It's Christmas!

Prayer
Scripture The Christmas Story
Music: Sing your families favorite Christmas songs! Let each family member tell his/her favorite! Maybe you can choose one that will be come your Family Christmas Song !

Video





"Simplify your Christmas by embracing the spiritual side of the season.
The gift of Christmas isn't wrapped up in presents or parties. The gift of Christmas is Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten of the Father, the Son of God. As you follow Him, you put people first. You may spend less time in lines and more time serving others. You may spend less money on - and more time with – the people you love.
You may lose yourself and you may find everything else that matters. "

Older Children
Family Testimony of Jesus Christ.
As a family, share your testimony of Jesus Christ. Take notes.... and make a compilation.
Include your Family Testimony with your Christmas cards this year!


Activity:
Think of a family or neighbor who could use a special thought from you and your family. It could be someone who has lost their job, who has lost a family member, or someone who is having a difficult time financially. You may not be able to help them in a physical way, but you can take time to write a family note, draw pictures, or give them a call and let them know you care. If your choice is someone who is suffering spiritually, include your testimony.

The Christmas Story
Before the evening is over, plan to re-inact the Christmas story on Christmas or Christmas Eve. Tonight, choose the characters, costumes ... etc. This will give everyone time to prepare for the "performance."

Treat:
Hot Chocolate... A testimony makes us feel warm inside.

Merry Christmas to everyone from the Proberts!

Gratitude: Just Be Thankful

Hello FHE Friends... Thanks for your patience with me... I am feeling a "little" better, and feeling sooooo grateful...

Received this via my Face Book, with a note from the brethren asking that we post this on our blog or website. I thought this would be a great jumping off spot for a FHE. Enjoy watching with your family and taking time to "Just Be Thankful."
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

And... check out this link http://www.lds.org/topic/gratitude

Be Back Soon!

So sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have been "purdy-dang" sick... not knowing what, or why? Recently was given a diagnosis (I can live with it!), receiving treatments... weekly... trying to get my life back. Alot of adjusting to do... I'm not getting any younger... I need to take care of me!

I've been thinking of you all, and I can't wait to share more FHE ideas with you!
Thanks for your patience and prayers. Keep the Faith!
Heavenly Father Loves Us!

He really does!

I've Learned...
that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.


I've Learned...
that just one person saying to me, "you've made my day!" makes my day.


I've Learned...
that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.


I've Learned...
that being kind is more important than being right.


I've Learned...
that you should never say no to a gift from a child.


I've Learned...
that I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.


I've Learned...
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.


I've Learned...
that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.


I've Learned...
that simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.


I've Learned...
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.


I've Learned...
that we should be glad Heavenly Father doesn't give us ever thing we ask for.


I've Learned...
that money doesn't buy class.


I've Learned...
that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.


I've Learned...
that under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.


I've Learned...
that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?


I've Learned...
that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.


I've Learned...
that love , not time, heal all wounds.


I've Learned...
that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.


I've Learned...
that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.


I've Learned...
that there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.


I've Learned...
that life is tough, but I'm tougher.


I've Learned...
that opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.


I've Learned...
that when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.


I've learned...
telling my mom that I love her brings sunshine to the day where clouds once were.


I've Learned...
that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.


I've Learned...
that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.


I've Learned...
that I can't choose how I feel but I can choose what I do about it.


I've Learned...

that when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.


I've Learned...
that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.


I've Learned...
that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.


I've Learned...
that the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

* Armor of God

Lesson 21

The Armor of God

Always begin and end with prayer.
Give each family member an assignment.
Assignment Planner

Scripture:

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.(Ephesians 6:11)


Song:"Keep the Commandments"

Lesson:
Show your family a piece of protective equipment that is essential to the safety of the person wearing it, such as a football helmet.

Ask: What is likely to happen if the person tried to play a serious football game without a helmet?

Have your family identify what kind of serious battle we are in and who we are fighting against.

Ask your family to take turns reading D&C 27:15-18. Invite them to look for ways we can protect ourselves in our war against Satan.

Assign someone to be a scribe and have the rest of the family help him or her list on a poster or paper pieces of "armor" the Lord invites us to "put on."

Next to each piece of armor, list what the Lord said it represents spiritually.

