A Year of FHE

"Like" FHE & win a PRIZE!

2012-01-31T00:01:00.056-05:00

I am ready to accept 2012 sponsors and I need your help. Sponsors want to know they are getting value for their money. That lots of people will be seeing their products and exposed to their company. And that means numbers. I know from my Blog stats that around 5,000 of you are visiting each day. And that's AMAZING!!!

If you have found this blog helpful, used the lessons or free printables - PLEASE take a moment and join me on Facebook. See those sharing tools in the left hand toolbar? Click on the Facebook button and then click LIKE when you get to Facebook.

Next Tuesday I will draw a name from the Facebook Fans and send out a marvelous prize pack! Its contents are secret, but trust me...you're gunna LOVE it! Oh, and did I mention that EVERYONE who is a fan on Facebook gets a freebie on Tuesday? Yep. It's true.

Oh, and after you LIKE the Facebook page, be sure to click SHARE to tell your friends and spread the word!

2012 - Wk 5: A Legacy of Faith

2012-01-28T00:00:00.001-05:00

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What You'll Need: scriptures, GAB 38 / GAK 211: Christ Ordaining the Apostles, GAB 87 / GAK 401: The Prophet Joseph Smith, photos of converts within your family, strips of colored paper, clear tape, markers for writing names.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 05 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson. Note: GAK vs GAB pictures explained here.

Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 115:4-5 - For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;

Opening Song: The Church of Jesus Christ (PCS #77)

Lesson:

( show GAK 211: Christ Ordaining the Apostles)

When Jesus Christ lived on the earth he called Prophets and Apostle, taught people simple truths and organized His church. After the death of Jesus Christ and the Apostles many of those truths were lost and the Church of Jesus Christ was no longer on the earth.

(show GAK 401: The Prophet Joseph Smith)

Then in 1830 Joseph Smith restored the gospel truths and established Jesus Christ's church upon the earth again. When he did that, Joseph and others who believed were baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For that time until now, people who heard about the church and prayed about it's truthfulness have been baptized and become members of the Church. A lot of people join our church after Missionaries find them and teach them. Some members of the church have ancestors who were baptized at the beginning of the church and others are the very first one in their family to join the church. Today we are going to talk about our family's LEGACY OF FAITH.

The word legacy means something that is given to us from one generation to the next. So a LEGACY OF FAITH means talking about the person in our family who first joined the church and then passed that to their children by teaching them the Gospel too.

(Now take some time, using photos if you have them, to talk to your children about the conversion stories of one or two of your ancestors or about your own conversion story if you're the first convert in your family).

Just like our family member passed a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ down to us, we can pass it along to our children and keep the Legacy of Faith continuing. By staying active in church, growing and nurturing our testimonies and choosing the right we can become a part of our very own Legacy of Faith.

Bear your testimony about your gratefulness at being introduced to the restored Gospel. How has being a member of the church changed your life for the better. Share you hopes and desires for your own children to continue on the path of righteousness.

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the JANUARY Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

Activity: Legacy Chains

Start with any branch of your family. Write the name of the first convert to the church on a strip of colored paper. Tape paper strip into a loop. Write the name of their child (also your ancestor) on a strip of paper (of a different color) and loop it through the first to create a chain. Continue through your ancestors until you reach yourself and then your child. You may repeat this activity for different branches of the family.

Share with your children your hope that they remain faithful to the gospel's teaching so the Legacy Chain continues to grow in faithfulness and happiness.

Church News this Week

2012-01-26T01:28:00.000-05:00

CHURCH MOBILE APPS

Who knew the church had so many cool free apps?

Not me.

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Bible Videos

Read about Jesus and His teachings, explore biblical environments, watch scripture-based videos and photo slideshows, and discover interesting facts about biblical accounts.

AVAILABLE FOR: Apple

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Gospel Library

Download and study the scriptures, general conference addresses, Sunday manuals, and other Church content. Gospel Library allows you to search, bookmark, annotate, link, and highlight content.

AVAILABLE FOR: Android, Apple, BlackBerry, webOS, Windows Mobile

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mormon Channel

Listen to Mormon Channel, the Church's 24-hour-a-day audio station featuring gospel-oriented programs, music, and interviews, as well as scriptures, general conference, and Church magazines.

AVAILABLE FOR: Android, Apple, BlackBerry, webOS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LDS Tools

Download ward and stake directory information to your phone, as well as scheduled ward events from the Church's new calendaring system.

AVAILABLE FOR: Android, Apple, BlackBerry

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Scripture Mastery

This app will help you memorize scripture mastery verses as well as the Articles of Faith.

AVAILABLE FOR: Apple

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LDS Youth

Get the latest content from youth.lds.org on your Apple mobile devices.

AVAILABLE FOR: Android, Apple

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LDS Music

Browse and search the Hymns and Children's Songbook, view the words and sheet music, and listen to hymns and songs.

AVAILABLE FOR: Apple

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Ensign

Browse a tablet edition of the November 2011 Ensign. In addition to downloading and studying the magazine please complete the survey on the contents page to help us evaluate potential future editions.

AVAILABLE FOR: Android, Apple

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CLICK HERE to select and download apps

Inspired Words: Journal Keeping

2012-01-25T07:00:00.011-05:00

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( digital elements by Plucky Momo Digital )

Article of Faith No. 1

2012-01-22T16:29:00.006-05:00

This year our Primary has been challenged to learn all 13 Articles of Faith. I learned these (up to Article 6) when I was young, but have never memorized the entire set. Our family is going to work on it together.

So I am working on (and will be sharing) word posters to help with memorization. Here's is number 1.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

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2012 - Wk 04

2012-01-21T07:00:00.004-05:00

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What You'll Need: set of scriptures, GAK 509/GAB 125: Wilford Woodruff, printed ABOUT ME book for each family member, scissors, stapler, coloring tools.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 04 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson. Note: GAK vs GAB pictures explained here.

Scripture: 1 Nephi 1:1,3 - Having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days. And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.

Opening Song: Every Star Is Different - PCS #142

Lesson:

Even if we cannot enter the temple yet, we can begin working on family history by learning about our ancestors and loving them. One way we come to know those who are already dead is by reading their journals.

(Show picture of Wilford Woodruff)

When Wilford Woodruff joined the church, the Prophet Joseph Smith had told the church to keep records, so Wilford Woodruff wrote in his journal every day starting on the day he was baptized and for the rest of his life.

Those journals help us know exactly what happened when the Pioneers were building the Salt Lake Temple and other important facts, but for Wilfred Woodruff he was simply writing what happened to him each day.

We can serve others and become a part of Family History by keeping our own journals and scrapbooks. Just as we enjoy finding out about our ancestors, our future families will want to learn about us, too.

What should we write in our journals?

(show print-out of 'Journals from the Past' - CLICK HERE to download)

On these pages you can see four journals that were kept more than 150 years ago by early pioneers. By looking carefully at them, you may get ideas of what you can write in your own journal.

Thomas Bullock kept the official journal for the first group of pioneers who traveled to the Salt Lake Valley with Brigham Young in 1847. Brother Bullock made lists. He wrote the names of every person who traveled west with him. From this list we know exactly who was on that trek.

- What lists could you make in your journal? Maybe you could make a list of the children in your Primary class or a list of your favorite books.

Here is a picture of Luke Johnson’s journal. He also traveled with Brigham Young as the company doctor. In those days, a doctor had to make the medicines he used to help people get well. He wrote the recipes for his medicines in his journal.

- If you have a favorite food, you could copy the recipe in your journal.

Two ideas of what you could put in your journal come from Appleton Harmon’s journal. You can see that he put down the dates of when he wrote. That’s very important. Always put the date so you won’t have to wonder about when you wrote something. Appleton also sketched what he saw as he traveled west.

- In your journal, you could draw a picture of your family or of an event in your life such as a piano recital. You could also draw what you see when you look out your window.

Eliza R. Snow was the first secretary of the Relief Society. She wrote about what happened at meetings she attended in a special book. Because she did this, we know what happened at the very first Relief Society meeting. Sister Snow wrote poems in her personal journal, including the lyrics for 10 of the hymns in our hymnbook.

- When you want to remember a talk from sacrament meeting or a story you heard in Primary, you can write it in your journal. If you like to write poems, your journal is a good place to keep them.

Prophet Spencer W. Kimball said, “Your story should be written now while it is fresh and while the true details are available. …write [about] your goings and your comings, your deeper thoughts, your achievements and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies. Those who keep a personal journal are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives.”

(hold up a set of LDS Standard works)

- Who wrote these scriptures? (ancient Prophets)
- What did they write about? (their lives, history and the spiritual things which happened to them)
- What do these records remind you of? (personal journals)

The scriptures are really just journals of Ancient Prophets. Because they wrote about their lives and testimonies our lives our blessed.

Try to write in your journal as often as you can. Then when you grow up and have your own children, you can share some things from your journal so they can know what you were like when you were their age!
Bear your testimony about the blessings which come from writing a record of your life. If it's appropriate share a few meaningful passages with your children from your own journal.

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the JANUARY Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

ACITIVITY: ALL ABOUT ME BOOK
CLICK HERE to download pdf with full instructions.

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I love you guys...

2012-01-17T19:37:00.000-05:00

I wanted to stop for a moment and say a big, ol' huge

Your comments, emails and Facebook props make every minute spent on these lessons worth while. Some days I get so discouraged, wondering if this blog is making any sort of difference, but your outpourings of love fill my heart, lift my spirit and inspire me to do better.

Thanks to every single one of you who have contacted me to tell me how this site has helped you.

It means everything.

2012 - Wk 03: Family History + Temple Work

2012-01-14T07:00:00.111-05:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, GAK 417/GAB 95: Elijah Restores the Power to Seal Families for Eternity, GAK 504/GAB 121: Temple Baptismal Font, 3D Temple Baptismal Font print out, scissors, coloring tools, glue stick.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 03 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson. Note: GAK vs GAB pictures explained here.

Scripture: Mal 4:6 - And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.

Opening Song: I Love to See the Temple (PCS #95) - Alternate verse found here.

Lesson:

An ancient Prophet named Malachi taught that the hearts of the children would be turned to their fathers. When he says 'fathers' he means our ancestors. An angel appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry and gave them the power to seal families in the Temple.

(show GAK 417/GAB 95: Elijah Restores the Power to Seal Families for Eternity - note that the pictures are slightly different in the different kits)

Having that power to seal restored means that in our day, Malachi's words are coming true. If our ancestor's were not members of the church after they die they will have a chance to hear about the Gospel. If they believe it and want to live with Heavenly Father again they need to be baptized and participate in other ordinances. But how can they be baptized when they are already dead?

We can find out information about our ancestors who have passed away and give that information to church headquarters. Then we can perform temple ordinances for our ancestors.

(show GAK 504/GAB 121: Temple Baptismal Font - note that the pictures are slightly different in the different kits).

When you are twelve years old you can go to the Temple and be baptized and confirmed for your ancestors who have not already had that special work done for them. The baptism fonts in Temples are extra special. They always stand on the back of 12 oxen statues. The 12 oxen represent all of the people of the earth that live all over the world and are waiting to hear the gospel.

It is a wonderful gift to give to them and it fills our hearts with joy and the Spirit when we go to the Temple and do those ordinances. When you are older and you go through the Temple you can do the other ordinances for your ancestors as well, including sealing families together forever.

Family history work is uplifting because we learn about our ancestors and come to love them. We learn that they really are a part of our eternal family, that they know us, and that they love us. Elder J. Richard Clarke, a former member of the Seventy, said, “Through family history we discover the most beautiful tree in the forest of creation—our family tree.”

When we look for ancestors’ names and do their temple work, we serve them. Sometimes the Spirit tells us that our ancestors know what we have done for them and that they are grateful.

Russel M. Nelson said, "When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us. We feel part of something greater than ourselves. Our [desire] for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple."

Bear your testimony about the feelings you have had while performing Temple work for others (this may include doing baptisms for the dead as a youth or other ordinances later or searching records and submitting names). Share the feeling you have when you enter the Temple and why it is important to you to know that families can be together forever.

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the JANUARY Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

Activity: Choose from the following activities as they best suit your family.

1. Forever Family Coloring Page

2. 3D Temple Baptismal Font
CLICK HERE to download the pdf of this project.

Family Home Evening Charts - Option 2

2012-01-12T07:00:00.003-05:00

I was browsing the blog recently and realized - Emilie! The people need NEW Family Home Evening charts! I mean, it's been two years! So here you go. Note: I cannot offer different colors of each chart - sorry! It's the nature of 'free'. Directions for printing and display below.

Directions:
1. Click on chart with the number of members in your family for download. Follow directions and download to your computer.2. Crop black and white photos of your family to 3" squares (for 4, 5 and 6 member families) and 2.25" squares (for 7 and 8 member families).3. Print chart as a 12x12" photo at your local Costco 1 hr photo (for $2.99) or online at Scrapbookpictures.com (for $1.99 + shipping) . You must have a Costco membership to use their photo services. 4. Take printed chart and photo squares to be laminated at your local copy center.5. Punch holes in top of chart and tie ribbon through to hang on wall.6. Affix photos to chart with blue poster tack. Rotate each week as needed.

