FHE: Agency

Agency For more information on this topic read “Choose Eternal Life,” by Elder
Randall K. Bennett, Ensign, Nov 2011, 98.
Thought:
In reality we have only two eternal choices, each with eternal consequences: choose to follow the Savior of the world and thus choose eternal life with our Heavenly Father or choose to follow the world and thus choose to separate ourselves from Heavenly Father eternally.
We cannot successfully choose both the safety of righteousness and the dangers of worldliness.
(Elder Randall K. Bennett, “Choose Eternal Life,” Ensign, Nov 2011, 98.) Song:
“I’m Trying to Be like Jesus,” Children’s Songbook, p. 78.
Scripture:
Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. (2 Nephi 2:27)
Lesson:
Draw a line down the middle of a large sheet of paper or poster board. Have your family read Alma 29:4–5 and find the opposites contained in the verses. List one word on the left side of the board and its opposite on the right side of the board. When finished, the board might look something like the chart below:
Conference Talk:
Life | | Salvation | | Good | | Joy |
Death Destruction Evil
Remorse of conscience Ask your family which list they would rather have and why. What would
they be willing to do to enjoy those things?
Look again at Alma 29:4–5 and underline phrases showing that God allows us to have what we want (for example, “he granteth unto men according to their desire”; “he allotteth unto men . . . according to their wills”; “it is given according to his desires”). Ask:
• How might knowing that the Lord “granteth unto men according to their desire” in this life affect our decisions for the future?
• What can we do to show the Lord that we want life and salvation more than death and destruction?

Story:
by Bishop Robert L. Simpson
[One] night my high-school-age son persuaded me to sit down and watch the second half of a football game. I have always made it a policy that no sacrifice is too great for my boy. So we sat down and watched football. While watching this game, some facts became very apparent. In fact, it had gospel application and priesthood application.
I noticed, for example, that there were no shortcuts to the goal line. It was a hundred yards in both directions. I also noticed that the team that seemed to have had the most practice, that did the best planning, that executed their plays the best, and that had the best team attitude, was the team that made the most points.
I also noticed that when team members cooperated and helped one another, the team made the most yardage.
It was also obvious that when someone broke the rules, there was always a penalty imposed. It sounds a lot like life, doesn’t it? In talking about this to my boy, he said, “Fifteen yards is nothing; but, Dad, when you ground me for three days, that is too much.”
We also noticed that no one was allowed to make up his own rules as the game progressed. They all lost their free agency to do that when they agreed to join the team and play according to the established rules.
And last but not least, I noticed when it was all over, the winning team was a lot happier than the team that lost.
Now brethren, we believe that “men are, that they might have joy”; and joy can best come as we obtain victory in the game of life, played according to the only acceptable rules—those set down by our Heavenly Father.
(Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 2, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1971].)
Activity:
Seat everyone in a circle. Position one person with a thimbleful of water in the center of the circle. The person in the center picks a category that has a limited number of items in it. For example: states, plays of Shakespeare, names of those in the room, U.S. Presidents, units of English measure, countries in Europe, and so on. He then secretly writes down one item in the category.
As the person in the center moves from one person to the next, those seated have to name one of the items in the category. Items may not be repeated.
When a person names the written item, the person in the center throws the thimbleful of water into the face of that person. People also get splashed if they name an item already mentioned.
The person who is splashed trades places with the person in the center, and the game continues with a new category.
(George and Jeane Chipman, Games! Games! Games!, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1983], p. 44.)
Refreshment

The eternal nature of the family should inspire us to do everything we can to establish a Christ-centered home.

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “Establishing a Christ-Centered Home,” by Elder
Richard J. Maynes, Ensign, May 2011, 37.


Thought:

We understand and believe in the eternal nature of the family. This understanding and belief should inspire us to do everything in our power to establish a Christ-centered home.

(Elder Richard J. Maynes, “Establishing a Christ-Centered Home,” Ensign, May 2011, 37.)

Song:

“Happy Family,” Children’s Songbook, p. 198


Scripture:

That they should seek the Lord . . . and find him . . . For in him we live, and move, and have our being; . . . For we are also his offspring.
(Acts 17:27-28)


Lesson:

Materials Needed: Several children’s blocks.


Procedure: Display the blocks on the tabletop. Ask for suggestions of things one family member can do to strengthen the family (pray, smile, show respect, obey, etc.). Each time a new idea is suggested, put a block on top of or beside another. Do this until a wall begins to form.


Ask: What would happen if we did at least one of these things for several days? Place an additional four or five blocks on the wall. Point out how much difference one person can make in strengthening the family. Liken the wall to a protection for the family.

Help your family members to understand that everything you have talked about also strengthens personal spirituality while strengthening the family. Similarly, as they continue to do things that increase personal spirituality, they also help protect family members. Discuss ways we can strengthen our personal testimony.

Story:

Ardeth Greene Kapp

Since I grew up in Alberta, Canada, I never had to dream of a white Christmas. There was always plenty of snow and cold at Christmastime. At least that’s how I remember it.

I also remember, besides the cold temperatures, the feeling of warmth, that happy feeling of being together as our parents, four aunts, uncles, and many cousins of all ages gathered
at our grandparents’ big three-story house, where we remained from Christmas Eve clear through New Year’s Day.

This tradition must have seemed strange to the folks in our small town of Glenwood, since all of our aunts and uncles and cousins lived within walking distance of each other
all year long, only a few blocks away from each other. It was not inconvenient for our dads and brothers to return home night and morning to milk the cows, do the chores, and be back in time for our large and happy family breakfast and evening supper. During the morning
Conference Talk:
we played games and listened to favorite stories told and retold by our grandmother as we gathered around the large grate in the floor that let the heat pour out from the furnace below. In the afternoon we practiced for the evening’s talent show while our mothers made pies and cakes. I don’t remember what our dads did during the day, but they joined us as we all gathered for supper; and after the evening meal we presented a talent show to a very responsive audience, who all sang together. We had a family orchestra and it was agreed, especially by our grandpa, that we were a very musical family.

Our Christmas morning tradition required everyone to wait at the top of the stairs until we could all go down together and gather around the big Christmas tree in the parlor. We had decorated our tree with strings of popcorn and cranberries. At the bottom of the stairs we waited for what seemed an awfully long time while Grandpa gave the family prayer. I remember wondering if the reason he prayed for so long was that all together we made such a big family. It seemed to me that each year, as our family grew bigger, his prayers got longer.

