Christ was had in ancient America in Book of Mormon days, and certainly the Nephites would have had the true order of celestial marriage. Thus the Quiche Maya Indians of Guatemala, being descendants of the Book of Mormon peoples, have preserved in their system of marriage certain things that hold a resemblance to the true order of marriage as given by the Lord to the Nephites.

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 3)

Activity:

Give each person a copy of the mixed-up quote below by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. Explain that there are seven important words in the quote that have been scrambled. Have them see if they can unscramble the words to find out what the quote really says.

Discuss as a family what kind of commitments and choices need to be made in order for us to marry the right person in the right place by the right authority. Review together what the words peace, joy, and exaltation mean.

There is not a single thing that any Latter-day Saint will ever do in the world that will compare in importance to rirmygan the right nrspoe, in the right epacl, by the right hiuaottyr, because that order and system opens the door to eeapc, and yjo hre and eternal aiaenoxttle hereafter.

—Bruce R. McConkie

(Max H. Molgard and Allan K. Burgess, The Best of Fun for Family Night, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 90.)

f.h.e from A to Z


Missionary WorkI have always felt the best way to show love to others is to share the gospel with them.(Martha Cummings Kern, Church News, 2 Dec. 1978, p. 5.)

Song:“Called to Serve,” Children’s Songbook, p. 174.

Scripture:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19)

Lesson:

Ask your family what they think makes a person rich, and how they might identify a “rich” person. Have your family silently read D&C 6:1–7 and then discuss the following questions:

• What great “harvest” is the Lord speaking of in these verses? (Missionary work.)

• Why is sharing the gospel with others such a “great and marvelous work”?

• What are the Lord’s faithful servants promised in verse 3? (Everlasting salvation.)

• According to verse 7, what makes a person rich?

• Why would “eternal life” and “everlasting salvation” be better than earthly riches?


Story:

Kingston, Ontario, a cold and very old city in Eastern Canada, was called “Stony Kingston” by the missionaries. There had been but one convert to the Church in six years there, even though missionaries had been continuously assigned in that city during the entire time. No one baptized in Kingston. Time in Kingston was marked on the

Refreshment

Peanut Butter and Jam Treats

10-ounce can flaky biscuit dough

10 tablespoons peanut butter

10 tablespoons your favorite jam

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 to 2 teaspoons milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Separate dough into 10 biscuits;

separate each biscuit into two

layers. Spoon 1 tablespoon peanut

butter onto the center of each of

the first layer of biscuits. Place the

other biscuit half on top of each

and pinch the edges to seal. Place

the biscuits in greased 9-inch round

cake pan. With your thumb, make

an indentation on the top of each

biscuit and fill with 1 tablespoon of

jam.

Bake for 23-28 minutes or until

golden brown.

In a small bowl, combine the sugar

and enough milk to reach desired

consistency. Drizzle over warm rolls.

(Hollee Eckman and Heather Higgins, All That Jam, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2003], p. 8.)

Missionary Work


calendar like days in prison. A missionary transfer to another place—any place—would be uppermost in thoughts, even in dreams.

While praying about and pondering this sad dilemma, for my responsibility then as a mission president required that I pray and ponder about such things, my wife called to my attention an excerpt from the book A Child’s Story of the Prophet Brigham Young by Deta Petersen Neeley (Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1959). She read aloud that Brigham Young entered Kingston, Ontario, on a cold and snow-filled day. He labored there thirty days and baptized forty-five souls. Here was the answer. If the missionary Brigham Young could accomplish this harvest, so could the missionaries of today.

Without providing an explanation, I withdrew the missionaries from Kingston, so that the cycle of defeat might be broken. Then came the carefully circulated word to the missionaries: “Soon a new city will be opened for missionary work, even the city where Brigham Young proselyted and baptized forty-five persons in thirty days.” The missionaries speculated as to the location. Their weekly letters pleaded for the assignment to this Shangri-la. More time passed. Then four carefully selected missionaries—two of them new, two of them experienced—were chosen for this high adventure. The members of the small branch pledged their support. The missionaries pledged their efforts. The Lord honored both.

In the space of three months, Kingston became the most productive city of the Canadian Mission. The gray limestone buildings stood unchanged; the city had not altered its appearance; the population remained constant. The change was one of attitude. Doubt had yielded to faith.

Thomas S. Monson, Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: From the Life and Ministry of Thomas S. Monson, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994].)

Activity:

Have a Missionary Olympics, with such events as shirt-ironing, simple clothing repair, simple bicycle repair, suitcase-packing, door approaches, and memorization of missionary scriptures.


f.h.e from A to Z


ModestyIf you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit of our Father in Heaven and exercise a wholesome influence upon those around you. . . . Dress and groom to show the Lord that you know how precious your body is. (Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, November 2000, pages 72)

Song:“The Lord Gave Me a Temple,” Children’s Songbook, p. 153.

Scripture:

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Story:

A group of choir students from American Fork, Utah, were traveling in New York City. On Sunday morning many of the students walked through the hotel lobby to board the bus that would take them to a local ward for Church services. A young woman was sitting in the lobby wearing a modest dress. She approached the group.

“Are you LDS?” she asked. When the students responded that they were, she smiled. “Are you going to church?” Again they answered, “Yes.” The young woman explained that she was from another state and was traveling with her school sports team. She was the only member of the Church on her team. That morning she had prayed she would be able to find some way to attend church. She had gone down to the lobby to wait. When the group of LDS youth walked in, she knew her prayer had been answered.

(Deborah Pace Rowley, Before They Turn Twelve: Helping Children Gain a Testimony of the Lord’s Standards, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2007], p.38.)

Object Lesson:

After you have shared the above story, discuss with your family the following questions:

How did this young woman know that the students she saw were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Was it how they were dressed? How do people throughout the world know that the young men and women they see are Mormon missionaries? What do our clothes say about us?

Have the family look through several contemporary magazines. Find pictures of models and try to describe what their clothes are saying about each one. Many of the models in these types of magazines are dressed immodestly. What messages are we sending when we dress immodestly? Possible messages include: “I don’t respect my body as a sacred gift from Heavenly Father.” “I don’t know what the prophet has said about modesty or I don’t care.” “I want you to notice my body first before anything else.”

Point out that the person dressing immodestly isn’t bad; they just haven’t been taught about the importance

Modesty


of modesty or don’t understand what their clothes are saying about them. Dressing immodestly can also make other people feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. When someone dresses immodestly, it is hard to notice anything but the person’s clothes.

(Deborah Pace Rowley, Before They Turn Twelve: Helping Children Gain a Testimony of the Lord’s Standards, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2007], p.38.)

Activity:

Play “Suitcase relay.” Divide the family into two teams. A suitcase for each team is at the goal line filled with articles of clothing. The players must run to the suitcase, open it and put on some article of clothing. They then run back and tag the next player. The team finishing first wins.


Refreshment

Chocolate Cream Crunch

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup finely chopped pecans

1⁄2 cup margarine, softened


softened


1 8-ounce tub Cool Whip®, thawed

and divided

1 6-ounce package instant chocolate

pudding

1 6-ounce package instant vanilla

pudding

3 cups milk, divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make

crust by combining flour, pecans,

and margarine in a small bowl. Press

into bottom of 9x13-inch pan. Bake

20 minutes. Cool completely on wire

rack.

Blend cream cheese and powdered

sugar with an electric mixer until

fluffy. Fold in 1 cup of the Cool

Whip. Blend well and spread over

cooled crust. Chill. Combine instant

chocolate pudding and

1 1⁄2 cups milk. Mix until smooth.

Pour over cream cheese layer. Chill.

Pudding will thicken in refrigerator.

Repeat with instant vanilla pudding.

Chill. Frost with remaining Cool

Whip. Cut into 4-inch squares and

serve.

Makes 28 squares.

(Jill McKenzie, 52 Weeks of Proven Recipes for Picky Kids, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2008], p. 115.)

f.h.e from A to Z


PatiencePatience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Continue in Patience,” Ensign, May 2010, 56–59.)

Song:“Pioneer Children Sang as they Walked,” Children’s Songbook, p. 214.

Scripture:

And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.(Mosiah 24:15)

Lesson:

Ask your family members if they have ever heard the phrases “hold your horses” or “keep your shirt on.” Ask, What quality is being requested by those phrases? (Patience.)

Have family members read Romans 5:1–5 and look for what Paul taught about patience. Ask:

• How can we have “peace with God”?

• What did Paul say helps us learn patience?

• Whom should we learn to rely on when faced with tribulation?

• What blessing comes to us through the Holy Ghost?

Read the following by Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than his. Either way we are questioning the reality of God’s omniscience [knowledge].” (Ensign, Oct. 1980, 28.)

Ask:

• How can we show our faith in Heavenly Father?

Refreshment

Mango Mash-up

3 mangoes, peeled and sliced

1 tray ice cubes

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

3⁄4 cup frozen orange juice

concentrate

1 2-liter bottle of ginger ale

Combine mangoes, ice, lime juice,

sugar, vanilla, and orange juice

concentrate in the jar of a blender.

Pulse until well blended. Add ginger

ale until blender jar is nearly full.

Blend again and enjoy.

Serves 4.

(Jill McKenzie, 52 Weeks of Proven Recipes for Picky Kids, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2008], p. 73.)

Patience


• Why is it important to recognize that God knows what is best for us?

• How might this knowledge help us get through trials?

Testify to your family that patience is one way we come to be more Christlike. Remind your family that patience gives us the hope that Christ’s Atonement will save us.


Story:

Patience was required of Noah and his family. We talk about “forty days and forty nights” as though they had to live in the ark with all those animals for a month and a half. Well, forty days and forty nights was only a fraction of their endurance. For instance, do you remember that after they went into the ark and closed the door, they were inside the ark for seven days before the Flood began? (Genesis 7:10.) Now, would that be a test of faith or what? Would you decide, about the fifth day, that it would be awfully nice to spend the weekend picking buttercups in the meadow rather than cleaning the elephants’ stalls and that maybe Noah had made a big mistake?

Then the rains began. The scripture tells us that on the same day “all the fountains of the great deep [were] broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.” (Genesis 7:11-12.) It was not until the fortieth day of this torrential downpour and flooding that the water was deep enough to “lift [the ark] up above the earth.” (Genesis 7:17.) And then “the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.” (Genesis 7:24.) We’re up to 197 days so far.

The scripture doesn’t tell us how many days it took for the waters to recede, but it says that the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat on the seventeenth day of the seventh month (Genesis 8:4), and it took until the first day of the tenth month for the tops of the mountains to become visible. If we hypothesize a month of thirty days—and I realize that there are Bible scholars who make careers out of figuring out the calendar—then we need to add another seventy-three days. Then they waited forty days to send out the raven and the dove, seven more days for the second flight of the dove, who returned with the olive branch, and a final seven days for the third flight. It sounds as if it then took another month plus twenty-seven days before they received the command of the Lord to go forth from the ark. (Genesis 8:3-6, 10, 12-14.) According to my addition, this comes to a total of 401 days. That’s a long time to be cooped up in a floating zoo—a year, a month, and six days!

So the story of Noah teaches us that there will be adversity, that it will last a long time, and that it will require reserves of patience that seem superhuman.

(Chieko N. Okazaki, Aloha!, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1995].)

Activity:

Instruct the family that on the word go you are going to start measuring one minute by the clock. They should also try to measure one minute, but without the clock. (Hint: While the time is running, talk to the family and ask them questions. It will make it hard for them to count in their heads when they have to think about what you are saying.)

When they think one minute is up they are to say “Stop.” When the first person says “Stop,” you look at the clock. If they are on time within ten seconds either way, they receive two points. If they are within five seconds they receive five points. If the guess was exactly right, they receive ten points.

Play for five rounds.

Patience


Ask what was difficult in this activity. One of the hardest things to do is to wait. Discuss as a family times we have to wait. One time we have to wait is when we pray to Heavenly Father. We have a hard time being quiet and waiting for Heavenly Father to answer us.

(adapted from Allan K. Burgess and Max H. Molgard, Fun For Family Night: Book Two, Church History Edition, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], p. 221.)

f.h.e from A to Z


Patriarchal BlessingsThe same Lord who provided a Liahona for Lehi provides for you and for me today a rare and valuable gift to give direction to our lives, to mark the hazards to our safety, and to chart the way, even safe passage—not to a promised land, but to our heavenly home. The gift to which I refer is known as your patriarchal blessing. Every worthy member of the Church is entitled to receive such a precious and priceless personal treasure.(Thomas S. Monson, “Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 65)

Song:“I Am A Child of God,” Children’s Songbook, p. 2.

