New church website makes it easier for members to serve

The Vineyard, a new website created by the Church, provides a more coordinated way for members and friends of the Church to complete volunteer service opportunities via the web.

Joe Jatip, program manager over the Helping in the Vineyard website, said one of the main projects on the Vineyard involves translating the seminary and institute manual, Teachings of the Living Prophets, into 31 languages. He said they need members with different language backgrounds to help with translating these manuals primarily into Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Russian. They hope to finish this task by the end of August.

“We’re confident we can get the members engaged and involved and help us out with that,” Jatip said.

After the manuals are finished, the Vineyard will continue to provide ongoing service opportunities. Most of the projects are completed online and include updating and enhancing images, videos and articles from the Church library. Other tasks include tagging images, translating content into different languages, family history indexing and comparing plain text to printed church publications.

Jatip explained that the Church gathers photos contributed by members and uses them for many publications including manuals, books and the lds.org website.

“We’d like members to contribute photos online of the gospel in action,” Jatip said. “Whether it’s service opportunities, missionary opportunities, teaching members, pictures of a family home evening activity or pictures of your favorite temple or church pageants.”

Projects such as image uploading and making church multimedia available for the web are ongoing. Volunteers may also spend a few minutes tagging photos to make them searchable on the web. The Church will make those photos available to members who can use them for other purposes, such as the media library.

Volunteers may also help with digitizing documents from the 1970s and 80s. Jatip said old documents that are digitized by the Church don’t come out in the most readable format, so the Vineyard needs people to identify where page breaks should occur compared to the original document. He said this is done in all languages and volunteers don’t need to know the language of the document they are working on;they just need to know where one character or word ends, where the page break is and where paragraphs start and end.

“This is an ongoing thing so we’d love to get members who have these languages or capabilities and the desire to serve online to help out,” Jatip said.

In 2010, the site had a goal of achieving 10,000 users. This year, they are up to 11,500 with a goal to reach 25,000 users by the end of December.

Volunteers can easily log onto the web using their LDS account and spend as little or as much time as they’d like, from five minutes to a few hours.

Those who are interested simply need a computer with internet access and an LDS account to volunteer. LDS accounts are available to those who are not members of the Church and can be setup online for free.

“If you have a few minutes to spare, and it’s the difference between going online and using Facebook or doing something else online, maybe consider every once in awhile going onto the Vineyard and serving,” Jatip said. “It’s very simple.”

FHE Loyalty

Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Will ye also go away?” In my own mind I have answered that question many times: “Absolutely not! Not me! I will never leave Him! I am here forever!” I know you have answered the same way.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Never Leave Him,” by Elder Neil L. Andersen, Ensign, Nov 2010, 39.

Thought:
Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Will ye also go away?” In my own mind I have answered that question many times: “Absolutely not! Not me! I will never leave Him! I am here forever!” I know you have answered the same way. (Elder Neil L. Andersen, “Never Leave Him,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 39.)

Song:
“How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns, #85.

Scripture:
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and
of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the
power of God. (2 Timothy 1:7-8)

Lesson:
Prior to family scripture study obtain a picture of Peter’s Denial (such as Gospel Art Kit, no. 229—available at lds.org). Also find a picture of a rooster. Display the two pictures and ask your family what they have to do with each other. Read John 13:37–38 to your family and ask, What prophecy did Jesus make about Peter? Read together John 18:15–18, 25–27. Ask:

• What questions were asked of Peter and how did he answer them?
• How was Jesus’ prophecy fulfilled?
• Looking at the picture of Peter’s Denial, how does the artist portray Peter’s feelings about what he had done?
• How do you think Peter felt when he heard the rooster crow the third time?

Invite your family to share ways people “deny” the Savior today. Discuss ways your family can avoid denying the Savior in their lives.

