Week 5: Entertainment and Media

Week 5: Entertainment and Media (Monday April 29)

If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Articles of Faith 1:13

Click Here for this week's lesson from LDS.org

Suggested Song: Teach Me to Walk in the Light p. 78 Children's Songbook

Lindsey's Ideas for the week:
Make a list of top ten television shows your family watches. Discuss if they are "virtuous, lovely, praisworthy, or of good report".

Couples with little itty bitty ones...Discuss as a couple what the media rules of the family will be. Rules on television, what will be watched on Sunday, where will the family computer be located, cell phones, etc.

Challenge for teens: Elder Scott talked in conference about technology and the importance of using it to further the work of the Lord. He suggested that teens use their phones to memorize scriptures, saying "imagine if you memorized as many scriptures as you send text messages!". Challenge your teen to use their phone to memorize a scripture this week.

Make a list of how your family can "unplug" from technology this week. 

Review President Nelson's recent address to the youth, focussing on the parts about unplugging.
Share the following poem (author unknown)
Side By Side

On the table, side by side
The Book of Mormon and the TV Guide
One is well worn and cherished with pride;
Not the Book of Mormon, but the TV guide,
One is used daily to help folks decide,
No, not the Book of Mormon, but the TV Guide.
As the pages are turned, what shall they see?
Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV!
So they opened the book from which they confide,
No, not the Book of Mormon, but the TV guide.
The word of God is seldom read
Maybe a verse or two before they fall to bed,
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be,
Not from reading the scriptures, but from watching TV.
So back to the table, side by side
The Book of Mormon, and the TV Guide
The Plan of Salvation is full and free
But is found in the Book of Mormon, not on the TV.

Reminder: Find ways to testify during FHE

Week 4: Education (Happy Memorial Day!)

Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:18

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson from LDS.org

Suggested song: Scripture Power

Activity Ideas:
For all ages! Invite each member of the family to come prepared to teach the family how to do something. Have them choose something they love to do. For example, how to bake cookies, golf basics, how to play an instrument, a craft, colors of the rainbow, etc. It could be as simple as showing the steps to make chex mix puppy chow...or the basics of shooting free throws.

Write thank you cards to your teachers! (yes...your teachers do save them and appreciate them!)
Tip: If your professor/teacher writes you a letter of recommendation its polite to send them a thank you card.

Show your children pictures of you graduating, your diploma, and other important certificates you have earned from education. Consider also showing your CPR card, personal trainer certification, teacher license, white coat, etc. Teach children that education is a lifelong pursuit and there are hundreds of ways to continue learning and increasing your knowledge.

Do a sensory motor activity with your family:

• Write large letters/names on sheet of paper and place in a sheet protector. Spray sheet protector with shaving cream and trace letters with fingers.
• Fill a tub with water (add a couple drops of food coloring) and allow young kids to play in water. Add measuring cups, graduated cilanders, syringes (no needle), and water droppers.
• Fill a bucket with flour and hide small toys. Let kids dig through flour to find the toys. (rice, beans, sugar, dirt, and sand will work too)

Demonstrate your favorite science expiriment for your family:

• Egg that drops down in the bottle
• Vinegar volcano
• more ideas click here

Teach your family about the primary colors. Demonstrate how to create secondary colors...and tertiary colors. Fill 3 jars with colored water; red, yellow, blue. Then have kids help you combine colors in clean jar to create orange, green and purple. Continue with tertiary colors if you feel so inclined. Show the color wheel

Have each member of the family choose a career they would like to pursue. Research it and determine how much education is necessary for that chosen career. 

