A House of Order

Elder and Sister Bednar were recently visiting one of their married children and his family. When they were leaving, their son said, as is the custom in their family, "Dad and Mom, Do you have any suggestions for us that we could improve upon?"

Elder Bednar said, "well, your home is clean but cluttered. The Spirit of the Lord can not dwell in a cluttered home. You have a baby. You are raising that baby where the Spirit of the Lord can not be felt."

When they arrived home in Salt Lake that night, there waiting on the internet were photos of their son's apartment. They had gone to the local Home Depot and purchased shelving units and had reorganized their living quarters.


For Family Home Evening, I thought you might consider this topic - Making a House of Order. As a Latter-day Saints, we are very interested in putting our own homes in order, and in having peace through order.

Here is sample language "Tonight we are going to talk to our two-year-old about how and why we clean up. Then we will go through his dresser and pull out all of the clothes that are too small and store them. The lesson also suggests other ordering activities."

Lehi's Dream - FHE Activity

Lehi's Dream

Do you remember the picture Jeremy chose at the Church Museum of Art. We were on a trip to Utah and let him pick out a poster. The one on Lehi's dream is the one he picked. So, here is the drill: Gather the family round about the kitchen table for this activity. Come stocked with pencils, markers, crayons, stickers etc. You will also need a large poster board or piece of butcher paper and the scriptures.

As you read the story of Lehi's dream (1 Nephi 8) to the family, have everyone take part in recreating the vision on paper. All the family will enjoy participating in this. The youngest children are skilled enough to scribble in a believable mist of darkness. Everyone can add a piece of fruit to the tree. If you have an aspiring artist, let him or her create the large and spacious building with intricate architecture. The mathmetician in the family can make sure the strait and narrow path is precise. And so on for all the parts of the dream.

It really doesn't matter if the youngest kids add their touch to the entire paper. Just ask the older kids to figure out creative ways to incorporate the little scribbles and odd markings into their design. When the poster is done, it can be hung up as a good reminder of the lesson for the week. Hopefully upon seeing it, everyone will remember to hold to the rod!

While the story is being told, or after the picture is completed, discuss Nephi's experience with Lehi's dream (1 Nephi 11)so that all can know the interpretation of each item drawn.

A good treat for this activity would be some new types of fruit that your family hasn't tried before or doesn't get to have often. Make sure that it is a good, yummy sweet fruit!

A good song choice is "The Iron Rod" on page 274 of the hymn book.

Lehi's Dream Is For All Of Us

Here is an assignment for each of you. First I'll tell you a little about our experience this week.

We gathered with Elder Bednar and Elder Gonzales (of the presidency of the 70) and their wives as well as the Caribbean Area Presidency from Sunday evening through Wednesday lunch. It was a wonderful and needful experience for our missions as well as our families. There are some things we need to be doing to stay safe - I mean spiritually safe during the times ahead.

Here is the question I tried to find answers to during our training:

How can we stay steadfast, firm, and immovable during challenging times?

By challenging, I don't just mean difficult, I mean times when our beliefs will be challenged.

This, of course, relates to our children as well as ourselves - how do we help them become firm?

We spent most of our time learning how to learn by the spirit. Elder Bednar said that members of the church are pretty good at understanding what it means to teach by the spirit, but we rarely think about learning by the spirit. We actually did it rather than talk about it. He firmly believes that the best way to learn by the spirit is to act. That means when we are teaching classes or our children we need to invite them to do things rather than just sit and listen. Elder Bednar got us to act by having us share questions we had, answering questions he posed, reading scriptures, and sharing our ideas based on those scriptures. He didn't at all mind standing quietly waiting for us to contribute. He didn't jump into uncomfortable silences - he just waited. He also gave us homework (application) assignments to do during each break and at the end of each session - mostly to work on answering questions or figure out how to take what we learned back to our missions. We can do these same things in our families.

Why did we spend so much time learning to learn by the spirit? Because that is what will protect us. That is the way we receive our own testimonies and understanding of gospel truth.

We need that.

The children need that.

So - in keeping with that method of teaching, here is a way each of you can 'act' in order to learn by the spirit what we need to do to stay firm:

Read 1 Nephi 8 as couples or families. Go through it carefully verse by verse and figure out what the difference is between people who stayed firm and those who didn't. Share what you learned in comments. You may be lead to do answer new questions or find more scriptures - go for it!

I think it would be fun to work as families and draw a picture or make a list about what each group did as they approached the tree. Acting out each groups actions might help find differences.

Here is something to give you a jump start - Elder Bednar said the tree is Christ and the fruit is the Atonement. If you read on into 1 Ne 11 and 12, you will get more definitions of the symbols.

I think it is a perfect story for the kids to enjoy and analyze. You could ask them things like:

• Why do you think those people ate the fruit and then fell away?
• What is the large and spacious building?
• What would you do if someone made fun of you for being a Mormon?

Our Youngest Son is a Star

Family Home Evenings are fun! The grandchildren will love this as Jamie's fame grows and grows!

Who says bands are bad? This one is clean and very, very good!

They're Here! My Semi- Annual Glue-ins from General Conference

Every General Conference time, I love the Thursday following General Conference for that is when the talks are on line. Here are my take-away glue'ins for October 2008.

Elder Andersen - Be Steady

We (must)remain steady and patient as we progress through mortality. At times, the Lord’s answer will be, “You don’t know everything, but you know enough”—enough to keep the commandments and to do what is right. Remember Nephi’s words: “I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things. (First Nephi 11:17)

Elder Andersen - Faith is a Decision

"As I laid my hands upon his head, I felt to tell him something that I had not thought about in exactly the same way before. The impression that came to me was: Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision. He would need to choose faith.
My friend did not know everything, but he knew enough. He chose the road of faith and obedience. He got on his knees. His spiritual balance returned." (Mark 5:36)

Elder Holland (quoted by Elder Oaks) - Wear White Shirts

“May I suggest that wherever possible a white shirt be worn by the deacons, teachers, and priests who handle the sacrament. For sacred ordinances in the Church we often use ceremonial clothing, and a white shirt could be seen as a gentle reminder of the white clothing you wore in the baptismal font and an anticipation of the white shirt you will soon wear into the temple and onto your missions” (“This Do in Remembrance of Me,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 68). (D&C 20:77)

Elder Oaks - How to Stay Clean

How can we have the Spirit of the Lord to guide our choices so that we will remain “unspotted from the world” and on the safe path through mortality? We need to qualify for the cleansing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We do this by keeping His commandment to come to Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and in that wonderful weekly meeting partake of the emblems of the sacrament and make the covenants that qualify us for the precious promise that we will always have His Spirit to be with us (D&C 59:9).