Your chart may look something like this:

Physical ArmorLoins girt

BreasplateFeet shod

Shield

Helmet

Sword

Spiritual Armor

TruthRighteousness

Preparation of the gospel of peace

Faith

Salvation

Spirit

Click on the picture to print visual aids!

Discuss each piece of armor with the help of the following explanations:"Loins girt about with truth." Tell your family that to be "girt about" is to have a large belt around you, and that the "loins" are your many vital organs and the sacred procreative parts of your body."Breastplate of righteousness."

Ask "What important organ does the breastplate cover?" (The heart.)

"Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace."

Ask your family how far they think they could walk without shoes compared to how far they could walk with shoes.

Remind them that mortal life is like a long journey to a place we can't really see at this time.

"Shield of faith." Have your family look again at D&C 27:17 and identify what the shield specifically does. (Stop the fiery darts of the wicked.)

Ask them why they think Satan's weapon is compared to a dart rather than a large tank or cannon. Invite them to give examples of how others (including Satan) have tried to get them to doubt the truths of the gospel.

How has your faith helped you to overcome?

"Helmet of Salvation." A helmet of salvation shall guide our thinking all through our days. How would remembering Christ more regularly help us resist the influence the devil tries to have over us?

"Sword of my Spirit."

Ask your family how the sword is different from the other pieces of armor listed. (It is a weapon rather than merely protection.) What are some ways we can receive God's word through the Spirit?

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter- day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 55-6.)

Story:

One day I was made an attractive offer by a group of marines, buddies of mine, as we were about to go on liberty. It wasn't until after we were on our way that I discovered this was not the best company to be in. It was then that I found out the reason they had invited me. It was because they knew of my standards. They knew that I would be sober when it was time to return to the base, and I could guide them back. We found ourselves in Los Angeles on a streetcar headed toward a dance hall. They had already started to drink a little, and I was ready to part their company. It was here that that protective shield took over and I knew of the prayers of my parents for my welfare. The streetcar stopped and allowed new passengers to come aboard. The new passengers separated me from my buddies and pushed me to the back of the car. It was there that I discovered a nice group of young people standing and seated.

Immediately upon finding me in their company, one spoke up and said, "Hi, Marine! We're Mormons. What do you know about our Church?"

I answered, "Plenty," and got off the streetcar with them and went to a ward social.

You see, the shield of faith was there. It was protecting me from the fiery darts of the wicked in order that in a proper time in my life I would be worthy to take an angle into the temple of the Lord and there at its altar be sealed together for time and all eternity.

I know by personal experience the value of having noble parents to build around their children a protective shield of faith of our Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ. I give you my witness that it works. Should not every child of God be given that opportunity in their lives--to start each day having their fathers blessing their home and giving them that protective shield of faith as they depart from the home to go about their every activity.(L. Tom Perry, "Build Your Shield of Faith," Ensign, May 1974, 98)

Activity:Create a cardboard and aluminum foil armor for the smallest person in your family. Assign family members to create certain elements of the armor.

Treat:Angel Fluff

1 9-ounce loaf angel food cake

1 cup whipped cream, whipped until stiff

1 cup half-and-half cream

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup lemon juice

Pineapple Sauce

4 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup sugar

2 ¼ cup pineapple juice

¼ cup lemon juice

In large, attractive, 2-quart serving bowl, break cake into bite-sized pieces. In small bowl of electric mixer or with hand electric mixer, gradually whip half-and-half into a fluffy, thick liquid. Beat sugar gradually into cream mixture, then slowly beat in lemon juice. Pour mixture over cake pieces. Chill for at least 2 hours. Spoon onto dessert plates and serve with Pineapple Sauce. Makes 8 servings.

For Pineapple sauce: In small saucepan, combine cornstarch and sugar; mix well. Add pineapple juice; cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until clear and thickened, about 5 minutes. Add lemon juice. Remove from heat. Chill.

Credit for this lesson goes to fheinasnap.blogspot.com

* Charity

Lesson 20

Charity:

The Pure Love of Christ

Always begin and end with prayer.

Give each family member an assignment.

Assignment Planner

Scripture: Ether 12: 34-37

Home Can Be A Heaven On Earth
Love One Another




Read and Study President Monson's message:

The Master's Blueprint.

"As we increasingly think and act like Him, the attributes of the natural man will slip away to be replaced by the heart and the mind of Christ" Gene R Cook

Defining Charity
The Lord said that charity is “the pure love of Christ,” that which is “most joyous to the soul,” “the greatest of all the gifts of God,” “perfect” and “everlasting.”