All these things occurred many years ago, but the memory of being together as a family for Christmas burns as brightly in my mind today as the flames in the fireplace that kept us warm.

I have a little pillow that hangs from our fireplace all year long. The message reads, in cross- stitch, “All Hearts Return Home for Christmas.” The quiet yearning to be home for Christmas does not diminish after childhood or after marriage. Since my husband’s parents were not living, it seemed essential that we travel from Utah to Glenwood, Alberta, Canada, every Christmas. It didn’t really matter that our car was old and the tires were smooth, that there was no money in our pockets, that the tuna fish sandwiches became very soggy by the second day, and that the radio announced that due to hazardous road conditions people should not travel except in emergencies. There was no question in my mind that being home for Christmas was an emergency.

Each year, so long as my parents lived in Canada, we went home for Christmas. Finally, eventually, I learned that you can be home for Christmas in Utah even though Christmases aren’t always white.

(Keeping Christmas: Stories from the Heart, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1996].)


Activity:

Hang a stocking for Jesus on the mantel, and fill it with notes listing all the good things that the family members commit to do to better themselves and those around them.

(Kimberly Bytheway and Diane H. Loveridge, Traditions, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 2003], p.89.)


Refreshment

Peppermint Angel Food Dessert

1 angel food cake
3/4 cup crushed red and white peppermint stick candy
1/2 cup milk
1/2 envelope (1 1/2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
2 teaspoons water
2 cups heavy cream, whipped until stiff
1/2 cup chocolate syrup

Prepare or purchase an angel food cake. Slice into 3 horizontal layers when cool. Combine candy with milk; heat and stir until dissolved. Soften gelatin in water and add to
milk and candy mixture. Chill until mixture starts to set; fold into whipped cream. Spread whipped cream mixture over bottom layer of cake. Drizzle chocolate syrup over whipped cream mixture. Place another layer of cake on top and repeat layers of whipped cream mixture and chocolate syrup. Repeat with third layer. Cover outside of cake with whipped cream mixture. Chill and serve.

FHE Spiritual Growth

Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Become as a Little Child,” by Jean A. Stevens,
Ensign, May 2011, 10.


Thought:
If we have a heart to learn and a willingness to follow the example of children, their
divine attributes can hold a key to unlocking our own spiritual growth.

(Jean A. Stevens, “Become as a Little Child,” Ensign, May 2011, 10.)

Song:
“I Will Follow God’s Plan,” Children’s Songbook, p. 164.


Scripture:
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him
be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)


Lesson:
Ask family members to name their five senses. (Touch, sight, smell, taste, and hearing.)
Discuss these questions:

• Which of your five senses do you use most? Why?
• How does each of your senses help you learn or discover truth?
• Why does your confidence in something grow if you use more than one of the five
senses to understand or know about something?

Explain that John, like several others, had the opportunity to be in the presence of the
glorified, resurrected Lord. Ask your family to study 1 John 1:1–4 and look for which of
John’s five senses he used during his interaction with Jesus. Ask:

• What do you think about John’s witness?
• What do you imagine it would be like to see and hear the voice of the resurrected
Lord?

• How do you think it increased John’s witness to be able to “handle” or touch the Lord?
• Can you think of other people who have had similar experiences?

Ask your family what they think it would be like to have fellowship with the Father and
His Son and what we can do to obtain it.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New
Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 302.)


Story:
A member of the Seventy was on assignment in Hong Kong. He visited a very humble
ward that was struggling in many ways, unable to provide for its own needs. As the bishop
described their situation, the General Authority felt the impression to have the members
pay their tithing. The bishop, knowing their dire circumstances, was concerned about how
he could carry out that counsel. He thought about it and decided he would approach some
of the most faith-filled members of his ward and ask them to pay their tithing. The next Sunday he
went to the Primary. He taught the children about the Lord’s law of tithing and asked if they would be
willing to pay tithing on the money they earned. The children said they would. And they did.

The bishop later went to the adults in the ward and shared with them that for the past six months
their faithful children had been paying tithing. He asked them if they would be willing to follow the
example of these children and do the same. The people were so touched by the sacrifices the children
were willing to make that they did what was necessary to pay their tithing. And the windows of heaven
were opened. With the example of these faithful children, a ward grew in obedience and in testimony.

(Jean A. Stevens, “Become as a Little Child,” Ensign, May 2011, 10.)


Activity:
Have each person write down two or three general topics (such as love, service, faith, etc.) on slips
of paper. Put all the slips of paper in a bowl. Give each family member a set of scriptures (have young
children work in a team with an older person). Draw out one of the slips of paper and read the topic.
Give everyone two minutes to find a scripture on that topic. Have each person share the scripture they
found. Repeat with as many other slips as time allows.

Refreshment

Cinnamon Pull- Aparts
You’ll get rave reviews and repeat requests for these.

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
2 to 3 (12-ounce) cans refrigerator biscuits, quartered
1⁄2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup brown sugar

Heat oven to 350o F.

Put cinnamon, sugar, and nuts, if desired, in a resealable plastic bag. Add quartered biscuits to bag
and shake to coat biscuits. Place biscuits in a greased 10-inch bundt pan.
Mix butter and brown sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved. (Can also be put in saucepan and
heated together.) Pour sauce over top of biscuits, distributing evenly. Bake 30 to 40 minutes. (Check at
30 minutes—3 cans of biscuits may take 40 minutes.) Turn pan upside down on serving plate to release
the biscuit ring.

Serves 6 to 8.

FHE: Working Together

"Alone, we are weak and easily broken, but together, we are strong." -Aesop

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “LDS Women are Incredible!” by Quentin L.
Cook, Ensign, May 2011, 18.


Thought:
All members of the Church of Jesus Christ are “to labor in his vineyard for the salvation
of the souls of men.” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:56.) “[The] work of salvation includes
member missionary work, convert retention, activation of less-active members, temple and
family history work, … teaching the gospel,” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010),
page 22.) and caring for the poor and needy (See Handbook 2, 6.1.).

(Quentin L. Cook, “LDS Women Are Incredible!,” Ensign, May 2011, 18.)


Song:
“When We’re Helping,” Children’s Songbook, p. 198.


Scripture:
Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the
weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.
(Doctrine and Covenants 81:5)


Object Lesson:
Materials Needed: One large box filled with several heavy objects.