( I'll update this photo as soon as I get our new chart printed from Costco! )

Inspired Words: Family History

2012-01-11T07:00:00.006-05:00

( Digital Elements by Emily Merritt Designs )

Our Follow-Up 2012:02

2012-01-10T16:24:00.003-05:00

Last night our family did lesson 2012:02 Where in the World? It went really well. We decided to just cover two countries (both from my side). Our kids LOVED coloring the maps (although the map keys were totally lost on them). They also loved learning to say 'hello' in different languages.

We decided to cover my father's parents. They were from Germany and Ukraine. We decided on German pancake for our treat and Ukrainian decorated eggs for our activity. I felt very clever, since it meant I could blow the 6 eggs we needed for the recipe and then our kids could decorate the blown egg shells. I printed out this picture to show them how the Ukrainian eggs look.

Upon reflecting on actually coloring the shells with a white crayon and then dipping them in dye (I see a huge mess coming on) I decided to have them color the eggs with fine point sharpies instead. They loved it! Overall I thought the entire Family Home Evening went very well!


( Evangeline - age 4 - coloring her Ukrainian egg )

( Ella's finished Ukrainian egg - age 6 )

2012 - Wk 02: Where in the World?

2012-01-07T00:00:00.004-05:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, family tree printable, map of the world printable, crayons, writing tools, ancestor photos, supplies for craft and ingredients for treat.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 02 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 84:62 - Therefore, go ye into all the world; and unto whatsoever place ye cannot go ye shall send, that the testimony may go from you into all the world unto every creature.

Opening Song: Children All Over the World ( PCS#16 )

Lesson:

Ancestors is a word we use to talk about our family members who have already passed away.

(Show children a blank family tree. Use a pen to fill in their name, their parents name, etc until the chart is filled out.)

Our parents have parents. And our grandparents have parents. If we draw a family tree we can keep going back for a very long time. Many of our ancestors came from different countries (this is especially true of those who line in the United States). Today we are going to talk about some of the countries our family comes from!

(Note to parents: If your family has a lot of diversity, just choose three countries to highlight during this lesson.)

Print a map for each child. Have them color the country where you currently live and color the corresponding box on the key.

Start with one relative. Show a photo of that relative. Fill in the blanks of this form with the answers from your own ancestor. Note: to find this information I relied heavily on google. I googled "Ukraine + food", "Ukraine + Average Weather" and "Hello in Ukranian", etc.

- We are going to talk about relative relationship here.
- Her name is relative's name here.
- She was born in country.
- The Ukraine is in continent.
- In country they speak language. To say hello in language say "_______"! (pronounced _____)
- Some of the foods they eat in the country are food name here (which are food description here) and food name here (which are food description here).
- The weather there is describe weather here.

Example:
- First we are going to talk about Mommy's Grandmother.
- Her name Anne Dobrinksy.
- She was born in the Ukraine.
- The Ukraine is in Europe.
- In Ukraine they speak Ukrainian. To say hello in Ukranian say "Pryvit"! (pronounced preev-yit)
- Some of the foods they eat in the Ukraine are Pierogies (which are potato and cheese dumplings) and Holubtsi which are Cabbage Rolls (cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and tomatoes).
- The weather there is sunny and clear most of the year.

(show children the country on the map. Haver them color it in and add the family name to the key.)

- Repeat steps for other highlighted ancestors. At the end your map should look like this...

Bear your testimony about the connection you can feel to your ancestors through learning more about them and how family connections strengthen our sense of self. Explain that this connection is an important part of Heavenly Father's plan to untie families together forever.

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the JANUARY Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

Activity: Choose from the following activities as they best suit your family.

1. Ancestor's Country Coloring Pages
- Check HERE for a cute coloring page of your ancestral country OR google "Country Name Coloring Page" in google images and you should find tons of good choices.

( Irish Coloring Page )

2. Ancestor's Country Craft
- Use Google Images and search "Country crafts for kids". I found paper hats for Germany, painted eggs for Ukraine and paper celtic knots for Ireland. You should be able to find something fun and easy to do!

( Ukranian Painted Eggs )

Treat:
Once again...google is your best friend. Google Images helps you see what you are getting in for. Google "country dessert recipes". You'll find a bunch of good ideas.

( German Kreppel )

Now Accepting Sponsors for 2012!

2012-01-03T17:40:00.008-05:00

One of the reasons I am able to offer a full year (and now three full years) of complete FHE lessons for free is by accepting sponsors. This defrays the cost and time it takes me to make these lessons available. I love sharing this resource with others and if sponsors gain exposure and business and you get free lessons it's a win/win!

Sponsorship spots will become available starting in FEBRUARY.
For reader stats, rates, policies and perks please email me at

eahern at live dot com

Please pass this info on to any businesses you think may be looking to reach out to an LDS audience!

About the updated Gospel Art Picture Kit

2012-01-02T15:11:00.001-05:00

I had a wonderful email from Kim, a new reader, who asked about purchasing the Gospel Art Kit I use in my lessons. I went to find a direct link to buy on lds.org and found that they have discontinued the kit I have.

My copy had a blue hard box And loose pictures which were sectioned off by dividers. My Kit cost around $30 when I first purchased it (probably 5 or 6 years back). It looked like this.

There is a brand new Gospel Art BOOK. It is spiral bound (which I think will be better in a lot of ways). It has similar photos, which are divided by topic, and a table of contents. And the BEST part? Only $3.50 each.

Here's what it looks like.

I just bought two (one for use in my new calling as a Primary teacher and one for our Family Home Evenings). I will now reference both picture numbers in all new lessons for 2012 as follows:

GAK: Gospel Art Kit (loose pictures in blue box)
GAB: Gospel Art Book (pictures bound in spiral book)

CLICK HERE to buy the New Gospel Art Book.

Thanks for writing Kim!

Song of the Month: January 2012

2011-12-30T07:00:00.008-05:00

Click here to print out this lyric chart

by Emilie Ahern {that's me!}

to help children learn words and concepts*.

*Please Note: This song chart is for an alternate verse which I wrote for this month's theme and does not include the original verses. The lyrics included in this chart are as follows:

I love to see the Temple
And when I go inside
I'll claim the promised blessings
For others who have died

For the Temple is a special place
Where we can serve each other
Everyone who's lived upon the earth
Is my sister or my brother

Lesson Plans for 2012

2011-12-29T07:00:00.130-05:00

Topics are tentative and subject to change in case of crazy week, potty training crisis, or changes in circumstances. Although...I'm really gunna try and stick closely to this.

January
Theme: Family History
Song: I Love to See the Temple (Alternate Verse)

Wk 01: OFF
Wk 02: Where in the World?
Wk 03: Family History + Temple Work
Wk 04: A History of my Own
Wk 05: A Legacy of Faith

February
Theme: Bible Stories
Song: I Think When I Read That Sweet Story

Wk 06: Abraham and Isaac
Wk 07: Samson and Delilah
Wk 08: Woman at the Well
Wk 09: Elisha is Protected

March
Theme: Our Earthly Bodies
Song: The Lord Gave Me a Temple

Wk 10: Health & Exercise
Wk 11: Loving those with Disabilities
Wk 12: Appreciating the Elderly
Wk 13: Understanding Death

April
Theme: Happiness
Song: Smiles

Wk 14: Finding Happiness
Wk 15: Priorities
Wk 16: Working Hard
Wk 17: Serving in our Community
Wk 18: Having a Good Attitude

May
Theme: Everyday Life
Song: I'll Seek the Lord Early

Wk 19: Peer Pressure
Wk 20: Gossip
Wk 21: Internet Safety
Wk 22: Protecting Ourselves from Danger/Abuse

June
Theme: Book of Mormon Stories
Song: The Golden Plates

Wk 23: Enos
Wk 24: Captain Moroni
Wk 25: Nephi and Lehi in Prison
Wk 26: Alma Teaches and Baptizes

July
Theme: We are Not Alone
Song: Our Savior's Love

Wk 27: He is our Father
Wk 28: Conquering Fears
Wk 29: The Armor of God
Wk 30: Our Savior's Love

August
Theme: Me & my Global Family
Song: Every Star is Different

Wk 31: We are Different
Wk 32: Celebrating Diversity
Wk 33: Different Kinds of Families (Adoption)
Wk 34: All Over the World

September
Theme: Parables of Jesus
Song: The Wise Man & the Foolish Man

Wk 35: The Lost Sheep
Wk 36: Wise and Foolish Man
Wk 37: The Prodigal Son
Wk 38: Lamp Under the Bushel

October
Theme: Creativity and the Arts
Song: Lift Up Your Voice and Sing

Wk 39: Appreciating Music
Wk 40: Appreciating Art
Wk 41: Appreciating Books
Wk 42: Appreciating Poetry
Wk 43: Appreciating Dance

November
Theme: Our Church Today
Song: I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Wk 44: The Children's Friend magazine
Wk 45: Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching
Wk 46: Modern Revelation
Wk 47: Family Home Evenings

December
Theme: Christmas
Song: Stars Were Gleaming

Wk 48: The Reason for the Season
Wk 49: Christmas All Over the World
Wk 50: A Time for Giving
Wk 51: Let Earth Receive her King
Wk 52: Our Family Year in Review

Another Year of FHE

2011-12-28T00:32:00.005-05:00

Whew!
I made it! I planned and shared another Year of FHE.
Will I be back in 2012? I think so.
But I need your help.

PLEASE leave a comment here with lesson topic suggestions for 2012.
Before you add one try searching for the term in the search bar to make sure it hasn't been covered.

I may continue in 2012 if we can get enough good ideas.

Here are a few I already thought of...
- Health & Exercise
- Understanding Death
- Peer Pressure
- Gossip
- More Bible and BOM stories (of course).
- Internet Safety
- Stranger Danger
- Celebrating Diversity (to go along with the One in a Million campaign)
- Adoption
- Genealogy
- Appreciating Music (learning to lead music)
- The Armor of God
- Loving the Elderly
- Serving in our community
- Working Hard
- Priorities
- Using the Children's Friend magazine.
- Happiness
- You are not alone
- Writing a personal history
- All About Me
- Talents
- Family Member Showcase
- Conquering Fears
- What is Heaven like?
- Disabilities (Loving and helping those with)
- Having a good Attitude
- Being reliable (keeping your word/honoring your commitments)

PLEASE MAKE A SUGGESTION!

Church News this Week

2011-12-27T18:17:00.000-05:00

Readers of the Friend magazine will notice new and exciting features designed to enhance scripture learning and provide music for young musicians. Other new features will cater to older children transitioning from Primary.

Jan Pinborough, managing editor of the Friend, said many of the upcoming features serve to help today’s children who “are being challenged in new ways.”

“We hope the new features will help fortify children and make learning and sharing the gospel fun, inspiring, and interactive for them,” she said.

Following are the new features that will be found in the 2012 issues of the Friend:

Scripture Figures

In 2012, 10 issues will feature Scripture Figures, a colorful page of Book of Mormon characters—such as Nephi, Captain Moroni, and Samuel the Lamanite—that correlate with lessons in the Primary 7: Book of Mormon manual that will be used in 2012.

Each “Scripture Figure” page, which will be found on the inside back cover of the magazine, will also include accessories, such as swords or Nephi’s ship. “Children, parents, and teachers can cut out the figures and glue them to paper sacks or wooden craft sticks, making it easier to bring the scriptures to life for children,” Sister Pinborough said.

Question Corner

Starting in February, every other issue of the Friend will include the Question Corner department, which will feature questions and answers from children on topics such as how to get along with siblings or what to do when a friend starts making wrong choices.

I Can Play It!

Each issue will feature a simplified large-note version of a favorite Primary song arranged with beginning pianists in mind. Each song will include practice tips and advice for young musicians.
Follow the Prophet

In time for President Thomas S. Monson’s 85th birthday in August 2012, this new monthly department will highlight stories from President Monson’s life, starting with his childhood and continuing through his role as prophet and President of the Church. Written by President Monson’s biographer, Heidi S. Swinton, the stories will also be accompanied by activities that reinforce the principles taught by President Monson’s life and service.

For Older Kids

Preteens — an age group sometimes called “tweens”—who are nearing the transition from Primary to Young Men or Young Women will find a new department especially for them called For Older Kids. The four-page section will include stories that focus on more mature topics such as gaining a testimony or going to the temple.

Special Issues

In addition to regular features in the 2012 volume of the Friend, three issues will focus on specific topics:

April — “My Gospel Standards” will focus on the 13 standards taught in Primary as part of the Faith in God program.

June — “Service” will highlight ways children around the Church are giving Christlike service and give parents and children ideas for giving service as well.

October — “Transitions,” will focus on transitioning from Primary and will feature stories about receiving the priesthood, attending Young Men and Young Women, and other related topics.