Scripture:

And again, verily I say unto you . . . that my servant Hyrum may take the office of Priesthood and Patriarch, which was appointed unto him by his father, by blessing and also by right; That from henceforth he shall hold the keys of the patriarchal blessings upon the heads of all my people. (Doctrine and Covenants 124:91–92)

Object Lesson:

Obtain a world or country map, state map, and city map. As a family decide together on a special place you would like to visit such as a zoo or a museum. Using the world map, ask the family to find the destination. Now, using the state map, ask the same question. Tell the family that the maps can probably help you get to the city, but you would need to rely on road signs or other people to help find the destination or the best way to go.

Find the destination using the city map. Talk about how you use the state map to get you into the city, an then, using the city map, decide the best way to get to your destination. Show how the city map indicates one-way streets, dead ends, and important intersections.

Liken the maps to the scriptures and patriarchal blessings. Scriptures have answers for getting back to our eternal destination, but patriarchal blessings are given to us by Heavenly Father as personal guides (like a city map). Patriarchal blessings give us individual blessings, warnings, guidance, and information on our strengths. Tell your family that when we use our patriarchal blessings prayerfully, the road back to Heavenly Father can be easier to follow.


Refreshment

Hot Spinach Dip

1 package (10 ounces) frozen creamed

spinach, thawed

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese

1⁄4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons chopped green onion

9 tablespoons grated Parmesan

cheese

Mix all ingredients except half the

Parmesan cheese. Spread in 9x9-

inch pan, and sprinkle other half

of Parmesan on top. Bake at 350

degrees for 25 minutes. Serve with

chips or crackers.


Patriarchal Blessings


Story:

“A Patriarchal Blessing” Carl W. Buehner

I want to talk a little about another patriarchal blessing; and I hope you will pardon me if this gets a little personal. I know about this and have seen it fulfilled. I have also heard of many others, until I have a great faith and a great belief that these blessings can be very important in directing our lives, if we live to make these blessings come true.

I think many of you know that I am just a little immigrant kid, who was brought to this country by parents who were converted to the gospel in a foreign land. My father and mother were converted to the Church shortly after they were married. As soon as they could accumulate enough means to get across the ocean to America, they came here to settle in Salt Lake City, as thousands of others have done.

Two years after arriving in Salt Lake City, my father had a desire to become a cement contractor. Cement was sort of a miracle product that had not been on the market too long, and he saw in it great possibilities. He had had no previous experience other than working for a contractor for about a year’s time; but already, he could see that out of cement could be made many things that had never been tried before. He, and one or two men whom he had employed, began working with cement. In a short period of time, they made the first cast concrete products that had ever spanned over an opening, such as over windows or doors. As a mason laying brick got up to a certain point, he could pick up a piece of stone that had been made, lay it in place, and continue his work. This had not been done before. Even the art of making ornamental stone progressed, as the years went by, until there seemed no limit to its possibilities.

While this art was still in its very elemental stage, my father received his patriarchal blessing. Among other wonderful things said in this blessing was the statement that he and his sons would help erect temples for this church. At the time this blessing was given, there was no possibility or idea in the world that such a thing could ever happen. I was the oldest of eight sons, and I had two sisters—ten children altogether in our family. All of the surviving sons are still in business together. I can tell you that as of today, we have done considerable work on ten of these temples. My father has been dead for twenty-five years; and yet, I have seen this fulfillment of his patriarchal blessing all but to the letter. . . .

When the [statue of the] Angel Moroni, now located on the highest spire of the Los Angeles Temple, was completed in clay in our shop here in Salt Lake City, 15,000 people came to see it before it was covered with plaster. The mold was sent back east to be cast in aluminum. The entire exterior walls of that Los Angeles Temple were made right here in our little factory. The same is true of the outside walls of the Idaho Falls Temple and the large addition to the Canadian Temple. We have modeled in our factory the oxen that support the baptismal fonts for the Swiss Temple, the London Temple, the New Zealand Temple, the Idaho Falls Temple, and we have done considerable work on other temples.

I have seen that part of a patriarchal blessing fulfilled verbatim. I do not know how a patriarch, in about 1910 or 1911, could have foreseen what would happen fifty years later, had it not been that the inspiration of the Lord was heavily upon him. He could see that if a man was faithful in the future to the Church and lived for the fulfillment of the blessing, everything stated in his blessing could come to pass.

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Powerful Stories from the Lives of Latter-day Saint Men)

Patriarchal Blessings


Activity:

Give each family member a copy of a patriarchal blessing, their own if possible, or an ancestor’s blessing. Each blessing has three important kinds of information: lineage, blessings, and warnings. Have family members read their copy and underline, in pencil, the lineage. Then have them use one color marker to highlight blessings and another color for warnings or guidance. Remind everyone that patriarchal blessings are sacred and personal and should be shared outside the family only when the Spirit prompts.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book Two, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], 74.)

f.h.e from A to Z


Personal RevelationThe ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. (Julie B. Beck, “‘And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit’,” Ensign, May 2010, 10–12.)

Song:“Tell Me Dear Lord,” Children’s Songbook, p. 176.

Scripture:

Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. (Doctrine and Covenants 112:10)

Lesson:

After reading 1 Nephi 17:45 with your family, tell them that listening to the voice of the Lord is a little like listening to the radio. Turn on a radio and tune it to a spot where all you can hear is static. Ask how this radio signal is like what Laman and Lemuel received from the Lord. Now tune the radio to a crystal-clear station. Ask how this signal is like what Nephi heard.

Share the following statement from Elder Boyd K. Packer: “The scriptures generally use the word voice, which does not exactly fit. These delicate, refined communications are not seen with our eyes, nor heard with our ears. And even though it is described as a voice, it is a voice that one feels, more than one hears.” (“Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, January 1983, p. 52.)

Ask your family why someone with a hard heart would have difficulty hearing the voice of the Spirit. Bear your testimony of how wonderful it is when you are able to feel communication from the Spirit.


Story:

Several years ago I learned a great lesson while laboring as the managing director of the Church’s Welfare Services Department. We were at a critical stage in the history of Church welfare, and it was time to go through an agonizing reappraisal of the program in light of current world conditions.

Refreshment

Almond Chocolate Pie

1 graham cracker crust or baked 9-inch

pie shell

1/2 cup almond slivers, toasted

1 (7-ounce) chocolate bar

1/2 cup half-and-half

18 large marshmallows

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Place almonds on a cookie sheet

and bake for 5 to 7 minutes at 350

degrees F. Almonds should be light

golden brown. Remove from oven.

Be careful not to overcook; almonds

will continue to brown after being

removed from the oven.

Place the chocolate bar, half-and-

half, and marshmallows in the top

of a double boiler and heat until

chocolate bar and marshmallows

are melted. In a large bowl, whip

the cream until stiff; fold cream and

almonds into chocolate mixture.

Pour into crust and refrigerate to

cool. When cool, pace in freezer.

Remove from freezer 1 hour before

serving. Makes 1 pie.

(Lion House Pies, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010], p. 16.)

Personal Revelation


After praying for a solution to the problems we faced, I had a terrific thought: Glenn, you have access to the Quorum of the Twelve and to a member of the First Presidency. What a resource! I called for appointments and met individually with these great men. I poured out my concerns and added my feeling that we were at a stage where further revelation on the subject was necessary. Then I sat back with my pen and yellow notepad and waited for pearls of wisdom. I was devastated when their collective counsel amounted to this: “Brother Pace, we commend you for your concern and conscientiousness in finding solutions to these weighty matters. We, too, have some deep concerns and anxieties, and you are absolutely right—we do need revelation. Now, go get it!”

Who, me? I was an employee of the Church, not a General Authority. However, I had been taught that I had the responsibility to take to the Brethren well-thought-out recommendations that could be confirmed, modified, or rejected in the appropriate forums. It was my obligation and right to receive inspiration. And I knew that inspiration would come only after intense, agonizing study, research, and meditation. In other words, I learned that revelation is 95 percent hard work.

(Glenn L. Pace, Spiritual Plateaus, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1991].)

Activity:

Give everyone a pencil and a piece of paper with the word REVELATION written at the top.

At the signal to start, the players make as many words as they can in five minutes, using only the letters in the word revelation.

The winner is the person with the most words after the time is up.


f.h.e from A to Z


PioneersIt is not enough to study or reenact the accomplishments of our pioneers. We need to identify the great, eternal principles they applied to achieve all they achieved for our benefit and then apply those principles to the challenges of our day. In that way we honor their pioneering efforts, and we also reaffirm our heritage and strengthen its capacity to bless our own posterity and “those millions of our Heavenly Father’s children who have yet to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ.” We are all pioneers in doing so.(Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, November. 1997, 72.)

Song:“Whenever I Think about Pioneers,” Children’s Songbook, p. 222.

Scripture:

Let every man use all his influence and property to remove this people to the place where the Lord shall locate a stake of Zion. And if ye do this with a pure heart, in all faithfulness, ye shall be blessed; you shall be blessed in your flocks, and in your herds, and in your fields, and in your houses, and in your families. (Doctrine and Covenants 136:10-11)

Lesson:

The saints moving west were allowed only 2,000 pounds in each wagon and 500 pounds in each handcart. Look at the list of items below (and on the next page) and choose what you would put into your wagon or handcart. Remember your mom, dad, sisters, and brothers. Their things also have to go inside. Don’t forget that there will be hot days, cold nights, cooking, and that you will have to set up a new house when you reach your destination.

flour basketball rope salt

seeds blanket sugar video games

chicken yarn baseball and bat extension cord

hammer sling shot needle and thread saw

shoes bonnet soda pop Book of Mormon

shirt scissors knife, fork, spoon wheel

light bulb journal radio pans

hat harmonica dishes dog

barrel pen and ink bellows doll

fishing pole microwave oven umbrella

(Shauna Mooney Kawasaki, A Link to the Past: Fun with Church History, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2000], p. 18.)

Pioneers


Story:

Lucina Mecham (Boren)

In the spring of 1853 [when I was 12 years old] we started for Utah. We went a long way on a raft. I was always afraid of water. We crossed the Missouri River on a ferry boat, which frightened me very much, as the water was very high.

We left the Missouri River July 18th. My father started with two wagons, one yoke of oxen, two yoke of unbroken steers, and four cows. The man that sold Father the oxen had stolen them, and the man that he had stolen them from came and took them from us, so we only had one wagon and the cows.

The Indians were on the warpath, so we all had to travel together for safety. We were stopped once by the Indians. I thought there were one thousand of them! They could easily have killed us all, but we gave them provisions by robbing ourselves and then suffering from want of food.

We children had to walk most of the way. We stopped one day each week for washday, and we were always allowed time to keep ourselves clean. When we camped at night, the first wagon would stop. The next wagon would stop at his side, and so on, till they were all in a circle making a corral of the wagons and we would stay inside for safety. After supper and the animals were taken care of, we would sit around the fire, sing songs, tell stories, and those that were not too tired would dance. One brother had a violin, and he was very good at it for dancing.

My sister Sarah and I stopped to rest one day, and the wagons passed us. Sarah said she was not going any farther. I begged her to come with me, but she said she would rather be eaten by wolves than go on. She tried to get me to go and catch the wagons, but I told her I would not leave her. Then she said, “I will not see the wolves get you, so come on, let us go to camp.”

When we were three days from Salt Lake, my cousin Daniel Mecham met us with a load of food, flour, meat, and vegetables. And what a godsend it was, for we were out of food. The next day Brother Allen I. Stout, a friend of ours, came with another load of food. We all rode in the extra wagons to Salt Lake. We arrived October 16, 1853.

(Susan Arrington Madsen, I Walked to Zion: True Stories of Young Pioneers on the Mormon Trail, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994].)

Activity:

Make Butter: You will need several of the smallest baby food jars you can collect and enough whipping cream to fill the jars 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 full. Place a small amount of cream in each jar and have the children shake it vigorously until butter is formed. Provide small sections of johnnycake (or bread) and a plastic knife to let them try their creation (see recipe below).

(Clark L. and Kathryn H. Kidd, Kent D. and Shannon Pugmire, Ward Activities for the Clueless, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 2001], p. 178–181.)

Refreshment

Johnnycake

Johnnycake was a staple in the pioneer diet because it used only basic ingredients. It was often made with just cornmeal and water. Here is a more appealing recipe that can be made to serve with the homemade butter.

2 eggs1 cup water3/4 cup milk2 tablespoons oil1 teaspoon salt2 cups yellow cornmealButter

Mix the eggs, water, milk, oil, and salt together in a bowl. Stir in the cornmeal until smooth. Heat the griddle or frying pan. Put a small amount of oil on the griddle to keep the cakes from sticking. Pour about 1⁄4 cup (less for bite-sized samples) of batter onto the heated griddle. Fry the cake until done on one side, then turn over and cook the other side. Makes twelve cakes.


f.h.e from A to Z


Plan of SalvationEvery good thing you do in your life is following God’s plan. Every time you are kind to another person, each time you have courage to do something difficult, each time you do a thoughtful act without being asked, each time you say your prayers, each time you read the scriptures, each time you go to church, each time you help a friend—you are following God’s plan for you.(Michaelene P. Grassli, “I Will Follow God’s Plan for Me,” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 90)

Song:“I Will Follow God’s Plan” Children’s Songbook, p. 164.