Elder Uchtdorf - Hope

“Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” This is the quality of hope we must cherish and develop. Such a mature hope comes in and through our Savior Jesus Christ, for “every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as [the Savior] is pure.” (2 Nephi 31:20)

Elder Wirthlin - Principle of Compensation.

The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude. (Ether 12:27)


Elder Christofferson - Our greatest object - Build Zion

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186). In our families and in our stakes and districts, let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity, preparing for that great day when Zion, the New Jerusalem, will arise. he Lord called Enoch's people Zion "because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them" (Moses 7:18). Elsewhere He said, "For this is Zion—the pure in heart" (D&C 97:21).

Elder Bednar - Counsel with Lord in Everything

Principle #1. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings (see Alma 37:37).

Elder Bednar - Express Gratitude in our Prayers More Often

Principle #2. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude. (Mosiah 26:39)

Elder Bednar - Pray with real intent

Principle #3. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart. (1 Nephi 1:15)

Elder Scott - Respect Women

In some cultures, tradition places a man in a role to dominate, control, and regulate all family affairs. That is not the way of the Lord. In some places the wife is almost owned by her husband, as if she were another of his personal possessions. That is a cruel, unproductive, mistaken vision of marriage encouraged by Lucifer that every priesthood holder must reject. It is founded on the false premise that a man is somehow superior to a woman. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The scriptures confirm that Father in Heaven saved His greatest, most splendid, supreme creation, woman, to the end. Only after all else was completed was woman created. Only then was the work pronounced complete and good. (Moses 4:17-19; Moses 5:10-11.)

Elder Jensen - Arms of Safety - The Sacrament

The section heading to Doctrine and Covenants 110 gives the context for one of our most relevant verses about enjoying arms of safety. Following this sacred ordinance (passing the Sacrament), Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery retired to pray in private. Following the prayer, the Savior appeared to these two men and said, "Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice" (D&C 110:5). The sequence of events in the Kirtland Temple in 1836 parallels our day and is likened to us. Sabbath after Sabbath, you (who)administer the sacrament to the Saints, who come to sacrament meeting prayerfully, hungering for spiritual healing, hoping, pleading to hear in their minds and hearts these words: "Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice" (D&C 110:5).


Elder Uchtdorf - Lift Where We Stand

Although it may seem simple, lifting where we stand is a principle of power. Most ... live by this principle. They are eager to roll up their sleeves and go to work, whatever that work might be. They faithfully perform their priesthood duties. They magnify their callings. They serve the Lord by serving others. They stand close together and lift where they stand. However, there are those who sometimes struggle with this concept. And when they do, they seem to fall into one of two camps: either they seek to lead, or they seek to hide. They covet a crown or a cave.No calling is beneath us. Every calling provides an opportunity to serve and to grow. The Lord organized the Church in a way that offers each member an opportunity for service, which, in turn, leads to personal spiritual growth. Whatever your calling, I urge you to see it as an opportunity not only to strengthen and bless others but also to become what Heavenly Father wants you to become. May we cease to aspire and cease to retire! (Matt 20:27)

President Monson - Always Accept Callings

President Harold B. Lee said: “When one becomes a holder of the priesthood, he becomes an agent of the Lord. He should think of his calling as though he were on the Lord’s errand.” Now, some of you may be shy by nature or consider yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to a calling. Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that the Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it. (D&C 107:99)

Elder Holland - Angels Go Before Us

From the beginning down through the dispensations, God has used angels as His emissaries in conveying love and concern for His children. The scriptures or our own latter-day history, are filled with accounts of angels ministering to those on earth. Usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times. (D&C 84_88)

Family Discusson on October 2008 General Conference

Here are some glue-in type quotes and personal impressions I had during October 2008 LDS General Conference. (Please add yours.)

President Monson - Be good citizens and neighbors and reach out to those of other faiths.

President Uchtdorf - Whether moving a grand piano from the chapel to the cultural hall, or serving in some other capacity, "Lift where you stand". (I appreciated the counsel he gave of cease to aspire...cease to retire.)

President Eyring - Skillful peacemakers search for anything on which opposing parties agree. (This is like finding 'safe space' in crucial conversations.)

Elder Ballard - Our challenges are not any more severe than those of the early saints--they are just different. We're not required to walk across the continent for the church, but rather just across the street to share the gospel message with our neighbors. (Do we open our mouths where ever we go and ask about the Church? Remember those golden questions - would you like to know more about the Church? Or what about the referral dialogue - who do you know and who else do you know who would be interested in our message?)

Elder Hales - We should answer contention with kindness. We should communicate using such means as letters to newspaper editors and blog comments to correct errors of fact, but we should always be cordial. We should speak out to help others understand the truth, but never to score points or to defend our egos. (This is correlated to Elder Ballard's directive last December to get involved in blogs by pronouncing our message to the world.)

Elder Scott - Husbands should show respect to their wives by taking charge of Family Home Evening and other activities. We should pay them more compliments. Bishops should show more respect for the insights of women on the ward council. Priesthood leaders should respect women's opinions and perspectives as much as their husbands'. (I particularly remember the reference to bad culture. We live in a society in the Caribbean where women have not been respected as they should have been and often are down-trodden. We need to show by example and how we speak that this is wrong and is not God's culture.)


President Monson - told the story of a man who cancelled an emergency business appointment because 'the circus keeps coming back, but childhood doesn't. Also said that the fingerprints on those things around the home that you have just cleaned will disappear all too soon, so cherish them while they're there. (There is not a day that goes by where I do not long for the days when the 5 J's were young and at home. I loved the close-knit feeling of being with our family.)

Elder Cook - With the current economic crisis, there is great concern throughout the world. There will in the future be more lean years as well as plentiful years, but if we're prepared in either event, everything will be alright for us. (This is great comfort to me in light of what is happening to our savings right now in the financial crisis experienced in the Stock Market.)


President Packer - During July 24th, 1849 celebration, the Saints in the Salt Lake Valley celebrated their patriotism to the United States despite the fact that Congress had not come to their assistance when they were losing $2 million in property and had otherwise been been persecuted for their faith. (It is not 1830 and there are not just 12 of us is what President Hinckley used to say. We have made alot of progress is moving forth the work of God.)