* * * * * * * *

The Friend, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2011, is the Church’s magazine for children ages 3 to 12. The magazine regularly features short articles by the prophets, apostles, and other general leaders of the Church; stories written by children; games, puzzles, and activities; and other content for Primary-aged children.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T23:55:00.003-05:00

2011 - Wk 52: Family Year in Review

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

This final lesson is a VERY loose one. It's still Christmas vacation and everyone is lazing about and having unstructured days, so this FHE is unstructured as well, but sure to be a memorable one!

What You'll Need: family photos and projects from the past year. This can include programs from recitals, school projects that were particularly well done, photos of each family member, photos from family outings, activities and vacations and any thing else that signifies your life in 2010. Be sure to include church milestones like moving to a new class, being baptised, etc.

Scripture: Whomever has this assignment gets to share a favorite scripture.

Opening Song: Whomever has this assignment gets to choose a favorite song.

Lesson:

Take turns sharing milestone of the family this year. As stated above, this can include school projects that were particularly well done, photos of each family member, photos from family outings, activities and vacations and any thing else that signifies your life in 2011. Be sure to include church milestones like moving to a new class, being baptised, etc.

Give each family member turns to reminisce, share favorite memories and tell their favorite part of the year. This should be a very POSITIVE lesson. If there is room for improvement in any area, it should be given an optimistic future. 2011 was a great year for your family and 2012 will be even better!

Bear your testimony about the growth of your family. That each year we progress, learn and become closer (hopefully!) and how much you love each family member.

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the DECEMBER Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

Activity: Whomever has this assignment gets to choose the activity. Or you may choose to play some favorite family boardgames and eat popcorn or other treats.

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-23T07:00:00.026-05:00

Our family wishes yours a wonderful holiday season

filled with love and happiness!

Church News this Week

2011-12-20T21:32:00.000-05:00

American Idol 2007 runner-up David Archuleta announced before a hometown crowd in Salt Lake City that he planned to take a break from music to serve a full-time, two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

“It’s not because someone told me that I’m supposed to do it, and not because I no longer want to do music, but because it’s the feeling that I’ve felt I need to do this with my life,” Archuleta, 20, said to a crowd that showered him with applause and cheers.

An emotional Archuleta seemed astounded at the crowd’s support and wiped away tears. He did not announce where he would be serving. The singer rose to fame as one of the youngest-ever contestants on American Idol and came in second to David Cook. Archuleta has since released three albums.

The church operates 350 missions around the world, according to its website. Archuleta’s mission is expected to begin shortly after the 1st of the January.

[article and photo src]

Featured on Deseret News website!

2011-12-19T04:55:00.001-05:00

Wowza! I was surprised this past weekend to see that this blog was mentioned on the Deseret News website.

One of their bloggers wrote an online article about special FHE ideas to celebrate Christmas in a Christ-Centered way and she mentioned my 2011 Lesson Holidays of Other Faiths.

What a fun surprise on a Sunday night!

2011 - Wk 51: Symbols of Christmas

2011-12-17T07:00:00.011-05:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, printed set of CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS mini posters, GAK 240: Jesus the Christ, coloring tools and paper, children's scissors, cookie dough and frosting.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 51 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Scripture: Are within the lesson

Opening Song: The Nativity Song (PCS #52)

Lesson:

Each year as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmastime we are surrounded by symbols. 'Symbols' are objects that remind us of something important. Today we are going to talk about the things we have around us at Christmas and how each item should remind us of the birth of our Savior.

(CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS MINI POSTERS - As you go over each symbol show accompanying poster and review included scripture)

Christmas Tree: Christmas trees are evergreen trees. They do not die in the winter, but stay green all year. This is a symbol of eternal life. Christ made it possible for us to live forever in heaven after we die.

Christmas Tree Star and lights: Stars represent the new star that appeared when Christ was born.

Candles: Jesus said that He is the light of the world. He shows us the way to go and leads us with His light.

Candy Canes: This candy is made in the shape of a shepherd’s staff. The shepherds came to see baby Jesus. Christ is known as the good shepherd.

Red, White, and Green: Christmas colors are symbols of Jesus Christ. Red represents the blood of Christ. Green represents eternal life. White represents the purity of Christ (he was perfect).

Gift Giving: Gifts represent the gifts the wise men brought to the Christ child and the gift of the Savior that Heavenly Father gave the world.

(Show GAK 240: Jesus the Christ)

We when see these symbols throughout December we should remember the true meaning of Christmas; the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bear your testimony about the joy that comes from remembering the Savior at Christmastime and the peace and joy you feel about His miraculous birth.

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the DECEMBER Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

Activity: Choose from the following activities that would best suit your family.

Find the Symbol - Move throughout your house and have children identify the symbols of Christmas present in your home. When a child finds one have them share the meaning of the symbol.

Paper Ornaments - Cut out symbols of Christmas from construction paper and have children color them and place them on the tree as ornaments.

( img src )

Treat: Christmas Cookies

If you haven't already, bake sugar cookies using cookie cutters that correspond with the symbols discussed in this lesson.

( img src )

2011 - Wk 50: Gifts for the Savior

2011-12-11T07:00:00.005-05:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, GAK 200: The Birth of Jesus, GAK 203: The Wise Men, Gifts for the Savior print out, writing utensils or coloring tools, glue stick, string, yarn or gold twine.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 50 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-2, 10-11

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen hisstar in the east, and are come to worship him.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Opening Song: With Wondering Awe (LDS Hymn #210)

Lesson:

(show GAK 200: The Birth of Jesus)

In December we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many came to see him to celebrate his birth.
Who was there?

Wise men in the east saw a new star in the sky. They knew this star meant the Messiah had been born, so they traveled to Jerusalem.

(show GAK 203: The Wise Men)

They saw a sign of His birth. A new star. The star led the wise men to young Jesus, “and when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him..."

When they came what did they bring with them?

- Gifts (or three gifts)

"...and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh”. (Matthew 2:11)

We are going to talk about these three gifts.

GOLD: Gold has always been very precious in old times and now. It's a gift fit for royalty. It showed that the Wisemen knew the Christ child would one day be a King

FRANKINCENSE: Frankincence is a sort of small rock made from resin from a tree. You can burn it and it makes a smoke in the air. People at the time of Christ's birth thought it would make you feel calm, peaceful and happy. Following the teachings of Jesus Christ can makes us feel calm, peaceful and happy. Ancient people burned frankincense, believing it would carry their prayers to heaven. We pray to Heavenly Father in Jesus' name because He is the way we can return to our Father in Heaven.

MYRRH: Myrrh is another sort of small rock made from resin from a tree. But Myrrh was believed to be healing. It was given to the sick to heal them make them feel better. Jesus heals our sorrows through His atonement. Myrrh was also used to make bodies smell good when someone passed away. As an embalming ointment it showed that He was born to Die for the world. In fact, Myrrh was one of the burial spices of Jesus. (John 19:39)

- Why do you think the Wisemen brought gifts with them? (to celebrate his birth, to show they loved him)

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ we can also give gifts to the Savior. Our gifts will not be actual presents that we buy at the store, but we can give him even more important gifts. We can give him gifts from our hearts.

Jesus Christ wants us to be happy and follow his teachings. We can give him gifts by following his teachings, being kind to others or working on something we struggle with.

(Give each child a Gift for the Savior card - CLICK HERE to download - and a pen or coloring tool)

On your card write or draw your gift (or gifts) for the Savior this holiday Season. It is private, no one else will read it. It is a special present from you to Jesus.

It can be fighting less with your family, helping mom more, being more reverent in church, stopping saying a word you know you shouldn't say. It could be reading your scriptures, remembering to pray every morning and night or thinking of Him each week when you take the sacrament. It could be sharing a Book of Mormon with a non-member friend.

Each time you see your paper on the tree remember your gift for the Savior. try your very best to do what you said you would do. Your heart will be happier this holiday season and so will his.

Bear your testimony about the birth of Christ and our opportunity to give him the gift of our obedience. Encourage your children to use this opportunity to write down something and really follow it and that they will be blessed if they do.

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the DECEMBER Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

Activity: YOUR CHOICE
Engage in a family filled Christmas activity together. Make holiday cookies, salt dough ornaments, sing carols.

Sponsor Spotlight...from LAST month!

2011-12-07T12:53:00.002-05:00

Alright, so last month was ca-raze-zay!

Very busy and that made me very scatter-brained!

So I am just now sharing my adorable necklace from

Just Be Jewelry with you.

I got the SIMPLE FAMILY NECKLACE.

You get to choose the names or phrase to put on there and I chose to go with my chidlren's nicknames. Chicken, Fifi and Coco.

Here's what it looks like.

What I love about this necklace:

- It is a good weight. You can tell it is quality and not flimsy at all.

- It is really chic.

- I love the personalization aspect.

- It comes with a chain (not many Etsy shops do that).

What I suggest when you order one:

- I would specify in what order and where you want the names. If I could re-order this I would specify that I wanted "Chicken" on the top line with a dot one each side and with "Fifi" and "Coco" on the bottom line with a dot between.

- Also I didn't realize I could choose between all caps and lowercase. The more communication you give the better!

This is their image where I like the spacing and dotting better...

SO CUTE, right?

These would make SUCH a fab Holiday gift.

Visit JUST BE JEWELRY and snag one (or two or three) today!

2011 - Wk 49: Holidays of Other Faiths

2011-12-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, menorah poster, dreidel dice game, markers for game such as beans, pennies or chocolate chips (15 for each player), coloring tools, tape or glue.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 49 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Scripture: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11).

Opening Song: Jesus Said Love Everyone (PCS #61)

Lesson:

People all over the world worship God, Jesus Christ or other religious figures differently than we do. The Prophets tell us that people of other faiths do much good and help make the world a better place. We should respect them and work with them to do good.

Around Christmastime we always think about our Christmas traditions. We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ like other believers in Christ all over the world. In our schools, friendships with others, and through media we may see people of other faiths or cultures celebrating their Holidays. You can respect others’ holidays by learning about when and why those days are celebrated. Today we are going to talk about holidays other people celebrate during December.

CHRISTMAS
Yes! We celebrate Christmas, but so do people of many other faiths. People who celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ are called Christians, but Christians can be from different churches. We are Christians because we believe in Jesus Christ, but we are also members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Other Christian faiths are Baptists, Catholics, Lutherans and many others.

Members of the Catholic church often attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The Midnight mass is a ceremony that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Kids are usually excited about attending this because most of the Churches have beautiful Nativity Scenes and an array of Christmas lights. Some Churches even have a fireworks display after the mass as a sign of celebration.

Millions of people around the world with no religion also celebrate Christmas and Christmas Eve as a time to treat others kindly, give gifts and celebrate family.

HANUKKAH
Because Jewish people do not believe in Jesus Christ they do not celebrate his birth at Christmas. But in December they celebrate Hanukkah. Many years ago there was a war in Jerusalem and the Jewish people's Temple was taken over by others. They were very sad about it and fought in the war to get their Temple back and won.

Once they had the Temple Mount in Jerusalem back, the Temple had to be rededicated (or made special again after being used by other people). The Temple was supposed to have a candle which always burned, but the candle had been blown out. They were sad to see they only had enough consecrated oil to burn for one day, but the oil miraculously lasted for eight days until new oil arrived to fuel the flame.

Today Jewish families celebrate that miracle by lighting candles oil in a special candle holder called a menorah for the eight days of Hanukkah, adding one candle each day. The menorah looks like this...

(CLICK HERE to download)

There are special prayers and songs for Hanukkah. Part of Jewish Hannukah celebrations are also special food and games. Jewish children play with a toy called a dreidel which is a spinning toy with four Hebrew letters, one on each side. The letters - shin, hey, gimel and nun - are the first four letters of the Hebrew words "A Great Miracle Happened Here." You get points depending on which letter it lands on.

Jewish families eat foods that are fried in oil at Hanukkah, since oil is such an important part of the holiday's history. In most families, this means potato latkes which are crispy potato pancakes and other fried foods. Jewish children receive presents on each of the eight days of Hannukah.

KWANZAA

Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday about the festival of the first harvest of the crops. It begins on December 26, and lasts for seven days. The name Kwanzaa, sometimes spelled Kwanza, comes from a phrase which means "first fruits" in Swahili, an East African language. Each of the seven days of the celebration is dedicated to one of seven principles. Each day one candle is lit that represents each principle.

Day 1 - Unity
Day 2 - Self-determination
Day 3 - Responsibility
Day 4 - Cooperative Economics
Day 5 - Purpose
Day 6 - Creativity
Day 7 - Faith

The last day of Kwanzaa focuses on honoring traditions and reaffirming self worth through gift giving. Gifts are often made rather than bought because Kwanzaa emphasizes creativity or "kuumba" - one of the seven principles.

BEING RESPECTFUL
You should not make fun of their beliefs, customs, or practices. Respect the religious symbols they use to celebrate and worship.

If you are invited to participate, ask politely for their suggestions about how you can do so appropriately. They may be happy to simply have you watch what they do, or they may suggest some activities you can join in on and others you should avoid. For example, if one of their religious customs is against your beliefs, such as drinking wine, you can politely decline participation, or perhaps you can drink water.