Story:
by Joseph Fielding Smith

Some time in the spring of 1844 . . . , two young men, Robert Scott and Dennison L. Harris, were invited to attend a secret meeting of . . . conspirators [against the Prophet Joseph Smith]. Dennison L. Harris was the son of Emer Harris, brother of Martin Harris. . . . Robert Scott at the time of this incident was living at the home of William Law. It was on this account that he and his companion were invited to attend the secret meeting. . . . Young Harris was also asked to invite his father, Emer Harris.
These boys considered well this invitation and then consulted with Emer Harris, who concluded to take the matter to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

After hearing the story Joseph Smith instructed the father to stay away, but said he thought it would be well for the two boys to attend, but before going they were to receive some advice from him and follow his instructions carefully. Following the Prophet’s instructions they attended the first two meetings, and each time made their report to the Prophet. The conspirators gave the time to abuse and falsehood concerning President Joseph Smith, and the discussion of their future plans. When the young men reported the second time their attendance the Prophet seemed to be in doubt as to the wisdom of the young men attending further meetings. He asked them to visit him again before the third meeting to which they were invited, which, like the others, was held on a Sunday. When the time came for the meeting these youths called for the Prophet’s instruction. He had made it a matter of prayer and he said to them, “This will be the last time that they will admit you into their councils. They will come to some determination, but be sure that you make no covenant, nor enter into any obligations whatever with them.” When they arrived at the place of meeting the young men were astonished to see it guarded by men with muskets, and after due scrutiny they were admitted. In the meeting the Prophet and his brother Hyrum and others were accused of the most wicked acts. They said that President Joseph Smith was a fallen prophet and his death was necessary to save the Church. An oath had been prepared which each of those present was asked to take. The candidates in turn would step up to the table where Francis M. Higbee, a justice of the peace, was stationed, and he would ask: “Are you ready?” Receiving from each a favorable reply he administered the following oath:

“You solemnly swear, before God and all holy angels, and these your brethren by whom you are surrounded that you will give your life, your liberty, your influence, your all, for the destruction of Joseph Smith and his party, so help you God!”

The person taking this oath would then say, “I do,” after which he would lay down the Bible on which the oath was taken, and sign his name to a written copy of the oath in a book, which would then be acknowledged by the justice of the peace.

No doubt the amazed boys were frightened, and wondered how these men, formerly faithful members in the councils of the Church who had pledged their faith and their loyalty to the Prophet only a few months before, could stoop so low as they found them at these secret meetings. Like members of the Gadianton secret band these conspirators had lost all sense of honor. This oath was administered to each of those present, among them three women who were heavily veiled.

At the last the turn came for the two boys to take the pledge, but this they resolutely and manfully refused to do, stating that Joseph Smith had done them no harm and they were too young to understand these things. The anger of the leaders of this secret band was aroused. They first coaxed and then argued and when this failed, they threatened them with death. “Come, boys,” they said, “do as we have done. You are young, and will not have anything to do in the affair, but we want you should keep it a secret, and act with us; that is all.” “No,” they replied, “we cannot take an oath like that against any man who has never done us any injury.” They tried to pass out of the place, but were stopped by one of the guards who said, “No! not by a _____ _____! You know all our plans and arrangements, and we don’t propose that you should leave in that style. You’ve got to take the oath, or you’ll never leave here alive. They were then surrounded by these fiends of the bottomless pit, who with drawn swords and knives were determined to take their lives. The leaders finally concluded that the deed of blood could not be committed there, as the house was too near the street. So the young men were taken to the cellar and preparations were made for the execution. At this point someone called attention to the fact that the parents of the boys evidently knew where they were, and if they did not return a search would be put on foot that might prove to be very dangerous for the plotters. After some more arguing and consultation the conspirators reluctantly released the boys with a threat if they ever divulged the actions of these secret meetings, they would be killed. Under a guard they were escorted from the place. Wisely they took their departure leaving the impression that they would hold their tongues. They
immediately took their course towards the river in the opposite direction from their homes, conveying the impression to their enemies by word and act, that they would keep their secret. On the river bank they met the Prophet and an elder brother of Robert Scott, who were waiting for them. To the Prophet these two boys told their harrowing story.

Activity:
Place a large paper grocery sack in the center of the room with the top of the sack open.

Have each person take a turn to pick up the sack with his mouth. He may touch the floor only with his feet and may not use his hands. Those who are unsuccessful or fall over are eliminated.

For the next round, cut the top of the sack with scissors so that the sack is only half as tall. Let the remaining people take a turn to pick up the shorter sack with their teeth.

Continue the contest by cutting off half of the sack each time and eliminating those people who fail. The last person who remains is the champion ostrich.