Bishop McMullin - Told the story of Chinese official who visited LDS Welfare Square and was so impressed with the integrity of the Church that he paid his fast offering in a "red pocket" envelope. He said "If the world loved like this, it would be a much better place." (But each of us can do our part in our own way to set that example by the lives we lead.)

Elder Bednar - Expressing gratitude should be an important part of prayer. "The most meaningful prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few if any requests." Ingratitude invites the wrath of God. (I love the example of connections patterns and themes demonstrated in this talk by comparing temporal creation being linked to and a continuation of the spiritual creation. In this way, Elder Bednar suggests that meaningful morning and evening prayers are linked to and are a continuation of each other.)

Elder Oaks - May I suggest that wherever possible a white shirt be worn by the deacons, teachers and priests who handle the sacrament. For sacred ordinances in the Church we often use ceremonial clothing, and a white shirt could be seen as a gentle reminder of the white clothing you wore in the baptismal font and an anticipation of the white shirt you will soon wear into the temple and on to your missions. (This was a quote Elder Oaks endorsed that was given by Elder Holland 13 years ago. It is a message that needs to be received by all Priesthood holders in the Church in preparation for attending Sacrament meeting. We should all be prepared and worthy at all times to officiate in the blessing and passing of the Sacrament if asked.)

Elder Andersen - said that "we don't know everything, but that we know enough." We each have moments of spiritual power, moments of inspiration and revelation. We must sink them deep into the chambers of our soul. As we do, we prepare our spiritual home storage for moments of personal difficulty. Jesus said: “Settle this in your hearts, that ye will do the things which I shall teach, and command you.” (To strengthen our own testimonies, I remember the teaching of President Packer who said that a testimony is to be found in the bearing of it.

As you have Family Home Evening this week, why not have each member of the family tell their favorite General Conference memory? Remember that tradition in our family? Your posts and reactions are welcome....

My Best for the Kingdom

My Best for the Kingdom

(Note: at the conclusion of his autobiography, John Lowe Butler wrote his personal testament affirming he had given his best for the Church.)

“I fear that I have seen my best days, but I can say that I have done my best to help to roll forth the kingdom of God.

I have seen and been through many trials and close places, and my family has suffered from want, and I have always felt to give God praise for all things which came unto us for our good.

And I can bear my testimony to this work, I know that it is the Kingdom of God for the Lord has bless me with the knowledge thereof.

I have seen the sick healed under the power of the Priesthood.

I have seen the power of God displayed in many places.

And I have always felt to do my best in all things that I have had to do.

My prayer is that all of us who are in the Kingdom of God may be led to do what is right in the sight of God at all times, is the prayer of your humble servant. Amen.”

John Lowe Butler

John Lowe Butler is the Great Great Great Grandfather of Grandpa Reid A. Robison on his Grandfather Thomas Adams' side of the family. (His mother - Gloria Dawn Adams'father).
His grandfather Adams’ mother was Maria Luella Redd Adams and her mother was Keziah Jane Butler Redd.
Keziah Jane Butler Redd’s father was John Lowe Butler

Excerpt from Autobiography

"The Saints there were much persecuted, and they went and laid out a county and called it Caldwell County. The Saints all moved there and called it Far West. I moved there myself and assisted in making the first settlement; but first we moved into Clay County and stayed there a little while, and from there into Caldwell County. We moved there in the fall and stayed there two winters and from there we moved to Davies County.
I went with Brother Gee, he lived close by us, and we went to the election [Gallatin] in Davies County when the Saints were refused the privilege of voting, and rescued some of the Saints from a furious mob, and the Lord did strengthen my body far beyond the strength of man. Just after I joined the Church, I took a second growth and grew two inches and a half and grew very stout indeed, and my health became strong, and I felt as if I could handle any two men on the earth. When myself and Brother Gee got there, there was a large crowd of folks. Soon after the election commenced it was rumored around that the Mormons should not vote and that drew the brethren together. They commenced talking about how there had been a man going around among us finding out who the Mormons were going to vote for and when they heard it made them mad. They said that the Mormons should not vote because the Mormons did not vote to suit them; they must not vote at all. Now this the Saints did not like to be deprived of, their liberty and rights, so some were determined to go and put in their vote. Now for my part, I felt like backing everyone for it was our right.

There was Riley Stuart, Hyrum Nelson and myself and another man that I can't think of his name just now, but we all started to go and put in our votes. I was about the last one and the brother that was on ahead got knocked down and then Brother Riley Stuart interfered for him and one of the mob rushed at him with a knife. Riley turned and ran when he saw the man draw his knife. I then ran after the ruffian and as it happened, I saw an oak stick lying in the road; it was split, one of those sticks that they have to build chimneys with and just as the fellow struck Stuart, I struck him and as I struck him there had been another fellow running after me with a loaded horsewhip and struck me right between the shoulders, but it did not seem to hurt me much only I felt that I could take them all if they would come along. Just as the fellow struck me, I turned around and struck an underhanded lick and just fetched it under his chin and broke his jaw in two places and down he came; we had no more trouble with him.

There was so much excitement after that, that I could hardly tell what did transpire, but one of the brethren had a large cotton handkerchief full of earthenware and some fellow broke some of them with a stick, and he then made a weapon of them and commenced breaking the rest of them over their heads. I know that I knocked them right and left, every one that came in my reach and I know that there were over eight or ten. There was one fellow commenced bawling when he saw one of his companions lie motionless on the sod. He said that they had killed poor (Dick Wilkdin) [Weldon] Bill, and a brother hearing the poor fellow wailing for his companion thought that he would give him something else to cry for, it was Washington Vorus. He came up with a rock and threw at him and struck him right in the mouth. He boohooed and cried out what d--nd hard licks those d--nd Mormons do hit. They then commenced carrying off the men that had been knocked down and some killed and some were standing up against the fence and against the house with the blood running from their heads and faces, and I expect that some of them were from the effects of the teacups and saucers. However, they looked pitiful objects indeed, and when it was all over, Brother Vorus looked at the crockery ware and there was not a piece left the size of an inch and the handkerchief and all was covered with blood.

The officer then came up to me and said that we could come and vote, but I told him that I did not care whether I voted or not, but he said that I'd better come and put in my vote, so I started on behind. I had not yet put down my stick and he saw it and said, "For God's sake put down your stick, there is no use for it now." But I told him that I had no weapon and I did not care about leaving it, for it had been a good friend to me. "For God's sake don't come here then." So I turned back and he kept on. It was only a bite to draw me in and then they would have taken me or used me up and then Brother Samuel H. Smith came up to me and said let us go home, but when I got to where I had left my wagon, I found it gone, so Brother Smith said, "Come and go home with me," which was about three miles from my house. Brother Gee started home with the team and my wife going out of doors saw the team and started to meet it, but there was but one man in the wagon and he was standing up and had the whip in his hand laying it onto the horses and horses going at full speed.

