Author: Nurture Mama

FHE: The Golden Rule (General Conference 2011, Elder Ballard)

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After viewing the most recent General Conference session last April, I felt impressed that I needed to review the messages that were shared with my children. What better time and place to do that then during Family Home Evening?

This week I am sharing the lessons that we have done in the last few months which were related to the April 2011 General Conference. In most cases I focused on one or two quotes from the talk, and then had a coloring page or activity for the children to do. The highlighted quote and activity page are displayed on our wall throughout the week as a reminder of the lesson. In addition, I make sure to show a picture of the General Authority whose words we are studying, so my children can connect a face with the words.

“Charity begins at home. The single most important principle that should govern every home is to practice the Golden Rule—the Lord’s admonition that “all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12). Take a moment and imagine how you would feel if you were on the receiving end of thoughtless words or actions. By our example, let us teach our family members to have love one for another.”

M. Russell Ballard, “Finding Joy Through Loving Service”, April 2011 General Conference

Lesson Plan

Share and discuss the above words of Elder Ballard.

Play this song from My Turn on Earth to give the children a catchy way to remember the Golden Rule. (“The Golden Rule, is a terrific tool…”I remember listening to this song on our record player as a kid!)

Take turns choosing a scenario that I previously wrote down, reading then discuss what is the best way respond.

Notes

The song was a big hit! The Ant Bug has been singing it ever since. We’re still working on actually practicing the rule itself…

FHE: Revelation (General Conference 2011, Elder Bednar)

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After viewing the most recent General Conference session last April, I felt impressed that I needed to review the messages that were shared with my children. What better time and place to do that then during Family Home Evening?

This week I am sharing the lessons that we have done in the last few months which were related to the April 2011 General Conference. In most cases I focused on one or two quotes from the talk, and then had a coloring page or activity for the children to do. The highlighted quote and activity page are displayed on our wall throughout the week as a reminder of the lesson. In addition, I make sure to show a picture of the General Authority whose words we are studying, so my children can connect a face with the words.

“Revelation is communication from God to His children on the earth and one of the great blessings associated with the gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.”

“Sincere desire and worthiness invite the spirit of revelation into our lives.”

“A light turned on in a dark room is like receiving a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once.”

“The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30). Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation.”

David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation”, April 2011 General Conference

Lesson Plan and Demonstration

Explain revelation, using the above quotes. Then go into a completely dark room (no windows), and turn on the light. Talk about how some revelation comes instantly, like flipping a light switch. Turn the light off, then turn on a light gradually (I used a dimmer switch on a camping lantern). Discuss how some revelation comes a piece at a time, just like the light came on a bit at a time.

Coloring Page

the spirit of revelation

Notes

I was really happy with how well this lesson went over with my children. The visual demonstration of the light turning on, using the switch and then the adjustable light on the lantern was a great hands on way to demonstrate the various forms of revelation.

Additional quotes from the talk that stood out to me

“In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26), and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances. This is in part the meaning of the scripture that declares, “Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45).”

“As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5; 2 Nephi 12:5). Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding (see Alma 5:7; 32:28), and direct and protect you and your family” (Bednar, source).

FHE: The Holy Temple (General Conference 2011, President Monson)

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After viewing the most recent General Conference session last April, I felt impressed that I needed to review the messages that were shared with my children. What better time and place to do that then during Family Home Evening?

This week I am sharing the lessons that we have done in the last few months which were related to the April 2011 General Conference. In most cases I focused on one or two quotes from the talk, and then had a coloring page or activity for the children to do. The highlighted quote and activity page are displayed on our wall throughout the week as a reminder of the lesson. In addition, I make sure to show a picture of the General Authority whose words we are studying, so my children can connect a face with the words.

“To you parents of young children, may I share with you some sage advice from President Spencer W. Kimball. Said he: “It would be a fine thing if … parents would have in every bedroom in their house a picture of the temple so [their children] from the time [they are] infant[s] could look at the picture every day [until] it becomes a part of [their lives]. When [they reach] the age that [they need] to make [the] very important decision [concerning going to the temple], it will have already been made.”

Thomas S. Monson, “The Holy Temple–a Beacon to the World”, April 2011 General Conference

Note

We had this lesson the Monday after our family attended the open house of the Atlanta, Georgia temple.

Lesson Plan

Talk about our recent trip to Atlanta and our experience in visiting the temple. What do you remember about the temple? How did you feel inside? etc. Help the children to write down their feelings and impressions about the temple, then color the page.In the words of the Ant Bug and the Sweet Bee

“I felt happy in the temple.”

“I saw the water.”

“I liked the lights in the temple.”