Refreshment:
Honey Candy

1/2 cup water
1 cup honey
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Butter a baking sheet. Set aside. In a saucepan, combine water, honey, and sugar. Boil, stirring occasionally, until candy reaches hard-ball stage (about 260 degrees on candy thermometer). Remove from heat and add baking soda. Pour into buttered pan. Cool. Break into bite-size pieces. Makes 1 pound.

(Paula Julander and Joanne Milner, Utah State Fare, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1995], p. 200.)

14 Tips for Disciplining Children

I found this article in the LDS living magazine and thought I would share it with you. It is written by
JONATHAN SWINTON, LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST - 4 DAYS AGO

One of the most common issues parents ask me for help with in counseling is how to appropriately discipline their children. Kids can be a wonderful joy in the lives of parents, but they can also become stressors when their behavior starts to get out of control. I have compiled a list of helpful discipline strategies that can help parents improve the behavior of their children.

1. Be parents, not peers. Don’t get stuck in society’s trend toward parents and children having peer relationships. Healthy family hierarchies need to differentiate parents from kids. Of course it’s important to develop and maintain healthy relationships with your kids; however, this is different than acting like their teenage friend. In this process, parents need to always be equals.

2. Couples on the same page. Couples (or separated/divorced parents) always need to be on the same page when it comes to discipline. Often, parents disagree with something the other parent did to discipline a child. If the other parent issues a punishment that you disagree with, support them in front of the kids, then talk with the other parent about it behind closed doors. Never threaten the other parent’s authority in front of the children. Research has shown that parents who take a united approach are better able to manage the stresses of parenting. If you find it difficult to take a united front because of disagreements, couples counseling may be helpful.

3. Consistency between parents. Building on the previous issue, there should not be one parent that lays the hammer down and the other that is a pushover. If your kids gravitate to one parent for certain things, this should be a sign of inconsistencies in parenting. Stereotypically, we see dad as the one to manage the tough stuff. All this does is makes one parent bad and the other good in the eyes of children. This is not fair to the parents or the child. If one parent cannot get the kids to act appropriately, potential disparities may exist in how they manage the children compared to the other parent. Take a balanced approach in who disciplines the small and big issues. The only exception to this rule is if one of the parents is a step-parent. Typically children will respond better to big discipline issues from their non-step-parent. In homes with step-parents, it is often better for the non-step-parent to deal with the big discipline problems.

4. Age-appropriate rules. Have clear, age-appropriate rules and ramifications for breaking these rules for each child. Each child may need separate rules depending on their age. Ensure each child knows what the rules are. It can be helpful to write them down and post them in a visible place. This can reduce complaints regarding the fairness of the rules when they break them. I have found it helpful to involve each child in setting their rules. This doesn’t mean they make the rules and parents hope they come up with good ones. Parents should direct the rule setting process. If kids are included in the process, they are more likely to be sold on the rules. You may even be surprised with the strict rules some kids come up with. When setting rules, don’t go over the top. More than 10 rules (especially for younger children) may be excessive. Choose your battles.

5. How to use good punishments. If you are not sure how to punish your child, a good rule of thumb is to make the punishments directly related to the offense. For example: if there is a rule that the kids can only watch one hour of television per day and they break the rule, take away their television privileges. If they are not supposed to ride their bike in the street and they do, don’t take their cell phone away or ground them. It would be better to take their bike away for a time.

6. Timeout. What about timeouts? Using time out procedures for kids 1-10 years of age can be effective. How long should they be? Parents often tell me they heard it should be one minute in timeout for each year of the child’s life (i.e. 9 minutes for a 9 year old). Contrary to this popular belief, research has shown that 3 minutes is the magic number for effectiveness (for all ages). When kids are in timeout, don’t respond to their tantrums.

7. Physical punishment. Physical punishments should never be used, period. This includes spanking. The goal with discipline is for kids to learn what is appropriate and why. Physical punishment does not do this. If you think spanking helped when you were a kid, I promise there could have been better ways to discipline. Research has shown that the only reason physical discipline (such as spanking) works is because it instills fear. Do you really want your kids to be scared of you?

8. Don’t yell. Yelling at kids is a poor way to tell them they shouldn’t yell. Like physical punishment, yelling just instills fear and makes them think yelling is okay. If they are emotionally charged, stay calm and they will eventually follow your example.