Scripture:

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)

Lesson:

Prepare six paper circles. Write one of the following on each circle: PRE-EARTH LIFE, EARTH, SPIRIT WORLD, TELESTIAL, TERRESTRIAL, and CELESTIAL. Prepare three word strips: BIRTH, DEATH, and JUDGMENT.

Have a child put up the circle PRE-EARTH LIFE. Briefly tell the family how we all lived with Heavenly Father in the premortal existence. Talk about the war in heaven and their part in it. Let them know that they were on the “winning” side. Explain that when it was time for us to be born as mortals, we left Heavenly Father’s kingdom and came to earth. Put wordstrip BIRTH after the circle.

Have a child put up the circle EARTH. Tell the family that when we were born we forgot about the pre-earth life. This needed to happen so that we could exercise faith and obedience. Briefly talk about why we wanted to gain mortal bodies and prove ourselves. Explain about adversity and temptation and how it can help us. Help them understand the Savior’s important role. Put the wordstrip DEATH after EARTH.

Have a child put up the circle SPIRIT WORLD. Tell the family that after death and before resurrection we live in a place called the spirit world. Help the children understand that this is not a spooky place but a place where many important things happen. Put the wordstrip JUDGMENT.

Have a child put ut the three circles: TELESTIAL, TERRESTRIAL, and CELESTIAL. Explain that after we are judged for what we did on earth, we will enter one of the three kingdoms. Ask which kingdom Heavenly Father lives in. Tell the children that if they keep the commandments and follow the Savior’s example, they will be able to enter the celestial kingdom because of their faith and God’s grace. Tell them that Heavenly Father wants us all to come and dwell with him because he loves us so much.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], p. 64.)

Plan of Salvation


Story:

When I was a girl of about ten, one summer afternoon a friend and I took blankets and crackers out into the hayfield behind our Idaho home. The hay, in the middle of the summer, was sweet-smelling, lush, and so tall that when we spread our blankets in the middle of the field, we could sit on our blankets and eat crackers with the hay making a wall around us and hiding us from sight. There we were in a world all of our own.

We liked to pick the dandelions that grew large and abundantly there. We split their stems lengthwise—have any of you ever done that?—and submerged the stems in the water of the irrigation ditch. As we watched, the dandelion stems began to curl from the end. We split the stem a little farther, and each piece curled until the entire stem was a fluff of curly fibers.

It was an afternoon of wonder for us. We were there all alone under that bright, blue, clean, warm sky. It seemed as if God had created this day and dandelion stems especially for us to enjoy. I said to my friend, “Don’t you just feel happy inside?”

My friend looked at me and said, “No, I don’t.”

I was shattered by her blunt, almost emotionless statement. “Why?” I exclaimed.

“Because it won’t last,” she said. “You can be happy for a minute, but not for very long. Life just doesn’t make sense to me.”

I didn’t know what to say to my friend that day, but I do now. . . .

I wish that day in the green hayfield that I had been able to help my friend. I knew the plan, but I didn’t know that was what she needed to hear. Life would have made sense to her had she known Heavenly Father’s plan. I hope someone taught her. I wish I had been the one. Today’s world needs [children] who know the purpose of life and who can with courage and sincerity make a declaration of their determination to follow God.

(Michaelene P. Grassli, “I Will Follow God’s Plan for Me,” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 90)

Activity:

With blocks, Legos, or other building components, construct a building or tower with your family. Plan what you are going to build first, then create what you planned. Talk about how knowing what you were going to build, helped you create it.

Refreshment

Moon Cake

1 cup water

1⁄2 cup margarine

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 eggs

1 8-ounce package cream cheese

3 1⁄2 cups milk

5 3-ounce packages vanilla instant

pudding mix

1 12-ounce carton whipped topping,

thawed*

1⁄4 cup chocolate sauce

1⁄2 cup nuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 400°. In a small saucepan, mix the water and margarine. Bring to a boil. Add the flour all at once and stir rapidly until the mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat and cool.With a wooden spoon or electric mixer, beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Spread dough on an 11x15-inch ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool. (Crust will look like the moon’s surface, which is how it gets its name.) Don’t prick, let stand as is.Beat the cream cheese until it is very soft. In another bowl, mix the milk and pudding mix. Blend cream cheese with pudding and mix together until smooth. Spread on crust; refrigerate 20 minutes.Generously top with whipped topping. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Makes 20 servings.* Whipping cream may be substituted.

(Lion House Entertaining, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2001], p. 115.)

f.h.e from A to Z


PrayerThrough prayer, we can show our love for God. And He has made it so easy. We may pray to Him any time. No special equipment is needed. We don’t even need to charge batteries or pay a monthly service fee.(Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, May 2003, p. 7.)

Song:“I Pray in Faith,” Children’s Songbook, p. 14.

Scripture:

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. (Psalms 55:17)

Lesson:

Prepare four wordstrips:

DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER

THANKS FOR BLESSINGS

ASK FOR NEEDS

IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, AMEN.

Mix them up and put them on a board or the floor. Explain that these wordstrips represent the four parts of prayer but they’re not in the right order. Guide the children in putting the wordstrips in order as you discuss each part of prayer. Mix the wordstrips up again and see if they can arrange them without your help.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], p. 66-67.)

Story:

While our family was living in Montevideo, Uruguay, we were out for a drive one day when we passed a dog pound. Our children had been after us for some time to buy a dog. . . We debated the issue for some time and finally went inside, where we were surrounded by scores of dogs of all kinds. After looking around, we finally found her—a mongrel pup with curly golden hair. She seemed to have been made just for our family. We bought her and headed home amid great noise and excitement.

Our oldest son, then eight years of age, soon became the one who took care of her. She responded to all of the family but most of all to him. He fed her, took her on long walks, listened to her howl at night, and did all the rest that comes with the proud ownership of a puppy. He named her Dixie. Dogs seem to exist to wag their tails and make people happy, but Dixie did much more than that. She soon became an important part of the family.

Prayer


One afternoon when I came home from work, I was met by our oldest boy, who was crying. Dixie had been lost most of the day and could not be found. The search had gone on for two or three hours. My wife had driven several of the children, who had been praying most of that time, to look throughout the neighborhood and in the surrounding blocks. By the time I arrived home, they had lost nearly all hope, as thievery ran high in that area, and the chances were good that someone had stolen our pretty little pup.

However, the faith of our oldest boy was not diminished. He tearfully told me that he had prayed and prayed, but that the Lord had not yet helped him find Dixie. Yet in confidence and faith he said, “Dad, I knowif you will pray with the rest of the family, all together in family prayer, Heavenly Father will show us where Dixie is.”

As we headed for the living room to have a prayer, my own faith needed strengthening. How I prayed that the Lord would answer this boy and strengthen his faith in prayer! Because the situation was serious, and because it offered an opportunity to teach our children about the power of prayer, each family member (all six of us), from the oldest to the youngest, prayed aloud that the Lord would show us where Dixie was. The oldest boy, guided by the Spirit, prayed that wherever Dixie might be, she would be protected, and that if someone had taken her and would not give her back, they would love her and take good care of her.

After the prayer, we talked about the need to do all in our power to find Dixie if we expected the Lord to help us. The whole family got into the car, and we began backing out of the driveway to begin another search. As the car reached the street, we saw a neighbor girl running toward us. To our great joy, she was yelling, “I have Dixie!” The dog had been trapped in the neighbors’ garage all that time.

As many little arms reached for her, my wife and I had much gratitude in our hearts that the Lord had honored our prayers, even in the moment when our prayers were being offered.

As things quieted down and we brought Dixie into the house, one of the younger boys said how grateful he was and that we ought to thank Heavenly Father. Thus again, on bended knee, the entire family offered individual thanks to the Lord for having answered our prayers.

(Gene R. Cook, Raising Up a Family to the Lord, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1993].)

Refreshment

Chocolate Pretzel Passion Cookies

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated

sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tablespoons water

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

I teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups broken pretzel pieces

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

(maxi size)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In

a large mixing bowl, cream butter

until soft. Add sugars and beat until

well mixed. Add eggs, water, and

vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Add the

flour, baking soda, and salt and mix

until well incorporated. Add the

pretzels and chocolate chips and

mix briefly. Scoop with a tablespoon

for large cookies or with a teaspoon

for smaller cookies and drop onto

ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten

each dough ball slightly with a glass

or the palm of your hand. Bake 10 to

12 minutes. Baking times may vary

depending on the size of dough.

Makes 30 cookies.

(Lion House Bakery, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2009] p. 78.)

Prayer


Activity:

Create two sets of game squares by writing words on small sheets of paper or index cards. The words are listed below.

Shuffle the A cards and lay them face down in a row on the floor or table. Then shuffle the B cards and place them face down in a second row on the floor or table.

Every card in group A matches a card in group B. The object of the game is to make as many matches as possible.

Divide the family into two teams and have team one choose a card from group A and one from group B. If the words match, team one receives a point and team two takes their turn. If the words do not match, turn the cards back over and team two takes a guess. (Notice that even if a match is made, only one guess can be taken each turn.)

Play alternates until all nine of the matches have been made. The team with the most matches wins.

Fold / Arms

Kneel / Down

Close / Eyes

Bless / Food

Heavenly / Father

Morning / and Night

Thanks for / Blessing

Ask for / Needs

Prayers are / Answered

(Max H. Molgard and Allan K. Burgess, Fun for Family Night: Book of Mormon Edition, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1990], p. 63.)

f.h.e from A to Z


PriesthoodBrothers and sisters, can you imagine how dark and empty mortality would be if there were no priesthood? If the power of the priesthood were not upon the earth, the adversary would have freedom to roam and reign without restraint. There would be no gift of the Holy Ghost to direct and enlighten us; no prophets to speak in the name of the Lord; no temples where we could make sacred, eternal covenants; no authority to bless or baptize, to heal or comfort. Without the power of the priesthood, . . . there would be no light, no hope—only darkness.(Robert D. Hales, “Blessings of the Priesthood,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 32)

Song:“The Priesthood is Restored” Children’s Songbook, p. 89.

Scripture:

And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord. (D&C 84: 35)

Lesson:

When I was a boy, sometimes I’d bring things home that my mother wished I hadn’t—a snake or a turtle or a worm. She’d usually ask me three questions:

What is that?

Where did you get it?

What are you going to do with it?

When you receive the Aaronic Priesthood and bring it into your home, you mother will be thrilled. But if she asked you the same three questions about the priesthood, how would you answer?

What is It? I’m sure you’ve noticed the stars and planets shining in the sky on a dark night. Do you know what holds them in place? Priesthood. Do you know by what power they were created? Priesthood. And do you know what power you have? Priesthood.

Simply put, the priesthood is the power and authority of God, delegated to man on earth. We use the priesthood to do the Lord’s work on earth.

Where did you get it? You got your preisthood from the person who ordained you, but it goes back a lot further than that. In 1829, John the Baptist, the same person who baptized Jesus, appeared and ordained Joseph Smith and Oliver

Refreshment

Layered Cookies

1⁄4 pound butter or margarine

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 cup coconut

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup butterscotch chips

1 cup nuts

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Melt butter in 9x13-inch pan. Sprinkle

remaining ingredients over butter, in

layers. Bake at 350 degrees for 30

minutes. Immediately after removing

from oven, cut cookies away from

sides of pan. Cut in squares while

still warm.

(Lion House Classics, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 108.)

Priesthood


Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood. A personal “line of authority” will show how your priesthood was passed from Jesus Christ himself all the way down to you.

What are you going to do with it? You are going to serve, that’s what. We use the priesthood to make others’ lives better. That’s the Lord’s work on earth. The way to served God is to serve each other, and that’s what Priesthood is all about.

A big part of what you do with the priesthood is to help in performing ordinances. Ordinances include things like baptism and administration of the sacrament.

(John Bytheway, Honoring the Priesthood as a Deacon, a Teacher, and a Priest, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 2002], p. 7–14, abridged.)

Story:

Shortly after my call to the Council of the Twelve, one of my assignments was to direct missionary labors in the missions of the West Coast of North America.

I held a meeting one day in San Mateo, California, and as I listened to the testimonies of the missionaries, I noted that one elder had a terribly scarred face. The mission president, Howard Allen, advised me that Elder Nichols had been thrown through the windshield of his automobile in a terrible accident just a few months earlier. He then pointed out that Elder Nichols’ parents were nonmembers and were threatening to sue the Church due to the injury. Doctors had despaired of the boy ever again regaining a pleasing appearance and felt that plastic surgery could do but little in his particular case.