You can show respect by learning how others worship, and you can also invite others to celebrate your religious holidays with you so they can understand what you believe.

Bear your testimony about the fun that can come by learning about, participating in and respecting the beliefs of others. Share the good feelings you have when members of other faiths have done teh same for you and your beliefs.

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the DECEMBER Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

Activity: Dreidel Dice Game
(CLICK HERE to download)
- Print onto card stock
- Have chidlren color each side of dice.
- Cut out, glue or tape and play a few rounds.

2011 Christmas Devotional

2011-12-03T00:32:00.000-05:00

Don't forget! Tomorrow night (Dec 4) is the annual LDS Christmas Devotional.

The devotional begins at 6 pm MST and all members and their friends are invited to attend. The one-hour program will include a Christmas message from each member of the First Presidency, as well as music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

The program will be broadcast live to several Stake Centers around the world, radio and television stations, LDS.org and MormonChannel.org. For complete broadcast information, visit the event page.

Song of the Month: December 2011

2011-12-01T07:00:00.008-05:00

Click here to print out this lyric chart

by Emilie Ahern {that's me!}

to help children learn words and concepts.

Two Sponsor Spotlights

2011-11-29T07:00:00.004-05:00

You'll find House of Rouse to be a terrific source for memorable, unique, high quality items for those hard-to-buy-for people on your gift list. You might find a few things for yourself too!

Emilie's Picks:

I have seen cool photographs of letters made to spell names and words before, but these are photos of letter found on Temple grounds. SO COOL. I love this print which reads, "I love to see the Temple I'm going there someday".

I also love these personalized Mission t-shirts. It's the perfect gift to get for a departing missionary to wear on P-Day. My husband has a tshirt with his mission name on it and he STILL wears it...10 years later. And they even have style for Sister Missionaries. I would have totally worn this on my mission. There are quite a few colors available and have ALL missions available!

Click Here to visit House of Rouse

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Birds of Ashmae offers amazingly cool hand drawn and colored art for everyone. From LDS Temples to family portraits and everything in between. I love the modern water color styles. You HAVE to check out this shop. It's crazy cool.

Emilie's Picks:

Our current Temple is the Washington DC Temple. I love driving on the main highway and suddenly...there it is. It always takes my breath away. I would love to hang this print in my home. It's so unusual and gorgeous. Check out the shop for your favorite Temple!

And what could be more awesome than this? Personalized family portraits. Here are examples of what some look like. I am dying at the sheer coolness of it.

Click Here to visit Birds of Ashmae

2011 - Wk 48

2011-11-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's finally happened.
I had a VERY long and hard week last week.
And I did not get the lesson plans done for week 48.
Sorry friends!

The good news is you can....
1. Select any of the great lessons you have missed from this year OR from 2010.
2. Use this opportunity to pray carefully and decide which lesson your family needs. I usually start my lesson plans by first searching the Friend magazine archives here. It's a great place to start!

This week I will have a Sponsor Spotlight or two and a PART II of my 72 Hour Kit series! SO CHECK BACK!

Making an Emergency Station

2011-11-26T07:00:00.013-05:00

Today’s guest post is by Heather Lorimer. Heather writes the blog Cooking with My Food Storage. Heather is a Shelf Reliance Consultant and offers her customers up to a 45% discount on high quality emergency preparedness supplies and freeze dried food storage. Heather is the mother of 3 wonderful children and resides with amazing husband in Smithfield Utah.

Do you have an Emergency Station?

Photo courtesy of: Endless Crafting

What is an Emergency Station?

This is a designated area where you have all your Emergency items making it easy to find in an emergency.

A mini emergency station for you car.

Why have an emergency station?

In an emergency you don’t have time to sort through all your camping gear in order to find thing. When preparing for an emergency you need to assume the worst. (and then hope it never happens). When I set up my emergency station I thought about what would be the worst situation I could find myself in?

Emergency kit in an bucket by www.survivalcentral.net

For me the worst would be:

I’m home with the kids and my husband is at work or out of town. I’ll be dealing with the emergency on my own.
There will be no access to communication. No cell phone reception, no Google maps, no texting.
There would be an immediate and pressing need to evacuate. (I’ve got to say that I’ve decided I’m going to be the first to evacuate. No waiting around for the disaster to get really really bad. If things are looking bad I’m out of here.)

The second reason to have an emergency station is that when a disaster strikes if you don’t have a plan you don’t know what to do.

Super Delux Emergency Station by www.nwcprtraining.com

A few years ago my family experienced a mini disaster of our own. We had never planned for such a thing and we did not make the best decisions. By making a plan and getting your supplies organized in advance you already know what to do when a disaster happens.

Let’s take a look at my Emergency Station

My emergency station

It is located just inside the door between our garage and our house (in the garage). The area we had to work with is very small and narrow so instead of a shelf we opted to hang our 72 hour kits on the wall and stack our water below.

I also hung up all of the Emergency Documents so it would be easy to grab.

Extended Family Emergency Plan, (this is a printable blank form). If you are getting together with your family over the holidays print this out and have them each fill out their emergency plan. In a disaster you want to know what everyone is doing and how to find them.
Evacuation routes, I use my phone with google maps for navigation. In many disasters cell and data services get interrupted. I have printed off maps and directions for multiple evacuation routes and leave these by the door. If you have a GPS with built in maps, it will work is nearly every disaster. Make sure you have a map and the routes you plan on taking printed and/or pre-programmed into your GPS.
Medication, My son has asthma. We have to have his inhaler. And depending on the time of year we might need a whole slew of drugs for him. Medication is something to make sure you have. In an emergency it is difficult to contact your doctor, or pharmacy to get replacements.
Grab list, this is short list of things to grab if we have a few minutes. Often when an evacuation is ordered residents are given a time frame. Evacuate now, in half an hour, in 2 hours. On the news whenever there is a disaster and people are evacuating I always think it is odd when you see people carrying their TV. Is your TV really the most important thing you have? Probably not. The thing you want on your grab list are things that cannot be replaced that you will need and things that will make the next few days bearable.

I find it very nice to have thought through the things I want to grab so when I’m in that situation I am ready to go.

Do you know what you would take if you had to evacuate right now?

Take a look at my list and see if you can get your thoughts going about what is really important.

Financial Paper Work Binder-- This is the MOST important thing you can add to you 72 hour kits. After hurricane Katrina the extension service interview victims of the flood asking a variety of questions. One of the question was concerning what items they wished they had saved from the devastation. The interviewers were thinking people would say things like, family photos, wedding dresses, grandma's quilt. But overwhelmingly people said they wished that they had saved their financial paperwork. You can not do anything to rebuild your life unless you have your social security card, the address to your 401k, the password to your bank account, and your insurance policy. But usually these things are filed in separate files and are hard to track down.

o Extra Water--you need more water than you think. A LOT more. 1 water bottle per persons is NOT enough. I have a case of water for each person, and I still worry that it is not enough.

o My kids comfort objects

o Our emergency cash (in a lot of emergency the area reverts to a cash only economy)

o Extra clothes and Shoes—we have some clothes in our 72 hour kits but not enough to last very long.

o Address book

o Lap top (only because as part of my husband's job, he is responsible for disaster recovery for the computer systems he works on, and if we are evacuating I am sure he will need to work on the disaster recovery computer systems)

o Camera--I never have all of my photos backed up. I have most of them but there are always some new ones I haven't gotten to yet. If I have the camera I have those photos.

Momo Prints Thanksgiving Weekend Sale!

2011-11-25T01:30:00.000-05:00

BUY 2 PRINTS GET 1 FREE!

Simply add two poster to your cart.
Then in the notes to seller portion of check-out give
the size and color for the two ordered prints and add
the same information about a third print of your choice!

Hurry! This offer ends at 8pm EST on Monday, Nov. 28th!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoPrints

* * * * * * *

Check out 2 new prints featuring the
2012 PRIMARY THEME...

FOR BOYS: In assorted colors

FOR GIRLS: In assorted colors

2011 - Wk 47: Financial Responsibility

2011-11-19T07:00:00.092-05:00

What You'll Need: LDS hymnal, printed copy of the Monthly Money Game.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 47 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Quote: "Money in the lives of Latter-day Saints should be used as a means of achieving eternal happiness...God will open the windows of heaven to us in these matters if we will but live close to Him and keep His commandments". - Elder Marvin J. Ashton

Opening Song: Count Your Blessings (PCS #241, vs. 3)

Lesson:

Heavenly Father has blessed us with everything we have. Our home, our family and all of our blessings. To live as a family we have to make and use money. Heavenly Father has told us to use our money wisely so our family can be happy, healthy and prepared for emergencies.
The Prophets council us to get a good education so we can earn a living. We must work hard and do our best at all times in order to provide for our families. They have counseled us to use our money wisely. Here are some of their suggestions.

- Pay an honest tithing. We have been commanded to pay 10% of our income to the church and to also pay Fast Offerings. When we pay these things we will be blessed.

- Live on less than you earn. We should try to keep our expenses (amount of money we spend each month) to less than the amount of money we make. President N. Eldon Tanner said, "I am convinced that it is not the amount of money an individual earns that brings peace of mind as much as it is having control of his money."

- Learn to distinguish between needs and wants. Sometimes we really want something because it would be fun to have, but that doesn't mean that we need that thing. We should spend money on things we need before spending money on things we want.

- Develop and live within a budget. A budget means you write down how much money you make and how you want to spend that money. Then you must only spend the money you decided to spend and keep track of it carefully. "...successful people have learned that a budget makes real economic freedom possible." (President N. Eldon Tanner)

- Save for the future. We never know when we will need extra money. Sometimes things break or someone gets sick and we need to have some money saved to make it possible to still pay our other bills. "How blessed is he who learns to spend less than he earns and puts something away for a rainy day." (President N. Eldon Tanner)

- Stay out of debt when you can. Debt is when you borrow money to get something you need, but when you pay it back you have to pay back even more than you borrowed. The Prophets have said it's okay to use debt to buy a home or pay for college, but we should be careful not to go into debt for things we don't really need. Gordon B. Hinckley said,“Set your houses in order. If you have paid your debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about your head, you will have shelter for your wives and children and peace in your hearts”

Bear your testimony about the hard work, energy and blessings that provide your family income and the responsibility we have to use our money wisely.You may choose to include your testimony of paying an honest tithe, even when it is hard or share a time when your savings helped you in an emergency.

Church News this Week

2011-11-18T16:03:00.004-05:00

The LDS Media Library was originally launched in May of 2011, and hosted a fair selection of videos. Since its first release, the library has grown to a large collection of hundreds of videos. Earlier this week the LDS Media Library added a new section for images, with thousands of pictures divided into different categories. Here are some of the highlights of the Media Library images section:

- 2400 images for use in lessons, at home or at Church.

- Images available for download in 4 different resolutions for printing, wallpaper, mobile and tablet.

- Browse through 42 image categories.

The LDS Media Library will continue to grow with more videos, images and eventually audio and we invite you to send your own media through Create.lds.org.

Keep watching as new features are added to the library.

Huge Momo Prints sale!

2011-11-17T00:01:00.004-05:00

TODAY ONLY! Buy 1 Get 1 Half Off SALE!

Please check out as usual. Discount will be refunded via Paypal.

SALE ends THURSDAY at Midnight EST.

HERE'S WHAT'S NEW:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I am a Child of God - Royal Print with Custom Colors

CLICK HERE to buy

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2012 YM/YW Theme Print - Arise and Shine Forth print
CLICK HERE to buy

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brushstrokes by David A. Bednar

CLICK HERE to buy

Inspired Words: Preparedness

2011-11-16T07:00:00.008-05:00

( digital elements by Emily Merritt Designs )

Sponsor Spotlight & Coupon Code

2011-11-15T07:00:00.034-05:00

This cute Etsy shop sells Handmade and Custom Created pendants. Many have LDS themes. I have a six year old daughter, Ella, who has just started wanting "real jewelry". She is ready to move beyond plastic necklaces, but too young for most jewelry out there, which seems too mature for her. I know she would LOVE many of these necklaces.

My favorites are the CHILD OF GOD pendant, the Teal CTR Pendant and the Purple CTR Pendant. They are pretty stinkin' cute and are just $4/each! I got one for each of my girls for Christmas...there first "real" jewelry!

COUPON CODE:
Fairys & Flutterbys is giving readers of A YEAR OF FHE a coupon code. Use the code: FHE11 between now through November 30th to receive 15% off your total purchase.

Make sure to leave a comment here and
let me know which cute item you ordered!

2011 - Wk 46: Emergency Preparedness

2011-11-13T07:00:00.052-05:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, 9-1-1 Practice Keypad poster, two telephones, Emergency coloring page, coloring tools.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 46 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 38:30 - I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom... in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

Opening Song: Choose the Right (Hymn #239)

Lesson:

- What's an EMERGENCY? (when something bad happens that needs to be taken care of quickly)

Let's talk about some sorts of emergencies. A little fire in the house is an emergency. A bad guy coming into the house is an emergency, an unconscious family member is an emergency. Being unconscious is when you fall or get hurt and it looks like you're sleeping but can't wake up even if someone shakes you.