Procedure: Have a class member try to lift the box. (Be sure he does not hurt himself.) Ask
how it feels. Instruct two other class members to help the first lift the box. This will be easier.

Explain that the box is like the burdens we might carry in day-to-day life. Discuss what
some of these burdens could be. When we help other we can ease their day-to-day burdens.
(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, More Power Tools for Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], p. 99.)


Story:

United We Stand

You can learn a lot from a horse. For example, I heard about a Canadian competition
during which huge Clydesdale work horses are hitched to a special sled that allows weights
to be added to measure the horse’s strength. During the most recent competition the winning
horse pulled about 8,000 pounds, while the second- place finisher pulled 7,000 pounds.

Hey, there’s a reason we use the phrase “strong as a horse.”
The competition also includes a team pulling event, and it turned out that during this
year’s competition one of the teams consisted of the first- and second- place finishers from the
individual pulling event. So it stands to reason that if you put them together, they should be
able to pull about . . . wait a second . . . these are big numbers . . . using ALL my fingers and
toes here . . . about 15,000 pounds, give or take a kilogram. Right?

Wrong.

Actually, when the two horses were hitched together they managed to pull a sled weighing
33,000 pounds— more than four times the amount each could pull individually!

I’m sure there’s some scientific principle of physics that comes into play here— equine
synergism, perhaps?—or some complex mathematical equation that would explain how such a
thing happens. But that would doubtless require brilliant insight, thoughtful consideration, and at least
two teenagers’ worth of computer know- how, and you know perfectly well you’re not going to get any
of that here.

I prefer the explanation of an ancient teacher named Aesop (and no, he wasn’t MY teacher—
he was a little before my time, and I’m pretty sure he went to a different high school). This wise
philosopher would use sticks to illustrate the point. He would hold up one stick and ask one of his
listeners to break it— which could easily be done. Then he would hold up two sticks, and repeat the
process. Then three, and so on until the little bundle of sticks couldn’t be broken, no matter how hard
his student tried.

“Alone, we are weak and easily broken,” Aesop would explain, “but together, we are strong.”

Abraham Lincoln tried to teach the same concept to a nation coming apart at the seams. “United we
stand,” said he, “divided we fall.”

Or was it the 5th Dimension that said that? I always get them confused.


In any case, it’s a significant concept for families, communities, church congregations, businesses,
and nations. No matter how strong we may be individually, our strength is multiplied exponentially
when we stand shoulder- to- shoulder, arm- in- arm, together with others.

But don’t take my word for it. Go right to the source.

Ask a horse.

(Joseph Walker, Look What Love Has Done, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2007], p. 112.)


Activity:

Divide the family into pairs. Mark a starting line on one end of the room and a goal line on the
other end. Each pair of players put a balloon between their foreheads and run to the goal line and back
without using their hands. The first team finished is the winner.

We must work with our brothers and sisters to reach our gospel goals. We cannot do it alone.


(adapted from Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968], p. 302.)


Refreshment

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1⁄2 cup butter, softened (no substitutes)

1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla

3⁄4 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

3⁄4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

3⁄4 cup finely chopped pecans

Graham crackers or Honey Maid® Chocolate Sticks

In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugars. Beat just until
combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Place cream cheese mixture onto a
large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Refrigerate at least 1 hour longer. Roll cheese ball in
pecans. Serve with graham crackers or Honey Maid Chocolate Sticks.

FHE General Conference

For FHE, prepare your family to hear the words of the Lord's servants at the upcoming general conference.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “At Parting,” by President Thomas S. Monson,
Ensign, May 2011, 114.


Thought:
May we long remember the messages we have heard. As we receive the issues of the
Ensign and Liahona magazines which will contain these messages in written form, may we
read and study them.

(President Thomas S. Monson, “At Parting,” Ensign, May 2011, 114.)


Song:
“Thy Spirit Lord, Has Stirred Our Souls,” Hymns, #157.


Scripture:
And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together
ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how
to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given.

(Doctrine and Covenants 43:8)


Lesson:
Ask family members to share some favorite things they enjoy about general conference.
Read the following statement describing some purposes of general conference:

“To worship . . . the Lord . . . ; to build up in faith, testimony, and desires of
righteousness; to transact the business of the Church; to sustain the officers whom the Lord
has appointed to administer the affairs of his kingdom; and to receive, from those appointed so
to serve, the counsel, inspiration, and revelations needed in both temporal and spiritual fields.
. . . They consist of a series of meetings at which the mind and will of the Lord is manifest to
the people by the mouth of his servants.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 155–56.)Read D&C 44:1–5 together and find reasons why this fourth Church conference was
called. Ask:

• According to verse 2, what blessing would the elders receive by assembling together?
• What requirements does verse 2 mention before the Lord’s Spirit would be poured out
upon the people?
• Following the conference, where were the missionaries to focus their efforts? (See
verse 3.)
• What blessings would come to the Church as they were obedient? (See verses 4–5.)
• How have we seen the fulfillment of those promises in the Church today?

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Doctrine and
Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 90.)


Story:
At general conference in 1975, during the session when I was assigned to speak, my attention was
drawn constantly to a little blond-haired girl seated on the first row in the balcony. That day I directed
my remarks to my young friend in the balcony. I spoke of my experience with Christal Methvin, who
was about her age.

Upon returning to my office, I found waiting for me this same young lady and also her
grandmother. The young girl was Misti White from California. She said to me, “I have had a problem,
Brother Monson, but not any longer. A person very dear to me told me to wait until I was eighteen to
be baptized. My grandmother said I should be baptized now. I prayed for an answer and then said to
Grandmother, ‘Take me with you to conference. There Jesus will help me.’”

To conference they came, and so did divine help. Eagerly Misti took my hand and exclaimed, “You
helped Him answer my prayer. Thank you.”
Upon returning to California, Misti sent me a treasured letter, with this beautiful ending: “Brother
Monson, I was baptized on November 29th. I am now very happy. Love, Misti.” Faith does precede the
miracle.

(Thomas S. Monson, Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: Fron the Life and Ministry of Thomas S. Monson, [Salt Lake
City: Deseret Book, 1994].)


Activity:
Working together as a family, memorize the names of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles in
order.

Thomas S. Monson
Henry B. Eyring
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Boyd K. Packer
L. Tom Perry
Russell M. Nelson

Dallin H. Oaks
M. Russell Ballard
Richard G. Scott
Robert D. Hales
Jeffrey R. Holland
David A. Bednar
Quentin L. Cook
D. Todd Christofferson

Neil L. Andersen

Note: If you’d like to do it to music, see “LDS Apostle Song-April 2009” on You Tube.


