FHE – Page 2 – Nurture Mama

Messages from President Monson

July 13, 2015July 12, 2015 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

My 5-year old son taught our FHE lesson last week. He wanted to “put the prophets in order”, which means that we lay out our pictures of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles and say the names and put them in their correct order of seniority. (This has been a regular activity at our house, and a good way to learn their names and faces). Then he chose a Mormon Message video from President Monson for us to watch.

One of my goals for the summer is to seize opportunities for sharing gospel messages with my children daily. I have realized that I have a bit of a captive audience during breakfast time, so I often use that time to review scripture verses. This week we watched some of the online videos of messages from President Monson, and reviewed some of his recent conference addresses.

What Matters Most

Dare to Stand Alone

Have I Done any Good in the World Today? along with this music video of the song by Alex Boye and Carmen Rasmusen

Help Someone Today

Sunday morning we watched the video clips about the life of President Monson, available through the Gospel Library app on the iPad. President Monson is truly a remarkable example of a man who follows in the footsteps of the Savior and listens to and obeys the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Favorite Recent Quotes

October 2008: “What is most important almost always involves the people around us.”

April 2015: “The blessings of the temple are priceless.”

October 2014: Ponder the path of thy feet. “Walking where Jesus walked is less important than walking as He walked.”

April 2014: “Love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar.” “Love should be the very heart of family life.”

The Sabbath is a Delight (FHE plans and quotes from Elder Nelson)

June 29, 2015June 29, 2015 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

Lesson Plan

Share and discuss the following quotes from Elder Russell M. Nelson, “The Sabbath is a Delight”. April 2015 General Conference.

“The Sabbath was His gift to us, granting real respite from the rigors of daily life and an opportunity for spiritual and physical renewal. God gave us this special day, not for amusement or daily labor but for a rest from duty, with physical and spiritual relief.”

“In Hebrew, the word Sabbath means “rest.””

“We now partake of the sacrament on the Sabbath day in remembrance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

“It wasn’t until later that I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father.With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, “What sign do I want to give to God?” That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear.”

Discussion: What activities can we do on the Sabbath that would make it a delight to us?

Elder Nelson suggested: going to church, partaking of the sacrament, being diligent in our callings, strengthen family ties, study and teach the gospel, family history work, give service to others.

“Not pursuing your “own pleasure” on the Sabbath requires self-discipline. You may have to deny yourself of something you might like. If you choose to delight yourself in the Lord, you will not permit yourself to treat it as any other day. Routine and recreational activities can be done some other time.”

Personal experience: After pondering Elder Nelson’s counsel, I have decided to forego my pleasure reading on Sunday (novels, Facebook, and blog subscriptions) and instead spend my free time studying the gospel. I have been amazed to discover what is available on the Gospel Library iPad app!

Scripture

“Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then … are ye sanctified in Christ.” (Moroni 10:32)

Further Study

Video excerpt from Elder Nelson’s talk

Elder L. Tom Perry, “The Sabbath and the Sacrament”. April 2011 General Conference.

Why do we have FHE? (FHE plans and quotes)

June 8, 2015June 7, 2015 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

Lesson Plan

April 2015 marked 100 years since the First Presidency of the Church first encouraged members to have weekly Family Home Evening. Joseph F. Smith was the prophet at that time. Here are some excerpts from the letter that was sent out in April 1915:

“We advise and urge the inauguration of a “home evening” throughout the Church, at which time fathers and mothers may gather their boys and girls about them in the home and teach them the word of the Lord. They may thus learn more fully the needs and requirements of their families, at the same time familiarizing themselves and their children more thoroughly with the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This home evening should be devoted to prayer, singing hymns, songs, instrumental music, scripture reading, family topics, and specific instruction on the principles of the gospel and on the ethical problems of life, as well as the duties and obligations of children to parents, the home, the Church, society, and the nation. For the smaller children, appropriate recitations, songs, stories, and games may be introduced. Light refreshments of such a nature as may be largely prepared in the home might be served.

Formality and stiffness should be studiously avoided, and all the family should participate in the exercises.”

Discussion

How can we make our FHE even better?

Rotate assignments: give the children a chance to do every job
- Opening prayer, song, scripture, lesson, treat, conduct
Start a FHE journal (inspired by Tiffany): have each family member sign the cover page (and include their age)
Brainstorm lesson topics
- General Conference talks, Primary lessons, scripture stories, learn a new hymn or primary song, family history, learn a new skill, wholesome recreational activities, learn about a prophet or apostle, scripture heroes, share and memorize a great scripture verse, do a service project, lessons from Church magazines, celebrate holidays or special occasions, prepare for sacred ordinances (baptism, priesthood ordination, temple, etc)…

What are the blessings of FHE?