I felt the strong impression to give to Elder Nichols a blessing. President Allen and I took him aside and gave him such a blessing. The spirit was surely present.

In the fall of 1969 my wife, Frances, and I were looking at carpeting in a store in Salt Lake City. The young man handling the carpet came forward and asked if I remembered him. I told him that he looked vaguely familiar, but that I couldn’t quite place his name. He then stepped over and sat behind a lamp so that the light of the lamp cast its brilliance upon his face. He said, “Look closely at my face and then see if you can remember.”

As I examined his face, I noted thin, scarcely discernable scars running across his nose, forehead, and cheeks. It was then that I realized this was Elder Nichols, the horribly scarred boy who had received a blessing in San Mateo while serving as a missionary in the Northern California Mission.

When I identified him, he smilingly said, “Brother Monson, even the plastic surgeons have called my case a miracle. I told them it was the intervention of Divine Providence through a priesthood blessing coupled with faith.”

Elder Nichols was among the most handsome of young men.

(Thomas S. Monson, Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994], p. 126)

Priesthood


Activity:

Give each person a paper and pencil. Place a variety of household tools in a box. Have one family member take one of the tools out of the box without the rest of the family seeing what the tool is.

Instruct the others that they should guess what the tool is. Each person may ask one question that can be answered “yes” or “no.” They cannot ask directly if it is a certain tool. For example, they can’t say, “Is it a hammer?”

After everyone has asked his question, have each write on his piece of paper what he thinks the tool is. When this has been done, have the person show the tool. Next have each person tell one thing the tool can be used for. Begin with the person who had the tool.

The next person takes a new tool out of the box. Be sure the other players don’t see it and repeat the game. At the conclusion of the game, see who guessed the most tools correctly.

(adapted from Allan K. Burgess and Max H. Molgard, Fun For Family Night: New Testament Edition, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1995], 105.)

f.h.e from A to Z


ProphetsI have the sure knowledge . . . that God directs His prophet.(Thomas S. Monson, “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” Ensign, May 2008, 87–90.)

Song:“We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” Hymns, 19.

Scripture:

We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. (Articles of Faith 1:6)

Lesson:

Discuss the prophets in the pictures used in the activity.

1. Noah: Told the people to repent and live the commandments or Heavenly Father would punish them.

2. Isaiah: Saw the birth of the Savior.

3. Lehi: Preached to the people and told them to follow the commandments or Jerusalem would be destroyed.

4. Daniel: Interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream when no one else could.

5. Samuel the Lamanite: Foretold the birth of Christ to the Nephite people.

Tell the family that these prophets were very spiritual men. They loved the Savior and tried to help people learn about him. Sometimes the people listened to what the prophet said and repented, and sometimes they did not. When a prophet said something would happen, it happened. Heavenly Father helped them know about future events. This is called revelation.

Ask: Why does Heavenly Father want us to have prophets? (Following the prophet will help us choose the right, will make us happy, will help us follow the Savior, etc.)

Who is our prophet today? What has he asked us to do? Why would Heavenly Father want us to do these things?

Refreshment

Spencer W. Kimball’s Raspberry Cheesecake

1 3-ounce package lemon gelatin

1 cup hot water

1 cup evaporated milk, chilled and

whipped


softened

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoons lemon juice

1/2 cup butter

28 graham crackers, crushed

1 cup whipping cream, whipped and

sweetened

1 to 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries

In a mixer bowl dissolve gelatin in

hot water; cool and blend in whipped

evaporated milk. In a separate bowl,

beat cream cheese with sugar.

Gently combine gelatin mixture with

cream cheese mixture; fold in lemon

juice. In another bowl, melt butter

and combine with cracker crumbs.

Place half of crumbs on bottom of

9x13-inch pan. Pour gelatin/cream

cheese mixture on top and sprinkle

with remaining crumbs. Chill at least

3 hours to set. Serve with whipped

cream and raspberries. Makes 10 to

12 servings.

(Lion House Desserts, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2000], p.14.)

Prophets


Tell the children that when we hear a prophet speak to us it’s as though Heavenly Father is speaking to us. If we obey the words of a prophet, we will find happiness in all that we do and we will be able to follow Jesus.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,1992], p. 20–1.)

Story:

Arch Madsen

I remember being in New York when President [David O.] McKay returned from Europe. Arrangements had been made for pictures to be taken, but the regular photographer was unable to go, so in desperation the United Press picked their crime photographer—a man accustomed to the toughest type of work in New York. He went to the airport, stayed there two hours, and returned later from the darkroom with a tremendous sheaf of pictures. He was supposed to take only two. His boss immediately chided him. “What in the world are you wasting time and all those photographic supplies for?”

The photographer replied very curtly, saying he would gladly pay for the extra materials, and they could even dock him for the extra time he took. It was obvious that he was very touchy about it. Several hours later the vice-president called him to his office, wanting to learn what happened. The crime photographer said, “When I was a little boy, my mother used to read to me out of the Old Testament, and all my life I have wondered what a prophet of God must really look like. Well, today I found one.”

(Edited by Jay A. Parry, Jack M. Lyon, and Linda Rire Gundry, Best-Loved Stories of the LDS People, Vol. 2, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1999]. p.390.)

Activity:

Obtain pictures of five or six scriptural prophets, such as Noah, Isaiah, Lehi, Daniel, and Samuel the Lamanite. Have one family member select a picture without letting anyone see what picture he has. The rest of the family can ask yes or no questions to determine what the picture is.

f.h.e from A to Z


RepentanceOne of the questions we must ask of our Heavenly Father in private prayer is this: “What have I done today, or not done, which displeases Thee? If I can only know, I will repent with all my heart without delay.” (Henry B. Eyring, “Do Not Delay,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 33)

Song: “Help Me Dear Father,” both verses, Children’s Songbook, p. 99.

Scripture:

Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you. (Alma 34:17)

Object Lesson:

Items needed: First-aid kit.

Presentation: Show the first aid kit and ask the class what it could be used for. Explain that when someone is hurt it can be an important tool for helping them get better. Ask: What would happen if a serious cut went untreated? (It might get infected, bleed too much, cause more serious problems, etc.). Tell the class that usually we can use a first-aid kit to care for our own little injuries, but when an injury is serious, we must go to someone with more authority an knowledge of first aid and medicine.

Tell the class that sin is like an injury to the spirit. If left untreated, it can also lead to more serious complications. Briefly discuss what some of those complications might be. (More serious sin, apostacy, or spiritual death.) Tell class members that we can take care of most of our spiritual injuries on our own. Discuss how this is done. Remind them that when a sin is grievous, someone with authority must help us. Ask: Who would that person be? (The bishop.)

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Object Lessons Made Easy, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010], p.76.)

Story:

Two Years He Was an Honor StudentElder Adam S. Bennion

The two following incidents, related by the principal of one of Utah’s high schools, illustrate clearly the difference between a repentant and a self-justifying attitude. Two boys had been caught stealing—one had taken some money from another student’s locker, and the other had stolen some tools from the manual training department. It is a regrettable fact that stealing should be found in American schools where every possible advantage is given to boys and girls, practically free of charge. But there are students who seem to have little self-respect and little respect for the rights of others.

The boys were called into the office and each one was interviewed separately. The boy who had taken the money

Repentance


was resentful. He said that he was not the only boy in the school who was stealing. Why did not the principal find the others and punish them too? Anyway, he felt that he had a right to take money if a fellow didn’t know better than to leave it in a locker that wasn’t locked.

The boy who had taken the tools felt altogether different. He was ashamed to think that he would lower himself to the level of a thief. He explained that he knew better than to steal but he had seen the tools lying around, they were just what he needed in doing some work at home, he couldn’t afford to buy them, and thinking that perhaps they would never be missed, he took them. When he reached home, he could not make proper explanation to his parents and he was sent back to the school to be disciplined.

The principal was anxious to help both boys—he not only wanted them to finish their schooling—he wanted them to learn one of life’s greatest lessons—that honesty is one of the grandest principles in the world. He explained to them that they would have to appear before the teachers of the school, make a statement of the whole affair, and give assurances that such actions would never be repeated.

The boy who had stolen the money flatly refused. He would rather quit school than, as he called it, “be disgraced.” The law of the school was enforced and he was asked to withdraw. He left the school with defiance in his soul and with a sort of determination that he would get even with somebody—though he didn’t seem to know just who it should be.

Out of the school he found that he had lost the respect of his old comrades, and the new ones who took their places were of a far inferior sort. He soon went from bad to worse until when last heard of he had been sent to the State Industrial School where he might be prevented from committing further crime.

The boy, on the other hand, who had taken the tools agreed to do as the principal required. It was a hard thing to do, of course. In fact, it was the hardest he had ever encountered. He not only was ashamed for what he had done, but how could he ever look those teachers in the face again? But feeling really sorry for the offense, he found courage to take the penalty. He was so manly and frank about it that every one of the teachers, who heard his confession, came to admire him more than ever before. They became his friends and took particular pains to help him find and develop his better self. When he was graduated from the school two years later he was an honor student—respected by every student who knew him. The humility of repentance had led him into a new life.

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Exceptional Stories from the Lives of Our Apostles, pp. 80-83.)

Refreshment

Easy Chocolate Mousse

This light and fluffy chocolate

mousse is stabilized with gelatin Try

it with a dollop of whipped cream

and some fresh berries for an easy,

yet elegant dessert.

1 teaspoon unflavored -gelatin

1 tablespoon cold -water

2 tablespoons boiling water (just

heat it in a small bowl in your

microwave)

1⁄2 cup -sugar

1⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa -powder

1 cup heavy whipping -cream

1 teaspoon -vanilla

1. In a small bowl, combine gelatin

and cold water and allow to stand

for about 1 minute. While gelatin is

softening, bring 2 tablespoons water

to a boil in the microwave (see tip at

left). Whisk into the softened gelatin

and allow to cool.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine

sugar, cocoa powder, cream, and

vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer

until -medium--stiff peaks form. Mix

in gelatin mixture until combined

and refrigerate for 30 minutes. If

serving in individual cups, place

mousse in cups or bowls before

-refrigerating.

(Sara Wells and Kate Jones, Our Best Bites: Mormon Moms in the Kitchen, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2011], p. 234.)

Repentance


Activity:

Trace five footprints on colored paper. Label them as follows:

1. Admit you did something wrong.

2. Say, “I’m sorry.”

3. Promise not to do the wrong again.

4. Correct what you did wrong.

5. Remember to forgive others.

Cut out the footprints and hide them around the room. Have the children find them, one at a time, and bring them to the front of the room. Have another person put them in order. Talk about the steps and why repentance should follow that order. Ask what would happen if we skipped a step.

(Shauna Mooney Kawasaki, My Family Can Be Forever, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 37.)

f.h.e from A to Z


The RestorationSobered and humbled by the grandeur of the Restoration and all that it brings to us, there should be times when you and I leave tears on our pillows out of gratitude for what God has given us.(Neal A. Maxwell, “The Wondrous Restoration,” Ensign, Apr. 2003, 30)

Song:“Joseph Smith’s First Prayer,” Hymns, 26.

Scripture:

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)

Lesson:

Write each of the following scripture references on a slip of paper and place them in a jar: 1 Nephi 14:7; 1 Nephi 22:8; 3 Nephi 21:9; D&C 6:1; D&C 11:1; D&C 12:1. Ask family members to draw slips of paper from the jar until it is empty. Have each person read aloud his or her scripture verses. Ask:

• What phrase is found in all of these verses? (“Marvelous work.”)

• What “great and marvelous work” do you think is being foretold in these verses? (Share the following quotation from President Howard W. Hunter: “This church, . . . that had been prophesied to be a latter-day marvelous work and a wonder, has come forth from the most humble of beginnings.” [Ensign, May 1991, 63.])

• Which of these prophecies is the oldest? (1 Nephi 14:7, about 600 b.c.)

• How does it feel to be a member of a Church that was prophesied to come forth thousands of years ago?

• What do you think the Lord expects of us because we have been given such a wonderful blessing?


Refreshment

Lion House Fruit Muffins

2/3 c. sugar

1/3 c. shortening

1 egg

1⁄4 c. honey

1 c. milk

2 c. flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 c. drained canned fruit, cut in small

pieces

Cream sugar and shortening; add

egg and mix well. Add honey and

milk, scraping bowl often. Add sifted

dry ingredients and mix at low speed

just until blended. Fold in drained

fruit. Fill greased muffin tins 3/4 full.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

Makes 1 dozen muffins.