In all of these emergencies you need help. You can get the help you need by getting a phone, turning it on and dialing 9-1-1.

(Note to parents: Always refer to the emergency number as "nine-one-one" not "nine-eleven." In an emergency, a child may not know how to dial the number correctly because of trying to find the "eleven" button on the phone.)

A little fire in the house, an unconscious person and a bad guy in the house are all things that would require a call to 911. A skinned knee, a stolen bicycle, or a lost pet wouldn't. If ever in doubt and there's no adult around to ask, make the call. It's much better to be safe than sorry.

When you call 9-1-1 someone will pick up and be able to help you. But first they need to ask you some questions. They might ask you...

What's your emergency?
Where are you calling from? (Where do you live?)
What's your name?
Who needs help?
Is the person awake and breathing?

It's OK to be frightened in an emergency, but it's important to stay calm, speak slowly and clearly, and give as much detail to the 911 operator as possible. The operator will send firemen, police, or doctors to our house to help. You should open the door when they come and take them to the emergency.

If there is a big fire in the house you must run from the house to our neighbors (tell you children which neighbors you trust and make sure they know how to get to their house). Our neighbor will help you call 9-1-1 from their house, but it's important to get away from the fire to be safe first.

Okay, let's practice!

Use the practice keypad or a telephone to have each child just practice touching 9 then 1 then 1. Make sure they are familiar with the keys to touch before moving on to practice drills.

(get two telephones that are turned off, so they don't actually dial, and role-play with your child as themselves and you as the 911 operator)

9-1-1 PRACTICE DRILLS
(CLICK HERE to download)

Practice #1 - Mommy is carrying a basket of laundry up the stairs. She trips and falls down the stairs. When you see her laying on the floor you talk to her, but she doesn't answer you. What should you do? (call 9-1-1)

What's your emergency?
Where are you calling from? (Where do you live?)
What's your name?
Who needs help?
Is the person awake and breathing?
I'll send an ambulance right away.

Practice #2 - You smell smoke and walk into the kitchen. The toaster has a lot of smoke coming out of it and you see flames. What should you do? (Tell anyone else at home and run to a trusted neighbor's house. Then call 9-1-1)

Practice #3 - You hear a noise downstairs and see a stranger in the house. Your parents aren't home. What should you do? (call 9-1-1)

What's your emergency?
Where are you calling from? (Where do you live?)
What's your name?
Who needs help?
Is the person awake and breathing?
I'll send the police right away.

Practice #4 - You want to go bike riding with your friends and you search and search, but you can't find your bike. What should you do? (DON'T call 9-1-1. This is NOT an emergency).

When we are safe and know how to handle an emergency we can feel safe in our home.

Bear your testimony about the love that Heavenly Father has for His children. That he wants us to be safe and smart even when we are scared. Express confidence in your children that they can act well in an emergency if needed.

Delay

2011-11-12T19:06:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the delay.
The lesson for this week should be up no later than tomorrow!

72 Hour Kits - Pt. 1

2011-11-11T07:00:00.064-05:00

My name is Emilie.
And I am completely intimidated by Emergency Preparedness.
Anyone with me?

People start talking about 20 gallon cans of wheat, those weird tinfoil blankets and Bunsen burners and I freak out! It is too overwhelming.

So, since this month we are focusing on being prepared I decided it was time to take one small, tiny, baby-step towards making my family more prepared (which is about all I can handle). I did some research and will share a 3 part series with you on how I got a very very VERY basic 72 HOUR KIT kit for each family member, without breaking the bank or getting overwhelmed...I hope. I mean, how bad can preparing for three little days be, right?

Decision A: To cook or not to cook.
There are lists and great videos out there which show you what to pack in your 72 Hr. kit that includes cooked meals. This also includes packing a small burner and pellets that you light. Since I am starting from the basics I decided to opt of of cooking foods. I figure if it's just three days it doesn't need to be room service at the Hilton. More like survival. So no portable burners for me. (If you want to go that route check out this blog post/video. It is fantastic!)

Decision B: To open cans or not to open cans.
My kids are little (6 years of age and under). I decided to make my 72 Hour kits as if each member of my family were separated. So, I decided to opt out of canned goods which need can openers. Again, I'm going for basic. Nothing more.

Assignment 1: Make a Food List
Choose from these items that you think your family would actually eat. All of these items listed are shelf stable, don't require cooking and can be opened/made by a toddler.

Beverages
Tang
lemonade powder
juice boxes
capri sun

Foods
tuna (fresh pouches) + mayo packets
crackers
beef jerky
fruit roll-ups
fruit cups
applesauce cups
beanies and weenies
beef stew
dried fruits
granola bars
beef jerky (low salt)
juice boxes
protein bars
cold cereal & dried milk
raviolis/spaghetti (with pop-tops)
fruit cups
raisins
fruit roll-ups
trail mix
raw nuts
ramen (doesn't actually need to be cooked, will reconstitute with water)

Church News this Week

2011-11-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

LOVED this spot from our local news station about Mormonism in Philadelphia.
It's so nice to get support and understanding in an area outside of Utah.

Inspired Words: Family Togetherness

2011-11-09T07:00:00.017-05:00

( for sale at Momo Prints )

Sponsor Spotlight & COUPON CODE!

2011-11-08T07:00:00.003-05:00

Whether it be for daily wear, dress-up, dance class, or specialty flower girl dresses...Kadydid Designs can design and create the perfect tutu for your little one. They also offer soft and cuddly specialties for your precious bundle. From burp cloths to carrier covers to keep out germs and looky-loos; they can help you out.

Emilie's Picks:
The Petite Punkrocker (my 6 year old would DIE) and the Miss Dandy red, white and blue tutu is adorable.That's a color combo I haven't seen before. The Cherry Lotus Flower burp cloth set is making me wish Bianca was still a barfer. Seriously.

Click Here to visit Kadydid Designs

Get an exclusive 15% discount when you use the code FHE11

2011 - Wk 45: The 2nd Coming

2011-11-05T07:00:00.103-04:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, picture of the 10 Virgins, GAK 238: The Second Coming, writing tools, Fill Your Urn with Oil lesson help, salt dough (recipe below) , toothpicks.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 45 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Quote: Keith B. McMullin - "Our duty as Latter-day Saints is to prepare ourselves, this earth, and its inhabitants for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Being prepared and being strong as the gospel teaches ensures happiness..."

Opening Song: When He Comes Again (PCS #82)

Lesson:

When Jesus died and was resurrected, He promised that He would come again. Jesus could not tell us when He would come, but the scriptures tell us that it will be a glorious event. It will be a heavenly, happy time for us if we are prepared to meet Him.

Because Jesus wanted us to know how important it is to be prepared, He told us a parable, or story. It is called the parable of the ten virgins, and it is recorded in Matthew 25:1–13.

There were ten young women, or virgins, who were invited to a wedding supper. They had to wait for the bridegroom to let them in, but none of them knew when he would come to open the door.

The young women brought oil-burning lamps to give light so that they could see. Five of them were wise and not only filled their lamps with oil but also brought extra oil so that their lamps would burn for a long time. The other five young women were foolish. They did not bring enough oil.

(show picture of the 10 Virgins)
( CLICK HERE to download )

Before the bridegroom finally came, the oil in all the lamps had burned away. The five wise women put their extra oil in their lamps and lit them. The five foolish women had to leave to buy more oil. By the time they returned, the bridegroom had opened the door, let the wise young women in, and closed the door again. So the five foolish young women could not go in to the wedding with the bridegroom.

Jesus is like the bridegroom. We do not know when He will come again. But if we prepare like the five wise women in the parable, we will be ready and happy to meet Him when He comes.

The best way we can prepare for the Savior’s coming is to accept the teachings of the gospel and make them part of our lives. We should live each day the best we can, just as Jesus taught when He was on the earth. We can look to the prophet for guidance and follow his counsel. We can live worthy to have the Holy Ghost guide us.

Lesson Aid: Fill your Urn with Extra Oil
(CLICK HERE to download - instructions included)

When we are doing our best to obey the Lord's commandments we will look forward to the Savior’s coming with happiness and not with fear.

( show GAK 238: The Second Coming )

Bear your testimony about preparing spiritually for the Second Coming. Emphasize how wonderful it will be if we have been faithful and try our best. Share the confidence you feel when you obey the commandments.

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the NOVEMBER Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

Activity: Clay Lamps

This is what lamps in the time of Jesus looked like. Create your own lamp with salt dough.

Salt Dough Recipe:
1 cup of regular table salt
1 cup of flour
1/2 cup of water (may add more)

- In a large bowl, combine the salt and the flour
- Make a well in the salt/flour mixture and add the water
- Knead until smooth and shape into a ball

* Dough may be made a day or two in advance. When not in use, wrap well in plastic or store in an airtight container.

Instructions:
- Have children create their own small lamp. Try not to let these get too thick or they will take too long to dry.
- After basic lamp shape is made, let children use a toothpick to create designs in their lamps.
- Place on cookie sheet and bake at 200* until completely dry. This may take a few hours. The next morning kids will have dried lamps of their very own.

Church News this Week

2011-11-03T09:13:00.001-04:00

Instead of traditional Church News this week I am sharing a cool "I'm a Mormon" video featuring the lead singer of The Killers, and active LDS member, Brandon Flowers.

Enjoy!
And be sure to share this cool video with your non-lds friends!

Inspired Words: The 2nd Coming

2011-11-02T07:00:00.006-04:00

( digital elements by Emily Merritt Designs )

Song of the Month: November 2011

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Click here to print out this lyric chart

by Emilie Ahern {that's me!}

to help children learn words and concepts.

2011 - Wk 44: Endure to the End

2011-10-29T07:00:00.184-04:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, GAK 125: Esther, GAK 303: Nephi Subdues His Rebellious Brothers, GAK 227: Jesus Praying in Gethsemane, backpack or other strong bag, small-medium sized rocks, slips of paper and writing tools, Butterfly poem/coloring page and coloring tools, sugar cookie dough, mini M&M candies.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 44 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Quote: "Sometime in the eternities to come, we will see that our trials were calculated to cause us to turn to our Heavenly Father for strength and support. Any affliction or suffering we are called upon to bear may be directed to give us experience, refinement, and perfection."
--Delbert L. Stapley

Opening Song: I am a Child of God - 1st and 4th Verse (PCS #2)

4. I am a child of God.
His promises are sure;
Celestial glory shall be mine
If I can but endure.

Lesson:

STORY: Becoming a Butterfly

Once there were students in a science class. They had a caterpillar and watched it make a cocoon. They knew it would enter the cocoon, stay inside for a while and when it came out it would be a beautiful butterfly. The caterpillar stayed inside the cocoon for months and finally, one day, it began to come out. The students watched the butterfly struggle. It was having a hard time getting out of its cocoon.

The science students felt bad and decided to help the poor little butterfly. Very carefully they took small scissors and cut the opening in the cocoon wider so it would be easy for the new butterfly to get out. They watched and waited. When the butterfly came out it tried to open its wings...it couldn't. When it tried to fly away it wasn't strong enough.

The science teacher explained to the students that butterflies struggling to get out of the cocoon helps build it's wings and make them strong. it needs to fight and work and struggle in order to be strong enough to one day fly.

Heavenly Father sent us to earth to learn and to grow. One of the ways that we grow and learn to depend on Heavenly Father is through trials and difficulties. In our lives sometimes bad things happen to good people.

(show GAK 125: Esther)

- Who is this? (Esther)
- What are some trials that this person suffered? (She was afraid that ehr people would be destroyed. She was afraid that she would lose her life if she tried to speak to the King to save them.
- How did she overcome her trial? By having her people pray for her so the Lord would help her.

(show GAK 303: Nephi Subdues His Rebellious Brothers)

- Who is this? (Nephi and his brothers)
- What are some trials that this person suffered? (He was mocked and hurt by his brothers.)

- How did he overcome his trial? (He prayed to Heavenly Father for strength and was protected.)

(show GAK 227: Jesus Praying in Gethsemane)

- Who is this? (Jesus Christ)
- What are some trials that this person suffered? (He was rejected and mocked. Suffering and dying for our sins.)

- How did he overcome his trial? (He said he would do whatever God wanted him to do, even when it was hard.)

- Who helped each of these people overcome their trials?

Bad things happen to each of us. Every person on the earth has trials and sorrows. Sometimes we are sad or sick or scared. When bad things happen to us it can feel like a weight is being put on our shoulders.

OBJECT LESSON

Give the children a piece of paper and a pencil, and ask them to write a trial or challenge that children face today. They might write something like “Sometimes school seems hard,” “I get sick,” or “Sometimes I am sad.” (Younger children can draw pictures of the trials.) As the children share the trial, have them wrap the paper around a small rock and place it in the backpack. Pass the backpack to some of the children. Discuss ways Heavenly Father helps them with their trials. With each suggestion, remove several rocks. Pass the backpack again. Jesus will always help us and comfort us when we face challenges.