As difficult as charity is to describe, it is rather easily recognized in the lives of those who possess it.

• An aged, crippled grandmother who subscribes to an afternoon newspaper, knowing it will bring her delivery-boy grandson to her home every day where, at her knee, she teaches him to pray.
• A mother who, in hard economic times and scarcity of meat, seems to savor only chicken wings, to the puzzlement of all.
• A man who suffers an undeserved public chastisement, but humbly receives it anyway.

A common thread in these examples is charity, a selflessness, a not seeking for anything in return. We may have the gift of love, but charity is bestowed only upon those who are true followers of Christ.

To develop a Christlike Charity, we can do these three things.

Charity: Perfect and Everlasting Love, Gene R Cook

1. Recognize His love.

“Pray … with all the energy of heart” for this gift. Do so in meekness with a broken heart, and you will be filled with hope and love from the Holy Ghost Himself. He will reveal Christ to you. Moro. 8:25–26; Rom. 5:5; 2 Ne. 26:13 It is part of the gift of charity to be able to recognize the Lord’s hand and feel His love in all that surrounds us. At times it will not be easy to discover the Lord’s love for us in all that we experience, because He is a perfect, anonymous giver. You will search all your life to uncover His hand and the gifts He has bestowed upon you because of His intimate, modest, humble way of granting such wonderful gifts.
Think about the following majestic gifts: the glories of all creation, the earth, the heavens; your feelings of love and joy; His responses of mercy, forgiveness, and innumerable answers to prayer; the gift of loved ones; and finally the greatest gift of all—the Father’s gift of His atoning Son, the perfect one in charity, even the God of love.

2. Receive His love in humility.

Be grateful for the gift and especially for the giver of the gift. D&C 88:33

True gratitude is the ability to humbly see, feel, and even receive love. Alma 5:26

Gratitude is a form of returning love to God. Recognize His hand, tell Him so, express your love to Him. As you come to truly know the Lord, you will find an intimate, sacred relationship built on trust. You will come to know He understands your anguish and will, in compassion, always respond to you in love. Receive it. Feel it. It is not enough just to know that God loves you. The gift is to be felt continually day by day. Alma 34:38 It will then be a divine motivator throughout your life. Repent. Remove any worldliness from your life, including anger. Receive a continual remission of your sins, and you will bridle all your passions and be filled with love.Alma 38:12

3. Convey His love.

The Lord’s response to us is always filled with love. Should not our response to Him be in kind, with real feelings of love? He gives grace (or goodness) for grace, attribute for attribute. As our obedience increases, we receive more grace (or goodness) for the grace we return to Him. D&C 93:12–13, 20 Offer Him the refinement of your attributes, so that when He does appear you will be like Him. 1 Jn. 3:1–3
As a man first immerses his thoughts in love and conveys those feelings to God, man, or self, a magnified portion of that attribute will surely follow from the Spirit. That is true of all godly attributes. Righteous feelings generated by a man seem to precede the increase of those feelings from the Spirit. Unless you are feeling love, you cannot convey true love to others. The Lord has told us to love one another as He loves us, so remember: to be loved, truly love.

To view more

about Charity

click on the

picture.

Mormon tried to teach hope through Jesus Christ’s Atonement and to have charity, which is the pure love of Christ. Click on the picture to read more about Mormon's Story, with pictures.

Click on the home picture.

Print and cut out the flowers.

Write your family’s name on the nameplate on the house.

When you serve your family or live gospel teachings, glue a flower on the house.

As you add flowers, your house will become a home. Place it where it will remind you to make your own house a home filled with charity.

Treat: Share a bunch of grapes. For each grape that you eat, share something you know that shows how much Jesus Christ loves you. Share ways you can build the true love of Christ in your life. Name charitable people who you know.

* Fasting With A Purpose

Fasting With A
Purpose
Lesson 19




Always begin and end with prayer.


Give each family member an assignment.
Assignment Planner


Scripture: Matthew 6: 16-18



Music: Search Ponder and Pray



The Gospel Library Defines Fasting as:

Fasting and Fast Offerings
To fast is to go without food and drink voluntarily for a certain period of time. Fasting combined with sincere prayer can strengthen us spiritually, bring us closer to God, and help us prepare ourselves and others to receive His blessings.