“I remember the pretty chandeliers with all those colorful lights in them.”

“The temple was white.”

Activity

Watch the following video clip about the blessings of the temple.

Additional quotes that stood out to me

“If you have been to the temple for yourselves and if you live within relatively close proximity to a temple, your sacrifice could be setting aside the time in your busy lives to visit the temple regularly. There is much to be done in our temples in behalf of those who wait beyond the veil.”

“The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified.”

“My beloved brothers and sisters, may we make whatever sacrifices are necessary to attend the temple and to have the spirit of the temple in our hearts and in our homes” (Monson, source).

FHE: Ensign to the Nations (General Conference April 2011, Elder Holland)

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After viewing the most recent General Conference session last April, I felt impressed that I needed to review the messages that were shared with my children. What better time and place to do that then during Family Home Evening?

This week I am sharing the lessons that we have done in the last few months which were related to the April 2011 General Conference. In most cases I focused on one or two quotes from the talk, and then had a coloring page or activity for the children to do. The highlighted quote and activity page are displayed on our wall throughout the week as a reminder of the lesson. In addition, I make sure to show a picture of the General Authority whose words we are studying, so my children can connect a face with the words.

“As our conference comes to a close, I ask you to reflect in the days ahead not only on the messages you have heard but also on the unique phenomenon that general conference itself is—what we as Latter-day Saints believe such conferences to be and what we invite the world to hear and observe about them. We testify to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people that God not only lives but also that He speaks, that for our time and in our day the counsel you have heard is, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, “the will of the Lord, … the word of the Lord, … the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “An Ensign to the Nations”, April 2011 General Conference

Lesson Plan

Talk about General Conference. What do you remember from it? Talk about the living prophets on the earth today, and how their words spoken at General Conference are scriptures specific for our day. It is important to read and study their words, so that is what we will be doing at Family Home Evening in the coming months. Discuss the above quote.

Additional quotes that stood out to me

“In wanting to measure up to the stern as well as embrace the soothing in our general conference messages, please be reassured that when we speak on difficult subjects, we understand not everyone is viewing pornography or shirking marriage or having illicit sexual relationships. We know not everyone is violating the Sabbath or bearing false witness or abusing a spouse. We know that most in our audience are not guilty of such things, but we are under a solemn charge to issue warning calls to those who are—wherever they may be in the world. So if you are trying to do the best you can—if, for example, you keep trying to hold family home evening in spite of the bedlam that sometimes reigns in a houseful of little bedlamites—then give yourself high marks and, when we come to that subject, listen for another which addresses a topic where you may be lacking. If we teach by the Spirit and you listen by the Spirit, some one of us will touch on your circumstance, sending a personal prophetic epistle just to you” (Holland, source).

Unbirthday Party

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At the beginning of the summer we sat down as a family and made a list of the things that we wanted to be sure and do this summer. We recently crossed off “Host an Unbirthday Party” on our list. Who doesn’t love an excuse to play games and eat cake?!The Ant Bug pretty much planned and carried out the event, with a little guidance from me. We sent a digital invitation to the family that we wanted to invite, and then she wrote out a list of our planned activities for the party.Party Hats

A creative activity is a great way to start off any party, so first on our agenda was decorating party hats. Using a template we found online (like this party hat shown here), each child chose a color for their hat, then decorated it with color and stickers. Staple it together, then punch holes and add yarn to tie it on.Party Games

We planned two games, and our friends planned a few games.

1). Pin the pom pom on the party hat (poster designed by the Ant Bug)2). Musical colors: just like musical chairs, but since we are a little short on chairs at our house we used squares of colorful felt to jump on instead3). Balloon games: relay race to pop your balloon, keep the balloon in the air

4). Silly lips: apply lipstick to another person, while wearing a blindfold (this was especially funny with children who had no experience whatsoever in applying lipstick!)

Eat Cake

The Ant Bug recently read Amelia Bedelia Bakes Off by Herman Parish. In this silly adventure, Amelia Bedelia helps run a bakery and she ends up winning a baking contest with her cake recipe. The book included the recipe, and that was the recipe the Ant Bug selected for our cake.Amelia Bedelia’s Sheet Cake

3 cups flour

1 3/4 cups sugar

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2/3 cup cocoa

3/4 cup vegetable oil

2 Tbsp. vinegar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups water

Sift the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa directly into an ungreased 9″x13″ pan (we used a large sheet pan instead). Add oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Pour water over all ingredients. Mix with a fork until smooth. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool the cake and ice in the pan with your favorite frosting.

The frosting recipe we used came from the Family Cookbook.