My wife had gotten some distance from the house when she met him and she said to him, "Who was [Why?] Brother Gee, what in the world is the matter, where is Mr. Butler?" "Why," said he, "hasn't John Butler come home? I thought that he would have been home by this." "Why," said he, "he has killed five or six men at the election," and on he drove past my wife and stopped at the house and got out and started for home, leaving the horses all hitched up and leaving my wife to take care of them. She took them off the wagon and fed them and then waited anxiously for my return, but I returned not until the next morning after breakfast from Brother Smith's.
I concluded to ride over to Far West some fourteen miles from where we lived and I saw Brother Joseph Smith. He resided there. He asked me if I had removed my family. I told him no, I had not. "Then," said he, "go and move them directly and do not sleep another night there." "But," said I, "I don't like to be a coward." "Go and do as I tell you," said he. So I started back again and got home about two hours after dark. I then said to my wife, "We must pack up our things and leave here directly, for Brother Joseph has told me to." My wife was very glad for she had been wanting to move for a long time. So we loaded up one wagon load and took it down to Brother Taylor's about one mile and a half and my wife and Malinda Porter, a young woman that was boarding with us, who was keeping school. They packed up another wagon load by the time I got back and we all started off just about the break of day.

Now about sunrise, or a little while after, Brother Gee saw in the distance a large body of men. He said that he thought there was about thirty-odd. He watched them come toward the house and surround it. He then ran down to Taylor to tell them that we were all killed, I suppose, and when he saw us, he said, "Oh, I am so glad that you are here for there are about thirty men around your house to kill you all." I then saw the hand of the Lord guiding Brother Joseph Smith to direct me to move my family away. If he had not, why in all probability we should all have been murdered, and I felt to thank God with all my heart and soul."

Partaking of the Sacrament

This picture reminds us that Jesus loves us and was willing to suffer great pain and even death so that we could live with Him and with Heavenly Father.

Matthew told us about the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:34-44

Jesus asked Peter, "What could you not watch with me one hour? (Matthew 26:40) Could this question also apply to those people who do not think about Jesus during the Sacrament?




Jesus was betrayed, taken by soldiers, and put through many trials. He was beaten and spit upon.

Why did Jesus submit to the trials, the beatings and even the Crucifixion? (He had committed himself to fill a mission. Going through these terrible things showed us His love for Heavenly Father and for each of us.)






When he was hung on the cross, he said "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

What do we learn about Jesus when we think about this statement? (We learn that he had love, even for those people were ignorant and very bad.)



When Jesus died on the cross, he was laid in a tomb.

How do you think the people that took Him down from the cross and laid Him lovely in the tomb felt?

How might you have felt?







Jesus could take up his body again. He was resurrected, rose from the dead on Sunday, and was the first person ever to be resurrected so that we could be resurrected.

Does everyone who comes to earth have to die?

Will we all be resurrected?

Do you have to believe in Christ be be resurrected?









Jesus taught us that to be with Him in Heaven, we needed to be baptised. We are baptized when we are 8 years old. So far Julia, Rachel and Dallin have all been baptized? Who will be the next person baptized? Can you guess?




After you are baptized, you will be confirmed. Do you remember what happens when you are confirmed?




Each week, you able to come to Church and partake of the Sacrament. Before it is passed, a special prayer is given for the bread and a special prayer is given for the water. Do you remember anything from those prayers?



Now comes the most important part of the Sacrament. It is passed to you after it is blessed. What do you think about during the passing of the sacrament?


Activities:

Display a picture of Jesus next to the table where you sit to eat breakfast or dinner.

On Sunday morning, during breakfast talk aobut Jesus. Have each child tell one thing about Jesus. Then have each child tell something that Jesus wants us to do. Remind the children that they will be taking the Sacrament during sacrament meeting.

Ask: What can you think about during the Sacrament.

As you travel to Church, ask the children to sing a song about Jesus to help them remember what we should think about during Sacrament meeting.

Give each child a little picture of Jesus on a piece of construction paper. Help the child write "I will think about Jesus" on it. Have the children take it to Church to look at during the Sacrament.

On the way home, ask each child what they thought about during the Sacrament. Start by telling them what you thought about. (Praise their efforts.)

The Most Holy of All Meetings in the Church

Partaking of the Sacrament

2 Lessons - the grown-ups (for the parents and Jamie; the other one for the grandchildren

For the Parents:

Attention Getter: "No member of the Church who refuse to observe this sacred ordinance can retain the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Ghost." (Joseph Fielding Smith)

"The Gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift we can receive in mortality." (Wilford Woodruff)

"If we are to always have His Spirit to be with us, we must always be worthy and we cannot do that without regularly and appropriately partaking of the sacrament." (Dallin H. Oaks)

Lesson

"Every ordinance of the gospel focuses one way or another on the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why the ordinance of the Sacrament, with all its symbolism and imagery comes to us more readily and repeatedly than any other in our life." (Jeffrey Roy Holland)

Speaking of Sacrament Meeting - "it is the most sacred, the most holy of all meetings of the Church." (Joseph Fielding Smith)

Read 2 Nephi 31: 19-20 - Here the prophet Nephi tells us the importance of enduring to the end.

"And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this straight and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus siath the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

I personally cannot think of a more important lesson for each of the Robison children, their spouses, and children than the reminder of how important it is to endure to the end. We do this by remembering the covenants we made a baptism and partaking of the Sacrament worthily each Sunday so that we can continue to have the Spirit with us.

Practical Application:

What I Like Best about Church

By Isabelle Alpert

Isabelle Alpert, “What I Like Best about Church,” Ensign, June 2008, 70–71

Recently my husband and I had dinner with some friends. The conversation turned to religion, and one friend, a less-active member of the Church, began telling me why the Church was not true.

In the course of his explanation, he became adamant, hostile, and angry. The entire time I sat and listened. At first I felt like crying, but then I became angry and wanted to tell him off. The still, small voice, however, told me to be quiet.