“If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influences and temptations which beset them” (First Presidency Letter, April 1915).

“We promise you great blessings if you will follow the Lord’s counsel and hold regular family home evenings. We pray constantly that parents in the Church will accept their responsibility to teach and exemplify gospel principles to their children. May God bless you to be diligent in this most important responsibility” (“Message from the First Presidency,” Family Home Evening Resource Book, 1983).

“We cannot afford to neglect this heaven-inspired program. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest” (President Thomas S. Monson, April 2005 General Conference).

Eternal Life-Knowing God (FHE plans and quotes from Elder Hales)

June 1, 2015June 1, 2015 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

Lesson Plan

What are some gifts that you have received? (Children will likely mention toys, Lego, books, etc).

What is the greatest gift that you have ever received? We have all received the same greatest gift, and the answer is found in D&C 14:7.

“And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.”

The greatest gift is eternal life. What is eternal life? The answer is found in John 17:3.

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Dad gave a great talk on this subject just a few weeks ago. He said “Life eternal is knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ. As we strive for eternal life we must strive for a knowledge of God. Even more, we must not only have a knowledge of Him but also truly know Him. The better we know Him the more we love Him. How can we fully love something we do not understand? How can we truly love someone we do not know? The more familiar we are with someone, the more we understand and love that person.” (Jared’s talk is here).

In October 2014, Elder Robert D. Hales spoke about eternal life and knowing Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Watch the first segment of Elder Hales talk (up to 3:33).

“My own testimony grew as I learned about Heavenly Father and the Savior from the teachings and testimony of my parents, teachers, the scriptures—which I read diligently—and especially the Holy Ghost. As I exercised faith and obeyed the commandments, the Holy Ghost testified that what I was learning was true. This is how I came to know for myself.”

Discuss ways that we can know God: study scriptures and the words of the prophets, love and serve others, meaningful prayers, etc.

Concluding remarks from Elder Hales:

“I testify that our Heavenly Father wants us to seek this knowledge now. The words of the prophet Helaman cry from the dust: “Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation … , a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”Indeed, we will not fail.

That sure foundation is Jesus Christ. He is “the Rock of Heaven.”When we build our house upon Him, the rains of the latter days may descend, the floods may come, and the winds may blow, but we will not fall. We will not fail, for our home and our family will be founded upon Christ.”

Further Study

“All of us need to know God more fully in order to love him more deeply and obey him more completely.” Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Grandeur of God”. October 2003 General Conference.

The March 2014 New Era magazine has a great explanation of John 17:3, including quotes from General Authorities.

Pitching our tents (FHE plans and a scripture from King Benjamin)

May 18, 2015May 18, 2015 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

Coming up this weekend our stake is hosting a family campout. My husband is thinking of attending with the children, while I stay home and snuggle with the baby. We haven’t camped in years, so we need to take stock of our tent and supplies. I thought pitching our tent would make for a good FHE activity, and for the lesson part we will make the connection of pitching our tents toward the prophet, just as the Nephites did in the days of King Benjamin. How do we pitch our tents, so to speak, towards the living prophet, and ultimately toward Jesus Christ?

King Benjamin’s discourse is full of great doctrine and wise counsel. For our scripture of the week I chose Mosiah 4:9.

“Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.”

On Temples and Peace (FHE plans and quotes from President Monson)

May 11, 2015May 11, 2015 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

Lesson Plan

Share the following quotes from President Thomas S. Monson, “Blessings of the Temple”. April 2015 General Conference.

“The blessings of the temple are priceless.”

“As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace.”

“As we go to the temple, as we remember the covenants we make there, we will be better able to overcome those temptations and to bear our trials. In the temple we can find peace.”

Scripture of the Week

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

Discussion (inspired by this message in The Friend magazine)

President Monson announced the building of 3 new temples. Where are they located? Find them on a map (a helpful online map is available here).

Temple Math: 144 now open +13 being built+13 being designed+5 being renovated+3 new ones just announced=how many total temples?

Which temple is closest to you?

Which temples have we visited as a family (or have special meaning to our family)?

Mom visited the Cardston, Alberta temple as a youth.
Dad visited the Mesa, Arizona temple as a youth.
We were sealed in the Salt Lake City temple.
We attended the Provo, Utah temple while going to school at BYU.
As a family we visited the Atlanta, Georgia temple open house in 2011.
Dad, Mom, and Anwyn viewed the Fort Lauderdale temple dedication in 2014.
Our closest temple is currently the Orlando, Florida temple.

How can you prepare to go to the temple after you turn 12?

Another Important Quote

“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.” (Thomas S. Monson,”The Holy Temple”. April 2011 General Conference.)