In the scriptures the Lord tells us how he can help us over through our trials. In Mosiah 24:15 it says, ‘And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon [them] 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.’

Just like the caterpillar needing to work through something very hard and painful to make it strong enough to fly, we too can work through our trials and become stronger if we depend upon the Lord.

Bear your testimony about times when trials have made you stronger and how the Lord lightened your burden. Give specific examples and encourage children to speak with the Lord in prayer about their trials..

- Make sugar cookie dough (or use store bought).
- Use a cookie cutter to make butterfly shaped cookies.
- Have each child decorate a cookie with mini M&Ms to make Butterfly markings.
- Bake per recipe instructions.
- Cool and eat.

Church News this Week

2011-10-27T07:00:00.003-04:00

LDS Music is a new app for music of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Browse and search Hymns and Children's Songbook, read the words and sheet music and listen to accompaniments.

This new app currently has content in English, but will soon have music in Spanish, Portuguese and French.

Additional music will be added soon, including Seminary video soundtracks and Young Women's camp songs. Download the app for the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch here.

Inspired Words: Scripture Memorization

2011-10-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

"To memorize a scripture
is to forge a new friendship."

( Richard G. Scott )

Sponsor Spotlight & Coupon Code

2011-10-25T07:00:00.005-04:00

LDS Vinyl Decals creates Vinyl Wall Art, Wall Words, and Sayings for LDS Homes, Cars, Church, and Crafts.

Their vinyl wall art, wall words, lettering, and sayings are pre-spaced and ready to be applied to any clean smooth surface including wood, walls, mirrors, and windows. They have tons of colors to choose from which means you can match any decor you choose.

Emilie's Picks:
Of course the Family Home Evening Job Charts. I also love the We Believe decal. It's so modern and fresh. And the Lead Me Guide Me decal is so cute for a kids room.

Click Here to visit LDS Vinyl Decals
and don't forget to use COUPON CODE FHE20
for 20% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE!

NEW in the Momo Prints shop!

2011-10-23T15:15:00.000-04:00

I am a Child of God - Royal Print with Custom Colors

CLICK HERE to buy

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2012 YM/YW Theme Print - Arise and Shine Forth print
CLICK HERE to buy

2011 - Wk 43: The Holy Ghost

2011-10-22T07:00:00.127-04:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, Holy Ghost Poster, GAK 234: Jesus Shows His Wounds, a familiar object and a bag to put it in, Holy Ghost coloring page, coloring tools.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 43 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Scripture: “...the Holy Ghost is the [way] God and his Son, Jesus Christ, communicate with men [and women] upon the earth.” ( Elder LeGrand Richards )

Opening Song: The Holy Ghost - (PCS #105)

Lesson:

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. But Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have a body you can feel. The Holy Ghost is a Spirit. He has no body. He helps us in many ways. The Holy Ghost has three main jobs.

(show Holy Ghost Poster. CLICK HERE to download. Reference it throughout the lesson)

1. THE HOLY GHOST COMFORTS US

- When you are hurt or sad, how does your mother or father comfort you and make you feel better?

(show GAK 234: Jesus Shows His Wounds)

Jesus knew that the disciples, his helpers, would be sad when he died, so he told them that he would ask Heavenly Father to send a comforter to help them not feel so bad (see John 14:16–17).

This comforter is the Holy Ghost, and he can comfort us, too. When we are sad or upset, Heavenly Father will help us by sending the Holy Ghost to comfort us.

2. THE HOLY GHOST HELPS US CHOOSE THE RIGHT

Read aloud 2 Ne. 32:5 - If ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.

The Holy Ghost loves us and helps us choose the right. The Holy Ghost helps us know the difference between right and wrong by giving us a good, warm feeling when we do something right and a sad feeling when we do something wrong.

Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Seventy told a story of when he was a little boy and how the Holy Ghost helped him know what was right and wrong...

In my kindergarten class we had a box of toys, and during playtime we could choose a toy to play with. The most treasured of all the toys was a carved wooden train with wooden wheels and a caboose. All the children in my class always wanted to play with the train and caboose.

One day I thought of a way I could play with that caboose without sharing with the other children. I slipped the caboose into my lunch pail and took it home with me. As I did that, I felt bad inside. At age five, I knew I was doing something wrong.

At home, I hid in the corner of our hall closet to play with the little caboose. I did this for a few days. Then one day my mom opened the closet door and saw me playing with the caboose. She asked me about it, and I told her. She and my father then began to teach me. They helped me understand that I felt bad because I had done something wrong. The Holy Ghost was prompting me to do the right thing. They told me that I needed to return the caboose.

Mom walked with me back to school, and watched me as I said sorry to the teacher and gave her the caboose. The teacher told me the consequences, and for the next few days I did not get to play with the toys. But even with the discipline, I felt good inside.

- What did Elder Cardon do that was wrong?
- How did he feel inside when he made a bad choice?
- After Elder Cardon took the caboose back how did he feel?

( Have the children share times when they have felt a good, warm feeling because they have made a right choice or helped someone. Help them recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost )

3. THE HOLY GHOST HELPS US KNOW WHEN SOMETHING IS TRUE

(Show the children a bag with an object in it. Tell the children that there is something in the bag, but do not show them the object)

- Is there something in this bag?

Explain that even though the children cannot see the object in the bag, they know it is there because you told them it was there. Even though few people ever see Heavenly Father and Jesus, the Holy Ghost can help us know that Heavenly Father and Jesus are real and that they love us. Explain that this knowledge is called a testimony. Sometimes people bear their testimonies in Church meetings and tell us that they know that Jesus lives. The Holy Ghost has helped them know this is true.

Bear your testimony about times in your life when you have heard and followed the Spirit's promptings and the blessings that came from it. Share how the Spirit feels when it speaks to your heart.

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the OCTOBER Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

Activity: Choose from the following activities as they best suit your family.

LISTEN, LISTEN GAME
- Designate one person and "IT" and another as the "HELPER".
- Choose a small object to hide. Have the person who is "it" leave the room. The helper then hides the object.
- Have you "it" person come back into room and put on loud music, turn on the television and have two family members pretend to have an argument.
- The helper whispers direction to find the hidden object. Ask family members why the "it" person can't get help from the "Helper".
- One by one turn down the distractions. Continue to whisper clues on the object's location until the "it" person finds it.
- Discuss the distractions that sometime hinder us from hearing the Spirit whisper to us.

COLORING PAGE
(CLICK HERE to download)

Inspired Words: Divine Worth

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Compared to God, man is nothing;

yet we are everything to God.

( Dieter F. Uchtdorf )

Sponsor Spotlight

2011-10-18T07:00:00.002-04:00

Emily Merritt Designs creates adorable products for digital scrapbookers and crafters. Her products are funky, bold and whimsical. With bright colors and cute, hand-drawn illustrations you will find something that will make your projects pop!

Emilie's Picks:
I cannot wait to get my hands on the Strawberry Fields line for digital scrapbook pages about my 3 girls. For either gender I am in love with the You Are My Sunshine line. And I love, love, double-love the Bubble Wrap Stamps. I own them and they are fan-tastic!

Click Here to visit Emily Merritt Designs

2011 - Wk 42: The Plan of Salvation

2011-10-15T07:00:00.171-04:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, Plan of Salvation Cut-Outs, GAK 240: Jesus the Christ, coloring page, coloring tools.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 42 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Scripture: Moses 1:39 - For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Opening Song: I Am a Child of God (PCS#2)

Lesson:

Note: Start by downloading a Plan of Salvation Cut Out pdf file. You only need to print the page of the chart you intend to use. Print onto card stock. Cut out all pieces and become familiar with the layout. I recommend practicing a few times before FHE.

Heavenly Father made a plan for our lives. This plan included before we lived on earth and what will happen after we die.

- Before we were born where did we live? (with Heavenly Father)

(Lay down Pre-Mortal Life piece. Put grey child there to symbolize our spirit body)

We lived with heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We were God's spirits without bodies.

(Lay down Birth piece)

When we were born we left Heavenly Father's presence and came to earth as a baby and got a physical body.

(Lay down Earth piece. Lay colored child piece on top of grey piece to show spirit and body joining.)

On earth we would learn the difference between right and wrong and choose for ourselves what we would do. Our Heavenly Father knew that we would make mistakes. But he would send Jesus Christ to help us.

After we die our body stays on earth.

(Lay down Red arrow with tomb. Leave colored child's piece there. Lay down Spirit World piece)

Our Spirit goes to a place with all the other spirits who have passed away.

(Lay down grey child piece)

If we know about Jesus Christ we go to Spirit Paradise. Others who have not heard about Jesus Christ while they were on earth get to learn about Him.

After we live in the Spirit World, we get judged. At this time we are resurrected and our physical bodies and spirit bodies come together again, but now our physical body is perfect.

(Lay colored child piece on top of spirit again.)

Heavenly Father knows our hearts and the decisions we made while one earth. We go to one of three Kingdoms.

(Lay down three kingdoms and arrows)

The very best place to go is the Celestial Kingdom. There we can live with Heavenly Father and our families. It's goodness is like the brightness of the sun.

The next place is the Terrestrial Kingdom. It's goodness is like the brightness of the moon. It's not as good as going to the Celestial Kingdom.

The third place we can go is the Telestial Kingdom. It's goodness is like the brightness of the stars. People in the Kingdom are sad because they don't get to see Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ every day like those in the Celestial Kingdom.

If we obey the commandments as best we can and follow Jesus Christ and his teachings, we can become baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, attend the Temple and live with Heavenly Father again in the Celestial Kingdom and be happy forever. And that is what Heavenly Father wants for each of His children.

God has given us families, scriptures, the gospel and Prophets to help us. These things teach us how to return to Him. We have Family Home Evening because we want our entire family to be able to live together in the Celestial Kingdom some day.

(Show GAK 240: Jesus the Christ)

Heavenly Father knows we will make mistakes so He sent Jesus Christ to help us repent when we make wrong decisions. If we do our best, we can live with Heavenly Father again someday.

Bear your testimony about the plan of salvation and your desire to live with heavenly Father someday with your entire family.Bear testimony that Jesus Christ made it possible by being our Savior.

I AM A CHILD OF GOD ACTION POEM
I am a Child of God (make arm actions like rocking a baby)
And He has sent me here (point towards the sky - then down to the ground)
Had given me an earthly home (make hands into a roof shape like a housetop)
With parents kind and dear (clasp arms over chest like a hug)
Lead me (hold out right hand palm up)
Guide me (hold out left hand palm up)
Walk beside me (make walking motions with arms)
Help me find the way (put hand over brow as if searching for something)
Teach me all (hold hands in front of you like an open book)
That I must do (point to chest with thumb)
To live with Him someday (point towards Heaven)

Church News this Week

2011-10-14T12:41:00.000-04:00

A new section on LDS.org now gives you access to several other addresses by Church leaders.

This section can be found under Menu > Study > Other Addresses.

In this section you will find CES Devotionals, General Conference, Relief Society Meetings, Young Women Meetings, First Presidency Devotionals, Worldwide Leadership Training and other broadcasts (other addresses given by members of the Quorum of the Twelve and First Presidency). Use the language selector to choose another language.

I looked around and was very excited to see a pdf of the Funeral Services for Gordon B. Hinckley, which I have never read. Another really cool part is past Young Women broadcasts and Young Adult devotional talks.

Go check it out. It's a very cool new resource.

Inspired Words: The Scriptures

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

"[The Scriptures] are always available when needed. Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost. Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world."

( Richard G. Scott )

Sponsor Spotlight

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

Click Here to visit Kadydid Designs

2011 - Wk 41: Faith

2011-10-08T07:00:00.154-04:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, GAK 240: Jesus the Christ, GAK 213: Christ Healing a Blind Man, plastic cups, scotch tape, planting soil, popsicle sticks, sunflower seeds, printed faith plant labels.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 41 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Scripture: Ether 12:6 - And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after thetrial of your faith.

Opening Song: Faith (PCS #96)

Lesson:

(Think of a location that you have been to that your children have not. Places that excite kids are best. Disneyland, New York City, Disneyworld, etc. I will use Disneyland as an example.)

- Have you ever been to Disneyland?
- If not, then how do you know it really exists? (others who have been there have told them about it).

(Tell your chidlren about Disneyland. What you did, what it looks like, etc.)

- But how do you know it's real if just others tell you and you haven't seen it for yourself?

Today we are talking about FAITH. Faith means believing in something or someone that you have never seen yourself, but you believe anyway.

(show GAK 240: Jesus the Christ)

- Who is this? (Jesus Christ)
- Do you have a memory of meeting Jesus face to face? (no)
- Then how do you know he is real? (other people who did meet him testify)

(Hold up a set of scriptures.)

The scriptures are filled with stories about Jesus Christ. These stories are told be people who knew him. Just like I have been to Disneyland and told you about it so you can believe to, these righteous Prophets tell us about Jesus Christ. When we hear their words we can choose to believe them, even though we have not seen Jesus ourselves that we can remember. This belief is called faith.