Our friend didn’t finish his tirade until we had finished our dinner and paid the bill. Then he paused, as if waiting for my rebuttal. I sat there for a moment in silent prayer. Then, in a soft voice, I calmly said, “Do you know what I like best about going to church on Sunday? The sacrament. It allows me the opportunity to quietly bow my head and pray to Heavenly Father. I tell Him all the ways in which I could have done things differently during the past week, and I seek for ways to improve.”

Then I added, “I think of all the people I tried to be a blessing to during the past week, and I ask Heavenly Father to help me find more people to bless during the coming week. I am thankful that I have time during the sacrament each week to do this and to become the best I can be.”

Our friend looked at me and said nothing. We left the restaurant and walked to the car. I then asked him if he remembered all of the self-help books I had on my bookshelf at home. He did. I told him that since I had joined the Church, I had never read another self-help book. I said the only book I get my answers from anymore is the Book of Mormon.

A few days later he called to apologize.

“Come unto Christ … and love God with all your might, mind and strength” (Moroni 10:32), Moroni counsels us. As I have tried to follow that counsel, my love for God’s children has increased—even for those who try to be my enemy. (From Latter Day Voices, June 2008 Ensign)

Partaking of the Sacrament worthily is not just about Sunday. It is about living a Christ-like life so that we make the correct decisions all the time.

Sacrament Prayers

In the first prayer, we commit to take upon ourselves the name of Christ and to always keep His commandments. The second prayer, although a bit shorter, also assumes we will do this. In both prayers, we are admonished to remember, to always remember Him so that we may have His Spirit to be with us.

What things might we remember as we partake of the Sacrament?

Might we remember what we know about the pre-existence and the unselfish act of volunteering to take upon Him all of our sins that we might live with our Heavenly Father?

Might we remember the young mother of Jesus, not much younger than Karenin. What about the unselfish foster father, a humble carpenter about Justin's age?

Do we remember some of the teachings of the Savior and His miracles? Do we remember His example, his commandments, his love of children, his healings and the perfect life he led?

What could then could possibly keep us from living as we should?

King Benjamin taught us that it is we who estrange ourselves from the Spirit and not the other way around:

Read Mosiah 2:36

"And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom's paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved."

The Savior Himself left this caution which is similar to King Benjamin's. In the Garden of Gethesame, the Savior asked His disciples this poignant question when they fell asleep - "Could you not watch with me one hour?" The same question might well be asked of each of us as we reverently partake of the Sacrament and reverently ponder upon the meaning of the atonement.

Personal Application

I would encourage each of us to take an inward look at our understanding and appreciation for the sacred emblems of the Sacrament. It is critical that we realize the importance of the Sacrament in our daily lives and know that to always have His Spirit, we must always be worthy. Without regularly and worthily partaking of the Sacrament, we can not do this.

Karenin's FHE Discoveries

We found a website that has great FHE lessons. We did this one last week.
Check it out. http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com/
Opening Song: “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” (Children’s Song Book # 78)
Story: The Little Red Hen
Song: “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Song Book # 198b)
Closing Song: “A Happy Helper” (Children’s Song Book # 197a (Karenin)

Helping Discussion



I Can Be A Helper

Amanda's Family Home Evening Discoveries

Amanda went to a website called Sugar Doddle.net and found a lesson that she presented last Monday in Family Home Evening. It is really good and so is the website she found. The website is:http://www.sugardoodle.net/Kindness/Dora%20FHE.shtml

Here is how the author starts the lesson. "My 4 year-old son is struggling with being kind to other kids at school and church. I developed this FHE to help teach about love and kindness. He loves Dora the Explorer, so we used a Dora theme and followed a map to three different destinations in the backyard where we could talk about different parts of the lesson."

Opening Song: Kindness Begins With Me

Tonight we are having a Dora the Explorer adventure. But we aren't sure where to go for the adventure. Who do we ask when we don't know which way to go? THE MAP

I brought out a huge map and sang: "I'm the map, I'm the map, I'm the map, etc."

Go to the BRIDGE, Visit the DOCTOR, end at story time BLANKET.

At the bridge the Troll (the daddy) sings:

I'm a Grumpy Old Troll,
Who lives under the bridge.
I'm a Grumpy Old Troll,
Who lives under the bridge.
If you want to come over,
All you have to do is this,
All you have to do is this...
Answer one riddle and one question.

Solve my riddle:

It is something Jesus tells us that we should show for each other.
The word has four letters.
A heart reminds us of this word.
The first letter of the word is the twelfth letter in the alphabet.

(The word is LOVE.)

Question:

What did Jesus say are the two greatest commandments?

Love God
Love your neighbor

The troll lets the children pass the bridge and sends them with a bag (inside it is a word puzzle.)

The following phrase was cut apart and so the children had to put it together to discover what it said…
"We must show our love by our words and actions."

Visit to the doctor…

The mother wore a white lab coat and in each of the big pockets had colored tongue depressor/popsicle sticks. One each one was written either a nice or a mean phrase. Examples included:

You are special.
You are stupid.
I like being with you.
Go away!
I'm sorry.

These sticks are to check and see how the phrases coming out of your mouth are: good or bad. Each member of the family took turns pulling a stick out. If it was good they placed it in another pocket to keep. If it was a bad phrase, they broke the stick and threw it in a trash can.

They played "Kindness ball toss" by tossing a ball to someone in the family and saying something nice about that person. Easy but fun activity!

Last spot: Story time blanket (blanket spread out on the grass so every one could lie down and listen). They read one poem and two stories about love and kindness. They are below:

I LOVE YOU, MOTHER

"I love you, mother," said little John.
Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on,
And he was off to the garden swing,
And left her the water and wood to bring.

"I love you, mother," said rosy Nell—
"I love you more than tongue can tell."
But she teased and pouted full half the day
Till her mother was glad when she went to play.

"I love you, mother," said little Ann;
"To-day I'll help you all I can;
How glad I am that school doesn't keep."
So she rocked the baby till it fell asleep.

Then slipping softly she took the broom
And swept the floor and dusted the room.
Busy and happy all the day was she,
Helpful and cheerful as a child should be.

"I love you, mother," again they said,
Three little children going to bed.
How do you think that mother guessed
Which of them really loved her best?

—JOY ALLISON.

A Story of Kindness by Braden Walden in August 2005 Friend

My mom was talking on the phone, and my little brother kept asking her to read him a story. My mom told him she was busy, but he still kept asking. I decided to do what I thought Jesus would do. I read my little brother a story. Afterward my mom thanked me, and I felt good inside because I had helped my mom and my little brother.