The Restoration


Story:

Testify That Joseph Smith Is a ProphetDavid O. McKay

My father . . . accepted a call to a mission about 1880. When he began preaching, in his native land, and bore testimony of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, he noticed that the people turned away from him. They were bitter in their hearts against anything “Mormon,” and the name of Joseph Smith seemed to arouse antagonism in their hearts. One day he concluded that the best way to get these people would be to preach just the simple principles, the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, the first principles of the gospel, and not bear testimony of the restoration of the gospel. It first came simply, as a passing thought, but yet it influenced his future work. In a month or so he became oppressed with a gloomy, downcast feeling, and he could not enter into the spirit of his work. He did not really know what was the matter, but his mind became obstructed, his spirit became clogged, he was oppressed and hampered; and that feeling of depression continued until it weighed him down with such heaviness that he went to the Lord and said: “Unless I can get this feeling removed, I shall have to go home. I cannot continue my work with this feeling.”

It continued for some time after that, when, one morning, before daylight, following a sleepless night, he decided to retire to a cave, near the ocean, where he knew he would be shut off from the world entirely, and there pour out his soul to God and ask why he was oppressed with this feeling, what he had done, and what he could do to throw it off and continue his work. He started out in the dark towards the cave, and he became so eager to get to it that he started to run and was hailed by an officer who wanted to know what was the matter, as he was leaving the town. He gave some noncommittal but satisfying reply and was permitted to go on. Something seemed to drive him; he had to get relief.

He entered that place and said: “Oh, Father, what can I do to have this feeling removed? I must have it lifted or I cannot continue in this work”; and he heard a voice, as distinct as the tone I am now uttering, say: “Testify that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God.”

Remembering, then, what he tacitly had decided six weeks or more before, and becoming overwhelmed with the thought, the whole thing came to him in a realization that he was there for a special mission, and that he had not given that special mission the attention which it deserved. Then he cried in his heart, “Lord, it is enough,” and went out from the cave.

(Linda Ririe Gundry, Jay A. Parry, and Jack M. Lyon, editors, Best-Loved Stories of the LDS People, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2001], p. 392.)

Activity:

Play “Graphic Evolution” to illustrate the need for a prophet to restore the church after centuries of confusion and darkness.

1. Write the title of a book, movie, or song at the top of a long sheet of paper. Pass the paper to the next person.

2. The next person draws a picture depicting the title as best he can, then folds over the title so it can’t be seen. The paper is handed to the next person.

3. The next person looks at the drawing and writes below the picture what he thinks the title is. he folds over the picture so only the last title shows.

The Restoration


4. This process of guessing the title from the last picture or drawing a picture from the last title continues until everyone has had a turn.

5. Read aloud the last title and the original title. Unfold the paper so everyone can see the graphic evolution.

6. You could also have everyone start a separate paper with a title and then trade papers until each person has written or drawn on each paper.


f.h.e from A to Z


ResurrectionI express . . . my personal testimony as a special witness, . . . that God our Father . . . had a Son who died, even Jesus Christ the Lord; that He is our advocate with the Father, the Prince of Peace, our Savior and divine Redeemer, and one day we [will] see Him face-to-face.(Thomas S. Monson, “Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 21–24)

Song:“Did Jesus Really Live Again?” Children’s Songbook, p. 64.

Scripture:

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen. (Matthew 28:5–6)

Object Lesson:

Materials needed: An ink pen with an ink cartridge that can be removed.

Begin this lesson by comparing the pen and ink cartridge with our body and spirit. When we are born, our spirit enters our body. Place the ink cartridge inside the pen. Explain that we can accomplish many things when our spirits are coupled with our mortal bodies. Draw a simple sketch with with the pen. When we die, our spirits are removed from our bodies. Take the cartridge out of the pen, and lay the pen down. Explain that the mortal body is left behind and the spirit goes on. The spirit can still do many things, though not as easily. Christ has promised us that someday we will be resurrected, or that our spirits will be reunited with our bodies. Slip the ink cartridge back into the pen. Explain that after our bodies and spirits are reunited, we are promised that they will never be separated again.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Power Tools for Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], p. 73.)

Story:

I Forgot to Tell You, But He Rose AgainJames A. Cullimore

The story is told of a man walking down a street in Chicago who came to a store window where there was displayed a beautiful picture of the crucifixion. As he stood gazing spellbound at the vivid picture story, he suddenly became conscious that at his side stood a little boy. The boy too was gazing at the picture, and his tense expression made the man know that the crucifixion had really gripped the eager little soul. Touching the boy on the shoulder, the man said, “Sonny, what does it mean?”

“Don’cha know?” he answered, his face full of the marvel of the man’s ignorance. “That there man is Jesus, and them others is Roman soldiers, and the woman crying is his mother, and,” he added, “they killed him.”

The man was loath to leave the window, but he could not tarry always at the tragic scene, so he turned away and

Resurrection


walked down the street. In a few moments he heard pattering footsteps, and there came rushing toward him the little boy.

“Say, mister!” he exclaimed breathlessly. “I forgot to tell you, but he rose again!”

Yes, he rose again. The advent on earth of the Redeemer is of less importance than the conquest of death and the grave, for it was only by rising from the grave that he could redeem the world. Hence, his resurrection signals the redemption of mankind and becomes one of the greatest of all occasions for every child of God.

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 3, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1974].)

Activity:

Fill in the prices for all or some of the items on the list below.

Divide the family into two or three teams. Give each team a pencil and paper.

Describe one of the items on your list and have the teams write down how much they think the items sells for. The team that comes closest—without guessing a higher price than the actual price of the item—scores five points. If everyone guesses too high, they all write down new guesses. This is done until someone earns the five points.

Play continues until you have priced as many items as you desire. The team with the highest number of points is declared the winner.

Have each family member share what worth they feel the gift of the resurrection is. Christ’s resurrection made it possible for all of us to be resurrected.

The Price is Right

Ten gallons of gasoline A bag of potato chips A can of hair spray A 21” television

A digital camera A fly swatter A frozen pizza A living room sofa

A boy’s dress shirt 4 AA batteries An MP3 player A pair of tennis shoes

A frozen dinner A container of ice cream A garden hose A mop

A wheelbarrow A container of dish soap A container of laundry detergent

A leather-bound triple combination

(Allan K. Burgess and Max H. Molgard, Fun for Family Night: New Testament Edition, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1995], p. 159.)

Refreshment

Paradise Cake

1 11.5-ounce can mandarin oranges, with juice

4 eggs1/2 cup vegetable oil1 package yellow pudding cake mix1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple,

with juice1 3-ounce package vanilla instant

pudding1 8-ounce carton frozen whipped

topping, thawed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Combine mandarin oranges, including juice, with eggs and oil in a mixing bowl; beat well. Stir in cake mix and beat again until well mixed. Pour into greased baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.Drain pineapple, reserving all but one-fourth of its juice. Make topping by mixing crushed pineapple and reserved juice, vanilla instant pudding, and whipped topping. Spread onto cooled cake in pan. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 12 to 16 servings.

(Lion House Christmas, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2006], p. 97.)

f.h.e from A to Z


Sabbath DayKeeping the Sabbath day holy is much more than just physical rest. It involves spiritual renewal and worship. . . . This need for physical, mental, and spiritual regeneration is met in large measure by faithful observance of the Sabbath day.(James E. Faust, “The Lord’s Day,” Ensign, Nov. 1991, 33)

Song:

“The Chapel Doors” Children’s Songbook, p. 156.

Scripture:

And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. (Ezekiel 20:20)

Lesson:

Sometimes we concentrate on the things we shouldn’t do on Sundays instead of focusing on the things we can and should do. Remembering that the Sabbath is a day set aside for us to do good, to loose people from their bonds, to do the Lord’s work, and to draw closer to God. Split the family into groups and see which group can come up with the most ideas of acceptable things that can be done on the Sabbath. After ten minutes, have each group share their ideas.

After each group has shared their ideas, you may desire to share some of the following ideas that other families have come up with.

1. Read scriptures, Church magazines, and other uplifting books.

2. Sing Church music.

3. Look at family pictures, slides, or videos.

4. Plan family night activities.

5. Take gifts to or spend time with those who are sick.

6. Prepare Church lessons and fulfill other Church assignments.

7. Write in one’s journal or write personal history.

8. Write to or visit relatives and friends.

9. Write to missionaries.

10. Have family home evening or a gospel discussion.

Refreshment

Dump Cake

1 (26-ounce) can cherry pie filling

1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple

1 package yellow or white cake mix

3/4 cup butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease

a 9 x 13-inch cake pan. Dump pie

filling in the bottom of pan and

spread as evenly as possible. Dump

crushed pineapple, with juice, evenly

over pie filling. Sprinkle cake mix

evenly over the fruit. Do not stir.

Slice butter thinly and place slices

over cake mix. Try to cover mix. Bake

45 minutes. Serve with a dollop of

whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla

ice cream.

(Lion House Bakery, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2009], p. 93.)

Sabbath Day


11. Read with children.

12. Compile family history.

13. Visit the sick, the elderly, and the lonely.

14. Hold interviews with family members.

15. Attend Church meetings.

16. Give father’s blessings.

17. Do home or visiting teaching.

18. Visit the temple grounds.

19. Tell inspirational stories.

20. Play quiet, uplifting games as a family.


Story:

Eli Herring was an offensive lineman at BYU. He was very big—he kind of looked like a major appliance with legs. USA Today said that he would go first round in the NFL draft. But as the time approached, he said, “I don’t want to enter the draft.” The entire media said, “What!” He said, “I don’t want to enter the draft.” They said, “Why?” And he said, “Because. The games are on Sunday. I don’t want to play on Sunday.”

Eli Herring’s father, David L. Herring, explained, “Our great-grandfathers called it the Holy Sabbath day. Our grandfathers called it the Sabbath. Our fathers called it Sunday, and now we just call it the weekend. Our family feels like our great-grandfathers did about the Holy Sabbath day.”

We have to ask, “Where is it with me? Is it the Holy Sabbath, the Sabbath, Sunday, or is it just kind of the weekend?”

The first summer of my marriage, I opened up my planner and it said “August 9th.” I thought, August 9th, what is that? I should remember that. It took me a while to figure it out—it’s not my birthday, it’s not my wife’s birthday, what is August 9th? Then I thought, Oh, that is the anniversary of our first date. So I thought, this will be fun, I’ll write a card or something. On the way home from work, I stopped at a florist and bought a rose and a vase. I wrote a card that said, “Dear Kim, Happy Anniversary of our first date. Love, John.”

I put it on the table and thought, she’ll like that. Oh, my goodness, I had no idea how much she’d like that. She said, “You remembered our first date! You are the best husband in the world.”

I learned something I’d heard a million times: actions speak louder than words. The words were “Dear Kim, Happy Anniversary of our first date.” The actions were I remembered, I bought the rose, put the rose in the vase, put the vase out on the table. The action said of course I would remember you on our day.

Let’s broaden this little idea. Here’s the Lord looking down on us and He says, “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.” We can say, “Soon as I get home from church, I’m going to change my clothes, I’m going to change my radio station, I’m going to change my attitude. I’m going to act like it is any other day.” Well, you can if you want, but actions speak louder than words. Do you want to show the Lord how you feel about Him? One way to do that is how you treat the Sabbath day.

Sabbath Day


(John Bytheway, Family Night With John Bytheway, DVD, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010].)

Activity:

Create a “Can-Do” box for your family, similar to the one described below. Be creative and customize your Sunday box with a variety of things. Church magazines, audiovisual materials, wholesome books—there’s so much to enjoy. If everyone in the family is invited to contribute something, your “can-do” box will be filled with wonderful activities for a Sabbath day.

Our family has a “can-do” box that’s brimming with appropriate activities for Sabbath worship. Over time, we’ve added or rotated many things, but we started with just a few dress-up items. It all began when we saw a Sunday dress-up box that one of our ward members had. The children absolutely loved it because they could reenact scripture stories in costume. Simple props like a bathrobe; an old dress; a child’s plastic sword, shield, and armor; and many other inexpensive or recycled items are possibilities.

We also wanted to encourage letter writing, so we added a container of writing supplies. We included addressed envelopes, stickers, and colored markers and pens. Even our youngest child loved sending letters to ward missionaries and family members.

Of course, we had to have a variety of wholesome games, including word searches and crossword puzzles. We even recycled leftover Primary lesson materials and old singing time props. The children were delighted to play with these appealing teaching materials.

(Stacilee Whiting, “Our Sabbath ‘Can-Do’ Box,” Ensign, Sept. 2009, 70.)

f.h.e from A to Z


The SacramentIn my judgment the sacrament meeting is the most sacred, the most holy, of all the meetings of the Church. When I reflect upon the gathering of the Savior and his apostles on that memorable night when he introduced the sacrament . . . my heart is filled with wonderment and my feelings are touched. I consider that gathering one of the most solemn and wonderful since the beginning of time.(Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, Oct. 1929, 60–61.)

