Simplicity FHE

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read "Of Things That Matter Most", by Dieter F. Uchtdorf,
Ensign, Nov. 2010, 19–22.
Thought:
If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like
rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Things That Matter Most", Ensign, Nov. 2010, 19–22.)
Song:
“I Am a Child of God,” Children’s Songbook, p. 2.
Scripture:
And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be
revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in
plainness and simplicity.
(Doctrine and Covenants 133:57)
Object Lesson:
To prepare for this object lesson, get a clear jar that will fit five or six golf balls in it but
no more. Put the balls in the jar first and then fill the rest of the jar with rice or wheat. When
the jar is full, dump its contents into a large bowl and you’re ready for the lesson.
Read 3 Nephi 13:33–34 together and ask the family to name things we are asked to do
each day that have to do with the kingdom of God. (Prayer, family scripture study, fulfilling
Church callings, and so on.) Explain that those things are like the golf balls. Then ask the
family what other things they need to do that do not relate directly to the kingdom of God.
(Eating, homework, sleep, television, and so on.) Explain that the grain represents all the other
things we do.
Invite a family member to pour the grain into the jar first and then try to get the golf balls
to fit. When that doesn’t work, invite him or her to start over again, put the golf balls in the
jar first, and then fill the jar with the grain. Ask:
• What does this object lesson have to do with the verses?
• What does this teach us about our priorities?
• Do you think Heavenly Father wants us to have some of the nice things in life?
• Why do you think the kingdom of God should come first in our lives?
• What are some ways you can put God first?
• What could our family do better to make the kingdom of God our first priority?
Share the following statements:
“If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference
what you have chosen instead.” (William Law, cited in James E. Faust, “A Message to My
Granddaughters: Becoming ‘Great Women,’” Ensign, September 1986, p. 20.)
“Someday, when we look back on mortality, we will see that so many of the things that
seemed tomatter so much at the moment will be seen not to have mattered at all. And the
eternal things will be seen to have mattered even more than the most faithful of the Saints
imagined.” (Neal A. Maxwell, Even As I Am, p. 104.)
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt
Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 263.)
Story:
The best clue to knowing when we should do a simplification assessment of our life is when we
begin to feel that something is too much for us.
When we find ourselves worrying almost daily about a certain obligation—a church calling, or a
household chore, or a commitment we have made—then that is a clue that we need to look for areas in
our life in which we are using our time and energy ineffectively. We have let our lives become
encrusted with clutter.
It happens to everyone, and we just need to look for the clues to tell us to stop and evaluate what
changes would help.
I had fallen into the habit, without realizing it, of going to the store every day for a few items. We
lived close to the store, and it had become easy to run over in the late afternoon to pick up a few little
extras for dinner.
When the bishop called me to be Young Women president, I was suddenly faced with staggering
new demands on my time. Quickly it became apparent that those minutes I spent each day at the
grocery store were adding up to a considerable amount of time in the week.
That habit was the first to go. Now I manage with what I buy in one hour on Saturday morning.
Shopping has been simplified and condensed, and the gift of time is amazing.
In simplifying our lives and those of our children it is extremely important to savor and love the
simple delights. Simple things are sweet, but savoring simple things takes a great spirit that
understands the concept of life as a celebration.
To fully appreciate simplicity we need clear, trained eyes that see magnificence in simple things,
and a pure heart that recognizes the hand of the Lord in a blade of grass.
(Jaroldeen Edwards, Celebration! Ten Principles of More Joyous Living, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1995].)
Activity:
Play a simple family game such as “Mother, May I,” or “Simon Says” or a board game such as
Scrabble, Dominoesimagined.” (Neal A. Maxwell, Even As I Am, p. 104.)
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt
Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 263.)
Story:
The best clue to knowing when we should do a simplification assessment of our life is when we
begin to feel that something is too much for us.
When we find ourselves worrying almost daily about a certain obligation—a church calling, or a
household chore, or a commitment we have made—then that is a clue that we need to look for areas in
our life in which we are using our time and energy ineffectively. We have let our lives become
encrusted with clutter.
It happens to everyone, and we just need to look for the clues to tell us to stop and evaluate what
changes would help.
I had fallen into the habit, without realizing it, of going to the store every day for a few items. We
lived close to the store, and it had become easy to run over in the late afternoon to pick up a few little
extras for dinner.
When the bishop called me to be Young Women president, I was suddenly faced with staggering
new demands on my time. Quickly it became apparent that those minutes I spent each day at the
grocery store were adding up to a considerable amount of time in the week.
That habit was the first to go. Now I manage with what I buy in one hour on Saturday morning.
Shopping has been simplified and condensed, and the gift of time is amazing.
In simplifying our lives and those of our children it is extremely important to savor and love the
simple delights. Simple things are sweet, but savoring simple things takes a great spirit that
understands the concept of life as a celebration.
To fully appreciate simplicity we need clear, trained eyes that see magnificence in simple things,
and a pure heart that recognizes the hand of the Lord in a blade of grass.
(Jaroldeen Edwards, Celebration! Ten Principles of More Joyous Living, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1995].)
Activity:
Play a simple family game such as “Mother, May I,” or “Simon Says” or a board game such as
Scrabble, Dominoes, or Chinese Checkers.
Refreshment
Caramel Krisps
3 tablespoons butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping
6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal
Melt the butter in large saucepan over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely
melted. Remove from heat.
Add caramel topping, stirring until well mixed. Add the cereal and stir until it is well coated. Butter
a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour in the cereal mixture andpress it into pan with a buttered spatula. Cool,
and then cut into 24 squares.
Makes 24 bars.