Kindness Begins with Me by Jessica Edwards, age 8, and Brooke Jesse, age 7, Friend, Dec. 1997

Christmas was coming, and the first grade class of Mrs. Blackhurst and Mrs. Saunders at Barratt Elementary in American Fork, Utah, had really looked forward to making gingerbread houses. Best friends
Jessica and Brooke were in the class together. When the long-awaited day arrived, each carefully and lovingly decorated her gingerbread house with candies and icing. They were really pleased with their
finished creations.

After school, they could hardly wait to take their treasured gingerbread houses home to show their families. As they walked down the hall, Brooke's gingerbread house slipped off its plate and fell to the ground. It splattered all over the floor of the school. Heartbroken, she and Jessica picked up the pieces and continued their walk home.

At home, Jessica cried and cried because she didn't know how to help her friend feel better. Then Mom suggested, "Why don't you give her your gingerbread house?" Jessica thought about it and decided that even though she loved her gingerbread house, that's what she would do.

She took it to Brooke's house and gave it to her. Brooke stopped crying and asked Jessica if she wanted to stay and play. The girls shared the broken gingerbread house, and they both felt happy. Brooke felt good inside to know that she had a true friend.

Later, Brooke's dad told Jessica that her sacrifice was the most Christ like thing he had seen all season. Jessica said that she felt good and that she learned that if you do Christ like things, you will feel happy too.

DISCUSSION:

What are some kind things people have done for you? How did it make you feel inside?

Who can you practice showing love and kindness to? List names of people. What are examples of things you could do for those people?

Closing Song: I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus

Treat: Pink Heart Rice Krispy Treats

Footnote: Here also is another great website that Justin found for future lesson ideas - http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com/

Celebrating Family

Instructions: If the pictures do not appear, click the x in the box in the upper right hand corner and then enjoy the slide show!

Happy Father's Day - Justin, Jeremy, John, & Jason

Family Home Evening Lesson Idea:

Study just one sentence from the Family: A Proclamation to the World on Father's Day.

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, 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."

Activity: Make A List of What You Remember Your Dad Teaching You.

Consider this Classic: Advice From my Dad for Father's Day

by Harvey MacKay

There's an English proverb that goes: "One father is worth more than a hundred schoolmasters."

Fathers can teach their children many important lessons. Father's Day is Sunday, June 15, and it brings to mind some of the valuable lessons I learned from my father, Jack Mackay. I've shared many of them with you in my books and columns, but here they are, in one nice package, for the 64.3 million fathers out there.

My dad headed the Associated Press in St. Paul, Minn., for many years. He lived by deadlines. When he told his 10-year-old fishing partner, "Be at the dock at 7:30 a.m." and I arrived at 7:35, I would be holding my fishing pole in one hand and waving bon voyage with the other. Time management 101.

When I began my career selling envelopes, I asked my father how I could make twice as much money as my fellow sales reps.

He asked me how many sales calls my peers made every day. I told him that everyone made about five calls a day, and I could match them call for call.

"No good," he said. "Do what they do and you'll make what they make. Figure out how you can get to 10 calls a day and your income will double."

We worked out a game plan, which became a life plan. I learned when the buyers were in the office and worked according to their schedules, which sometimes meant anytime from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday mornings. I quit making cold calls, was among the first to get a cell phone and learned many other time management tips from my father.

TRUST is the most important five-letter word in business and in life. When I was only eight years old, he said: "Son, would you like to learn a lesson that might save your life some day?"

"Sure I would, Dad," I answered.

"Just slide down the banister and I'll catch you," he urged.

I slid ... and landed on the carpet. As I dusted myself off, he announced, "Never trust anyone completely. Keep your eyes open and your wits about you."

Similarly, my father encouraged me at a young age to keep track of all the people I met on Rolodex cards, now on my computer. He was a master networker. He knew where to get stories, much like I learned where to get sales.

Maybe the most important lesson my father taught me was that your best network will develop from what you do best. In my case that was golf. When I joined the sales game after college, where I had been a varsity golfer at the University of Minnesota, my father suggested I join Oak Ridge Country Club, which I couldn't afford. Because Oak Ridge was historically at the bottom of the city golf league, I offered to play for them and try to win them a championship. Six months and numerous meetings later, I was admitted to the club where I gained access to many of the major companies around town.

My father also taught me that the big name on the door doesn't mean diddly. You have to know who the decision makers are.

In addition, he warned me against telling anyone how I vote. That's why it's a secret ballet. The Democrats think I'm a Republican, and the Republicans believe I'm a Democrat.

My father's greatest professional attribute was his nose for a good story and his indefatigable zeal in getting it. He taught me the same desire, determination and persistence for sales.

After a skiing accident that landed me in the hospital for 35 days in neck traction, he told me, "You can take any amount of pain as long as you know it's going to end."

My father taught me many more life lessons, among them:

* They don't pay off on effort . . . they pay off on results.
* No one ever choked to death swallowing his pride.
* He who burns his bridges better be a darn good swimmer.
* Education is like exercise. As soon as you quit you begin to lose the benefits.
* It's hard to soar like an eagle when you're dressed like a turkey.
* If you win say little. If you lose say less.
* We are judged by what we finish, not by what we start.

Mackay's Moral: One person can make all the difference in the world—a father, for example.

Memorable Quote:

Treat a man as he appears to be and you make him worse.

But treat him as if he already were what he potentially could be,

and you make him what he should be - von Goethe

Activity: Make Flannel Board Characters of Families from Scriptures and talk about the role of the father in telling the story.

The Kindergarten Graduate

Grace had her kindergarten graduation last week. She is the one front and center in the white dress. She sang out the songs loud and clear. Kind of surprising for our shy little Gracie.

Future Robison Missionary Grandsons

Lesson for the Robison Grandchildren (taught by Sister Matsumori, 2nd Counselor in Primary Auxiliary for entire Church while training teachers how to teach children during recent visit to Guadeloupe)










Introduction

Question: To have Primary what do you need?

Answer: A child, a teacher (with a testimony)
Thought: We want each child to return to Heavenly Father. A teacher helps the child do that. (How can you tell if children want to do that?)

Ask: What prevents children from returning to Heavenly Father?


(Note: to effectively teach you need love, you need to teach the gospel, you need to feel the Spirit).

Demonstration

Show how a child should be welcomed to class. (Call the child by name and give him/her a big hug while telling them that you are so glad that they are here)

Demonstration: Show the picture of Samuel the Lamanite on the wall.



Question

Ask: What are the people doing to Samuel? What is Samuel doing? What do you think he is saying?