When do we fast?
Fasting is a monthly practice for all Latter-day Saints. We gather together on the first Sunday (typically) of the month for a special Sacrament meeting, dedicated as a Fast and Testimony meeting.

Bearing Testimony:
During this special Sacrament meeting every member has the opportunity to bear their personal testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Fast Offering:
We also donate a "fast offering" which is usually the amount of money for two meals. The leaders of the church have asked members to be generous, as possible, with fast offerings that are strictly used to help the needy.

Fast With Purpose:
Members are taught to fast with a purpose. Fasting allows us to draw closer to heavenly Father and Jesus Christ while focusing on the spiritual rather than physical. The Law of the Fast has been taught in all dispensations-- from Isaiah in the Old Testament to Joseph Smith in the Doctrine and Covenants. Isaiah taught that by fasting we can "loose the bands of wickedness and undo the heavy burdens..."

What are some things we can fast for?
Some of the things we can fast for are to be able to receive personal revelation, resist temptations, help with jobs, school, family, church callings, seeking specific blessings, medical and so on. Whatever your purpose, have it be a private matter between you and the Lord.

Doctrine & Covenants 88:119

Teens
What the Scriptures Say About Fasting : New Era

Adults
Read the articles below from Latter-day leaders:

The Law of the Fast


Children:
Fasting For Grandma

Activity

During Sacrament meeting on April 26th, we were asked by the Bishopric to use next Sunday's fast for the purpose of fasting for missionary work in our ward. As we prepare for our fas, we should pray and ask Heavenly Father to inspire our minds and hearts concerning our nonmember neighbors and friends. We should ask Heavenly Father to to help us have the spirit with us as we share the gospel as a member missionary.

Preach My Gospel pg 93

"Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke of the power of the Spirit: “True conversion comes
through the power of the Spirit. When the Spirit touches the heart, hearts are changed.
When individuals . . . feel the Spirit working with them, or when they see the evidence of
the Lord’s love and mercy in their lives, they are edified and strengthened spiritually and
their faith in Him increases. These experiences with the Spirit follow naturally when a
person is willing to experiment upon the word. This is how we come to feel the gospel is
true” (“Now Is the Time,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 75).
The Holy Ghost works in the hearts of people to bring about these changes. As people
choose to keep commitments, they will feel the power of the Holy Ghost more strongly
and will develop the faith to obey Christ. Thus, you should help the people you work
with grow in faith by inviting them to repent and to make and keep commitments."

Click on the home above and print it out.

Cut out the home and the five windows.

Glue each window in the window outlines on the gospel-sharing home.

With your family, talk about the ideas on the home.

Decide together what you can do to be missionaries now.

Place the gospel-sharing home where your family can see it.

Treats Keeping with the lesson, bake cookies and take them to a nonmember neighbor.

* Testimony Building

Lesson 18:
Testimony Building

Prayer: Always begin and end with prayer.
Give everyone an assignment.

CLICK on this door sign, print and hang it where all can see it.

Song: Search, Ponder, and Pray

Scripture: Ether 12:4"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

Lesson:

Adult & Teens/Pre-Teens (Baptism age)

President Ezra Taft Benson spoke about the importance of a testimony and how it is one of the greatest blessings among the members of the Church.

"[The] Book of Mormon is of such value to Latter-day Saints. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461).

Studying the Book of Mormon helps us draw nearer to God. Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book.

It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book.

You will find greater power to resist temptation.

You will find the power to avoid deception.

You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path.

The scriptures are called “the words of life” (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance." (Ensign, Nov. 1986, pg. 7)

PLAN: Set up a plan for reading and studying the scriptures in your home. If you are already reading as a family, and studying individually, discuss how doing this is building your testimony.

Discussion:
What is a testimony?
How do we feel it?
What can make a testimony weak?
What can make a testimony grow?

Make a list of people you know who have a testimony. Make a date to contact a few of these people via phone, personal, or email. Ask these people to bare their testimony to you either in word or written.

Study these testimonies. How is your testimony the same? How is it different?

Activity & Treat: Make root beer floats and explain how each of us is the ice cream and the more we read the Book of Mormon, the more our testimony will grow or float.

* Reflections Of Christ

Reflections of Christ

Happy Easter!

I wanted to make this week's Home Evening Lesson about our Savior. After General Conference last week, I left the TV on and watched a program called Reflections of Christ.