In the Bible we learn about a man named Bartimaeus. He had never seen or met Jesus.

(show GAK 213: Christ Healing a Blind Man)

One day he heard that Jesus was coming, he cried out for Jesus to have mercy on him. Many people told Bartimaeus not to bother Jesus and to be quiet. But Jesus heard Bartimaeus and asked to have Bartimaeus brought to him. Bartimaeus asked Jesus to heal him so that he could see. I am going to read a scripture that tells what happened.

And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. (Mark 10:52)

- What happened to Bartimaeus? (Jesus healed him. Bartimaeus could see.)

Jesus said that Bartimaeus was healed because he had faith. Bartimaeus believed that Jesus could heal him.

- What does the story of Bartimaeus help us know about Jesus? (Jesus loves us and will help us if we have faith in him.)

Prophets today also testify of Jesus Christ. We can read their testimonies in church magazines and hear them during General Conference. We have a special helper who can help us know what is true. The Holy Ghost sends feelings to our hearts to tell us what is true. He will tell our hearts that Jesus Christ is real. That he loves us and that he died for us.

Bear your testimony about the power of faith. Share with your children how your faith in Jesus Christ has effected your life, changed your heart and given you hope.Share your testimony of Jesus Christ.

Faith is knowing the sun will rise, (arms form a half-circle over head)
lighting each new day. (arms slowly drop to shoulder level)
Faith is knowing the Lord will hear (cup hands behind ears)
my prayers each time I pray. (hands together as in prayer)
Faith is like a little seed: (cup left hand and imitate planting a seed with right hand)
If planted, it will grow. (right hand imitates a plant growing from the cupped left hand)
Faith is a swelling within my heart. (place hands over heart)
When I do right, (point right index finger upward)
I know. (touch right index finger to head)

GROWING SEEDS OF FAITH
 
You can plant a seed, but it needs water, food and light to grow. we must take care of it for it to become strong.  Faith is like a seed. We can plant it by believing in Jesus Christ, but we must then feed it by reading the scriptures, attending church and choosing the right.  Then our faith can grow.

- Fill each cup 2/3 full of planting soil.
- Put 2-3 sunflower seeds in each pot, pushing down 1/2 inch into soil.
- Moisten dirt with water.
- Print sheet of labels onto card stock. (click here to download)
- Have children color the label for their plant.
- Use scotch tape to adhere labels onto front of cup OR use scotch tape to adhere label to a popsicle stick and stick into soil.
- Set in sunny place. Seeds should sprout within 4-6 days.

Church News this Week

2011-10-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

A new website dedicated to Youth and Family History is now available.

Elder David A. Bednar mentioned this site during his General Conference address. He said, “I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah.” An introductory video is also available through this new website. Currently this site is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

* * * * * * *

A brand new MORMON MESSAGE called “Opportunities to do Good” is now available here. You can also read, watch, or listen to President Henry B. Eyring's April 2011 conference message “Opportunities to Do Good,” which is excerpted in this video.

Watch it today and get your weekend started off right. It made me love my family more fully, desire to serve others and thank Heavenly Father for my many blessings. It is beautiful.

Inspired Words: from Oct 2011 General Conference

2011-10-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

"We must not only say our prayers; we must live them."

( J. Devn Cornish )

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"While we do not know all the answers, we do know important principles that allow us to face tragedies with faith and confidence that there is a bright future planned for each of us."

( Quentin L. Cook )

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"May heaven's blessings be with you. May your homes be filled with harmony and love. May you constantly nourish your testimonies, that they may be a protection for you against the adversary."

( Thomas S. Monson )

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"My brothers and sisters, I declare to you, however, that there is nothing which can bring more joy into our lives or more peace to our souls than the spirit which can come to us as we follow the Savior and keep the commandments."

( Thomas S. Monson )

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"It may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe. At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten. But always remember - you matter to Him!"

( Dieter F. Uchtdorf )

Special Edition CTR Pendants

2011-10-04T17:04:00.001-04:00

My sponsor from September and I have collaborated on a new CTR pendant that is now for sale in the Fairys and Flutterbys Etsy shop!

The Teal CTR Pendant and the Purple CTR Pendant are
pretty stinkin' cute and are just $4/each!

I got one for each of my girls for Christmas...there first "real" jewelry!

Snag yours here.

2011 - Wk 40: The Sacrament

2011-10-01T07:00:00.179-04:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, GAK 608: Christ and Children from around the World, GAK 225: The Last Supper, GAK 316: Jesus Teaching in the Western Hemisphere, Sacrament Rules Poster, Sacrament Coloring page, coloring tools.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 40 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Scripture: 3 Nephi 18:10 - Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you.

Song: To Think About Jesus (PCS #71)

Lesson:

(show GAK 608: Christ and Children from around the World)

Jesus is the son of Heavenly Father. Because Jesus loves us so much, he came to earth to be our Savior. He healed the sick, taught the gospel, and showed the right way to live. He suffered for our sins so we could repent and live with Heavenly Father again.

(show GAK 225: The Last Supper)

Before Jesus died he gathered his Apostles around him. Jesus gave them the very first sacrament at this time. He blessed bread and gave it to the Apostles, telling them to eat in remembrance of His body. Then He passed the cup, telling them to drink and saying that this was in remembrance of His blood.

(show GAK 316: Jesus Teaching in the Western Hemisphere)

After his death and resurrection Jesus visited the Nephites on the American Continent.  Jesus taught the Nephites about the sacrament.  He talks about using bread and wine, but today we use water instead of the juice they called wine in those days.  

In 3 Nephi 18: 3-4, 7 it says, "And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and commanded that they should eat. And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude. And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you."

So the Jesus said a prayer over the bread, gave it to the church members there and asked them to eat it and remember his body.

The story continues in 3 Nephi 18: 8-9 where it says "And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine (or water) of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.  And  it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled;  and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were  filled."

After the bread Jesus said a prayer over the water, gave it to the church members there and asked them to eat it and remember his blood.

- Whom were the Apostles supposed to think of when they took the sacrament?
- Whom were the Nephites supposed to think of when they took the sacrament?
- Whom should we think of when we take the sacrament?

Because Jesus gave us the sacrament to help us remember him, it is important to think about Jesus and to help others think about him, too. We can do this by being reverent during the sacrament. Here are some rules to help you be reverent during the passing of the sacrament...

(show Sacrament Rules Poster - CLICK HERE to download)

1. We get ready for the sacrament by singing a reverent hymn that reminds us of Jesus.
2. We listen carefully as the prayer to bless the bread is said.
3. When the bread is passed to us, we take only one piece.
4. We listen carefully as the prayer to bless the water is said.
5. We reverently drink the water and put the cup back in the tray.
6. We never play with the bread or the sacrament cups.

Bear your testimony about how grateful you are to have the sacrament to help us remember Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. Explain that you are especially grateful when everyone is reverent during the sacrament so you can concentrate on thinking about Jesus.

I’ll fold my arms (fold arms),

I’ll bow my head (bow head),

And quiet, quiet be (whisper this line).

As the sacrament is blessed,

I will remember Thee.

SACRAMENT COLORING PAGE
Click HERE to download.

MAKE SACRAMENT MTG. ACTIVITY BOOKS
- download Gospel ABC's book here. Print and prepare for next Sacrament Mtg.
- download a few LDS coloring pages from this list. Print and staple along left edge to make coloring book for Sacrament Mtg.

Conference: No Ordinary Blessing

2011-10-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year and our family is still getting prepped.

- Printing off activities for the kids from this list.

- Gathering the ingredients for our family Conference tradition: Monkey Buns. Yum.

- Bookmarking the url for easy streaming on the computer.

- And preparing mentally and spiritually by embracing some of these steps.

DON'T FORGET TO PARTICIPATE

For times of the conference go here.

To watch go here.

To listen go here.

To learn more about General Conference go here.

Song of the Month: October 2011

2011-09-30T07:00:00.011-04:00

Click here to print out this lyric chart

by Emilie Ahern {that's me!}

to help children learn words and concepts.

Freebie: Mormon Sidebar Buttons

2011-09-28T07:00:00.009-04:00

- Choose the color you like.
- Highlight and copy and the code in the box below your chosen button.
- In blogger click on “Layout”.
- Click on the “Page Elements” tab.
- Click on “Add a Gadget”.
- Scroll until you find the “HTML” option and click the plus sign button.
- Type a title into the Title field.
- Paste code into box
- Click “Save”.

Note: Buttons take readers to MORMON.ORG

Inspired Words: Family Home Evenings

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

"Well-planned family home evenings can be a source of long-lasting joy and influence. These evenings are times for group activity, for organizing, for the expressions of love, for the bearing of testimony, for learning gospel principles, for family fun and recreation, and of all things, for family unity and solidarity."

- Joseph Fielding Smith

15 Fabulous General Conference Activities - Oct. 2011

2011-09-27T07:30:00.001-04:00

01. General Conference Kits by Gluesticks
02. Nursery-Age Conference Packet via Suger Doodle

03. Junior-Primary-Age Conference Packet via Sugar Doodle
04. Senior-Primary-Age Conference Packet via Sugar Doodle
05. Gospel ABC's Quiet Book by A Year of FHE
06. General Conference Bingo via lds.org (with 7 different cards)
07. General Conference Journal (for young kids) by Somewhat Simple
08. Draw the Speaker Coloring Page by A Year of FHE

09. General Conference Treat Buckets by Brown Paper Packages
10. Kids Conference Store by A Mama B's
11. 12 Apostles Memory Game by A Year of FHE
12. Conference Jenga by Little LDS Ideas
13. Conference Question Jar by Prepared Not Scared
14. General Conference Notebook via lds.org
15. Children's Friend Coloring Pages Book by A Year of FHE

Give-Away Winner & Coupon Code

2011-09-27T07:00:00.003-04:00

The winner of the Fairys & Flutterbys giveaway is...

COUPON CODE:

Fairys & Flutterbys is giving readers of A YEAR OF FHE a coupon code.

- Use the code: FHESept25 between now through September 30th to receive 25% off your total purchase. Yeah. You read that right. A totally cute pendant for just $3. I'm off to order two or three right now!

Free Printable: You Are Not Forgotten

2011-09-26T10:21:00.003-04:00

I was so inspired by the recent Relief Society Conference.
President Uchtdorf always inspires me and his talk was wonderful, as always.
I decided to offer up a free printable with a quote from his talk.

CLICK HERE to download.

It is sized at 8x10". Enjoy!

If you missed this year's Relief Society General Meeting CLICK HERE to read, listen or watch online.

Oh, and when you watch the intro you WILL be impressed.
LDS HQ is stepping up their multi-media transitions!

2011 - Wk 39: Pres. Thomas S. Monson

2011-09-24T07:00:00.157-04:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, First Presidency Photo (download here), Life Pictures of Thomas S. Monson (download here), printed coloring page (download here), President Monson Fishing Game (download here), coloring tools, yarn or string, paper clips, small magnet and yardstick or other pole-like object.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 39 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Quote: “It is in the home that we form our attitudes, our deeply held beliefs. It is in the home that hope is fostered or destroyed. Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places where God’s Spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells.” -Thomas S. Monson

Opening Song: We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet (LDS Hymn #19)

Lesson:

(show picture of First Presidency)

This month we have learned about members of our first Presidency.

- Who is this? (point to Henry B. Eyring) What is something we learned about him?
- Who is this? (point to Dieter F. Uchtdorf) What is something we learned about him?
- Who is left to learn about? (point to Thomas S. Monson) Does anyone already know who this is?

Thomas S. (the S stands for Spencer) Monson was born in 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He had 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

(show Life Pictures of Thomas S. Monson)

When Thomas was little he lived on a large piece of land with his Grandparents in one house, each of his aunts and uncles in different houses and his own family in their own house. That means he grew up with his entire extended family living together. His childhood was filled with family get-togethers, trips to Vivian Park and fishing on the Provo River.

When Thomas S. Monson was a teenager he was swimming in the Provo River, and saw a crowd of vacationers shouting frantically that a member of their party had fallen into the river and was likely to drown in the whirlpools toward which she was being swept. At just that moment, she thrashed her way into Thomas Monson's view. He swam to her side, took her in tow, and made his way to the bank. he saved her from drowning.

Even with all of the fun and family nearby, Thomas' family was poor. Even though they didn't have lots of things, he still wanted to help others. A family of one of his friends was only eating cereal (moistened with hot water rather than milk) for a Christmas dinner, he gave them his two prize rabbits for them to eat for their Christmas dinner.

When he got older he still cared for other people and took care of them. When he was a Bishop he took a week of his personal vacation time every Christmas season to visit all of those eighty-five widows in his ward. Years have passed since he was the Bishop there, but President Monson has taken a gift and visited every one of those widows every Christmas for as long as each has lived.

Tom met a beautiful girl named Frances and the two were married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and eternity on 7 October 1948. They had three children. When there children were a bit older President and Sister Monson served a mission in Canada.