Tell: I am going to read you a scripture out of Helaman 13:2-3 When I read you the words, I want you to raise both hands high above your head and yell out "repent" each time I say the word Samuel. (Note: you substitute the word Samuel even when the scripture says him or his)

"And it came to pass that in this year, there was one Samuel, a Lamanite, came into the land of Zarahemla, and began to preach unto the people. And it cam to pass that Samuel did preach, many days, repentance unto the people and they did cast Samuel out, and Samuel was about to return to Samuel's own land. But behold the voice of the Lord came unto Samuel, that Samuel should return again, and prophesy unto the people whatsover things should come into Samuel's heart."

Ask: What does repentance mean?

A good object lesson is to take a jar of water. Explain to the children that we are like the water. As we sin we cause the water to become dirty. (Drop some food coloring into the water.) But as we repent and apply the atonement in our lives we can become clean again. (Add some bleach to the water until it becomes clear again.) This really illustrates the point of how we truly become clean again after we repent.

You could make a cube that talks about the different steps in the repentance process. It would be good to discuss with the children these steps and how they can apply them in their lives.

Repentance Steps


1. Recognize sin. (Know that you did wrong)

2. Confess the sin and pray for forgiveness (Tell Heavenly Father you did wrong)

3. Do our best to make up for the wrong. (Correct it)

4. Forsake the sin. (Don't do it again)

5. Obey the commandments. (Live more like Jesus lived)


(As you talk about repentance to the children, please bear in mind that if a child is struggling that it is probably not best to hone in on that child or his/her behavior. You can have a nice one-on-one chat with that child afterward, but I'm sure the child will appreciate not being made the specific focus of the lesson.)

Scripture Activity

Read D&C 97:15 "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 unto it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it."

Question

Ask: Once we repent of our sins and are worthy, what house is the Lord talking about in this scripture?





Question

Ask: What unclean things can not enter into the temple? What is the Lord talking about? What does it mean when the Lord says "my glory shall rest upon it?








Sing: (I Love to See the Temple - p95)

I love to see the temple.
I'm going there some-day.
To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.
For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I'll prepare myself
while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.

I love to see the temple.
I'll go inside some-day.
I'll covenant with my Father;
I'll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God,
I've learned this truth:
A family is forever.

Game






Circulate around the group some pictures: a big ear, a big mouth, a big hand, a pair of eyes and play the music. (Use one picture if the lesson is for just the family. Use all four pictures if the group is a big primary group.)

Play the music to "I love to see the temple" for a few bars while the children pass the picture from person to person. When the music stops, the child holding the picture answers this question:

Question: What do you do to go to the temple with that part of the body?

(Mouth - speak reverently and kindly; hand - help others; ear - listen to good music; and eyes - read the scriptures...look at good tv...etc.)


Game


Ask everyone to stand and grab the closest object that is next them them. Usually pick an adult or an older child. Invite the person to come to the front and teach an object lesson to the class. (For example, if a man grabbed a purse and went to the front of the room, he might say, "this is a special bag. It is holding something very special. Can someone tell me what is inside of this bag that is very, very special? ...Answer - the scriptures).

Happy Mother's Day Joelle, Lisa, Jenny & Karenin!

Family Home Evening Activity:

Why not get each grandchild to answer the same questions these children get asked on this little video clip?

Power of Example

When teaching inquisitive minds about how things work, it is very important to make sure that you anticipate how the children will apply the modeling you have just given. This commercial from Nationwide Insurance cleverly illustrates how one adults lesson in how the power chute at the bank works, actually backfired.

Opening Activity

With the video clip introduction, you could then go to the family home evening resource manual and teach lesson twelve on page 48, "Jesus is My Example."

Sing "Come Follow Me" (hymn no. 14)
"Teach Me to Walk in the Light" (hymn no. B-45)

Consider playing this game: "I am the light of the world"
Turn out all the lights in the house or use a blindfold. Ask one of the family members to do something difficult like write a sentence on a piece of paper or find some household items and put them in one place. The turn on the lights or remove the blindfold and show how easily it is done in the light.

Read John 8:12

Ask:

How is Jesus the Light of the World? (He is the one who lights our way).

How does He give us light? (He gave us his example and teachings).

Why is it easier to make the right decisions with the aid of Jesus' light? (His examples and teachings light the way for us. We can see the paths we should take more clearly.

Memorize John 8:12

List some of the things for which Jesus has given us His example...things that apply to our own lives.

Examples:

He was baptized.

He loved little children.

He helped the sick.

He was kind.

He did not get angry with those who offended him.

He forgave those who were cruel to him.

He showed us how to pray.

He taught us the importance of truth.

He resisted all temptation.

Have fun with this lesson and consider recording in your journal how the experience felt and how grateful you are these wonder children who are blessing your lives.

Memorize the Names of the Apostles

Online Videos by Veoh.com

For a great family home evening activity, memorize this little song and sing it as a family. If you do that, you will know the names of the 15 men whom we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators.

Space

This is a more masculine follow up to the Princess FHE

Opening Activity:
Show a picture of our Solar System and do an activity to memorize the names of the planets. You could use this mnemonic created by an 11 year old:

My Very Exciting Magic Carpet Just Sailed Under Nine Palace Elephants.

or try this more complex story system

Or do a different Solar System activity. For ideas, click here.

Scriptures and Principles:
Read or tell the story of Moses seeing God's creations in Moses 1 - be sure to read verse 33. Read or tell the story of a similar experience that happened to Enoch in Moses 6 and 7. Be sure to read 7:30 and discuss how many worlds God has made. You may want to talk about our potential as God's children and how he helps us in our lives.

Video:
Show video or pictures of deep space taken from the Hubble telescope. I really like this one:



This is cool too:




Activity:

• Go outside and do some star watching.
• Set a date to watch for shooting stars - here is a schedule of upcoming meteor showers. I always like to watch the Perseids.

Song:
How Great Thou Art or If You Could Hie to Kolob

Follow up:
Go visit a planetarium or watch a movie with an outer space theme. Adults - watch the series Cosmos.