Refreshment

Honey taffy Popcorn

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light honey
1/2 cup cream
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 quarts popped corn, lightly salted and buttered


Combine sugar, honey, and cream in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Adjust temperature to maintain a steady boil and cook to 269 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in
baking soda, stirring until bubbles subside (syrup will turn a light golden color); add vanilla. Pour over
popped corn, stirring until coated. Cool and break into chunks. Makes 12 servings.

FHE: Discipleship

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “The Essence of Discipleship,” by Silvia H.
Allred, Ensign, May 2011, 84.


Thought:
The pure love of Christ is expressed as we give selfless service. Helping one another is a
sanctifying experience which exalts the receiver and humbles the giver. It helps us become
true disciples of Christ.

(Silvia H. Allred, “The Essence of Discipleship,” Ensign, May 2011, 84.)


Song:
“Love One Another,” Children’s Songbook, p. 136.


Scripture:
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
(John 13:35)


Lesson:
As a family, sing or read the words to “Love One Another.” (Hymns, no. 308.) Ask your
family where these words came from. Read John 3:31–35 and have your family watch for
the words they have just sung. Ask:

• How did Jesus exemplify these words?
• How will people know if we are disciples of
Jesus Christ?
• What can we do to love each other in our home?
• If we show love to one another, what are we becoming? (Verse 35.)

Set a goal to have each family member memorize John 13:34–35. When all have
accomplished that goal, plan a special activity the family will enjoy and that will allow all
family members to feel each other’s, and the Savior’s, love.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New
Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 131.)


Story:
It is easy to treat certain people kindly because we like them, for they are part of our
group. But as true disciples of the Lord, we will endeavor to treat everyone kindly. As we
do, we will find more and more people we like, including those whom we thought we might
never like in the beginning. We will not experience in this mortal sphere the capacity to
love as Christ loved, but in our feeble effort to make daily progress, the Lord will hear our
earnest prayers, our desire to be a true disciple, and with his help we can participate in life-changing experiences for ourselves and for others.

One time when I was speaking to an adult fireside, I felt impressed to share something
concerning my love and appreciation for an individual struggling to overcome the
devastating problem of alcoholism. Upon my return home, I received a letter from someone
in that audience, a stranger until that night, and now a friend. A woman suffering from the effects of
alcoholism in her own life wrote, “Since that Saturday night that I met you, I’ve been so filled with the
Spirit, I have walked around for days now with a lump in my throat. For the first time in years I have
prayed to my Father in Heaven, and I feel hope. I’m longing to come ‘home.’ I feel such an urgency to
change. I’ve always felt like the last leaf on the tree, clinging for all it’s worth, not courageous enough
to let go and fall, afraid the fall will hurt. I hang on all alone. It’s as though you reached out your hand
and said, ‘It’s okay, let go. I’ll be here. You’re not alone.’ This fall as I watch the golden leaves break
loose and drift from their branches, I will think of you. Maybe someone else will regain their testimony
because of your love and concern. Maybe they, like me, have found the courage to let go because a
hand was there to hold.”

If love can be expressed and felt between two people in an entire congregation, think what can
happen when you express love to one another in small groups or just one to another. We need each
other.

What will you do this year about love? Will this year be a retread, same old habits, liking some
people, disliking others, ignoring or rejecting others? It is said that to ignore or to reject is even more
devastating to people than to dislike them. Could you raise your voice to express a friendly hello to a
fellow traveler who might be carrying a load on his back?

(Ardeth Greene Kapp, Joy of the Journey, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1992].)


Activity:
Play Ringleader.


1. Send one person out of the room.

2. Select one person in the room to be the ringleader. Everyone else will mimic his movements and
gestures as he make some kind of motion every few seconds. For example, he may scratch his nose,
pat his head, or rub his leg.

3. Call the other person back into the room to see whether he can guess who the ringleader is while
everyone else mimics the ringleader. If the person who went out can guess within three guesses who
the ringleader is, then the ringleader becomes the guesser for the next round. If he cannot guess the
ringleader, then he continues as the guesser for the next round.

Explain that just as they followed the ringleader, it is more important to follow Jesus Christ.

(George and Jeane Chipman, Games! Games! Games!, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1983], p. 144.)


Refreshment

Coconut Macaroons

2 cups coconut
2 1⁄4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup flour
Pinch of salt
1 1⁄2 tablespoons corn syrup
3⁄4 cup hot water
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted

Mix coconut, sugar, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, add corn syrup to
water and dissolve. Add eggs and vanilla. With a mixer on low speed, add liquid ingredients to dry
ingredients and mix until evenly blended. Allow mixture to rest and absorb moisture for 30 minutes.

Scoop onto cookie sheet with an ice cream scoop. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 18–20 minutes.
For added flair, dip half of the cookie in melted chocolate chips and place on wax paper to set up.

FHE: Patience

"It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.” -Orson F. Whitney

Conference Talk:


For more information on this topic read “The Atonement Covers All Pain,” by Kent F. Richards,
Ensign, May 2011, 15.


Thought:


“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the
development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow
and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.” (Elder Orson F. Whitney)


Song:


“Teach Me to Walk,” Children’s Songbook, p. 177.


Scripture:


And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made
light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they
did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.


(Mosiah 24:15)


Lesson:


Ask your family members if they have ever heard the phrases “hold your horses” or “keep
your shirt on.” Ask, What quality is being requested by those phrases? (Patience.)


Read this insight from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: “I believe that a lack of patience is a major
cause of the difficulties and unhappiness in the world today. Too often, we are impatient with
ourselves, with our family members and friends, and even with the Lord. We seem to demand
what we want right now, regardless of whether we have earned it, whether it would be good for
us, or whether it is right. Some seek immediate gratification or numbing of every impulse by
turning to alcohol and drugs, while others seek instant material wealth by questionable investments
or by dishonesty, with little or no regard for the consequences. Perhaps the practice of patience is
more difficult, yet more necessary, now than at any previous time.” (Ensign, May 1987, 30.

Ask, Why do you think Elder Wirthlin would say that having “patience is more difficult, yet
more necessary, now than at any previous time”?

Have family members read Romans 5:1–5 and look for what Paul taught about patience.

Ask:


• How can we have “peace with God”?