What to Plant in January

January
The only winter month in Phoenix.
- Spray dormant shrubs.
- Last chance to plant bare roots trees and shrubs.
- Prune roses and deciduous fruit trees.
- Monitor freeze warnings
- Plant summer bulbs.

What to sow:
African Daisies, Ageratum, Alyssum, Bachelor Button, Calendula, California Poppy, Candytuft, Carnation, Clarkia, Delphinium, Everlastings, Gaillardia, Globe Amaranth, Godetia, Gypsophila, Helichrisum, Hollyhocks, Larkspur, Lupines, Nicotiana, Pansy, Petunia, Phlox, Pinks, Poppy, Salpiglossis, Scabiosa, Shasta Daisy, Snapdragon, Sweet Peas, Sweet Sultan, Sweet William, Verbena, Viola

In the vegetable garden
- Plant bare roots asparagus and strawberries.
- Plant cabbage, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, radishes.

TRUST FHE

We should trust in God and His servants enough that we will go out and obey His counsel.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Trust in God, Then Go and Do”, by Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, Nov. 2010, 70–73.

Thought:
Those who lost the blessing of coming into mortality lacked sufficient trust in God to avoid eternal misery. [We should] trust in God and His servants enough that we will go out and obey His counsel. (Henry B. Eyring, “Trust in God, Then Go and Do”, Ensign, Nov. 2010, 70–73.)

Song:
“Nephi’s Courage,” Children’s Songbook, p. 120.

Scripture:
For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true. (Alma 29:8)

Lesson and Story:
Hold up a coin and ask, “What motto is written on United States coins”? Have your family read Alma 38:1–5 and find a similar phrase (see verse 5). Then ask:

• What promises did Alma make to Shiblon if he would put his “trust” in God?
• How do we show our trust in God?
• How has putting your trust in God helped you during times of trial?

Have your family scan Alma 38:1–5 again and find another place where the word “trust” is used. (See verse 2.) Ask them who is expressing trust in whom. What qualities had Shiblon displayed that enabled Alma to trust him?

Tell your family that one of President David O. McKay’s favorite sayings was, “To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.” (True to the Faith, p. 274.)