Next weeks Lesson: Entertainment and Media

Week 3: Dress and Appearance

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1 Corinthians 3:16–17

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson from LDS.org
Check here FIRST for talks, videos, quotes, and ways to integrate Duty to God and Personal Progress into your Family Home Evening

May 20, 2018
This week's Relief Society and Elders Quorum Lesson:
"Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing" Dale G. Renlund

Suggested song from our primary chorister: "IF THE SAVIOR STOOD BESIDE ME"

Activity Ideas:
Paper Dolls
Weather Bear-discuss what types of clothing are appropriate for specific days/occassions (draw a tie on the white shirt)
Read children's book: Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? by Nancy Carlstrom
Sketch body outline of family members on butcher paper and let each family member draw on appropriate clothing
Fashion Show
Tie Tying competition
Teach family members how to iron their own clothing
Tie die shirts
Game show and/or skit: What not to wear
Relay races where teams are competing to put on an outfit. Run to the other end and selects item of clothing from box, runs back and tags teammate. For example, one member races down, puts on shirt, skips back. Next team member runs down, puts on boots, crab walks back, etc.
Flour bomb dodgeball with old nylons filled with flour.
Create sock puppets
Sing "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes". Remind family members to do the motions of this song in the dressing room trying on clothing! If it doesn't reveal...its a keeper.


More...
1) Body is a temple: Play a guessing game in which one family member looks secretly at a picture of the temple and tries to describe it to get the other family members to guess. Go through a series of temples (e.g. Salt Lake, Columbus, Kirtland, Nauvoo, etc.) Have the last "temple picture" be a mirror. After this activity is over, read 1 Corinthians 3:17.

2) What does it mean to be modest: Read the description of modest dress found in For the Strength of Youth. After this is read, cut out various pictures of people from magazines/advertisements/news papers/etc. Go through the pictures of people and decide as a family if they are modestly dressed. If the decision is that they are not modestly dressed, draw or cut and paste on clothes to paste on the pictures.

3) Look at your own life: Younger children could have a "dress up" and "fashion show." Older children/youth/adults could be encouraged to go through their own personal wardrobes and choose clothes that they want to get rid of.

Send us a pic!
Your family could be our featured family of the week. Please submit a pic of your family at FHE. We want to hear how your FHE goes!

Next Weeks Lesson: EDUCATION

Please keep commenting with ideas or send them to me via email. Happy FHE

Week 2: Dating

Virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:40

This Week's Lesson
Click to view ideas from LDS.org (including talks, videos, quotes, and ways to integrate Duty to God and Personal Progress into your Family Home Evening)

Suggested song from primary chorister: Follow the Prophet, Children's songbook pg. 110

Treat idea: chocolate fondue!

Activity Ideas:

Daddy/Daughter Dates (or mommy/son)

Role Plays (Use "what would you do" scenarios)

Lesson on manners: Practice using manners (please, thank you, table manners, putting your phone down and looking them in the eye, etc.) and chivalrous actions (opening doors, helping with chair, etc.)

Etiquette dinner

Write the top 10 ways you can be a good date (or play date)

Teenagers: invite everyone to come with their best pick up lines to kick off the discussion on dating!

For the little ones....use puppets to lead a discussion on proper relationships/ways to act around kids of the opposite sex (school, play dates, church, etc.)

Couples: Plan out dates for each other for the next month...or create a date jar with ideas of dates you'd like to go on.

Parents share experiences of dating someone that made them a better person or helped them keep the commandments, and someone who didn’t

You tube video on For the Strength of Youth and Dating: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F98MyXeKvU

New Era article with dating tips: http://www.lds.org/new-era/2000/11/idea-list-the-dos-of-dating?lang=eng

Here is a Mormon Channel video, probably better for teens: http://www.mormonchannel.org/we-will-stand/3-dating

Show the video: Families can be together forever.
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/yw/marriage-and-family/family?lang=eng#video=families-can-be-together-forever

Ask why the roles of father and mother are important? Read from the Proclamation on the Family:

“By divine design, Heavenly Father gave men and women different gifts and abilities to help them fulfill complementary roles as husband and wife. “Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose. … Fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign or Liahona,Nov. 2010, 129).

Have kids act out how mothers and fathers should treat one another (get out dress ups for this).

Ask how we find who we are going to marry. Talk about what dating is.

Ask what we can do now to prepare to become good parents (example: learn how to make friends with people of the opposite gender, learn how to compromise, learn how to show respect to the opposite gender, prepare spiritually...etc.)

PLEASE keep commenting with all your ideas for ALL ages! Enjoy! We enjoyed our first week of the challenge.

Note: The sister missionaries would love to join your individual families for FHE and have offered to give an example of how to hold FHE. 