9. Correct the behavior, don’t criticize the child’s character. An example of correcting behavior would be: “Use a quiet voice.” An example of criticizing character would be: “You are a loud-mouthed brat." Even if kids make mistakes, they never deserve criticism of their character. Correct with love.

10. Positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement can be five times more effective at changing behavior than negative reinforcement. The strange thing is we focus too much on negative reinforcement as parents. You will get a lot further as parents catching your kids doing what’s right, rather than only punishing when they make mistakes. Praise them for following rules. Establish a reward system. If kids know there may be a reward for them they will be much more motivated to follow the rules. Rewards should not be excessive and may be as simple as thanking them for following the rules today. For example, if you have trouble getting a child to do their chore of sweeping the kitchen floor, praise them when they do it. Tell them the child how great they are at sweeping. Don’t be surprised if you come home the next day and the child is grinning, broom in hand, having swept the floor.

11. Parent timeout. You should take a timeout when you get too upset. Kids will feed off your emotional state. If you start to lose control, they will too. Go in the other room for a few minutes and calm yourself down.

12. Choose your battles. If you have 30 rules for kids, or you feel like all you do is discipline, perhaps you should evaluate if you are trying to be too strict. Kids will be kids. They will never understand things at your level. Research has shown that the human brain does not fully develop until the early 20s. This is why they often don’t intuitively understand why they should do certain things or act certain ways. To help with this, choose your battles wisely and be patient. Focus on the most important things to discipline. This can help keep your kids from getting too rebellious. When you choose your battles, make sure you win. Parenting is not about winning, but it is about keeping appropriate hierarchies. Kids try so hard to get parents to do what they want. If parents give in, they are allowing the child to run the household.

13. Be 100 percent consistent. I can’t emphasize the importance of this enough. If you are 95 percent consistent, the kids will know they can sometimes get away with things and will push you to the limit. Don’t rationalize away by thinking, “I will let it slide this time,” or “It’s easier to not deal with it.” Kids keep a tally of every time you give in. Don’t give in. Be 100 percent consistent.

14. Show love. Nothing motivates kids more than knowing you will be proud of them. Show them you love them. After all, isn’t that why we discipline in the first place?

Relationship expert Jonathan Swinton is a practicing licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Swinton Counseling in Utah: 801-647-9951, www.swintoncounseling.com.



© LDS LIVING 2011.

Gooey Monkey Bread

Thought you might like this recipe enjoy


3/4 cup butter (do not use margarine)
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons whipping cream
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
3 1/2 cups Original Bisquick mix
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons butter, softened (do not use margarine)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon


Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with cooking spray.

In 2-quart saucepan, melt 3/4 cup butter. Add brown sugar and cream; heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 2 minutes; remove from heat. Pour into pan; sprinkle with pecans.

In large bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk, granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, the vanilla and egg until soft dough forms. Shape dough into 1-inch balls.

In small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each ball in sugar mixture; place randomly in pan. Sprinkle with any remaining sugar mixture.

Bake 22 to 28 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Place heatproof serving plate upside down over pan; turn plate and pan over. Remove pan. Serve warm.

Carbon's Golden Malted Pancake and Waffle Mixes

30% off Malted Pancake and Waffle Mixes I buy these online all the time my family loves them, now is a good time to try them for the 1st time

FHE: Manners

What You'll Need: scriptures,

Quote: Gordon B. Hinckley - There is no end to the good we can do, to the influence we can have with others.

Opening Song: A Special Gift of Kindness (PCS #145a) or Kindness Begins With Me (PCS #145b)

Lesson:
What are manners? Manners are a way we act that shows everyone around us that they are important to us, that makes our home a nice place to be and that show kindness to all we meet. There are ways to have good manners and be polite in all different ways, but tonight we are going to talk about a few very important manners to start practicing.

The Magic Words - One of the very most important things about manners are the magic words. These words are magic because they make others feel good and they make you appreciate your blessings more. One is a word you use when you are asking for something. The other are words you say after you receive something.

- Can anyone guess the words? (Please and Thank You)

Here's a little rhyme/song ablout using polite words...listen for the Magic Words.

OPTION 1
We say "Thank you."
We say, "Please,"
And "excuse me,"
When we sneeze.

That's the way
We do what's right.
We have manners.
We're polite.