Song:

“I Stand All Amazed,” Hymns. # 193.

Scripture:

It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus (Doctrine and Covenants 20:75)

Object Lesson:

Show your family a piece of bread and glass of water. Ask them what they think about when they see these emblems. Discuss the following questions:

• What are you usually thinking and feeling when the sacrament is administered each week?

• How might your thoughts and feelings change if the sacrament were administered by the Savior himself?

• What are some of the things that make it easier or harder to think about the Savior during the sacrament in your ward or branch?

• What are some things the Aaronic priesthood could do to make it a more spiritual experience?

• What are some things you could do to focus more on the Savior?

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: Book of Mormon, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 300.)

Refreshment

Alice’s Navajo Fry Bread

4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups warm water

Lard or shortening for deep-frying

In a large bowl, combine flour,

baking powder, and salt. Add water

in small amounts, mixing between

each addition. Knead dough till soft

but not sticky. Cover and let stand 15

minutes. Pull off egg-sized balls and

roll each into a round about G inch

thick. Prick with fork 3 or 4 times

to allow dough to puff up when it

is fried. Deep-fry in hot fat in heavy

skillet.

Fry bread is good spread with jam,

or sprinkled with powdered sugar or

salt. Makes 16 to 20 rounds.


The Sacrament


Story:

Elder Matthew Cowley

We had a young sailor who came into our home in New Zealand during the war. He was a convert to the Church. Before he left San Francisco, he had been ordained a priest. And we asked him about his life on board ship. He was the only member of the Church on this big transport.

He said, “Well, whenever we stop at a port, the fellows all come around and kid me and say, ‘Come on, let’s go out and have a good time, get on a binge, get some relaxation.’ But I do not go. You know the reason I do not go? You know the reason I can stand up against those invitations and temptation?” He said, “It is because the captain on the ship on Sunday gives me a little room, and I go into that little room all by myself. I have that little serviceman’s copy of the Book of Mormon, so I take a little water and a piece of bread. I open up that Book of Mormon to Moroni, and I get down on my knees. I bless the sacrament, and I pass it to myself.” And he said, “Then I am safe for another week.” He said, “Nobody on earth can tempt me.” He was learning how to live, fast, but not learning fast living. Just remember, he was learning to live the simple life.

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 2)

Activity:

Play the following action memory game with your family. Have everyone stand up. Explain that you will do several actions such as clapping, shaking your head, touching your elbow, and so on. The children must watch carefully. They are to repeat your actions in the same order. Begin with only one action, and add an action each time. Challenge them to see how many actions they can follow. Encourage them to help each other too.

Praise them for watching, remembering, and following so carefully. Liken this to remembering Jesus and following his example.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book Two, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p.80.)

Extras:

• Review the story of the Last Supper.

• Find the sacrament prayers in the scriptures and read them together.

• Remind your family that earth life brings many challenges and decisions. Jesus will always help us, if we remember him. We must think of his example and ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” Then we must do our best to follow that example.

f.h.e from A to Z


Scripture StudyThe holy scriptures are for children, to fill their eager minds with sacred truth. They are for youth, to prepare them for the challenges of our fast-moving world. They are for the sisters . . . They are for the brethren of the priesthood.(Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, December 1985, p. 48.)

Song:

“Search, Ponder, and Pray,” Children’s Songbook, p. 109.

Scripture:

And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. (2 Nephi 4:15)

Lesson:

After Jesus was baptized and received the Holy Ghost, he went to be with God. Jesus fasted for forty days. He was very weak. Satan thought he could take advantage of Jesus while he was tired.

First Satan tempted Jesus to prove he was Heavenly Father’s Son by turning some rocks into bread. Jesus was very hungry. But he knew the scriptures. He said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” He chose not to turn the rocks into bread.

Then the Spirit took Jesus to a high pinnacle of the temple. Satan tempted Jesus to throw himself off of the pinnacle. Satan said if Jesus was the Son of God, angels would not let him get hurt. Angels would catch him. Jesus remembered another scripture. He said, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Jesus chose not to jump off the pinnacle.

The Spirit took Jesus to to the top of a very high mountain. He was shown all the riches and kingdoms of the world. Again, Satan tempted him. He told Jesus he would give him all the riches and kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship Satan. Jesus knew another scripture. He said, “It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Jesus chose not to worship Satan. Satan left him. Angels came and helped Jesus.

If knowing the scriptures helped Jesus choose the right, knowing the scriptures will help us also.

(Christena C. Nelson, Choose the Right, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1996], p. 49.)

Refreshment

Granola Bars

1 14-ounce package caramels

2 tablespoons water

3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter

3 cups plain granola

1 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup salted peanuts

Melt caramels in water over medium

heat in heavy saucepan, stirring

often. Stir in peanut butter. Add

granola, raisins, and peanuts; mix

well. Pour into a buttered 9x13-inch

pan, and cool. Cut into 1x2-inch bars.

Makes about 32 bars.

Variation: Substitute chocolate

caramels for plain caramels.

(Lion House Desserts, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2000] p. 129.)

Scripture Study


Story:

Julie Sessions

The other night as I was putting the baby to sleep, I asked our two-year-old son to pick out some of his favorite bedtime stories for me to read to him. When I went into his room, I immediately recognized Danny and the Dinosaur, If You Give a Pig a Pancake, and The Cat in the Hat. I also noticed that he had taken the Book of Mormon off the shelf. Before I could say anything, my sweet little boy said, “I got some books. Will you read the scriptures first?” I was so touched that he wanted to read the scriptures first that I could hardly read for a few minutes. After we finished reading, we talked about how much Jesus loves him. He wanted to read only one other book after that. He was “filled,” and he closed his eyes with a big smile on his face. I felt the Spirit so strongly in his little bedroom that night.

I feel like the special spirits that are being sent to the earth right now are yearning to feel the Spirit and learn truth and righteousness. It is our joy and responsibility to teach them and learn from them.

(Sunshine from the Latter-day Saint Child’s Soul. [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2001], 42.)

Activity:

Get a medium-size box or jar and decorate the outside any way you like. Have each family member write down their favorite scriptures on pieces of paper (or use topics you would like to learn more about such as the Ten Commandments, sacrifice, prayer, fasting, obedience, or love). Let everyone select a slip of paper and, using the scriptures, learn something new about what they’ve chosen.

(Candace Smith, The Sunday Activity Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1983], p. 85.)

f.h.e from A to Z


ServiceService is to be given unselfishly, with no thought of personal gain or reward. It is to be given as needed, not when convenient.(Steven E. Snow, “Service,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 102–4)

Song:

“I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” Children’s Songbook, p.78, verse 2.

Scripture:

And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. (Mosiah 2:17)

Lesson:

Gather items such as bathrobes, towels, and scarves to make simple costumes for the roleplay activity of the good Samaritan.

Act out the story of the good Samaritan. You can review the story first in Luke 10:30–37. You will need the following characters: the traveler, a thief (or thieves), a priest, a Levite, a Samaritan, and the innkeeper. (If your family is large, someone could even play the part of the donkey that the traveler rides on.)

When you have finished the role play, tell the family that the Savior told this story in answer to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” What does this story teach us about who our neighbors are? Whom should we serve? Emphasize that our neighbors can be anyone in need, people that we don’t know as well as those on our street and even those in our own home.

(Deborah Pace Rowley, Before They Turn Twelve: Helping Children Gain a Testimony of the Lord’s Standards, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2007], p. 91.)

Story:

Steven was worried about his mother. She had been sick for several months. His father had put a bed in the living room so that she could watch Father and Steven decorate the Christmas tree and participate in all the Christmas activities. Christmas had been fun even though Mother was sick. She had been so excited about the tree. It had always been her favorite part of Christmas. Sometimes when Steven sat beside her on her bed, she would say, “Steven, just look at that star. Doesn’t it make you happy just to see it? When I wake up in the morning and open my eyes, there it is. It is like having heaven in our very own house. It reminds me of Jesus, and when I think of him I don’t feel sick anymore.”

Now the holidays were over and Father said they needed to take down the tree on Monday night. Steven worried about what Mother would do without the star to look at every morning. He worried about it all through sacrament meeting. It felt lonesome not to have Mother sitting next to him on the bench. He worried about it all during Primary. Then during singing time, Sister Pope had the children sing Steven’s favorite song, “I Am like a Star.” That was it!

Service


That was Steven’s answer. He could be Mother’s star. He would do and say happy things all day. He would help in every way he could. Mother didn’t need to be sad because the star on the Christmas tree was gone; Steven would be her star instead.

Steven didn’t tell anyone about his plan. On Monday night he was quick to help Father get out the box for the ornaments and was careful taking the ornaments off the tree. He even got out the vacuum and cleaned up the pine needles that dropped off the tree when Father carried it out to the trash.

The next morning the house seemed empty without all the beautiful Christmas decorations. But Steven remembered his plan. He looked for ways to help and serve all day long. He brought Mother her favorite magazine to read. He got her a drink of water when it was time to take her medicine. He read her his favorite picture book. He made his bed and cleaned his room even though Mother couldn’t come upstairs to see it. He sang Primary songs to Mother to help her fall asleep and he played quietly while she was resting.

All week Steven tried hard to be helpful and happy just like a star would be. Sometimes he would hum his favorite song just so he could remember. On Saturday morning, Father sat in the living room with Mother while she ate her breakfast.

Father said, “Do you miss the tree, dear? I know how much you liked looking at the star.”

Mother looked at Steven and smiled. “I don’t miss the star on the Christmas tree. I have my very own star that is shining brightly. My special star makes me smile and reminds me of Jesus. With all this help, I know I will be better soon.”

Steven felt such a warm, good feeling inside he thought he must be glowing just like a real star. Then the Steven Star gave Mother a great big hug.


Activity:

Make some star-shaped sugar cookies and deliver them to someone in your ward or neighborhood. You may want to pray as a family to decide who needs to receive a special treat to lift their spirits. Include a note that says, “You are stars to us!” with the cookies. Deliver the plate, ring the doorbell, and run!


Refreshment

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

1 1⁄2 cups sugar

2⁄3 cup butter or shortening (butter

makes a better-tasting cookie)

2 eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 1⁄4 cups flour

2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Decorative toppings (below)

Cream sugar and butter or

shortening; add eggs, milk, and

vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together

and beat into creamed mixture,

combining thoroughly. With hands,

shape dough into a ball. Wrap and

refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or overnight

until dough is easy to handle.

Grease cookie sheets lightly. On

lightly floured board, roll one-

half or one-third of dough at a

time, keeping remaining dough

refrigerated. For crisp cookies, roll

dough paper-thin. For softer cookies,

roll 1⁄8-inch to 1⁄4-inch thick. Cut

into desired shapes with floured

cookie cutter. Reroll trimmings and

cut.

Place cookies half an inch apart

on cookie sheets. Sprinkle with

decorative toppings, if desired. Bake

at 375 degrees about 8 minutes or

until a very light brown. Remove

cookies to racks to cool. Makes

about 6 dozen cookies.


f.h.e from A to Z


TalentsYou need never feel inferior. You need never feel that you were born without talents or without opportunities to give them expression. Cultivate whatever talents you have, and they will grow and refine and become an expression of your true self appreciated by others.(Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Light within You,” Ensign, May 1995, 99)

Song:

“I Am Like a Star,” Children’s Songbook, p. 163.

Scripture:

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Exodus 35:1)

Object Lesson:

Materials needed: A bottle of unpopped popcorn and a large bowl of popped popcorn.

Hold up the bottle of unpopped corn. Ask the family if it can be eaten as is. Is there a better way to eat it? What must be done to make it better? Explain that when we apply heat the unpopped popcorn becomes bigger and better.

Liken the popcorn to our talents. Until we apply work and effort, talent remains a tiny kernel inside. It is only after we strive to improve it that it expands and become better. Briefly discuss what could happen if we did not develop our talents.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Building Blocks for Better Lessons, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1998], p. 70.)

Story:

No Two Diamonds Are Alike

Ella struggled to hold back her tears as she ran along the stone walk to Aunt Susan’s apartment at the rear of her home. As Ella rushed up to her aunt, the tears, which had been too near the surface too much of the time lately, spilled over. “Oh, Aunt Susan,” sobbed Ella, “nobody likes me. I’m just no good. I wish I weren’t such a dumb—” More sobs blotted out the rest of her words.

Refreshment

Apple Alice

3 apples, peeled and sliced

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup sugar

1 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt


1 egg

Place apples in a 9-inch glass pie

plate. Combine cinnamon and sugar,

and sprinkle about half over the

apples. In a mixing bowl combine

flour and salt; cut in butter. Add

egg and mix lightly. With buttered

fingers, spread carefully over tops of

apples (they may not be completely

covered). Sprinkle with remaining

sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 375

degrees until apples are done and

top is golden brown, approximately

40 minutes.