Next week's lesson: Dress and Appearance

Week 1: Blodgett Canyon Ward FHE CHALLENGE (Agency and Accountability)

Agency and Accountability 

Wherefore, men … are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death.2 Nephi 2:27

Suggested song from the primary chorister: Stand for the Right pg. 159 Children's Songbook

CLICK HERE to view ideas from LDS.org (including talks, videos, quotes, and ways to integrate Duty to God and Personal Progress into your Family Home Evening)

Next Sunday's lesson for Relief Society and Elder's Quorum: AM I A CHILD OF GOD? - Elder Brian K. Taylor

Here are some ideas for this week:

Games:

• Let's Make a Deal
• Shutes and Ladders
• Life
• Sorry
• Scavenger Hunts

Maze.  Copy a maze for each person.  Talk about making wrong choices that lead to a “wall”

and right choices to get to the end.

Emoji Game: Use emojis to express how we feel when we make certain choices. Likewise, discuss how our Heavenly Father feels about our choices. Teens can text in their emojis. Little ones can use printed emojis on popsicle sticks.

Smiley Face/Frowny Face Game

Give each member of the family a popsicle stick with a smiley and frowny face on it (back to back). When you read examples each family member holds up either the happy face or sad face to reflect if the choice was good or bad. Choose examples specific to your family. For example: I go to Primary, I poke my friend instead of folding my arms, I say thank you, I laugh when another child falls down, I put away my dishes, etc.

Agency Worksheet Click Here

LDS Living Agency Lesson Click Here

Grandparents: Perhaps you could create one of these family home evening lessons to send to your grandkids.

Treat idea: Decorate sugar cookies with smiley faces!

The ideas are endless...and I'm sure some of the weeks will get harder. Please post below your FHE ideas for this lesson. It's never to early to think ahead. Next week's lesson is:

Dating

September 30: Laws and Ordinances

These ideas are from the following blog: http://kristysawtelle.com

Chapter 3, Lesson 5: “Laws and Ordinances”

Opening Song:"The Priesthood is Restored", (Primary songbook), "When I am Baptized", (Primary songbook), "Families Can Be Together Forever"

Follow up on commandments challenge from last week's lesson

Discussion: When new members are baptized they may not understand all of the laws and ordinances of the church at first. It may take new converts some time before they understand all of the things we do and talk about in church. The missionaries have a lesson plan to help new members be prepared to participate comfortably in meetings and discussion.

Activity: In one lesson the missionaries will teach new members about 7 different laws and ordinances that we have in the gospel. Each of these seven things are scrambled in a puzzle form below. Try to figure out the puzzle and determine the 7 laws and ordinances new members need to learn about.

1. Unscramble this word “DIHSRPOETO”

2. Find the letter in the alphabet that corresponds to each #given (A=1)
13, 9, 19, 19, 9, 15, 14,1, 18, 25 23, 15, 18, 11

3. Find the letter in the alphabet that directly precedes each letter given in “FUFSOBM NBSSJBHF”

4. Use only every other letter in the phrase “tpenmrpslrels amnsd fvanmuiflry hliwsptnoqrcy”

5. Combine the last ½ of the word “chaser”, the first ½ of the word “vine”, and the last ½ of the word “race”. What is the new word you created?

6. This phrase is written backwards “gninrael dna gnihcaet”

7. find this phrase in the words of this scripture “Mormon 9:29” hint: (ETTE)

Activity: Have each person choose one law or ordinance and present it to the family as if they were introducing it to a new member who knew nothing about it. Have family members ask questions that a new member unfamiliar with church workings may ask.

Explain, Apply and Testify: As each person explains the law or ordinance chosen have them share what they love about that particular aspect of the gospel and how it enhances their life.

Activity: Now write all 7 ordinances on cards of paper and have family members tape their card to one object in the pantry. (Cans, boxes, pkgs. Etc) Use the objects to build a tower. These laws and ordinances work together to build and strengthen the church. Your tower may look a little funny but the Lord doesn't care much about outward appearances. He can build us into a great church with individually great members as we build on His ordinances.