It touched me deeply.

Here are a couple of links you and your family might choose to explore together, viewing the slide shows, stopping to pause and bear testimony of Jesus Christ and His Ministry.

The DVD with testimony of how the photo's were created is also available at Deseret Book.

Gather your family around the monitor and turn up your speakers...

http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/

Click on the enlargment button ! It had me in tears.

http://www.reflectionsmg.com/reflections-of-christ-videos.php

Explore the site. It touched my spirit deeply, I hope it touches your family in a special way.

* Our Prophet: Thomas S Monson

This week I thought it would be powerful to learn more about our Prophet. You may also want to refresh your memory of our Prophet's words from this past weeks General Conference.

“I testify that with God, all things are possible. He is our Heavenly Father; His Son is our Redeemer. As we strive to learn His truths and then to live them, our lives and the lives of others will be abundantly blessed.” Pres. Monson

Prophet and President:
Thomas S. Monson is the 16th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is a prophet of God. On February 4, 2008, after the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Church announced Thomas S. Monson as the president of the first presidency with Henry B. Eyring as his first counselor and Dieter F. Uchtdorf as his second counselor.

Prophets are Men of God:
A prophet is a man who has been called of God to speak for Him and be His messenger. A prophet receives the Lord's word for mankind including revelations, prophecies, and commandments. When a prophet writes down the word of God it is called scripture.
"A prophet, then, is the authorized representative of the Lord. While the world may not recognize him, the important requirement is that God speaks through him. A prophet is a teacher. He receives revelations from the Lord. These may be new truths or explanations of truths already received" (A. Theodore Tuttle, "What Is a Living Prophet?," Ensign, Jul 1973, 18).

As the prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ President Monson leads the Church and is the only one authorized of God to receive revelation for the entire body of the Church.
An Apostle of God:
President Monson was called as an apostle of God and a member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles at the age of 36 in October of 1963. Apostles are sustained by the Church as prophets, seers, and revelators.As an apostle President Monson is a special witness of Jesus Christ and was one of the signers of the proclamation, The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles (pdf version).

Known for His Compassion:
One of the greatest things President Monson is known for is his outstanding compassion. He was called as a bishop at the very young age of 22 and served in a huge ward of over 1000 members, 85 of which were widows. He regularly visited and took care of these women during his years as their bishop, but continued to visit them after being called to other offices within the Church. He served these women for decades and eventually spoke at each of their funerals.

President Monson's great love for others also includes the youth. For almost three decades he served on the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America.
Speaking to the World:
Through his calling as God's prophet and apostle, President Monson is authorized to receive revelation for the church and to reveal the word of God to the world. Every six months the Church holds a General Conference which is broadcast worldwide. President Thomas S. Monson, along with his counselors, the apostles, and other church leaders speak to the world. Their words are recorded and made available in the following edition of the church's Ensign magazine and can also be viewed in the online archives.
Well Known Talks and Speaches:
President Monson is an eloquent speaker and is well known for teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ by sharing the stories and experiences of himself and others. These examples show how to come unto Christ through the service and compassion of others. Here are just a few of his numberless speeches:
"The Paths Jesus Walked"
"Mercy-The Divine Gift"
"Finding Joy in the Journey"
"An Attitude of Gratitude"
"Your Eternal Home"
"Never Alone"
"An Invitation to Exaltation"

Favorite Quote by President Monson:
"This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help."We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues" ("An Attitude of Gratitude, Ensign, May 1992, 54).

The Life of President Thomas S. Monson:
Born on August 21, 1927 to G. Spencer and Gladys Condie Monson, Thomas was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. At age 22 he married Frances Beverly Johnson, and continued his path in life by developing a remarkable professional career and selfless community and church service. From an early age President Monson has faithfully served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Timeline of President Monson's Church Service.

02/04/2008 - Named 16th President of Church
03/12/1995 - First Counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley
06/05/1994 - Second Counselor to President Howard W. Hunter
11/10/1985 - Second Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson
10/04/1963 - Ordained an Apostle
1959-1962 - President of Canadian Mission in Toronto, Ontario
06/1955 - Counselor in SLC Temple View Stake Presidency
05/07/1950 - Bishop of Sixth-Seventh Ward in Salt Lake City

I know that President Monson is God's living prophet today and that by listening and following his words we will be led unto Christ

* Preparing for General Conference

Don't "Cheet" yourself! Watch General Conference Next Weekend! (Buy some bags, write a note... pass them out to your neighbors, family and friends! ...anonymous works too!)
Lesson 13
Preparing For General Conference

179th General Conference April 4th & 5th 2009

Click on the picture for details.