• What did Paul say helps us learn patience?


• Whom should we learn to rely on when faced with tribulation?

• What blessing comes to us through the Holy Ghost?

Read the following by Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Patience is tied very closely to faith in our
Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what
is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than his.
Either way we are questioning the reality of God’s omniscience [knowledge].” (Ensign, Oct. 1980,
28.) Ask:


• How can we show our faith in Heavenly Father?


• Why is it important to recognize that God knows what is best for us?

• How might this knowledge help us get through trials?


Testify to your family that patience is one way we come to be more Christlike. Remind your family
that patience gives us the hope that Christ’s Atonement will save us.


(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt
Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 183.)


Story:


Patience was required of Noah and his family. We talk about “forty days and forty nights” as
though they had to live in the ark with all those animals for a month and a half. Well, forty days and
forty nights was only a fraction of their endurance. For instance, do you remember that after they
went into the ark and closed the door, they were inside the ark for seven days before the Flood began?
(Genesis 7:10.) Now, would that be a test of faith or what? Would you decide, about the fifth day, that
it would be awfully nice to spend the weekend picking buttercups in the meadow rather than cleaning
the elephants’ stalls and that maybe Noah had made a big mistake?


Then the rains began. The scripture tells us that on the same day “all the fountains of the great deep
[were] broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.” (Genesis 7:11-12.) It was not until the
fortieth day of this torrential downpour and flooding that the water was deep enough to “lift [the ark]
up above the earth.” (Genesis 7:17.) And then “the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and
fifty days.” (Genesis 7:24.) We’re up to 197 days so far.


The scripture doesn’t tell us how many days it took for the waters to recede, but it says that the ark
came to rest on the mountains of Ararat on the seventeenth day of the seventh month (Genesis 8:4),
and it took until the first day of the tenth month for the tops of the mountains to become visible. If
we hypothesize a month of thirty days—and I realize that there are Bible scholars who make careers
out of figuring out the calendar—then we need to add another seventy-three days. Then they waited
forty days to send out the raven and the dove, seven more days for the second flight of the dove, who
returned with the olive branch, and a final seven days for the third flight. It sounds as if it then took
another month plus twenty-seven days before they received the command of the Lord to go forth from
the ark. (Genesis 8:3-6, 10, 12-14.) According to my addition, this comes to a total of 401 days. That’s
a long time to be cooped up in a floating zoo—a year, a month, and six days!


So the story of Noah teaches us that there will be adversity, that it will last a long time, and that it
will require reserves of patience that seem superhuman.


(Chieko N. Okazaki, Aloha!, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1995].)


Activity:


Play Patience Relay.


Separate the cards into a suit per team. Lay out the 10 number cards (including ace) in any order
face down at the end of the room. One at a time the team members run up and turn over a card. If it
is not the ace then they turn it face down again and run back to their team and the next player has a
go. When the ace is turned up they can lay it face up. The next card needed is the two and so on. Play
continues until one team has all its cards turned face up. [Note: this game can be played with Rook
cards if preferred.]


Refreshment


Mango Mash-up

3 mangoes, peeled and sliced
1 tray ice cubes
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3⁄4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
1 2-liter bottle of ginger ale

Combine mangoes, ice, lime juice, sugar, vanilla, and orange juice concentrate in the jar of a
blender. Pulse until well blended. Add ginger ale until blender jar is nearly full. Blend again and enjoy.
Serves 4.

FHE: Truth

One of our greatest quests in life is to recognize the truth and avoid deception.

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “Testimony,” by Cecil O. Samuelson, Ensign, May
2011, 40.

Thought:
Everyone who is willing to pay the price—meaning keeping the commandments—may have
a testimony [of the truth].
(Cecil O. Samuelson, “Testimony,” Ensign, May 2011, 40.)

Song:

“I Will Be Valiant,” Children’s Songbook, p. 162.

Scripture:


And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
(Moroni 10:5)


Object Lesson:


Materials Needed


A dollar bill and a piece of “play” money.


Procedure


Display the genuine money and the play money. Ask: Which currency would you use
to buy something at a store? Explain that we must use real money to make a purchase. It is
important to distinguish between real and imitation in order to get what we want.


Compare this to gospel truths versus Satan’s lies. It is important to recognize the truth
and avoid deception. Point out that in order to receive the blessings we ultimately desire, we
must recognize and apply the truth in our lives.


(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Object Lessons Made Easy, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010], p. 19.)


Story:


Elder Bernard P. Brockbank

A fine couple came into my office in the Mormon Pavilion recently, and the husband
was concerned because his wife who had visited the Pavilion a few weeks before had
recently joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she was filled with
peace, joy, and satisfaction. He said, “My wife seems to know, but I do not know, that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God. I do not know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I would like
to know the truth.”


He said, “I do believe that there is a God or a Creator.”


In answer I said, “Your Father in heaven has a greater desire that you know that Jesus
Christ is literally his Son and that he is the Savior, and he desires that you know the
prophets, even more than you desire to know, but you must be ready to accept and follow
the Savior.”


Jesus Christ gave us the key of how we can know, and this has been repeated, and I
think it is rather significant. . . . I think it has great import and is very essential in the great missionary
program because no convert can come into this church, knowing the truth and knowing what is
essential, unless he follows and understands what the Savior mentioned. . . .


This revealed one of the little secrets that was keeping this young man from the Church. His desire
was good, which is very important; he had a marvelous attitude, but he wanted a witness through his
own mind, from his own reading, through his own understanding, even though we had been speaking
about the message the Lord gave of how we can know. This witness cannot come from flesh and blood
but must come from God the Eternal Father.


I again asked him if he would privately and secretly fast and pray from his heart to God, so that he
might know the truth. He said, “I will do the best I can, but I assure you I will pray.”


One week later he was baptized, and with tears in his eyes and joy in his heart he knew that Jesus
Christ was his Savior and that he was literally the Son of the living God. His Father in heaven also
revealed to him that Joseph Smith was a prophet; he also knew that the Book of Mormon was scripture
and was the word of God. That came as an answer from his Father in heaven, and he was thrilled to get
acquainted with it. He told me, “Life has greater meaning.”


(Leon R; Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 3, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1974].)


Activity:


Play “Hunt the Ring.”


“It” stands in the middle of a circle of players. A piece of string long enough to go around the
circle is slipped through a ring and the ends tied. All players in the circle grasp the string. “It” counts
to ten with eyes closed so as not to see the ring passed initially. The ring is concealed under a player’s
hand and is passed from player to player. “It” must find the player under whose hand the ring is
concealed. The player caught with he ring becomes “it.”