For the Grown-ups:
Think about the statement in Moses 1:10 about feeling we are nothing compared to God's greatness. Then read and ponder King Benjamin's discourse, especially Mosiah 4:5-6. Notice that the 'man who receiveth salvation' is the one who as 'come to a knowledge of the goodness of God...and your own worthless and fallen state.' Then read about 'dust' (Mosiah 2:25, Hel 12:7-8). If you want to truly feel like dust, consider this:

The U.S. Bureau of Chemistry and Soils invested many a hard-earned tax dollar in calculating the chemical and mineral composition of the human body, which breaks down as follows:

# 65% Oxygen
# 18% Carbon
# 10% Hydrogen
# 3% Nitrogen
# 1.5% Calcium
# 1% Phosphorous
# 0.35% Potassium
# 0.25% Sulfur
# 0.15% Sodium
# 0.15% Chlorine
# 0.05% Magnesium
# 0.0004% Iron
# 0.00004% Iodine

Additionally, it was discovered that our bodies contain trace quantities of fluorine, silicon, manganese, zinc, copper, aluminum, and arsenic. Together, all of the above amounts to less than one dollar!

Princesses

Opening Activity:
Cut up the sheet of princess pictures (you may need to find some prince ones for boys) and put the pictures in a box (control or right click and 'save target or image as' to download the pictures). Have each participant pick one out and then go around the room and have each person describe the qualities that make their princess great. Or - for older kids - act out the princess and see if others can guess who she is (Dad's should definitely do this). Then talk about the qualities they have.

Questions:
Ask - what makes someone a princess? (has a king for a father)
Ask - who is our father? Is he a king (Mosiah 2:19)? So - are we princes and princesses? What does that mean for us?

Principles:
Every person on this earth is a child of God and a member of God's family. He organized this earth and gave us the plan of salvation so we can learn and grow and become like Him. Because he is a king, we have 'royal blood' in us. We have great potential. Knowing this should cause us to live our lives in a special manner.

Scripture:
Read, explain and discuss Romans 8:16-17

Story and Picture:
This is from Jeremy and Karenin's blog post on Princes Sylie:

I swear since we took Sylie to the princess show on Saturday she is like a new girl. She is so sweet and acts like she is a princess all the time. We havent seen any tantrums and we can actually take her out to dinner.
I got her this cute PJ's yesterday at Target, she loves them. She doesn't want me to change her out of them.
She points and herself and says "Mami princesa, and Ariel". The first thing she does when she wakes up is say she is a princess.

Question - Should knowing that we are princesses make us act differently? How?

Application:
Each day this week find a way to act more like a prince or princess. Follow up every night. You may want to get some princess stickers for good behavior.

Closing Song:
I am a Child of God

Follow up Activity:
Watch Enchanted talk about the impact of knowing we are princesses.

From Our Mission:

From my journal on March 30, 2008: I did an auxiliary session (in Suriname, translated into Dutch) in the afternoon. I had not prepared because I didn’t know about it until the last minute. I decided to give them a short message and then address questions. I noticed a plaque on the bulletin board that someone had made using cardboard and stickers with the dates of the Relief Society anniversary. It was decorated with stickers of Disney princesses. At first I thought it was a little odd but then I realized that it was actually a perfect motif for Relief Society. We are all princesses, daughters of a Heavenly King. And that should make us act differently. I told them the story of Sylie seeing the Disney Princess ice show and getting a new princess nightgown and how that made her want to act like a princess. If you think about it - we all get our 'princess clothes' when we go through the temple and they are a constant reminder of who we are. I talked about our potential and read to them from Exodus 3 and 4 about Moses’ feelings of inadequacy when he was given an assignment by the Lord. I love it when God asks him, in response to Moses’ worry about speaking, ‘who made your mouth?’ (Ex 4:11). After that we wrote questions about callings and about our lives as women in the church on the board. I had the three auxiliary presidents address the questions pertinent to them and then I took the rest. They did a wonderful job. The questions I addressed had to do with helping husbands and children live the gospel more fully. I told them the story of Herman picking up his socks in order to teach the power of noticing the positive. I told them to be the leaven in their homes, church, and neighborhoods the ‘leaveneth the whole lump’ – or lifts everyone up. I think the meeting was helpful. I had one sweet sister, newly called as a Relief Society president, come up to me in tears and thank me for the things that were said. She had been feeling inadequate and now felt she could do it - with God's help.

Nephi Builds a Ship

Here is a fun lesson for Toddlers. We explained the story of Nephi and how he build a ship. We showed them a picture of Nephi building a ship. We also showed them some pageant pictures of Jamie on the stage with the ship.

1 Ne. 18: 1-2, 4-6, 8, 13, 22
1 Ne. 17: 8-9, 17-19, 49, 51
(choose a few verses)

After we told them the story of Nephi building the ship with the Lord's help, we constructed our own ships using marshmellows and toothpicks.

The Parable of the Blackberry

When we first arrived in Trinidad, Grandma purchased a Blackberry. Grandpa tried using it from time to time, but each time he would need special step-by-step instructions on what buttons to push and on how to make it work. It was a bit frustrating to Grandma because she would find herself reteaching the same things she had already taught the month before.

Then it happened. Grandpa decided he needed his own Blackberry. Afterall, Grandma had upgraded her Mac computer at Christmas. Fair is fair, eh? So Grandpa got a Blackberry and has never looked back. He is always in touch with the e-mails that flood his inbasket each day.

So what is the reason why Grandpa can use the Blackberry so easily now and that he has never asked Grandma even one question about it?

The answer lies in the parable of the Blackberry. Grandpa "owns" the Blackberry in every sense of the word. He made it his quest to master all the little techniques needed to use it efficiently, except for the fact that every now and then it dials Justin during Zone Conference while floating in Grandpa's pocket. (True story....Justin heard the missionaries sing a couple of verses of a closing hymn last month.)

Last week, Dallin finished the Book of Mormon. What was his initial motivation? Part of it came from a Family Home Evening where he learned about "Heber J. Grant." President Grant as a little boy became a top baseball player, a great penman, a good singer ...all because his believe in this Emerson quote: "That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved."

Dallin set a goal - to read the Book of Mormon and achieved it. Grandpa set a goal - to master use of his Blackberry and did.

Often we look at top performers and think that they work harder, know more and are more highly motivated than others. But as Human Competence author "Thomas Gilbert" writes, "exemplary performers do things more easily that others do them." I believe that this is because they paid the price. They practiced. They prepared. And yes they "own" it just as Grandpa had to decide for himself that the Blackberry was something that he could do and it worked at it so now it is easy to do.

Activity:

Play a video game together as a family and teach the other family members "the tricks" to succeeding...but make sure they "do it themselves."

In the mission field, we have an effective way of teaching called the "training model."

Explain
Demonstrate
Practice
Evaluate
Re-Practice

Now try that plan with the video game and soon Mom might be winning!