Don't forget to give every family member a part of the lesson!
Assignment Planner

Always begin and end with prayer.




Scripture:
D&C 58:56


Music:
Come Listen To A Prophet's Voice
We Listen To A Prophet's Voice



This week's lesson is created to prepare your family for next week's General Conference.



SHOW the family an April Calendar. Tell them that an important event is happening. It is General Conference. We will have the blessing of hearing the words and messages of our Prophet, some of Heavenly Father's Apostles and other leaders of our church.
Reserve the dates on the calendar April 4-5th.
Let the children know the times you will be watching conference.

TELL: Conference comes every 6 months. Count back the months and talk about when the last conference was (October). When will the next conference be? (October) Talk about how people can hear the words... via satelite, TV, printed word, internet... How will we hear the messages?

ASK: Do you remember last conference?
What do you remember about it?

ASK: What is revelation?
DISCUSS: We will receive words of revelation in each talk that is given. This revelation is given to our Church Leaders for us from our Heavenly Father.

ASK & DISCUSS: Are there any troubles we are having as an individual or family that we might need some answers from our Heavenly Father?
(ADULTS & TEENS...Write these down! During conference listen for the answers you are seeking for.)

Behavior EXPECTATIONS:

DISCUSS what it will look and feel like while your family is listening to the words our Heavenly Father wants us to hear.
Will we be reverent?
Will we stay alert?
Will we play?
Will all of us do the same thing?
Are the expectations of young children the same as older children?
Who will prepare the meals?
Will there be snacks?
Will we invite an inactive neighbor, family member or friend to join us?
Will our testimony grow?
What should we do if we have questions or don't understand?

Make a list of expectations from the discussion above.
Ask each family member to sign his/her name on the list, promising to allow the spirit to be in our home while we hear these important messages.
.........................................................................................................................

I have compiled a LOT of resources for you to look at, print, select and use for yourself, teens, or young children. The resources are to be used as you watch General Conference next week.


Lots of good stuff here: http://www.sugardoodle.net/General%20Conference/index.shtml

http://giveldsgifts.com/april-2009-general-conference-activity-packet.html

Print out the resources you decide to use (kids can choose from the links below). During this family home evening, show the printed packets and discuss how they will be used next week as you watch conference sessions together as a family.

You may need to pair up children with an older sibling or pair up with a parent to complete the projects you select.

TEENS (let your teen(s) choose from the links below!)

http://theideadoor.com/General%20Confrence/General%20Conf%20workbook.pdf

http://lds.about.com/od/generalconferencegames/a/gen_conf_notebk.htm



Our Priesthood Leaders

Preach My Gospel pg 44
"Prophet: A man who has been called by and speaks for God. As a messenger of God, a prophet receives priesthood authority, commandments, prophecies, and revelations from God. His responsibility is to make known God’s will and true character to mankind and to show the meaning of His dealings with them. A prophet denounces sin and foretells its consequences. He is a preacher of righteousness. On occasion, a prophet may be inspired to foretell the future for the benefit of mankind. His primary responsibility, however, is to bear witness of Christ."

Our current Apostles and Prophets information cards.
Learn about who will be speaking to us.
ASK: How do you think they are preparing for conference next week?
These cards can be shared with young children too!



Children and Young Children


Credit to SugarDoodle.net!
A Booklet you can make.














Bingo. Color it when you hear or see it.
















Activity Page











Conference Carousel





Treat: Go to the store and let each family member pick a 2 treats: 1 treat for this week (eat it on the way home!) and one treat for next weekend to be enjoyed while watching/listening to conference.

Ideas: Cookies, fruit, candy bar, fruit drink, yogurt, jerkey, chips, animal crackers, fruit snacks, veggies, etc.

* The Temple: I'm Going There Some Day

Bountiful Temple, Bountiful Utah
Click HERE to explore Temples around the world!

The Temple:
I'm Going There Some Day
Lesson 12

Don't forget to give every family member a part of the lesson!Assignment Planner


Always begin and end with prayer.