The truth is often hidden and we must search it out.


(Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968]. p. 95.)


Refreshment


Parmesan Popovers

1 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 eggs

1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt and Parmesan
cheese. In a second bowl, beat the eggs and milk, using a wire whisk or electric mixer; mix until fluffy.


Fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture, and thoroughly combine. Coat a 6-cup muffin or popover
pan with cooking spray. Divide the batter between the 6 cups. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to
350 degrees and bake for another 20 minutes, until popovers are golden brown. Cool slightly, then turn
popovers from the pan.


Serves 6.

FHE: Pioneers

Thought: With frozen feet and a barren wasteland, those early Saints surely needed faith to trust their prophet. Their very survival and lives were at stake. Yet the Lord rewarded their obedience and blessed and prospered those who followed His mouthpiece.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Our Very Survival,” by Kevin R. Duncan, Ensign, Nov 2010, 34.

Thought:
With frozen feet and a barren wasteland, those early Saints surely needed faith to trust their prophet. Their very survival and lives were at stake. Yet the Lord rewarded their obedience and blessed and prospered those who followed His mouthpiece. (Kevin R. Duncan, “Our Very Survival,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 34.)

Song:
“Whenever I Think about Pioneers,” Children’s Songbook, p. 222.

Scripture:
Let every man use all his influence and property to remove this people to the place where the Lord shall locate a stake of Zion. And if ye do this with a pure heart, in all faithfulness, ye shall be blessed; you shall be blessed in your flocks, and in your herds, and in your fields, and in your houses, and in your families. (Doctrine and Covenants 136:10-11)

Lesson:
Have family members turn to their Doctrine and Covenants maps and locate Winter Quarters and the Salt Lake Valley. Have them identify how far the journey was. Talk briefly about how difficult it would be for the pioneers to travel west to the Salt Lake Valley, especially under their difficult circumstances.

Read D&C 136:2 aloud to your family and explain that the commandments given on this journey would also help “all the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” on another journey. That journey is the journey through mortality as we seek to return to live with our Heavenly Father someday.

Have family members take turns reading D&C 136:1–42. After many or most of the verses, stop and have a family discussion. In your discussion, identify answers to the following questions:

1. What instruction did the Lord give the early Saints in this verse?
2. How would this instruction help them in their particular journey?
3. How could we apply this instruction to our lives today?
4. How would that counsel help us in our journey back to Heavenly Father?

As an example, consider answers to the questions above for verses 3 and 9: D&C 136:3

1. The Lord instructed the Saints to be organized in companies with captains for each.
2. This would help the people be watched over and cared for by others.
3. We are organized with leaders in stakes, wards, quorums, and families.
4. Our stake, ward, and quorum members help us in our challenges.

D&C 136:9

1. The pioneers were to build homes and raise food to assist others who would travel later.
2. This would help the poor Saints to survive. Serving others would also bring blessings.
3. We should use our resources to help make the world a better place for those who are yet to be born.
4. Worrying about others and helping meet their needs is critical to helping fulfill Heavenly Father’s plan for His children.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 307.)

Story:
by Lucina Mecham (Boren)

In the spring of 1853 [when I was 12 years old] we started for Utah. We went a long way on a raft. I was always afraid of water. We crossed the Missouri River on a ferry boat, which frightened me very much, as the water was very high.

We left the Missouri River July 18th. My father started with two wagons, one yoke of oxen, two yoke of unbroken steers, and four cows. The man that sold Father the oxen had stolen them, and the man that he had stolen them from came and took them from us, so we only had one wagon and the cows.

The Indians were on the warpath, so we all had to travel together for safety. We were stopped once by the Indians. I thought there were one thousand of them! They could easily have killed us all, but we gave them provisions by robbing ourselves and then suffering from want of food.

We children had to walk most of the way. We stopped one day each week for washday, and we were always allowed time to keep ourselves clean. When we camped at night, the first wagon would stop. The next wagon would stop at his side, and so on, till they were all in a circle making a corral of the wagons and we would stay inside for safety. After supper and the animals were taken care of, we would sit around the fire, sing songs, tell stories, and those that were not too tired would dance. One brother had a violin, and he was very good at it for dancing.

My sister Sarah and I stopped to rest one day, and the wagons passed us. Sarah said she was not going any farther. I begged her to come with me, but she said she would rather be eaten by wolves than go on. She tried to get me to go and catch the wagons, but I told her I would not leave her. Then she said, “I will not see the wolves get you, so come on, let us go to camp.”

When we were three days from Salt Lake, my cousin Daniel Mecham met us with a load of food, flour, meat, and vegetables. And what a godsend it was, for we were out of food. The next day Brother Allen I. Stout, a friend of ours, came with another load of food. We all rode in the extra wagons to Salt Lake. We arrived October 16, 1853.

(Susan Arrington Madsen, I Walked to Zion: True Stories of Young Pioneers on the Mormon Trail, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994].)

Activity:
Seat the family in a row. Give the first player a large handerchief. At the signal he ties it with one hand around the left arm of the next player, between the elbow and shoulder. The second player unties it with his right hand and then with one hand ties it on the arm of the third player, and so on. The last player runs with the handkerchief and tie it on the first player to end the relay.

(Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968], p. 196.)

Refreshment:
White Raspberry Cake
12-14 servings

1 package white cake mix
1 (16-ounce) can raspberry filling
1 cup fresh raspberries, for garnish

Whipped Cream Frosting:
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Raspberry Sauce:
½ cup raspberry jam
1 tablespoon warm water

For the cake: Prepare and bake cake following the package directions for two 9-inch round cakes. Cool and cut each cake layer into two layers so that you have four layers. Spread raspberry filling evenly between the four layers and chill for 30 minutes.

For the frosting: In a mixing bowl, whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form and hold their shape.

For the sauce: Combine raspberry jam with warm water and mix well. Frost the sides of the cake with frosting. Drizzle sauce over top and garnish with fresh raspberries.

Follow The Prophet- FHE

It is a great blessing to receive the word, commandments, and guidance of the Lord in these difficult days of the earth. The prophet can be inspired to see the future in benefit of mankind.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Obedience to the Prophets,” by Claudio R. M. Costa, Ensign, Nov 2010, 11.