Talents


Aunt Susan laid her knitting aside and waited for her young niece to go on with her problem. “Why do you feel that no one likes you? What makes you think you’re dumb and no good?” she encouraged.

“It’s just terrible, Aunt Susan, to live with Bevie and Ruth. They make me feel awful. Bevie is so friendly with everyone and can always find so much to talk about. Everybody just loves her. Almost every phone call at our house is for her. She gets invited to all the parties and has all the fun. Whenever I’m in a group of people, I either say the wrong thing or—or else I can’t think of anything to say at all. Bevie isn’t afraid to talk to anyone, and she’s so clever and full of fun. Oh, I wish I could be like Bevie.

“And Ruth makes me feel so dumb and stupid. She can do anything. Mother and Daddy are forever bragging about her accomplishments. I never do anything worth mentioning. It seems all I hear around our house is talk about her scholarship from the university, or how the new three-piece suit she just made is so beautiful, or something else she has done. Even the bishop said the other day that when Ruth goes away to school he doesn’t know what he’ll do for a Sunday School organist. She’s always in demand for her piano playing. Everyone says things like `There’s just no one quite like Ruth,’ or `She’s the most talented and capable girl I’ve ever seen.’ It goes on and on, and the more she does, the dumber I feel.”

Aunt Susan thought for a long time before responding to Ella. Finally she said, “I can understand how you feel, Ella. It would be difficult to live with two very popular, talented older sisters. It could make you feel quite inferior. I would like to make three suggestions to you. You might like to write them down and read them often—even memorize them—so that you’ll remember them for the rest of your life.

“First, you’re comparing yourself with someone else. This is unfair. You’re much younger than your sisters. Bevie has had several years more practice talking with people and learning to express herself well and saying clever things. I feel sure you’ll gain in confidence and will feel you have more to contribute to conversations as you grow older. Time has done a lot for Ruth, too. As I think back to her piano playing when she was your age, it sounded just the way yours does. Who’s to say what accomplishments will be yours by the time you graduate from high school? You’ve been busy laying your foundation for life these past thirteen years. It’s just about now that you can start to build on that foundation and really do things. It’s all wrong to compare yourself with others, Ella. The only real basis for comparison is within yourself. Don’t feel bad if your piano playing—or anything else—isn’t as good as Ruth’s. Just make certain that you play better now than you did a year ago. It’s wonderful to have people such as Ruth inspire you to do better and reach loftier goals, but compete with yourself—not someone else!

“Now, the second thing I want you to remember always is this: What someone else does needn’t detract from what you do. Just because Bevie has lots of friends doesn’t mean that you have any fewer friends of your own. Just because someone has beautiful eyes doesn’t mean that your eyes are ugly. Nothing Ruth knows or does or has need detract from what you know or do or have.

“And third and most important, Ella, our Father in heaven has taken great care to create each one of us individually. Don’t try to make yourself like someone else. Be grateful for your own talents and gifts and do your best to cultivate them. Why, it was just last week at Relief Society that I heard several mothers discussing baby-sitters. They mentioned your name and said how confident they feel when you are with their children and how much their children enjoy you. Sister Astin said that because of your conscientiousness toward responsibility and your ability to handle children exceptionally well, you make an ideal baby-sitter.

“Have you ever realized, Ella, that when someone is ill, you know just what to do to bring the most comfort? I recall my bout with rheumatism last winter—it was you who took the time to run my errands, keep fresh flowers at my bedside, and cheer me. You have a fine mind, Ella. I’ve observed that you have a quest for knowledge. You love school and do very well there. I could go on, Ella, for you have many gifts and talents that make you special just the

Talents


way you are.

“I read something last week I want to share with you. I hope it will impress you as it did me. Did you know that no two diamonds are, or ever have been, alike? This diamond I am wearing on my finger is unlike any other diamond on earth. That’s one of the reasons the diamond has become, since ancient times, the gem of kings and emperors and holds the greatest value of all worldly possessions. No two diamonds are alike, but they are all jewels. Never forget that you are a jewel, Ella.”

Ella’s heart felt lighter than ever before.

(Daryl V. Hoole and Donette V. Ockey, With Sugar and Spice [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1966]).

Activity:

Children who have opportunities to perform often in their own homes are usually less frightened when they start to perform outside the family. At family talent night, each child might perform individually or as a group. Singing, dancing, or playing an instrument aren’t the only talents to share and display. Consider storytelling, poetry reading, and displaying paintings, needlework, or handicraft. One family member might want to display his talent for making people laugh with jokes or magic tricks.

(Janene W. Baadsgaard, The LDS Mother’s Almanac, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 384.)

f.h.e from A to Z


TemplesEach [temple] is blessing the lives of our members and is an influence for good upon those not of our faith. The ordinances performed in our temples are vital to our salvation and to the salvation of our deceased loved ones.(Thomas S. Monson, “As We Meet Together Again,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 4.)

Song:

“I Love to See the Temple,” Children’s Songbook, p. 95.

Scripture:

And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it. (Doctrine and Covenants 97:15)

Lesson:

Show your family pictures of temples and talk about why we build temples. Divide your family into two groups. Have both groups read D&C 97:10–17, with one group looking for how temples are built and the other group looking for ways temples can bless our lives. Have both groups report their findings. Ask:

• How do these verses explain why we need a recommend to enter the temple?

• What does the Lord promise if we keep the temple undefiled?

Ask family members who have been to a temple to share their testimony of feeling God’s presence in that holy place.


Refreshment

Lemon Bars

Light, lemony, and luscious!

2 cups sifted flour

1⁄2 cup sifted powdered sugar

1 cup butter or margarine

4 beaten eggs

2 cups sugar

1⁄3 cup lemon juice

1⁄4 cup flour

1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder

Sift together the 2 cups flour and

powdered sugar. Cut in butter

with pastry blender or knives until

mixture clings together. Press into

an 8x8-inch pan. Bake at 350° F.

for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly

browned. Beat together eggs, sugar,

and lemon juice. Sift together the

1⁄4 cup flour and baking powder. Stir

into egg mixture. Pour over baked

crust. Bake at 350° F. for about

25 minutes longer. Sprinkle with

additional powdered sugar. Cool. Cut

into bars. Makes 9 bars.

(Essential Mormon Cookbook, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004] p. 59.)

Temples


Stories:

I Love to See the TempleFiona Howell

When my son Jonathan was four years old, he loved singing. He would sing to me and my husband all the time. He often put on performances for us on his bed, on chairs, anywhere he felt he could provide his entertainment.

One night he was standing on our coffee table in the living room asking for requests. We requested a family favorite, “I Love to See the Temple.”

At the top of his voice, he sang, “For the temple is a house of God, a place of love and beauty. I’ll ‘repair’ myself while I am young . . .”

At the time we thought it was funny how he mixed up the word repair for prepare, but my mother reminded me that not only do we need to prepare ourselves to enter the house of the Lord, in some cases we also need to repair ourselves. The Lord has given us the law of repentance to do just that, repair ourselves so we may receive his blessings, including those of the temple.

(Sunshine from the Latter-day Saint Child’s Soul, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2001], p. 149.)

Preparing for the TempleChad Hawkins

As the youngest of four children, I was not old enough to attend any of my siblings’ temple marriages. I remember feeling sad because I couldn’t be more involved in those special events, but I am grateful for the wonderful example my brothers and sister set for me. While my sister was being married in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, I sat outside on the temple steps, thinking that temples were for adults only and no place for a young boy like me. I have since learned that I was wrong.

Though children can’t participate in all the ordinances of the temple, the temple remains a special place for every one of Heavenly Father’s worthy children—the young, middle-aged, and elderly. A person is never too young or too old to become acquainted with the Lord. . . . Although your first trip to the temple may seem far off, you should begin preparing now.

(Chad Hawkins, Youth and the Temple, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 2002], p. 69.)

Activity:

Use building blocks or modeling clay to create a temple as a family or have each person draw a temple and share their artwork with the family.

f.h.e from A to Z


TestimonyClearly, in our world today it is a rare and precious thing to have a testimony that God our Heavenly Father lives; that His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer; and that priesthood authority to administer the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored once again upon the earth. The profound blessing of having a testimony of these truths cannot be measured or ever taken for granted. (M. Russell Ballard, “Pure Testimony,” Ensign, Nov. 2004, 40.)

Song:

“The Church of Jesus Christ” Children’s Songbook, p. 77.

Scripture:

Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me. (Alma 5:46)

Object Lesson:

Materials needed: A flashlight, a lamp, and a candle.

Display the items on a table. Ask your family what they have in common. (They provide light.) Ask when they would probably be used. (At night.) Discuss why. Ask your family what they would do if the light suddenly went out at night. Ask how easy it would be to find a source of light in the dark. Discuss how knowing where the source of light is and what condition it is in helps us to be prepared.

Explain that our testimony is like the light. We seldom appreciate or even look for it in the daytime (good times). We really depend on our testimony during the difficult time in our life. Discuss why it is important to keep our testimony strong during the good times so that we will be prepared for difficult times.


Refreshment

Strawberry Danish Parfaits

These eye-catching treats are

beautiful and so easy to make.

1⁄4 cup sugar

3 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1 (4 3⁄4-ounce) package Strawberry

Danish Dessert®

1 (6-ounce) package vanilla instant

pudding

2 cups milk

1⁄2 pint whipping cream

Sprinkle sugar over berries and let stand about 15 minutes. Make Danish Dessert according to package directions for pudding. Cool completely. Make vanilla instant pudding according to package directions, using only 2 cups milk. Let set 30 minutes or longer. Whip cream. Fold whipped cream into vanilla pudding. Layer all ingredients in parfait glasses, ending with strawberries. Makes 6 parfaits.

(Julie Badger Jensen, The Essential Mormon Cookbook, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 13.)

Testimony


Story:

Steve often saw other people bear their testimonies and he wondered what it felt like. He had prayed a little bit but still didn’t feel that he had a testimony.

He remembered hearing about the seed of faith in a family home evening. If Heavenly Father wanted him to have a testimony, then Steve had to believe that he could gain a testimony. He would have faith.

Every night before he went to bed Steve read some scriptures and prayed to Heavenly Father about his testimony. Days turned into weeks as Steve continued to take care of that seed of faith about his testimony. Even though he didn’t feel any different he knew that Heavenly Father would give him that blessing if he just kept trying.

One fast Sunday, testimony meeting started and Steve listened very carefully to the many testimonies that were given. More than anything else he wanted to stand and have a testimony to bear, to know that the gospel was true. Then he realized that he could stand and tell about his blessings.

As he stood, a feeling of happiness came to him and he was able to speak the words he had worked so hard to earn. “I know that Heavenly Father loves me. I know that he answers prayers. I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Steve had a testimony.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], p.101.)

Activity:

Give each person a pencil and paper and have them trace their hand. On each finger have them write something they have a testimony of (such as Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and current prophets and apostles.) Have each person take turns and share their testimonies.

f.h.e from A to Z


TithingTo those who faithfully and honestly live the law of tithing, the Lord promises an abundance of blessings. Some of these blessings are temporal, just as tithes are temporal. But like the outward physical ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, the commandment to pay tithing requires temporal sacrifice, which ultimately yields great spiritual blessings.(Robert D. Hales, “Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 26)

Song:

“I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth” Children’s Songbook, p. 150.

Scripture:

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10)

Object Lesson:

For this object lesson, you will need ten pieces of candy. Before family scripture study, confide with a family member and explain that at some point during scripture study you will give him or her ten candies as a gift but then ask for one back. Tell the person to resist and refuse to give one back.

As your family gathers together, find some reason to give the candy to the particular family member as explained above. When the person refuses to give one candy back, ask your family to silently read 3 Nephi 24:8–12. Have them look for how these verses relate to the experience they just witnessed. Read these verses again, aloud as a family, and ask:

• Why do some people not pay tithing?

• What blessings will the Lord pour out upon a person who pays tithing?

• What are some blessings that are specifically mentioned in verses 11–12 and how can they be applied to our modern situations?

Refreshment

Dilly DipThis dip is great with crisp vegetables.

1 cup sour cream

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed

or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 green onion, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Fresh, crisp vegetables, such as

carrots, celery, and pepper strips

Combine all ingredients, except

vegetables, in a medium bowl.

Refrigerate for at least one hour,

allowing flavors to blend. Makes 2

cups dip.

Serve with fresh vegetables such

as carrots, celery, pepper strips,

cauliflower, cucumbers, and zucchini.

For crisp vegetables, prepare and

place in Ziploc bags. Fill with small

amount of water and refrigerate

overnight. Drain and serve.