For families with young children: The family is the basic unit of the Church. One of the laws and ordinances we learned about tonight is Eternal families. Everyone gets markers or crayons and we all draw a picture of what we think our eternal family someday will look like. Then we get to discuss what we think our family will be like.

For older teens and adults: Use the scripture references given with each of the laws and ordinances presented in PMG under the “scripture study” section. For each of the seven laws and ordinances find at least a couple scriptures you love and can apply to your life. Mark those scriptures and share them with each other.

Commit: Are there any of the 7 laws and ordinances discussed that we could be doing better with? Brainstorm as a family how you can improve this week and commit to one action.

September 23rd: The Commandments

These ideas come from the following blog: http://kristysawtelle.com

Chapter 3, Lesson 4: “The Commandments”

Opening Song: "Keep the Commandments" (Primary songbook)

Follow up on commitments made and kept from last week

Discussion: Why does our loving Father in Heaven give us commandments? Read the section entitled “Obedience” in PMG on pg. 72.

Activity: Can we name all of the 10 commandments? As a family try to name them (pg. 76 of PMG)
Create a short obstacle course outside or in the family room of your home with 10 obstacles (each one labeled as one of the 10 commandments you named). With a stop watch take turns racing through each obstacle and saying it as you go through it. Repetition will help them remember. You might use:

Step up onto “Thou shalt have no other god's before me”
Hurdle over “Thou shalt not make any graven images”
Slide under “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain”
Jump through “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”
Leap up to touch “Honour thy father and thy mother”
Cross the balance beam for “Thou shalt not kill”
Somersault over “Thou shalt not commit adultery”
Dodge around “Thou shalt not steal”
Throw a ball through “Thou shalt not bear false witness”
Collapse on the cushions for Tthou shalt not covet”
Let each child go a few times repeating the commandments and trying to improve their speed.

Discussion: Can you think of any other commandments the Lord has given members of his church?
See pg. 73-80 of PMG

Explain, Apply and Testify: How do the commandments show Heavenly Father's love for us? Why are we happier when we keep them? Have you seen this in your own life?

Activity: Let each family member choose one of the things God commands us to do on pg. 73-80 of PMG and tell how he would teach the importance of obedience to that commandment to an investigator or someone who asked him questions about his beliefs.

Families with young children: Sing the primary song (pg. 112 of the Primary songbook) or one of the many rhymes available to practice the 10 commandments. Point out specific times you may have seen each child keeping one of the commandments and how proud you are of them for their obedience.

Older teens or adults: For each commandment in the lesson, list the scriptural promise that goes with it or choose one scripture from the list provided in PMG that you think best teaches or illustrates that commandment and highlight it in your scriptures or book with cross references. Share with your family or your spouse how the Lord's promises have been realized in your life as you have kept the commandments.

Commit: Make it a family goal to practice saying the 10 commandments throughout the week (right before dinner or scripture reading or prayers) and try to memorize all 10 of the Lord's commands by next week. Consider an incentive award for anyone who can recite all 10.

September 16: The Gospel of Jesus Christ

These ideas are taken from the following blog: http://kristysawtelle.com

Chapter 3, Lesson #3: “The Gospel of Jesus Christ”

Opening song:  "The Fourth Article of Faith" (Primary Songbook), "The Church of Jesus Christ" (Primary Songbook)

Follow up on challenges from last week.

Activity and Discussion: Create a little “repentance man” by cutting out a gingerbread shaped man and covering him with clear duct tape or clear contact paper. Using a dry erase marker have family members mention all the different ways we might sin during our lives. They can each write them on the repentance man. When he is all full of sins discuss the need for a Savior, the Atonement, Baptism and Repentance (pg 60-62 of PMG). Then use an eraser or napkin to erase all of his sins so that he is clean again. Read Isaiah 1: 18.
This forgiveness comes ONLY through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ See 2 Nephi 2:6-8
What do we need to do to partake of this divine gift? Have someone read “faith” and “repentance” on pg. 61-62.