Texas Sheet Cake Frosting

1 cup butter or margarine

1/4 cup milk

4 Tbsp. cocoa

1 cup nuts, coarsely chopped, optional

4 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Melt butter, and stir in cocoa. Add milk, and bring butter, milk, and coca to a boil, just until bubbly. Add remaining ingredients and stir until smooth. Pour over hot cake.The cake was delicious, and it was a great extension activity tied in to some summer reading. Each child picked out a birthday candle and and stuck it in the cake where they wanted to, and then everyone got to blow out their candle. We finished off by reading the book as we ate the cake.

The “clarion call” of the Family Proclamation

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Elder Ballard counsels parents everywhere to get a copy of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World and to compare the simple, clear, prophetic language with the convoluted notions of the family often proffered by society today.

“Read it and strive to align your marriage and your family to its inspired, revealed direction from the Lord,” he says. “Then be the very best and act the very best you can. God will give you strength beyond your own as you strive daily to fulfill the most sacred mortal responsibility He gives to His children. Listen to the voice of the Spirit and the counsel of the living prophets. Be of good cheer. God did not place you on earth to fail, and your efforts as parents will not be counted as failure unless you give up.”

Further Reading: Proclamation on the Family is Still a Clarion Call

Blogiversary

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“I take great delight in my role as a nurturer, which allows me to express my deepest identity as a woman. I never fail to be struck by the way that women, young women, and even little girls seem to have an instinctive interest and ability in nurturing. It is not only a mother’s primary responsibility but also part of our “individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). To nurture is to teach, to foster development, to promote growth, to feed, and to nourish. Who would not shout for joy at being given such a blessed role?” (Tanner, source).

This month of July marks three years since I started this blog. I’ve been reflecting a little on this “blogiversary”, and thinking about what things have changed and what has stayed the same in those three years.

July 4, 2008

In July 2008, the Ant Bug was three and a half, and the Sweet Bee was 9 months. Now the Ant Bug is six and a half, the Sweet Bee is approaching 4 years old, and we have since added Little Boy Z to our family (16 months old).

May 2011

We are still living in the same two bedroom town home in Florida. But we’ve made some improvements!

Then, I drove a 4-door car. Now I have joined the ranks of the mini-van driving moms.

Then, I was serving as the first counselor in our ward Primary presidency. We have changed wards, but I still spend my time in the Primary (secretary, and now second counselor).

Then, the favorite movie of my children was The Lion King. Now it’s Tangled, no question.

Then, my only time spent at the piano was playing and singing Primary songs with my children. Now I sit beside 10+ piano students every week as a teacher, and I’ve recently started a blog for my piano students.

Then, and now, I am thrilled to be married to the love of my life. We make a great team!

Then, I was a twenty-something mom who worried a lot about my role and responsibility as a mother. Now I am thirty-something mom who still worries about my role and responsibility as a mother. But I have faith that being a mother is a divine role, and as such, I am not left alone to navigate the ups and downs of parenting.

“We thank all of you, including our own mothers, and tell you there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons, so that immortality and eternal life can come in those celestial realms on high.

“You can’t possibly do this alone, but you do have help. The Master of Heaven and Earth is there to bless you—He who resolutely goes after the lost sheep, sweeps thoroughly to find the lost coin, waits everlastingly for the return of the prodigal son. Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are and better than you have ever been as you try to make honest effort, however feeble you may sometimes feel that to be.

“Mothers, we acknowledge and esteem your faith in every footstep. Please know that it is worth it then, now, and forever” (Holland, source).

Thank you for joining me on this journey!

FHE: Faith of the Pioneers

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Quote of the Week

“Let us never forget the faith of our fathers and the selfless sacrifice of our mothers, those pioneering Saints who set such an inspiring example of obedience. Let us remember them as we strive to be valiant servants in our work to “invite all to come unto Christ”  and “be perfected in him” (Wirthlin, source).

Activity

Pioneer Treasure Hunt (to help us learn more about the life of the pioneers)

More points for discussion (while we eat our traditional ice cream)

“We who have been blessed to know the fulness of the restored gospel owe a debt of gratitude to those who have gone before us, who have given so much to build the kingdom into the worldwide miracle that it is today. Our debt of gratitude to our forebears is a “debt that can best be paid in service to this great cause.” No matter who we are—no matter our talents, abilities, financial resources, education, or experience—we all can serve in the kingdom. He who calls us will qualify us for the work if we will serve with humility, prayer, diligence, and faith ” (Wirthlin, source)

Additional optional activity

Pioneer Hidden Picture from The Friend magazine

Further reading

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Faith of our Fathers”, The Ensign, May 1996