OPTION 2
(Sung to I'm a Little Teapot)

I have super manners. Yes, I do.
I can say "Please," and "Thank You," too.
When I play with friends, I like to share.
That's the way I show I care!
When you ask for something it is always best to say Please.
- What are ways we can use the word Please at home? at school? at church?

When someone does something nice for you it is always best to say Thank You.
- What are ways we can use the words Thank You at home? at school? at church?

Meeting New People - When we meet new people we are meeting someone who might become our new friend. It is always best to smile and say hello. Sometimes we shake hands when we meet someone for the first time. We can ask their name and tell them our name. You can also say "It's nice to meet you." Doing these things makes other feel special and like they have a new friend.

Let's practice! (Pretend to be a new acquaintance. Meet your child, shake hands, say hello and practice the skills above. Do this a few times until your children feel comfortable.)

Table Manners - Our family meals are very important. Mealtime should be a time when our family has a relaxed and enjoyable time together. President Ezra Taft Benson said that “mealtime provides a wonderful time to review the activities of the day and to not only feed the body, but to feed the spirit as well..." (“Strengthening the Family,” Improvement Era, Dec. 1970, 51).

Here is a poem about table manners. Listen to the choices in the poem and decide which you think is best.

MIND YOUR MANNERS
Mary L. Lusk, Friend, Nov. 1973, 33

Would you like some fun? See if you’re able
To tell which manners are best at the table.

Do you say, “Will you pass the pepper, please!”
Or, “Gimme the salt!” and “Where's my cheese?!”

Do you lean on the table taking a nap,
Or keep your free hand quiet in your lap?

Do you talk with your mouth full, eat noisily,
Or bite small portions and talk quietly?

Do you say, “Thanks for lunch” and “Excuse me, please”?
Oh, I hope you mind your manners with ease.

Here are a few important table manners that we want to practice as a family.

- Stay in your seat until dinner is finished and you have asked to be excused. It is hard to talk to each other when someone is dancing around in their seat or getting up and down. If you need to get up for any reason you must ask to be excused.

- Always use your tools to eat your food. Unless we are eating sandwiches, french fries or fresh veggies and dip you should always use your silverware to eat your food. Picking food up with your fingers makes a mess and is not very polite. Also, never put your fingers or hand into your cup (this is a big one at my house). Wipe your face with a napkin if it gets messy. Never wipe your mouth on your sleeve.

Bear your testimony about how using good manners and being polite makes others feel when they are around you. Tell your kids how much you love spending time with them and how pleasant that time can be. Express your testimony of how your kindness affects others.

History of Mother's Day

Mother's Day is celebrated around the world, but where did it begin?

It is nice to note that some traditions in our modern world remain simple and intact centering on the family. Mother’s Day is one such tradition, yet its observance in the form we know it today is a relatively modern innovation.

The Earliest Celebrations
Mothers and motherhood has always been a cause for celebration, but the earliest recorded festivities celebrating motherhood was aimed at deity, mothers of merely mortal origins were honored as a byproduct.

The Greek Goddess, Cybele who was the mother of many of the Grecian Gods, was honored in ancient Greece by festivals and feasts. This is generally thought to be the first of any celebrations featuring motherhood at its heart. Parties of ancient date for other Mother Goddesses were held in Rome, and in most of Asia Minor. Even though these early celebrations were held for deity, earthly mothers were generally treated to flowers or other simple tokens as a part of the celebrations.

Celebrating Mother More Recently
Celebrations of more recent date are the United Kingdom’s observance of Mothering Sunday. This is a tradition dating back to the 16th century. During lent, on the fourth Sunday, children would return home to attend Sunday church services with their mothers. It is speculated that this tradition was of enough importance that the masters of apprentices and maidservants were obliged to allow leave for them to visit mothers even at a distance.

This traditional holiday is still in force, but the mode of celebration is different and is it no longer of such significant importance. This decline in popularity could be due in part to the proliferation of differing religious denominations. Lent is no longer widely celebrated, thus many of the traditions tied to it have gone by the wayside.

Modern Mother’s Day
The modern celebration of Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May began in 1912 with Anna Jarvis. At this time she launched her campaign to champion a holiday not just celebrating mothers or motherhood generally. It was in 1912 that Anna Jarvis established the Mother's Day International Association, and set the date of the second Sunday in May for Mother’s Day.