Activity: If we are going to teach these essential principles of the gospel we should have a good knowledge and understanding of them. Let's find out how much we know about some principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A tiny mini golf hole is set up in the room (a cup is taped to the ground or a box is set up with a hole cut large enough for a ball to go through). Tape lines are made about 5 feet from the hole, 7 feet from the hole and 10 feet from the hole. Everyone will use a stick or club and try to “golf” a ball into the hole from one of the tape lines (dependent on how many questions they can answer).
Give everyone a sheet of paper and pencil and have them try to answer the following questions to see where they golf from. Some questions from PMG follow for different age groups, or you can create your own.

For younger children:
What is a covenant? pg. 63 PMG
What is the first principle of the gospel? pg. 61
Do I need to repent before baptism, after baptism or both? pg. 63
How are we baptized? pg. 64
After baptism priesthood holders lay their hands on a person's head and give them a gift. What is it?
Once we have been baptized and confirmed we must try to keep the commandments and live righteously throughout our lives. The first letter of each word in this phrase will help us remember what we need to do. The letters are ETTE. Do you know what the phrase is? pg. 66

For older children/adults (These can be looked up in PMG if desired)
What are the first four principles and ordinances of the gospel? See article of faith #4
How often should we repent? pg. 63
Investigators should commit to living three principles in order to be baptized? What are they. Pg. 64
According to the first presidency letter in Dec. 2002 what 3 things should an investigator have done before baptism? pg. 64
What should new members do to retain the good feelings they have had while working with the missionaries? pg. 65
What blessings does God promise to those who Endure to the End? pg. 66 or D&C 14:7, 2 Nephi 31:20

Explain, Apply and Testify: How does my faith in Jesus Christ and my willingness to obey him make my life better? 

Commit: As a family brainstorm about ways we can strengthen our family and each other in the gospel. Come up with one idea to work on this week and commit to helping each other do it.

September 9: The Plan of Salvation

These ideas are from the following blog: http://kristysawtelle.com

Chapter 3, Lesson #2:  “The Plan of Salvation”

Opening song: "I Lived in Heaven" (Primary songbook), "Families Can Be Together Forever" (Primary Songbook)


Discussion: (from pg. 48) So many people in the world today wonder, "Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going?" As members of the church we have the Plan of Salvation to provide us with all of those answers. We know so much about life before this earth, what our purpose here is, and what happens after we die. This knowledge could help everyone in the world to find more peace. If we hope to be able to share it with others, we should have a pretty good understanding ourselves. Let's find out how much we know about the “Plan of Salvation.”

Activity: Enlarge and cut out the principle pictures from the following link (or create your own): http://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/magazine/fr08jan16_sharing.jpg?lang=eng 

Let everyone pick out a picture and using masking tape put them up on a blank wall or chalkboard and tell what they know about that picture as part of the plan of salvation. Let others add what information they know or ask questions about each picture.
Here are some scriptures that kids may be able to understand on each topic. Be sure to cover:
The pre-earth life (pg. 48), Abraham 3:25-26
Earth life (pg. 49-52), 2 Nephi 2:27
The spirit world (pg. 52) Alma 40:11-14
The resurrection, judgment and immortality (pg. 53) Mosiah 4:30, Alma 34: 33-35
and the Kingdoms of Glory (pg. 53) D&C Section 76 (introduction) D&C 14:7


Activity #2: Make cutout “children” or print from the following link:

 http://lds.about.com/library/bl/primary/primary_children_all_over_world.pdf  

On each child write a question that a non-member might have about life after death, pre-earth life, judgment or the resurrection. Hide the cutout children around the house and have family members search out and find all of the lost children. Point out that this is similar to how our missionaries search for Heavenly Father's lost children who don't know about the gospel. Don't give up on finding the lost children even if some of them are difficult (point out that some missions are difficult and Heavenly Father NEVER gives up on any of his children). When all of the cut out children have been found begin reading and answering the questions. I have included some examples of questions you might use for younger and older children (or create your own). 

Younger Children
If someone I love dies will I ever see them again? What are they doing?
What happens to people who died but never joined the church?
What happens to little children who die?
What happens after the second coming? Who is on the earth during the millennium?
Is everyone resurrected? When will I be resurrected? 