My 2010 Pioneer FHE lesson: Pioneers, Seagulls and Crickets, and Faith

Pioneer Mothers

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“One of the more difficult hardships endured by many of the sisters was delivering their babies under harsh, extreme conditions along the trail. Eliza R. Snow wrote that as the pioneers “journeyed onward, mothers gave birth to offspring under almost every variety of circumstances imaginable, except those to which they had been accustomed; some in tents, others in wagons—in rainstorms and in snowstorms.” Sister Snow went on to record in her journal that she “heard of one birth which occurred under the rude shelter of a hut, the sides of which were formed of blankets fastened to poles stuck in the ground, with a bark roof through which the rain was dripping. Kind sisters stood holding dishes to catch the water … , thus protecting the [little one] and its mother from a shower-bath [on its entrance to] the stage of human life.” 

“What a sacrifice these good sisters made! Some mothers lost their own lives in childbirth. Many babies did not survive. My wife’s grandmother, Elizabeth Riter, was born at Winter Quarters in the back of a covered wagon during a rainstorm. Fortunately, both the mother and the newborn infant survived. With great love for the woman who gave life to her, Elizabeth often lovingly recounted how an umbrella was held over her mother throughout the ordeal to shield her from the water leaking through the wagon’s cover.”

“Let us never forget the faith of our fathers and the selfless sacrifice of our mothers, those pioneering Saints who set such an inspiring example of obedience. Let us remember them as we strive to be valiant servants in our work to “invite all to come unto Christ”  and “be perfected in him.” 

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Faith of Our Fathers,” The Ensign, May 1996, 33-34

On Temples

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“The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified” (Monson, source).

One theme of my life lately has been of temples. The visiting teaching message for July is about claiming the blessings of the temple. Last weekend our family made a special trip to the Orlando temple. Our children were able to walk around the temple grounds, while my husband and I took turns attending a session.

“If you have been to the temple for yourselves and if you live within relatively close proximity to a temple, your sacrifice could be setting aside the time in your busy lives to visit the temple regularly. There is much to be done in our temples in behalf of those who wait beyond the veil. As we do the work for them, we will know that we have accomplished what they cannot do for themselves. President Joseph F. Smith, in a mighty declaration, stated, “Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.”  My brothers and sisters, the work is ours to do.”

In April, our family was privileged to attend the open house of the newly remodeled Atlanta, Georgia temple. It was such a special experience to be able to walk through the temple with my young children, showing them the beautiful sealing rooms and looking in the mirrors together. My girls are young, but I hope that they will remember the beauty and peace that they felt in the temple and strive to be worthy to enter its doors when they have grown.I have also spent a lot of time pondering President Monson’s most recent General Conference address, “The Holy Temple–a Beacon to the World”.

The Primary theme for the month is “The temple is a house of God”. As I have prepared sharing time lessons for the month my testimony has been strengthened of the great blessings of temples. My heart breaks to think of the sacrifices that were made to build the Kirtland and Nauvoo temples, and to think of those early pioneers who had to walk away from their beloved temples prematurely.

“Some degree of sacrifice has ever been associated with temple building and with temple attendance. Countless are those who have labored and struggled in order to obtain for themselves and for their families the blessings which are found in the temples of God.”

I am thankful my children are learning of the importance of the temple. Last Sunday afternoon the Ant Bug created this beautiful reminder of the sacredness of the temple. The poster is hanging on the door to her bedroom.

“To you parents of young children, may I share with you some sage advice from President Spencer W. Kimball. Said he: “It would be a fine thing if … parents would have in every bedroom in their house a picture of the temple so [their children] from the time [they are] infant[s] could look at the picture every day [until] it becomes a part of [their lives]. When [they reach] the age that [they need] to make [the] very important decision [concerning going to the temple], it will have already been made.”

I Love to See the Temple is one of my favorite Primary hymns, and my heart has thrilled to hear the Primary children sing it this month. I hope they take its message to heart.

“I love to see the temple.

I’ll go inside someday.

I’ll covenant with my father;

I’ll promise to obey.”

“Now, my young friends…always have the temple in your sights. Do nothing which will keep you from entering its doors and partaking of the sacred and eternal blessings there.”

I created a document to share with the children in my Primary during sharing time this Sunday. The temple image is a coloring page and came from a document shared on sugardoodle.net. The quotes are the most pertinent quotes for Primary aged children from President Monson’s talk. Feel free to download the file and use it for FHE, Primary, etc.

the temple is a house of god

All of the quotes in this post come from President Thomas S. Monson’s April 2011 General Conference address. Please go here to read it.