D&C 132:46 D&C 42:36 D&C 124:39-41

I Love to See the Temple

Objective Lesson: The place whereon you stand is holy ground:

You will need a door mat or other type of rug.

Explain that we should prepare to enter the temple by cleaning off the world's debris.
Display the doormat, and point out that it is put in front of the door to provide those who enter the opportunity to wipe the dirt and debris from their feet so that they will not soil the inside of the home.
Explain that Heavenly Father has also placed a doormat outside his home. It is known as repentance. Repentance enables us to remove the things from our lives that are not clean. We all make mistakes and have need to repent. We should always try to follow the commandments, but when we make a mistake we need repentance. Explain further that unless we cleanse our lives of such debris, we will not be allowed into our Father's house.



Plan a Family Field Trip:
(Easter break is a great time!)

Go to the Temple Grounds. Plan to take pictures and share details about the particular temple you choose: when built, dedicated, etc. Share thoughts and feelings and help your family see the importance of preparing now to be able to enter the temple.

Show a completed family group sheet ( you can download one by clicking on the picture to the left) and talk about the importance of the people on the chart, the dates and the work that has been done, or needs to be done.

Teens:

Work together with older children to fill this out.
Discuss the necessary Temple Work that needs to be completed for each of us. Discuss the fact that some of Heavenly Father's children did not have a chance to do their own temple work.
Why do we go to the temple after our own work is done? To do proxy work for those who did not have the chance to do thier own work. These people, who are deceased, have the opportunity to accept or reject the work we do for them as proxy.

Talk about what a promise is. Share the meaning of what a covenant is.
Talk about what a blessing is. Share the fact that Heavenly Father promises us blessings when we make and keep sacred covenants.

Ask any family members who have been to the temple to bare their testimony about the blessings they have received because of the covenants they have made, or because of the work they have done as proxy.

Share the following information as it fits with your family needs:
Preach My Gospel: pg.85
Eternal Marriage
The basic unit of the Church is the family. Within the family, people experience many of life’s greatest joys and sorrows. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and is central to God’s eternal plan for the salvation of His children. The means by which mortal life is created is divinely appointed and is safeguarded by marriage. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to endure beyond the grave. Marriage, however, can be eternal only when authorized priesthood holders perform the sealing ordinance in sacred temples and when husbands and wives who have been sealed together keep the covenants they have made. Husbands and wives are to love each other. As they keep the commandments and live gospel principles, they are to honor their marital vows with complete fidelity (see “The Family: AProclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995,
102; see also D&C 42:22).

Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of Jesus Christ and when parents make their family their highest priority. “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” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). Together, parents are to teach their children the gospel of Jesus Christ and help them live it.

Satan is making a concentrated attack on families. Years ago Church leaders set aside Monday evening as a time for family home evening. Parents should use this time to teach their children the gospel, strengthen their relationships with them, and have fun together. Other ways of strengthening the family include daily family prayer and scripture study, worshiping at church as a family, and serving others. Heaven is a continuation of the ideal home. Through priesthood ordinances and righteous living, we can live as families in God’s presence eternally.

Preach My Gospel pg. 86
Temples and Family History
God has commanded His people to build temples. In the temple we make sacred covenants and are endowed with, or are given, a gift of power and knowledge from on high. This power helps us in our daily lives and enables us to build God’s kingdom. In the temple we can also be married for time and eternity, thus making it possible for families to be together forever in God’s presence. After at least one year of membership, worthy adults may be eligible to receive from their bishop a recommend to receive their own endowment. After receiving their endowments, married couples may be sealed or married for eternity.

The Savior loves all people and desires their salvation. Yet millions of people have died without having any opportunity to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ or receive saving ordinances. Through His loving grace and mercy the Lord makes salvation possible for everyone who did not have the opportunity to receive, understand, and obey the gospel during their mortal lives. The gospel is preached to these deceased people in the spirit world. Members of the Church on earth perform the saving ordinances in behalf of their deceased ancestors and others. Deceased persons living in the spirit world have the opportunity to accept or reject the gospel and the ordinances performed in their behalf.

For this reason, Church members search for information about their ancestors. They complete pedigree charts and family group records and submit the names of deceased relatives who need to have saving ordinances performed on their behalf in sacred temples. This is family history work. Worthy members ages 12 and over, including new members,
may receive from their bishop a recommend to perform baptisms for the dead.
Treat: Donuts: Eternal blessings are like a circle, they have no end.