Share this story related by President N. Eldon Tanner. Explain that when he was fourteen years old, his father was serving as bishop and had gone to prepare for a funeral. He had asked Eldon and his brothers to do the chores while he was gone. President Tanner explained:

“We decided to ride some calves before we did what he had told us to do. We thought we would have plenty of time, but he came home while we were still riding those calves, and he called us over to him. . . . He pointed his finger at me and said, ‘My boy, I thought I could depend on you.’ That hurt me very much. I can still almost recall the exact feeling I had at that time. I made up my mind that he would never have a reason to say, ‘I thought I could depend on you.’ Right then I made up my mind that the Lord would never have reason to say, ‘I thought I could depend on Eldon Tanner.’” (“In Memoriam: President N. Eldon Tanner,” New Era, January–February 1983, p. 14.)

Ask family members to think of some ways they could earn the trust of parents, teachers, friends, and God. Have them share their ideas.


Refreshment:
Cream Cheese Brownies

1 package deluxe brownie mix
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
Follow package directions for preheating oven and preparing cake-like brownies. Pour batter into a greased 9 × 9-inch pan. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add egg and milk and mix until smooth. Drop cream cheese batter into the brownie pan in spoonfuls and swirl with a knife. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Cut into 3-inch squares or size desired. Makes 9 to 15 bars.

Variation: For Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies, dollop approximately 1/2 cup raspberry jam by spoonfuls on top of cream cheese before swirling.

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Family Scripture Study-FHE

Immerse yourself in the scriptures. We cannot love what we do not know.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Gospel Learning and Teaching”, by David M. McConkie, Ensign, Nov. 2010, 13–15.

Thought:
Immerse yourself in the scriptures. We cannot love what we do not know. (David M. McConkie, “Gospel Learning and Teaching”, Ensign, Nov. 2010, 13–15.)

Song:
“Search, Ponder, and Pray,” Children’s Songbook, p. 109

Scripture:
And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. (2 Nephi 4:13)

Object Lesson:
Objective: To show that the scriptures can protect us if we use them.
Materials Needed: An umbrella and the scriptures.
Procedure: Hold up a closed umbrella and explain that it can protect us from the elements such as rain, sleet, or snow. Point out that it must be opened and used in order to offer that protection. Liken the umbrella to the scriptures. The scriptures were given to teach us the truth, which protects us from Satan’s deceptions and temptations. Remind the class that in order to protect us, the scriptures must be opened and used.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Object Lessons Made Easy, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010], p. 81.)

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Story:
In the spring of 1949, M. Russell Ballard, at that time a young missionary in England, was called as president of the Nottingham District. Elder Ballard had been on his mission less than a year, but already he was serving as the leader of thirty-four full-time missionaries.

The work was hard, and the missionaries were constantly searching for new ways to preach the gospel. Like many missionaries, the new district president wanted to do something dramatic. But when the opportunity came, it turned out to be a little more than he had bargained for.

The Midland Debating Society was an old and respected organization in England. A member of the society contacted Elder Ballard and asked whether an authority from the LDS church could make a presentation. Elder Ballard was sure that his mission president, Selvoy J. Boyer, would jump at the chance to present the message of the restored gospel to such a large and important group of people. The plan was for President Boyer to speak for forty-five minutes on the doctrines of the Church. Following his speech, those who wished to disagree would be allowed five minutes each. Then a question-and-answer period would follow.

Elder Ballard agreed to the format, set a date, and called the mission president. With great excitement he explained the opportunity. No Mormon missionary had spoken to this society since John A. Widtsoe—a powerful, even legendary missionary—had addressed the group twenty-five years before. Elder Ballard knew that President Boyer was a gospel scholar and a fine speaker. He would make a wonderful impression on the audience.

President Boyer listened to all this and then simply said, “Good luck, my boy.”

Elder Ballard was taken back for a moment. The mission president had obviously misunderstood. So Elder Ballard started over. Once again he explained the arrangements, and this time he was very clear that it was the president who was to do the speaking.

President Boyer listened again, and this time he said, “The Lord bless you, my boy.” Then he hung up the phone.