(Julie Badger Jensen, Essential Mormon Celebrations, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2005] p. 22.)

Tithing


This is also a good time to explain how tithing is calculated (see D&C 119:4) and to testify of the law of tithing.


Story:

That First Tithing ReceiptSpencer W. Kimball

When I was a little boy in Thatcher, Arizona, my father, desiring to teach his children industry, thrift, and tithing, turned over to my sister Alice and me a patch of potatoes that he had planted.

I hoed the weeds and helped to irrigate the potatoes until they were ready to dig. Then Alice and I dug and cleaned and sorted them. We took the larger ones of uniform size and put them in a box and loaded them in my little red wagon. Then, after putting on clean clothing, we pulled the little red wagon with its contents to town. We sold our merchandise to some of the neighbors, but a kindly sister who operated the hotel was our best customer. She looked them over and bought from us regularly through the season.

After selling our first load we were so happy we could hardly wait to get home to tell our parents of our success. Father listened to us count our money—a very great amount, it seemed to us. Then he said, “That’s capital! Now what will you do with your money?”

We thought of ice cream cones and candy and Christmas presents we could buy. Then in his characteristic and impressive way, our father said, “Now you haven’t forgotten the bishop, have you? The Lord has been kind to us. The earth is his. He sent the moisture and the sunshine and all we did was plow and plant and cultivate and harvest. One-tenth we always give back to the Lord for his work. When you have paid your tithing to the bishop, then you may use the balance as you wish.”

I think I still have in my keepsakes that first tithing receipt.

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Classic Stories from the Lives of Our Prophets, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1971].)

Activities:

Place ten pennies on a table. Ask a family member to use the money you placed on a table, and demonstrate what “tithing” would be on ten pennies. Discuss the following questions:

• What is one tenth of $100? $1,000?

• Do you think it is harder to pay tithing on a little or a lot of money? Why?

• What is tithing used for? (Building churches and temples, and other church owned buildings, maintenance and upkeep on the buildings, missionary work, paying church employees, and stake, ward, and branch budgets.)

• What blessings have come to you from paying your tithing?


Tithing


Give each player ten pennies. Have them put one penny in a box labeled “tithing” and let them play with the rest. Mark a line on the floor with tape, and put a metal pie tin about eight feet in front of the line. Let each player take a turn tossing their pennies into the pie tin. The winner is the one who gets the most in the tin.

f.h.e from A to Z


Word of WisdomI am so grateful that the Lord cares for us so much that He tells us how to take good care of our bodies and our spirits. Living the Word of Wisdom will truly give you strength. It will help you run and not be weary and walk and not faint, all because the Lord loves you. (Darwin B. Christenson, “Friend to Friend: The Word of Wisdom: A Blessing of Strength,” Friend, Feb. 2003, 8)

Song:

“The Word of Wisdom” Children’s Songbook, 154.

Scripture:

Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you . . . by giving unto you this word of wisdom . . . all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones. (Doctrine and Covenants 89:4,18)

Object Lesson:

Show the group a car owner’s manual. Explain that this manual contains instructions from the manufacturer that enable the car owner to take good care of his vehicle. Give some examples from the manual, such as the type of oil to be used and the amount of air pressure in tires. Point out that if these instructions are followed, the vehicle will most likely function properly and have a long driving life.

Liken the manual to the Word of Wisdom. Point out that the Lord has given us a set of instructions for his creation (our bodies) to be healthy, function properly, and most likely have long lives.


Story:

Abraham Lincoln Keeps His Promise

One day Abraham Lincoln was riding in a stagecoach, as they rode in those days, in company with a Kentucky colonel. After riding a number of miles together, the colonel took a bottle of whiskey out of his pocket and said, “Mr. Lincoln, won’t you take a drink with me?”

Refreshment

Fruit Salad

1 package (3 ounces) cooked lemon

pudding and pie filling

1 can (about 16 ounces) fruit cocktail,

drained (reserve juice)

1 can (131⁄4 ounces) pineapple tidbits,

drained (reserve juice)

Miniature marshmallows, as desired

1 cup heavy cream, whipped

2 bananas

Cook pudding as directed on

package, using reserved fruit juices

instead of water. Cool. Add drained

fruit, marshmallows, and whipped

cream. Slice bananas and add just

before serving. May also be served

as dessert. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Note: Drained mandarin oranges and

fresh strawberries may be used in

place of or in addition to pineapple

and fruit cocktail.


Word of Wisdom


Mr. Lincoln replied, “No Colonel, thank you. I never drink whiskey.”

They rode along together for a number of miles more, visiting very pleasantly, when the gentleman from Kentucky reached into his pocket and brought out some cigars, saying, “Now Mr. Lincoln, if you won’t take a drink with me, won’t you take a smoke with me, for here are some of Kentucky’s finest cigars?”

And Mr. Lincoln said, “Now, Colonel, you are such a fine, agreeable man to travel with, maybe I ought to take a smoke with you. But before I do so, let me tell you a little story—an experience I had when a small boy.” And this was the story:

“My mother called me to her bed one day when I was about nine years old. She was sick, very sick, and she said to me, ‘Abey, the doctor tells me I am not going to get well. I want you to promise me before I go that you will never use whiskey or tobacco as long as you live.’ And I promised my mother I never would. And up to this hour, Colonel, I have kept that promise. Now, would you advise me to break that promise to my dear mother and take a smoke with you?”

The colonel put his hand gently on Mr. Lincoln’s shoulder and in a voice trembling with emotion said: “No, Mr. Lincoln, I wouldn’t have you do that for the world. It was one of the best promises you ever made. And I would give a thousand dollars today if I had made my mother a promise like that and kept it as you have done.”

(A Story To Tell: Second Edition, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p.219.)

Activity:

Divide a poster or sheet of paper in half. On the top half write “Keep out,” and on the bottom half write “Take in.”

Have your family read D&C 89:5–9 and list all the items God said we should keep out of our bodies. Do the same exercise for those items we should take into our bodies by having family members read D&C 89:10–17.

Hold up a picture of a temple and ask:

• Whose house is this?

• Who can enter into the temples?

• What is required for them to enter?

• According to D&C 109:20, why should no unclean thing enter God’s temples?

• According to 1 Corinthians 3:16–17, what else does God consider a temple?

• What does that teach us about what we take in or keep out of our bodies?


f.h.e from A to Z


WorkHow beautiful is that home where lives a man . . . who teaches industry and loyalty, not spoiling his children by indulging their every wish, but rather setting before them a pattern of work and service which will underpin their lives forever.(Gordon B. Hinckley as quoted in David C. Dollahite, Strengthening Our Families: An In-Depth Look at the

Proclamation on the Family, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2000], p. 86.)

Song:

“Saturday” Children’s Songbook, p. 196.

Scripture:

Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; But the seventh day, the sabbath of the Lord thy God, thou shalt not do any work. (Mosiah 13:17–18)

Object Lesson:

Fill a box with various household tools (hammer, screwdriver, wrench, etc.). Take one of the tools out of the box and give it to one of the members of the family without the rest of the family seeing what the tool is.

Instruct the others that they should guess what the tool is. Each person may ask one question that can be answered “yes” or “no.” They cannot ask directly if is is a certain tool. For example, they can’t say, “Is it a hammer?” but they can ask, “Is it used for pounding nails?” After the tool has been revealed have each person tell one thing the tool can be used for. Begin with the person who had the tool. Continue naming uses until no more can be named.

Give the next person a new tool out of the box. Be sure the other players don’t see it. Continue play until all the tools are gone out of the box.

Explain that there are many tools that help us do our work. Help them understand that working around the home helps keep it clean and in good repair.


Refreshment

Peanut Butter Mallow Bars

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine

1/2 pound marshmallows

5 cups unsweetened cereal

Melt together peanut butter, butter,

and marshmallows over low heat,

stirring constantly. Measure cereal

into large bowl. Pour peanut butter/

marshmallow syrup over cereal ,

blending well. Spoon mixture into

buttered 9-inch square pan. Cool.

Cut into 1 1/2-inch bars. Makes 3

dozen.

(Winnifred C. Jardine, Mormon Country Cooking, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980], p. 279.)

Work


Story:

George [Albert Smith]’s father was called on a mission for the Church when George was thirteen. George went to work at the ZCMI clothing factory, sewing buttons on overalls for two dollars and fifty cents a week. He used this money to help the family while his father was gone.

[When he was fourteen] George asked Mr. Webber at ZCMI to hire him again. Mr. Webber offered him a job he did not think George would take—driving a team of horses and feeding and currying them for one of the traveling salesmen. George accepted the job. He took pride in all he did. On the way home from a selling trip to Southern Utah, he cleaned the wagon in Provo; then, a little further on, he cleaned the horses. Mr. Webber praised him, saying no one had ever brought the team back as clean as George had.

The next day Mr. Webber asked George to make cardboard boxes. George was determined to make more boxes than the other workers, who usually made about sixty each day. The first day he made one hundred!

The manager then assigned him to work as a wholesale grocery salesman, and he soon became manager of all grocery sales for ZCMI in Salt Lake City. By age twenty he had become a successful traveling salesman.

(Lynda Cory Robison, Boys Who Became Prophets, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1992, 1998], p.48–49.)

Activity:

Make a “Busy Bee Work Chart”

Make copies of the beehive on the following page. Make one for each job in the family. Label with a job and color as desired. Glue the beehives to a piece of cardstock. Copy the “Busy Bees” onto cardstock. Write the names of your family members on the bees in the spaces provided. Let each person color their bee as they desire. (After Family Home Evening you may want to take the chart and bees and have them laminated.)

Attach the bees to the hives with tape. Change them around as job assignments change. The children will think it is fun to see where their “Busy Bees” are every day.

(Joanna Lewis and Brenda Luther, Gospel FUNdamental, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 139–149.)

f.h.e from A to Z


ZionIn our families and in our stakes and districts, let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity.(D. Todd Christofferson, “Come to Zion,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 37.)

Song:

“High on a Mountain Top,” Hymns, #5.

Scripture:

Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—the pure in heart; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn. (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21)

Object Lesson:

Read as a family Moses 7:18 and look for four ways the Lord describes Zion. (One heart, one mind, dwelt in righteousness, no poor among them.) List these four things on a sheet of paper (or poster board), leaving plenty of room between each item to write more information. Have your family search D&C 82:8–20 for verses that match the four items listed. Write these verses next to the appropriate item as they are found. When they are finished, your sheet of paper may look like the following chart:

Creating Zion

One heart: 14–15, -19.

One mind: 14–15, -19.

Dwelt in righteousness: 10–11, 14–-15.

No poor: 12–13, 17–-19.

Discuss the following -questions:

• Which of these principles do you think is most important & why?

• How would you describe what living in Zion would be -like?

• What do you think would be the best part of living in -Zion?

• What can we do to create Zion in our -home?

• What could we do to help our own ward and stake become more Zion--like?

Refreshment

Peanut Butter Cookies

5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter

3/4 cup shortening

1 3/4 cups sugar

1 3/4 cups packed brown sugar

4 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line

a cookie sheet with waxed paper

and set aside. Mix flour, soda, and

salt together in a medium bowl and

set aside. Cream together butter,

shortening, sugar, brown sugar, eggs,

and vanilla in a large mixing bowl.

Then stir in peanut butter. Add flour

mixture and stir until well blended.

Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto

cookie sheets. Using a fork dipped

in flour, flatten each cookie slightly

in a crisscross pattern. Bake for 8 to

10 minutes or until slightly golden

around the edges. Do not overbake.

Makes 5 dozen 3-inch cookies.

(Lion House Christmas, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2006], p. 115.)

Zion



Story:

As a young boy growing up in southern Utah, the concepts of Zion were much less clear to me than they are today. We lived in a small town not far from Zion National Park. In church we often sang the familiar words:

Israel, Israel, God is calling,

Calling thee from lands of woe.

Babylon the great is falling;

God shall all her tow’rs o’erthrow.

Come to Zion, come to Zion

Ere his floods of anger flow.

Come to Zion, come to Zion

Ere his floods of anger flow.

In my little-boy mind, I saw the magnificent cliffs and towering stone pinnacles of that national park. Meandering through the high-walled canyons flowed a river of water—sometimes placid, sometimes a raging torrent. You can probably imagine the confusion experienced as this little boy tried to put together the words of the hymn with the familiar surroundings of that beautiful park. Though it was not a perfect fit, lodged in my mind was the impression that Zion was something majestic and divine. Over the years, a grander understanding has emerged. In the scriptures we read, “Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—the pure in heart.”

(Keith B. McMullen, “Come to Zion! Come to Zion!” Ensign, November 2002.)

Activity:

Make the treat together and deliver some to your neighbors or someone who might be lonely.

LDSLiving Fhe

Documents

Transcript of LDSLiving Fhe