Marriage Matters: Celebrating our Marriage (FHE plans and quotes from Elder Perry)

May 4, 2015May 4, 2015 Nurture Mama 1 Comment

My husband and I are celebrating 13 years of marriage today, and what better way to celebrate than a FHE lesson on marriage!

Lesson Plan

“Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World, paragraph seven).

image source

Use photo albums and scrapbooks to share pictures and stories from our wedding day thirteen years ago.

Discuss ways that we can focus on and live the teachings of Jesus Christ in our family.

Celebrate our family with a fancy cake for dessert made by dad!

Further Discussion

Discuss the following points from Elder L. Tom Perry, “Why Marriage and Family Matter-Everywhere in the World”. April 2015 General Conference.

“The family is the center of life and is the key to eternal happiness.”

“Last November, Elder Perry attended a colloquium, which is an educational conference, at the Vatican in Rome, Italy, with Pres. Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, and Bishop Gérald Caussé. Explain how the location is honored by the Catholic religion and other Christians. The fact that leaders from our church would also be invited shows that many of our beliefs are honored by other religions too” (source).

Pope Francis opened the first session of the assembly with this statement: “We now live in a culture of the temporary, in which more and more people are simply giving up on marriage as a public commitment. This revolution in manners and morals has often flown the flag of freedom, but in fact it has brought spiritual and material devastation to countless human beings, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. … It is always they who suffer the most in this crisis.”-

“It was remarkable for me to see how marriage and family-centered priorities cut across and superseded any political, economic, or religious differences. When it comes to love of spouse and hopes, worries, and dreams for children, we are all the same.”

“What the restored gospel brings to the discussion on marriage and family is so large and so relevant that it cannot be overstated: we make the subject eternal! We take the commitment and the sanctity of marriage to a greater level because of our belief and understanding that families go back to before this earth was and that they can go forward into eternity.”

On Fasting (FHE plans and quotes from President Eyring)

April 27, 2015April 27, 2015 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

After attending a recent stake training meeting, my husband expressed a desire to me that we teach our children about fasting. This is a direction that came down the lines of church leadership to our stake leaders. It didn’t escape our notice that the first talk at General Conference was given by President Eyring on the topic of the fast. With Fast Sunday approaching this week, this is a perfect time to share this lesson with our children. As I am putting it together, I know this will be a topic of discussion for more than just one night.

What is a fast?

Use the points from this Friend magazine article. Cut up the points and hide them around the room, have the children find them and discuss them in order.

Fast Sunday is on the first Sunday of each month. It is a special day to humble ourselves before the Lord by fasting, praying, and attending fast and testimony meeting.
On fast Sunday, members of the Church do not eat or drink for two meals. Children may be encouraged to fast when they are old enough.
Members donate the money they would have spent on food for the two meals to help the needy. This money is called a fast offering.
Members can give fast offerings to one of the bishopric or branch presidency members. The bishop or branch president uses the money to help those in need in his ward or branch.
Fast offerings may be used to help feed the hungry.
Fast offerings might be used to care for the sick.
In each way a fast offering is used, it helps take care of Heavenly Father’s children.

Discussion

Discuss the following teachings from President Henry B. Eyring, “Is Not This the Fast I Have Chosen?”. April 2015 General Conference.

“When we offer succor to anyone, the Savior feels it as if we reached out to succor Him.”

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40).

“So the Lord has given us a simple commandment with a marvelous promise. In the Church today we are offered the opportunity to fast once a month and give a generous fast offering through our bishop or branch president for the benefit of the poor and the needy. Some of what you give will be used to help those around you, perhaps someone in your own family. The Lord’s servants will pray and fast for the revelation to know whom to help and what help to give. That which is not needed to help people in your local Church unit will become available to bless other Church members across the world who are in need.”

“Rich promises are made by the Lord to those who fast and assist the needy. … Inspiration and spiritual guidance will come with righteousness and closeness to our Heavenly Father. To omit to do this righteous act of fasting would deprive us of these blessings” (President Spencer W. Kimball).

Stories of helping others through fast offerings:

-Tropical Cyclone Pam hitting Vanuatu

“Other storms and tragedies will come across the world to people the Lord loves and whose sorrows He feels. Part of your fast offering and mine this month will be used to help someone, somewhere, whose relief the Lord will feel as if it were His own.”

Application

An earthquake in Nepal on Saturday, April 25th, has killed thousands and left many more injured and in great need. How can we help?

Other scriptures about Fasting

“Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting” (Joel 2:12).

“They did fast much and pray much” (Alma 45:1).

“Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer” (D&C 59:14).

Further Study

“Fasting, coupled with mighty prayer, is powerful.” (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 73.)

Preparing our Family for General Conference (including FHE plans)

March 30, 2015April 3, 2015 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

General Conference is a twice-annual event that is very important to me. The opportunity to hear living prophets and apostles speak the word of the Lord is a special blessing, and I am grateful for it. I want my children to recognize what a blessing General Conference is, so we do a number of things to prepare our family for it.