President Boyer, of course, recognized the importance of this experience to his young district president, but Elder Ballard wasn’t looking that far ahead. More than anything else, Elder Ballard was scared. He didn’t want to make a fool of himself. The audience would be full of older, experienced British debaters. He was a twenty-year-old American. Who would even take him seriously?

On the day of the presentation, he asked all thirty-four missionaries in the district to come to the great hall in Nottingham where he would speak. When they arrived, he asked them to scatter themselves through the audience. The fact was, Elder Ballard was not even sure that he and the other missionaries were safe. A debate of this kind could create great emotion.

Over twelve hundred people came to hear what the Mormon missionary would have to say for himself. Elder Ballard stood before them, feeling very much alone. He gave a presentation that was simple yet profound. He explained that Christ had established a church during his time on earth, but that after Christ died, the church changed and the priesthood power disappeared. He explained how the doctrines had become confused after Christ’s death, and he told about the Nicene Council, where early Christians had met and agreed to teachings that were not inspired. He then quoted scriptures showing that Christ had known this would happen. Finally, he explained how the true teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ had been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

When Elder Ballard was finished, members of the debating society—mature, educated men and women—rose one after another to disagree with him. They accused Mormons of false teachings. They attacked the Book of Mormon. They challenged the very idea that a restoration had been necessary.

Elder Ballard listened and waited for his chance to defend the truth. When the time was opened up for questions, Elder Ballard was nervous but eager to set the record straight. He had less than an hour to leave a lasting final impression on his listeners. But as the questions began, the missionary’s anxiety turned into joy as he was filled with the power of the Holy Ghost. Elder Ballard understood each question before it was finished, and the answer came to him immediately. He felt the Lord’s Spirit, like a flood, filling him and guiding his responses. Sometimes he would actually quote scriptures by heart—verses he had read once or twice but certainly had never memorized. He spoke with clarity and yet with warmth and good will, and the audience was moved.

Time and again the questioners were impressed by Elder Ballard’s answers as they heard his sound reasoning and felt the spirit with which he spoke. When the meeting finally ended, the crowd stood and gave him a standing ovation! Members of the debating society conversed with the many missionaries and congratulated Elder Ballard for his brilliant presentation.

But Elder Ballard knew better. Brilliance had nothing to do with it. He remembered the promise that the Savior had given to his apostles as he was preparing them for the time when he would no longer be with them. He told them that they would be able to teach the gospel because the Holy Ghost would guide them: “The comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26.)

Elder Ballard had felt alone as he had faced the great crowd, but he had not been alone. The Holy Ghost had been with him, ready to help him, and Elder Ballard’s study of the gospel had prepared him. He had planted truths in his mind through his scripture study, and when he had needed those truths, the Holy Ghost had brought them to his remembrance—according to the promise.

(Tom Hughes, Dean Hughes, We’ll Bring the World His Truth: Missionary Adventures from Around the World, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1995], p. 62.)

Activity:
Use this activity to review the order of the books of the Book of Mormon.
Someone selects a book. For example, they may be thinking of the book of Ether.
You can play as individuals or in groups. One of the individuals or groups guesses what book they think the person is thinking of. The person then indicates if the guess is high (comes after the correct answer) or low (comes before the correct answer), and the next group or individual takes a turn. Continue this process until the correct answer is given.



Servings: 9
Skills: Intermediate
Prep Time: 60 min (not including thaw time)
Bake Time: 40 min
Ingredients
6 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed to room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
sliced almonds
Instructions
Spray counter lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Combine 3 rolls together and roll into a 9x9-inch square. Place in a sprayed 9x9-inch baking pan. Pre-bake crust at 350ºF 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Roll remaining 3 rolls into a second 9x9-inch square. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and almond extract and mix well. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cooled crust. Remove plastic wrap from second dough square. Place dough over cream cheese mixture. Brush with butter. Combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the butter brushed dough and top with almonds. Bake at 350ºF 25-30 minutes. Let cool in pan and then cut into squares to serve.

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