Older Children
Why do bad things happen to good people?
When am I judged from my actions on this earth?
What is the difference between who goes to the celestial kingdom and who goes to the other two?
If someone dies before they get married in the temple when will they be able to be sealed eternally?
Isn't the terrestrial kingdom good enough? Why or why not?
If I marry a non-member and I'm really good can I be sealed to my kids someday?

Commit: Discuss a challenge your family might take learning about the plan of salvation. Challenge as desired.

September 2: The Restoration

These ideas are from the following blog:  http://kristysawtelle.com

Chapter 3, Lesson #1: The Restoration 

Opening Song: “The Golden Plates” from primary songbook
Discussion: Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to communicate with us. He wants to be able to hear from us and to send messages of comfort, guidance and information to us. 

Activity:  Morse Code (One way we can communicate with each other)You will need two flashlights. Let everyone see what signal on the flashlight will represent a dot and what represents a dash.  Have the family divide in half and each group go to one end of the room or outside in the dark and decide what word they want to spell for the other group. Let each person do one letter. The other group will write down what letters they think you are sending and then try to interpret the word. Then they get a chance to send you a word.

Discussion: There are a lot of ways we learn to communicate with each other (name some others) but Heavenly Father has told us how he wants us to communicate with him (through prayer) and how he communicates to us. How does He get a message to us? (List some ways) Make sure to mention prophets and scriptures.Heavenly Father wants us to be successful and to return to him so he helps us. One way is by calling prophets to give us direction and information. Throughout the world's history Heavenly Father has sent prophets. Can you name any of them? Can you name our prophet today? How do you personally know that these prophets were called by God? (This is a testimony bearing opportunity for them) 

Scripture: Amos 3: 7 and D&C 1: 38 Have someone help explain these verses and their application to us. Testify of the truthfulness of these verses.

Activity: Tell everyone you are going to talk about what happened to the prophets the Lord sent over time and as you tell the story you will ask questions. Every time someone answers a question right you will quietly place a penny in their hand and continue the story. Choose what parts of the discussion to turn into questions based on your children's age group and knowledge level.

Discussion: Prophets were on the earth all throughout the Old Testament. Then a few years before the Savior's birth the people became so wicked that the Lord took their prophets away. The Savior brought the gospel back to the earth and before he died in the NT he called apostles and a prophet to lead the people. But the people rejected the apostles and killed the prophet. Without apostles and prophets the Savior's gospel was changed and then lost. This period of darkness was called “The Great Apostasy” or Dark Ages. Not until 1830 did the Savior restore His true church again on the earth. This was called the Restoration and came about in answer to young Joseph Smith's prayer.Have family members tell the story of Joseph Smith's first prayer (see page 36-37 of PMG) taking turns and handing out pennies for important information. (Or tell the story and have them fill in the details).   As part of the restoration of His church, the Savior gave us a prophet and some additional scriptures (the Book of Mormon, D&C and Pearl of Great Price)

Activity: Allow everyone a chance to toss their pennies at the target from behind a tape line on the floor, then gather the family together and ask if anyone has received their own testimony of the Restoration, Joseph Smith, President Monson, or the Book or Mormon. As you share your testimony give them a chance to feel the spirit and share their own thoughts in any way they feel comfortable.

Commit: Brainstorm as a family ways you could strengthen your knowledge or testimony of the first vision, prophets, president Monson or the Book of Mormon . These might include memorizing a short portion of the JS story , memorizing the scripture that sent him to the grove to pray, or learning more about our current prophet. Commit everyone to do one thing, no matter how small this week and report back next week.

Families with young children: Write a secret message to each child challenging them to do something from the lesson in the coming week (ex: draw a picture of the first vision). Wrap the note in foil and hide it in their treats before you bake them (cupcakes, cookies, muffins etc). They can eat the treat, find the challenge and choose when to complete it.

Teens and Senior Couples preparing to serve: do the activity on pg. 39 of PMGWrite an example of what YOU would feel comfortable saying when introducing someone to the Book of Mormon. Read the last two paragraphs in the introduction to the Book of Mormon and work together to explain the meaning of each concept in both paragraphs.

Week 19: Go Forward With Faith

By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.