Thought:
It is a great blessing to receive the word, commandments, and guidance of the Lord in these difficult days of the earth. The prophet can be inspired to see the future in benefit of mankind. (Claudio R. M. Costa, “Obedience to the Prophets,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 11.)

Song:
“We Thank Thee, O God,” Hymns, #19.

Scripture:
Surely the Lord God will do nothing, abut he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)

Lesson:
Play hangman with the word PROPHET.

After the family has guessed the word, talk about prophets. Tell the children that a prophet must be a member of Jesus’ church. He must be a righteous man who has kept the commandments. Ask the children what some of those commandments might be (baptism, temple marriage, honoring the priesthood, prayer, and so forth).

What is a prophet like? (Kind, humble, righteous.)

Who chooses a prophet? (God.)

When a man is called as a prophet to lead the Church, God gives him special duties and responsibilities. He knows and testifies of Jesus Christ. He knows and tells of the future. He knows and teaches righteousness. Talk about how these responsibilities affect them as members of the church.

FEATURED SPONSOR


(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book Two, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 77.)

Story:
In the mission field, my companion and I were teaching a Harvard University student. After we told him the Joseph Smith story and bore our testimonies to him, as we had done many times before, he said, “Wait a minute. Are you telling me you believe God and Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and told him he was to set up a new church?” We said we did believe that. He continued the interrogation: “You also believe an angel gave plates to Joseph Smith, who translated them into the Book of Mormon, and that the Savior appeared to the people on this continent?” We said we did. “You also believe the president of your church is a prophet who receives revelation from God, as did Adam, Noah, and Abraham?” We said we did. Getting more animated by the minute, the investigator said, “That is the most incredible story I have ever heard. If I really believed all of that, I wouldn’t be able to sleep. I would run down the streets screaming it to everyone. Why aren’t you more excited about it?” That was a penetrating question.

Do you have a testimony? What are you doing about it? As the Harvard student implied, a testimony is not enough. A testimony that Joseph Smith saw God and the Savior is meaningless unless that fact begins to mean something to each of us individually.

A few years ago I was going through a much needed spiritual renaissance. As part of that rejuvenation I read two sets of books on the history of the Church: A Comprehensive History of the Church, by B. H. Roberts, and History of the Church, by Joseph Smith. These sets consist of a total of thirteen volumes, and it took me approximately two years to read them. In the course of my reading, I found myself absolutely captivated by Joseph Smith—emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. As I read the revelations he received and the letters written by him and to him and about him, I gained a great testimony of the divinity of his mission here upon the earth.

I once again received an undeniable testimony, just as I had at ten years of age. However, at age thirty-five I was better able to appreciate what the Prophet accomplished in his thirty-eight years. I caught myself wishing I had been born during his ministry. As I read about the dissenters and traitors, I wondered why I could not have been born then instead of now. After all, he needed all of the help he could get, and I would not have betrayed him. If I had been born then, I would have done everything in my power to help him with the work. But then I asked myself: Are you sure? Are you sure you would have been valiant? You would have given your life for Joseph Smith, but what are you doing for the prophet and president of the Church today? You would die for Joseph Smith, but you are not willing to accept a home teaching assignment to visit more than two families.

Why do we sometimes find it easier to accept and follow past prophets? It is partly because history has proven their counsel to be sound. Future generations will find the same to be true of the prophets of our day. Each of us might ask ourselves, What am I doing for our current, living prophet?

(Glen L. Pace, Spiritual Plateaus, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1991].)

Activity:
Go on a “Bear Hunt.” This is a follow the leader type story. Have everyone repeat each line of the story after the leader. Pat a rhythm on your thighs as you tell the story, use actions to suggest each part.

We’re going on a bear hunt
We’re going to catch a big one
I’m not afraid
What do I see?
Look, grass
Tall wavy grass
We can’t get over it
We can’t get under it
We can’t get around it
We’ll have to go through it!
Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish

[Repeat, replacing grass with the following:]
Mud, icky sticky mud (squish, squash)
A river, a very cold river (splash)
A forest, a deep, dark forest (stumble-trip)
A cave, a very dark cave (tippy-toe)

Oh, oh! It’s dark in here
I feel something
It has lots of hair
It has sharp teeth
It’s a bear!
A very big bear!

Through the cave, tippy toe, tippy toe
Through the forest, stumble-trip, stumble-trip
Through the river splash, splash, splash, splash
Through the mud squish, squash, squish, squash
Through the grass swish, swish, swish, swish

In the house
Up the stairs
Jump on the bed
Pull the covers over your head…
I’m not afraid!

Summarize by explaining that just as we followed the leader for this story, we should follow the prophet, the leader of the Church.

Refreshment:
Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Chip Chocolate Cookies
1⁄2 cup butter-flavored shortening
1⁄2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
2 1⁄2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup white chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cream together the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the vanilla and the eggs one at a time.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Add flour mixture to the butter mixture to combine and then mix in the chips.
4. Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop onto an ungreased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for about 8–10 minutes. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

FHE Father's Day

Scripture
Enos 1:1
7- Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man—for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it—

Hymn
My Dad–Primary Song #211 or I Know My Father Lives Hymn 302
My Dad
1. My daddy is my fav’rite pal,
And I help him ev’ry day.
It’s plain to see I want to be
Like him in ev’ry way.
He teaches me that honesty
Is best in all I do.
I’m very glad that he’s my dad,
And I know he loves me too.
I Know My Father Lives
1. I know my Father lives and loves me too.
The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true,
And tells me it is true.
2. He sent me here to earth, by faith to live his plan.
The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me that I can,
And tells me that I can.