Ms. Jarvis was adamant about this celebration being for one mother, your mother or the mother of your family singular, not a celebration for mothers in general. This idea of honoring your mom among moms has taken off. Originally the US was unique in the holiday. Now most countries of the world have adopted the second Sunday of May as a national holiday just for Mom.

FHE: Character

Character
Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character,” by
Elder Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov 2010, 43.

Thought:
It is nobility of character, that fabric of inner strength and conviction woven from countless
righteous decisions, that gives life its direction.
(Elder Richard G. Scott, “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character,” Enisgn, Nov 2010, 43.)
Song:
“Our Primary Colors,” Children’s Songbook, p. 258

Scripture:
Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy
father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them
that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
(1 Samuel 2:30)

Lesson:
Assign the following scripture blocks to different family members and invite them to make
a list of words or phrases describing Moses’ character traits:
Exodus 2:11–25
Numbers 12:3
Acts 7:22–29
Hebrews 11:24–27
Ask each person to discuss what was found. Ask:
• Which of Moses’ qualities impresses you most?
• Which trait would you most like to have and why?
• What would you have to do to obtain these same qualities?
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Old
Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2009], p. 32.)

Story:
Taken from a letter to the members of the Church in the Tahitian Mission, dated March 31,
1939, and signed by President David O. McKay.
When I visited the beautiful Island of Tahiti in 1921 I learned of an incident associated
with Brother Vaio, (a member of the Church), who was then captain of one of the government
schooners.
The newly appointed governor of the island was to make a tour of inspection of a
government-owned vessel. Captain Vaio and his associates decorated their ship, placed fruits
and delicacies on the table, and made ready for a suitable and appropriate reception to his
excellency. A glass of wine was placed at each plate with which at the proper time all would
respond to the toast and drink to the health of the governor. There was one exception
however—at Captain Vaio's plate there was placed a glass of lemonade. One of his associates
protested saying that he would offend the governor if he drank only lemonade at the toast, but
notwithstanding these protestations Brother Vaio insisted that he would drink only lemonade when the
toast was proposed.
It was Captain Vaio's responsibility and honor to make the welcome speech. This he did, and at the
conclusion he explained in substance:
"Your Excellency, before proposing the toast I wish to explain why I am drinking lemonade instead
of the customary wine. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every
Sunday morning I teach a class of young people. It is one of our tenets not to drink wine or strong
drink, tea, nor coffee, nor use tobacco. I cannot consistently tell them not to use intoxicating liquor and
then indulge myself; therefore, you will understand why on this occasion I am drinking lemonade. And
now I propose a toast to the health and happiness of his Excellency, governor of Tahiti."
There was a tense silence among the ship's crew as the Governor arose to make his response. He
was a true gentleman and appreciated the loyalty and manhood of the man who had given the
welcoming speech. In substance the governor said:
"Captain Vaio, I thank you and your associates for this hearty welcome, and I am glad to learn that
you maintain the ideals of your Church in regard to temperance. I wish we had more men with such
sterling character to take charge of the government's ships."
(Clare Middlemiss, Cherished Experiences from the Writings of President David O. McKay, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book
Company, 1955].)

Activity:
Give everyone a sheet of paper with the following scrambled words on them. Tell them these are all
words that describe good character traits and let them unscramble them.
ONHTES (HONEST)
AYOLL (LOYAL)
GEORACOUUS (COURAGEOUS)
ONEESPSIBRL (RESPONSIBLE)
NKDI (KIND)
TVEACRIE (CREATIVE)
AFRI (FAIR)
SIASEICNUTTH (ENTHUSIASTIC)
RIGCAN (CARING)
WHYTSORTRUT (TRUSTWORTHY)
OOCATIPEERV (COOPERATIVE)
HRUSOUMO (HUMOROUS)
UMHITYLI (HUMILITY)
IWMSDO (WISDOM)

Refreshment
Layered Cookies
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup chopped nuts
1 can sweetened condensed milk
Preheat oven to 350° F. Melt butter in a 9x13-inch pan. Sprinkle over the butter, in layers, graham
cracker crumbs, then coconut, then chocolate chips, then butterscotch chips, then nuts. Drizzle with
sweetened condensed milk. Bake for 30 minutes. Cut away from sides of pan when you take from
oven. Cut in squares while still warm.