Alma 37:6

Click HERE for this week's lesson from LDS.org

Ideas from Lindsey: 

Give your family a small puzzle with one piece missing. Ask them to put it together. Explain that they need all the "pieces of the puzzle" (or gospel) to go forward with faith. You may even choose to write things on the back of the puzzle according to the lesson...prayer, scriptures, faith, obedience, etc.

Challenge all family members to read their scriptures and pray for one month straight. Select a reward for your family if everyone completes the goal.

Write a family mission statement. Include ways your family will go forward with faith.

Teach a lesson on journal writing and the importance of documenting faith promoting experiences. Consider creating a book where family members can write down miracles.

Have each family member share a faith promoting experience.

Make a "spiritual time capsule" for your family full of miracles and testimonies.

For the little ones...create a paper doll for the armor of God and label all the parts.

Cut out a paper flower (daisy or sunflower). Write "go forward with faith" on the center circle, then write all the things they need to do on the petals. Hand out petals or hide around the room. Tape up petals as you go. OR...create a train, balloon bouquet, whatever your family loves!

Week 18: Work and Self-Reliance

Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent.

Doctrine and Covenants 60:13

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson from LDS.org

Ideas from Lindsey:
Share with your family what your first job was and explain the importance of work in your life
Make a family budget together (or individual budgets/spending plans)
Mock Interviews (coach family members on interview etiquette and proper attire...then ask them actual interview questions)
Share inspirational stories from your ancesters about how they showed the importance of hard work and self-reliance
List marketable qualities that employers look for when hiring...discuss how to acquire these qualities. *I suggest also pointing out how the gospel and many programs in the church help prepare us to have qualities that employers are looking for.
Discuss idleness and the importance of avoiding being idle. List things that cause us to be idle and read the paragraph from the lesson about avoiding such activities
Reality Check Time! For those teens preparing for college/missions...write college spending plans together, taking into account how much money they will actually need to survive
For the little ones, have them choose something they REALLY want to buy.
Go outside and work together!!! 
"You can get something for nothing" discuss the dangers of gambling (as found in the lesson)
Write goals for the future
Define Self-Reliance

Here is a GREAT link from the primary: http://www.scribd.com/doc/25795141/Work-I-Can-Do-My-Part-FHE-Lesson

Thanks Amy!

Next Week's Lesson (the last lesson!!!): Go Forward with Faith

Week 17: Tithes and Offerings

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, … 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.

Malachi 3:10

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson from LDS.org

Ideas from Lindsey:
Create tithing jars
Teach what 10% is by giving the rest of your family 10 of something they love (candy bars, dollars, toys, etc) and then of course, tell them they have to pay 1 of them in tithing.
Use this fun tithing maze CLICK HERE
Use this LINK for a FHE game for your family (includes making tithing cups
Make a TITHING WHEEL and play a game at the following link (includes songs, lesson, activity, etc.)
Discuss the importance of "offerings" and plan with your family how you can donate to others
Teach the law of the fast
Tithing Lesson: The Parable of the Skittles





Next week's Lesson: Work and Self-Reliance

Week 16: Sexual Purity

The sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson from LDS.org

Ideas from Lindsey:
Read the lesson straight out of the manual with your family
Teach your family the definition of VIRTUE
Show your family a picture of you on your wedding day, discuss the importance of being unspotted from the world when you get married
Do an object lesson on the Iron Rod and the importance of holding strong to the iron rod
Show the following video: Chastity: What are the Limits
Show the following video: Choose to be Pure
Show the following video: Return to Virtue
Teach your children some self defense moves
Make a family plan of action of how to stay virtuous (for example, set specific rules as to expectations in your family...and what they should do if they are ever in need of help)
Go through scenarios with your children and have them decide what they would do to stay sexually pure. For example, your high school friends invite you to go camping with boys and girls from school, what should you do to remain sexually pure? OR...Your college boyfriend (or girlfriend) invites you to come back and see his bedroom..Be creative


Links from Elders Quorum (with updated links in dropbox)
Sexual Purity
Physical Intimacy

Insights from Leah Young:
 I was asked to share a few thoughts about this upcoming weeks topic. It's hard because there is so much that can be said, when teaching ALL ages, about this subject. We love Linda and Richard Eyre and have paid a one time fee to be members on their valuesparenting.com site, where we have learned so much about how to go about talking and teaching our children about intimacy. I will continue to HIGHLY recommend this resource to ALL parents! Below is a mini section included in their "introduction" section of their "how to talk to kids about sex" section of the site.