Lesson
*For Younger Children* Read “The Father’s Day Surprise Cake” by Mella Bedell (June 1983 Friend). Discuss the importance of fathers and all that they do for us. (You may want to use clipart to help tell the story.)
Alisa helped her younger sister, Mikki, comb her long black hair. Then they hurried downstairs and ate breakfast. Tomorrow was Father’s Day, and the two girls were going shopping today for the ingredients to make a cake for their father. It was not going to be an ordinary cake—it would be filled with surprises!
As soon as they came home from the store, they took their aprons from the closet and helped each other tie them. Next they got all the ingredients out for the surprise cake and put them on the table. While Mikki greased and floured the cake pans, Alisa turned on the oven. Then, carefully measuring and stirring, the girls soon had the batter ready. Alisa spooned it into the cake pans while Mikki watched to see that both pans had the same amount.
At last the pans were in the oven, and the best part of making the cake batter had arrived. Alisa and Mikki each got a spoon and sat at the table and scraped the bowl.
Soon the cake layers were cooling on racks and the dishes were done. The girls ran up to their room to make the “surprise” part of the cake.
First they cut a piece of paper into several narrow strips. Then on each strip they wrote one thing that was special about their dad. Next they folded the strips and went back downstairs and wrapped each one in aluminum foil. With a knife Alisa carefully made little slits in the cake, and Mikki poked a wrapped strip into each slit.
Mother frosted the cake for them. She made pretty swirls around the edges and wrote “Happy Father’s Day” in the middle.
The next day after church they had a Father’s Day party. They sang Father’s favorite songs and played some games. When Mother cut the cake, she gave everyone a big piece. Father, of course, got the biggest one.
“What’s shining in my piece of cake?” he asked.
Alisa and Mikki looked at each other and grinned.
“That’s our surprise for you!” Alisa said.
“Yes,” Mikki told him. “You’re supposed to unwrap the foil and read the note out loud. Then we’ll take turns reading ours.”
Each person found and excitedly unwrapped the foil-covered surprises that had been hidden in the cake. Father’s face beamed as he read the first strip. It said, “We love you because you read stories to us.”
Mikki opened the next one and read, “We love you because you take care of us.”
Mother’s strip said, “We love you because you do things with us.”
Alisa had two surprise strips in her piece of cake. “We love you because you laugh a lot” was on the first one.
Alisa, Mikki, and Mother read the last one together: “We love you because you love us.”
“I really do,” Father said. “Thank you for a wonderful Father’s Day.”
*Discuss these questions as a family*
1- What did Mikki & Alisa make for their dad?
2- What did they stick in the cake?
3- Did their dad like it?
4- What are some things that dad &/or grandpa does for us?
Testify of the importance of fathers (be sure to also testify of the love Heavenly Father has for each of us).

FHE: Repentance

We must cease fighting against God and instead give our whole hearts to Him, holding nothing back. Then He can heal us. Then He can cleanse us from the venomous sting of sin.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You,” by Patrick Kearon, Ensign, Nov 2010, 50.

Thought:
We must cease fighting against God and instead give our whole hearts to Him, holding nothing back. Then He can heal us. Then He can cleanse us from the venomous sting of sin. (Patrick Kearon, “Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 50.)

Song:
“Repentance,” Children’s Songbook, p. 98.

Scripture:
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5)

Object Lesson:
Items needed: First-aid kit.
Presentation: Show the first aid kit and ask your family what it could be used for. Explain that when someone is hurt it can be an important tool for helping them get better. Ask: What would happen if a serious cut went untreated? (It might get infected, bleed too much, cause more serious problems, etc.). Tell your family that usually we can use a first-aid kit to care for our own little injuries, but when an injury is serious, we must go to someone with more authority an knowledge of first aid and medicine.

Tell your family that sin is like an injury to the spirit. If left untreated, it can also lead to more serious complications. Briefly discuss what some of those complications might be. (More serious sin, apostacy, or spiritual death.) Tell class members that we can take care of most of our spiritual injuries on our own. Discuss how this is done. Remind them that when a sin is grievous, someone with authority must help us. Ask: Who would that person be? (The bishop.)

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Object Lessons Made Easy, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010], p.76.)

Story:
by Heber J. Grant

I shall tell you one incident in my life.

A man was cut off from the Church for adultery and asked to be restored. President John Taylor wrote a letter to the brethren that had taken action against the man, in which he said: “I want every man to vote his own convictions, and not to vote to make it unanimous unless it is unanimous.”

When the matter was presented and voted upon, the vote stood half for and half against restoration.

Later he came up again, and a majority were in favor of his being baptized.

Finally, all of the men that were at the trial, except one, voted to let him be baptized. President John Taylor sent for me and told me I was the only man that stood in the way of this man’s being baptized, and he said: “How will you feel when you meet the Lord, if this man is permitted to come up and say he repented although his sins were as scarlet, and you refused to let him be baptized?”

I said: “I will look the Lord squarely in the eye, and I will tell Him that any man that can destroy the virtue of a girl and then lie and claim that she was maligning him and blackmailing him, will never get back into this Church with my vote. You said in your letter to vote our convictions, and I will vote them and stay with them unless you want me to change.”

He said: “Stay with your convictions, my boy.”

I walked to my home, only one block away. I picked up the Doctrine and Covenants. I was reading it prayerfully and humbly, and marking passages. Instead of its opening at the bookmark, it opened at the passage:

Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. (D&C 64:9-10.)

I shut up the book and rushed back to the President, and I said, “I give my consent.”

Brother Taylor had a habit, when something pleased him, of shaking himself and laughing, and he said: “My gracious, Heber, this is remarkable; what has happened?” And I told him. He said: “Heber, when you left here a few minutes ago did you not think: what if he had defiled my wife or daughter? And when you thought that, did you not feel as if you would like to just knock the life out of that man?”

I said, “I certainly did.”

“How do you feel now?”

“Well, really and truly Brother Taylor, I hope the poor old sinner can be forgiven.”

“You feel a whole lot better, don’t you?”

I said, “I certainly do.”

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Classic Stories from the Lives of Our Prophets, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1971].

Activity:
Play “Circle Keep-Away.”

Arrange the players in a circle with someone in the center. When given the signal to start, the players in the circle pass a soft ball back and forth while trying to keep it away from the person in the center. The players must stay on their spots in the circle.

The person in the center attempts to catch or steal the ball. When he is successful, the person who lost the ball or threw it last trades places with the person in the center, and the game continues as before.

(George and Jeane Chipman, Games! Games! Games!, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1983], p. 71.)

Refreshment:
Easy Chocolate Mousse

This light and fluffy chocolate mousse is stabilized with gelatin Try it with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries for an easy, yet elegant dessert.

1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon cold water
2 tablespoons boiling water (just heat it in a small bowl in your microwave)
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla

1. In a small bowl, combine gelatin and cold water and allow to stand for about 1 minute. While gelatin is softening, bring 2 tablespoons water to a boil in the microwave (see tip at left). Whisk into the softened gelatin and allow to cool.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, cream, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until medium-stiff peaks form. Mix in gelatin mixture until combined and refrigerate for 30 minutes. If serving in individual cups, place mousse in cups or bowls before refrigerating.

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.)

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.

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.