Recognizing the Apostles

We have had a lot of success teaching our children the names of the First Presidency and Apostles by singing their last names to the tune of “10 Little Indians”. Monson, Eyring, Uchtdorf, Packer, Perry…etc. All of my children (age 10, 7, and 5 know the song well now). The next step is to match the right name with the right person. This month I ordered the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles picture set available from store.lds.org. We can use the 8×10 photos in many ways for many years!

FHE before Conference

Our FHE the week before conference is always focused on conference preparation. Here is our plan for tonight:

1) Using our new picture packet, review the names and faces of the prophet and apostles. Can we put them in the correct order?

2) Review the importance of General Conference by discussing the following quotes from Elder Hales.

“To the young members of the Church, I promise that if you will listen, you will feel the Spirit well up within you. The Lord will tell you what He wants you to do with your life.”

“Wherever we are in this world…I testify that we are gathered at His conference.”

“In conferences we can receive the word of the Lord meant just for us…This is possible because the Holy Ghost carries the word of the Lord unto our hearts in terms we can understand.”

We will hang these printable posters from the Red Headed Hostess on our wall and keep them up all week.

3)Plan for General Conference weekend: There are tons of resources available online to help keep children occupied during General Conference (sometimes it is a little overwhelming). We have done many activity packets and coloring in the past, but this year I want to find out what they are most interested in doing, so we aren’t scrambling at the last minute. We will pick our favorites from the ideas below.

Remove the poster from the most recent conference Ensign. Hang it on the wall, and then the children get to put a sticker on the picture of whoever is speaking.

My children have always enjoyed coloring the General Authority ties. I can’t find the link on Sugardoodle anymore, but I did find a version here or here.

I picked up a post-it-note pad for each person in our family. I will hang the pictures on the wall, and we can use the post-it-notes to jot down key topics and quotes and hang them on the wall. For my beginning readers and spellers, I printed and laminated these headband cards to use as reference cards.

One of our family goals this year has been to memorize scriptures (almost weekly). We can also use the post-it-notes to quickly record scriptures that are mentioned. We will also listen close to see if our scripture of the year is quoted.

As usual there are a number of packets and great ideas available on Sugardoodle.

We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice in Christ has a fabulous list of ideas and resources. We have had success with the concept of reverence stations in the past.

This time around I would like to try Smash Booklets. The children will have the freedom to write and draw and decorate their pages as they please.

And since it is Easter weekend, it would be fun to combine Easter eggs and apostles.

This Conference I Spy worksheet would be fun, along with homemade spy glasses made from toilet paper rolls.

On the menu

General Conference at our house means crepes for breakfast on Saturday, and cinnamon rolls on Sunday! Yummy!

What General Conference plans and traditions do you have?

Stay in the Boat and Hold On (FHE plans and quotes from Elder Ballard)

March 16, 2015March 16, 2015 Nurture Mama Leave a comment

Tonight for FHE we are focusing on Elder M. Russell Ballard’s talk from the October 2014 General Conference. The imagery of a boat passing through hazardous river rapids is a great metaphor for life for children and youth (and adults!) to understand.

Lesson Plan

Watch the video introduction of Elder Ballard’s talk, up to the 2:30 time point (available here).

Give each child a copy of the following printable from Life’s Journey to Perfection.

Read the quote from Elder Ballard:

“The Lord in His goodness has provided help, including a boat, essential supplies such as life jackets, and experienced river guides who give guidance and safety instructions to help us make our way down the river of life to our final destination.”

Use the lesson plan as follows from Life’s Journey to Perfection:

Discuss with your family member what the BOAT symbolizes? (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Discuss with your family how each family member can STAY IN THE BOAT? What are some things that can be done each day? Invite family members to write on the boat, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” as well as examples of things they can do each day to help them stay in the boat.

Discuss with your family member what the LIFE JACKET symbolizes? (The Scriptures/Word of God) Discuss with your family how daily scripture study can be like a Life Jacket and help us to hold on tight. Invite family members to write “the scriptures” next to the life jacket.

Discuss with your family members what the RIVER GUIDES symbolize? (The Apostles, Prophets, and Local Church Leaders) Discuss how the Prophets, Apostles and local church leaders can direct us and guide us through our journey. Invite family members to write next to the river guide, “Church Leaders”.

Additional Reading

“We need to experience a continuing conversion by increasing our faith in Jesus Christ and our faithfulness to His gospel throughout our lives—not just once but regularly” (Ballard).

“We should focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ” (Ballard).

“And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw, that led to the tree? And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things” (2 Nephi 15:23-25).

“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 saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).