Before I send you on to read that however, I think it's important to note that this is not a topic that we need to wait until the age of 8, or later, to start talking to our kids about. We can talk to little ones about how mommy and daddy show love with kisses and hugs and how we sleep in the same bed because we are married and it's such a fun thing to have sleepovers every night after you get married...in fact it's so fun and special and awesome that those are neat things that Heavenly Father says we get to do after we are sealed in the temple. It's something exciting to look forward to and it's so special that we want to save those fun things for after we are married to our husband/wife. There are many spins that can be taken, but keeping it simple, light and exciting is key. We really need to make sure that our kids understand how exciting and wonderful intimacy can be at the right time with the right person rather than taking an approach that leaves children feeling that intimacy is bad or wrong or shameful.

After our first "big talk" with Brinley we made a pact, the three of us, that we would always be open and talk to each other about "the special hug" whenever there were questions that came up. We have had several "booster" discussions with her since her 8th birthday and she will periodically come to us with questions after hearing things at school. We have been able to foster an enviornment that allows her to feel comfortable and open to sharing and discussing this topic.

Cody and I spent months talking about, reading articles on and practicing going through the "big talk" with one another prior to beginning the full blown discussions with our oldest. It is our thought and hope, with this topic as with all character qualities we strive to instill in our children, that taking the time and energy during these formative years will pay off in great dividends for the rest of their lives and ours as well.

Hope this helps,
Leah

Here is the Eyre's section:

It may be the most important talk you will ever have with your child! The

“big talk” about sex should come early (we recommend the eighth birthday), but it

is never too late! A “preemptive strike” can give your child a healthy, positive,

respectful view of human intimacy that will stand up to all the garbage that will

come from the media and the peer group. And being able to talk together about

THE MOST intimate subject will make any and every other subject “on limits”

between you and you child. But all parents need help with this subject! We tend to avoid it and delay it

and feel embarrassed and hesitant about it.

Parents all over the world want to know how to talk to their kids about sex in a positive, pragmatic way,
and they want reassurance that their voice and their influence can outweigh that of the

media and the peer group.

This pivotal discussion should be preceded by preparatory dialogues and followed by discussions designed to continue all through adolescence, each adaptable to your situation, your personality, and the age of your child.

Our theory is that the best (and most effective) reason for sexual restraint and responsibility is that it increases one’s chances for a successful and lasting long term commitment and for a safe and happy family. A child with this goal, this hope, this vision will make better decisions in every area of his or her life.

The adjectives “beautiful” and “awesome” are used repeatedly to symbolize this

positive approach. The single greatest protection for kids (and the strongest

motivation for avoiding early, dangerous sex) is to grow up thinking of sex as a

wonderful, spectacular miracle that not only makes babies but also can bind

couples and families together in a loyal, happy way. The words “beautiful and

awesome” will come to represent this to your child.

Next Week's Lesson: Tithes and Offerings

Week 15: Service

When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Mosiah 2:17

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson from LDS.org
Sorry followers...forgot to post the week for service! Having too much fun in Montana!

Week 14: Sabbath Day Worship

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Exodus 20:8

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson from LDS.org

Ideas from Lindsey:
Make quiet books for Sacrament Meeting
Have all family members write down all the things they did on Sunday...discuss the activities we do before/after church and how to improve
Role play correct/incorrect behavior during sacrament meeting
Sing the primary song on p.196 "Sacrament" about how Saturday is the day we get ready for Sunday
Have a lesson on the importance of journal writing and set a goal for each family member to write a goal to write in their journal each Sunday for one month.
Create a book with pictures of the Savior to look at during sacrament meeting
Discuss activities we do during sacrament that may distract others
Teach of the importance of keeping the chapel clean
Write thank you cards to the Aaronic priesthood for administering the sacrament



Next week's lesson: Service (start thinking of service project for your family!)