President Monson was a businessman and worked for newspapers like the Deseret News and later the Deseret Press. President Monson is also the president and chairman of the board of the Deseret News. He loves to read and his talks in conference are always filled with beautiful poems and stories from good books.

President Monson has always loved fishing and often took his children with him on fun fishing trips. His son remembers a time when his father stopped in the middle of fishing to kneel in their boat and say a prayer for a family member.

In 2008 Thomas S. Monson became the 16th and current President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bear your testimony about Heavenly Father calling righteous and good men to be his Prophets on the earth today. Share a favorite quote or talk from President Monson and how it impacted your life.

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the SEPTEMBER Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

Activity: Choose from the following activities as they best suit your family...

PRES. MONSON FISHING GAME

- Download and print page one of fishing game.
- Reload same paper to print on back. Print second page.
- Cut along grey cut lines.
- Attach paper clip to the mouth of each fish.
- Tie string to yardstick and adhere magnet to bottom of string to create a fishing pole.
- Place fish on floor, fish side up. Have children use pole and magnet to catch a fish by the paper clip. Turn card over and read the question on the back. Have entire family guess answers to the question until correct answer is guessed.
- You may choose to keep score or not.

COLORING PAGE
*Illustrated by Apryl Scott

Momo Prints Give-away!

2011-09-23T18:11:00.006-04:00

Today I am hosting a Give-away on the blog I Heart Crafty Things.Click here for all the details and you could WIN a custom Birth Announcement Poster like this...

These posters can also be customized for a Wedding or Anniversary.Hurry on over to enter and Good Luck!

Church News this Week: part 2

2011-09-23T07:00:00.003-04:00

Articles of Faith: The Articles of Faith flyer has been redesigned. This new version matches more closely other similar documents, such as The Family: A Proclamation to the World and The Living Christ. I have attached a low resolution PDF of the new version. A printed copy can be purchased through the Online Store.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

One in a Million: One in a Million is a new series of videos made by the church to profile some of the one million primary children in the church world wide. This is a very fun resource for kids to feel special and like they are an important part of the worldwide church.

The first 10 One in a Million videos have been published in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. The messages show testimonies from children all over the world.

Note: Children's profiles from countries in non-English speaking countries are captioned, but not translated. So children too young to read cannot understand the voice-overs.

Sponsor Discount & Give-away! CLOSED

2011-09-22T07:00:00.007-04:00

My wonderful sponsor for September is...

This cute Etsy shop sells Handmade and Custom Created pendants. Many have LDS themes. I have a six year old daughter, Ella, who has just started wanting "real jewelry". She is ready to move beyond plastic necklaces, but too young for most jewelry out there, which seems too mature for her. I know she would LOVE many of these necklaces. But especially the CHILD OF GOD pendant and the CTR pendant...both pictured below.

My favorite part? (well besides the wonderful messages of course)

The price. Just $4 per pendant. Awesome!

And now for the fun part...

GIVE-AWAY:
Fairys & Flutterbys is giving one winner a pendant of their choice. Here's how to enter.

- Visit the Fairys & Flutterbys Etsy shop by clicking here.
- Leave a comment on this post telling which pendant you would like to win.
- You MUST include your email address in your comment so we can contact you.
- You may only comment once and your comment must be posted by this ~~Sunday, Sept 25 at 10pm EST.~~ THIS GIVE-AWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
- Winner will be announced here on Monday.

COUPON CODE:
Fairys & Flutterbys is giving readers of A YEAR OF FHE a coupon code.

- Use the code: FHESept25 between now through September 30th to receive 25% off your total purchase.
- Yeah. You read that right. A totally cute pendant for just $3. I'm off to order two or three right now!

Church News this Week: part 1

2011-09-21T07:00:00.012-04:00

LOTS of fun new releases from Church headquarters this past week to share.

Book of Mormon Stories:
Remember these big soft books from your childhood? I do. They now have updated videos to go along with them. I previewed the videos and my kids will LOVE them. Check it out...

The Book of Mormon Stories video series have gone through a major update and are now available in English in the media library and on YouTube.

The Book of Mormon Stories is an excellent resource for teaching children and youth in the home and at church. An updated version of the New Testament Stories in English and 10 other languages is also available.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Primary 2012 Sharing Time: The PDF for the Primary 2012 Sharing Time, Choose the Right, is now available.

As a reminder, only 3 copies will be sent to each ward.

Other people can obtain a copy of it through the Primary website or through the online store.

Inspired Words: Love at Home

2011-09-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

( David O. McKay and his wife Emma )

"Homes are more permanent through love. Oh, then, let love abound. Though you fall short in some material matters, study and work and pray to hold your children’s love. Establish and maintain your family hours always. Stay close to your children. Pray, play, work, and worship together."

- President David O. McKay

2011 - Wk 38: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

2011-09-17T07:00:00.078-04:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, photo of President Uchtdorf (click here to download), paper airplane downloads (download here), scissors.

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 38 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Quote: “As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.” - Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Opening Song: Love One Another (PCS #136)

Lesson:

Today we are going to talk about another member of the First Presidency.

(show picture of Dieter Uchtdorf - download here)

- Does anyone know who this is? (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

President Uchtdorf was born Czechoslovakia, which is all the way across the ocean in Europe. In Euorpe there was a terrible war going on. President Uchtdorf's father would not join the evil men trying to rule Europe so his family left everything and left in the middle of the night to be safe. The entire family fled to West Germany. Growing up he played in houses that had been bombed and were left empty.

Elder Uchtdorf said the Lord was looking after his family. One day when his grandmother was standing in line for food an old woman invited her to attend her church. It was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “My grandmother and my parents accepted the invitation,” he said. “They went to church, felt the Spirit, were uplifted by the kindness of the members and were baptized.”

When Dieter turned 8 years old he was baptized in a swimming pool. He was scared to go in the water, but he said, “I will always remember the feeling of warmth, safety, and importance as I came out of the water after this sacred ordinance had been performed.”.

It was during Elder Uchtdorf’s teenage years that he discovered his love for flying. He started riding his bicycle to the Frankfurt airport to watch the airplanes land and take flight and imagining what it would be like to one day take to the skies. He followed his dreams and became a Pilot.

He met his wife, Harriet, at a Church meeting and several years later they married. The Uchtdorfs eventually had two children, Guido and Antje. After spending his life being a pilot, President Uchtdorf was called to be an Apostle and member of the First Presidency of the Church.

Bear your testimony about Heavenly Father calling righteous and good men to be his Apostles on the earth today. Share a favorite quote or talk from Dieter F. Uchtdorf and how it impacted your life. .

(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)

Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the SEPTEMBER Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.

Activity: Paper Airplane Races
(click here to download)
- fold paper airplanes and use to have races or contests.
- You may choose to have small prizes for the winners.

A Weekly Schedule

2011-09-16T13:14:00.000-04:00

Hello Blog Friends!

I wanted to let you know that things are settling into a new routine here. When the Church first contacted me about sharing news and previewing curriculum materials for them on this blog I thought it was going to be a rather sporadic gig. Maybe once a month? Well, I was mistaken.

As is always the case with our wonderful church they are on the move and constantly coming out with new and exciting things! So there is a new schedule posted in the sidebar that I will adhere to each week. That way you know just what to expect each day and I hope you will join me!

Weekly Schedule

Saturday
Next week's lesson posts

Sunday & Monday
Lesson remains up

Tuesday
Sponsor Spotlight/Inspired Words

Wednesday
Our Family Follow-Up

Thursday
New from LDS HQ

Friday
New from LDS HQ stays up

I hope you will come by each day and feel uplifted, inspired and motivated to continue to grow and strengthen your home and family. Thanks for reading and for your wonderful comments!

P.S. The FREEBIES page has been updated and you should really check it out. LOTS of good stuff there.

Inspired Words: FHE

2011-09-15T07:00:00.041-04:00

"We advise and urge... [Family] Home Evening throughout the church, at which time fathers and mothers may gather their boys and girls about them in the home and teach them the word of the Lord...

...If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influence and temptations which beset them."

(from a First Presidency letter - 1915)

Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose

Daughters in My Kingdom - Book and Website

2011-09-13T07:00:00.008-04:00

Yesterday, in church, I received a brand new book...Daughters In My Kingdom. Did you receive it as well?

What is it? Daughters in My Kingdom is an official publication from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints detailing the history of the Relief Society. The teachings, stories, and examples in this history book will guide you in establishing priorities and practices in your life that will help increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need.

The Website - You should visit the beautiful website that accompanies this new book. It has great quotes, inspiration and (my favorite) stories from real Latter-day Saint women who have used the principles taught in Relief Society to help them weather life's storms. Visit the website by clicking here.

Download a Copy - If you sis not receive a copy of this wonderful book yesterday you can download a pdf copy on the website by clicking here. At the bottom of the page on the left hand side you'll see a graphic of the book and a tab beneath that says "Download".

“Understanding the heritage we have, that this organization is a restoration of something that existed anciently, helps us understand that we are not a footnote in history or a sidebar in the Lord’s work; we are an essential part of building the kingdom and we’ve been organized to do such.” - Julie B. Beck

I cannot wait to read this book. I know embarrassingly little about the history of Relief Society, but have always loved it. I love the fellowship with my sisters in the gospel, I love the acts of service we perform and I love the gospel truths I learn each week in Relief Society.

Do YOU have a copy of Daughters in My Kingdom?

Please share your thoughts!

2011 - Wk 37: Henry B. Eyring

2011-09-10T07:00:00.007-04:00

What You'll Need: scriptures, picture of Henry B. Eyring (download here), water color paint sets, paper, Henry B. Eyring coloring page (download here).

You can also choose to download the pdf of LESSON 37 for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.

Quote: "Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to put feet firmly on the path home. Parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles are made more powerful guides and rescuers by the bonds of love that...are the very nature of a family." - Henry B. Eyring

Opening Song: Here We Are Together (PCS #261)

Lesson:

Today we are going to learn about a Latter-day hero.

(show picture of Henry B. Eyring)

- Does anybody know who this is?

Henry B. Eyring is the First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church. That means he is a special witnesses of Jesus Christ, called to teach and testify of Him throughout the world. He travels around the world, meeting with members of the church and local leaders.

When they are not traveling, members of the First Presidency counsel together and with other general Church leaders on matters affecting the worldwide Church, such as missionary work, temple building, spiritual and temporal welfare, and much more.

But Henry B. Eyring was not always in the Church Presidency. We're going to learn more about his life.

Known as “Hal” to his family and friends, Henry Bennion Eyring was born on May 31, 1933. His father was a gifted scientist who was known worldwide and who received many awards in chemistry. His Mom was in charge of the Physical Fitness Department (or exercise) at the University of Utah.

Henry grew up in New Jersey. There were not many members of the church where he lived. There was not a church building where Henry grew up so they had church each week in a hotel room, with a few other church members. When Henry was a young child near baptism age, he sat with his legs through the back of his chair while listening to a speaker in church. "I turned around to look at him," remembers President Eyring. "I knew that what he said came from God and that it was true. It burned in my heart."

Soon Henry's family moved to Utah. When he was in college he went to a very early morning church meeting one day. He saw a beautiful girl coming out of a grove of trees. He met her the very next Sunday. Her name was Kathleen. They dated throughout the rest of the summer. A year later Hal and Kathleen were married in July, 1962, in the Logan Temple. Eventually they had six children—four sons and two daughters.

President Eyring loves wood working, water color painting and cooking with his family.

Henry B Eyring has spent his entire life serving in the church. He has been a Bishop, an Apostle, the President of Ricks College (now BYU Idaho) and held may other callings. He is an example of dedicated church service, love of family and hard work. He is a true Latter-day hero.

Bear your testimony about Heavenly Father calling righteous and good men to be his Apostles on the earth today. Share a favorite quote or talk from Henry B Eyring and how it impacted your life. (for a link list of all talks by Henry B Eyring click here).

click here to download

Water Color Paintings
Henry B Eyring loves to watercolor paint and spend time with his family.
Make water color paintings of your favorite family activity.

Inspired Words: 9/11

2011-09-09T09:36:00.000-04:00

"People across the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him for solace and understanding. Comfortable times were shattered. We felt the great unsteadiness of life and reached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven. And, as ever, we found it.

...Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were. We can make Him the center of our thoughts and His Son, Jesus Christ, the pattern for our behavior. We may not only find faith in God in our sorrow. We may also become faithful to Him in times of calm."

- President Thomas S. Monson

Now on Facebook and Twitter!

2011-09-08T13:18:00.002-04:00

A YEAR OF FHE is now on Facebook!

Click here to go to the new page and say hello.

While you're there make sure to click "Like"

to share this valuable resource with your friends and family!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

This blog is now also on Twitter.
I'll share LDs news, special previews of new
LDS products and inspirational quotes!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(whew...that was a lot of exclamation points!)

A Very Special Book - Part 1

2011-09-06T07:00:00.002-04:00

As mentioned here I am reviewing a coming issue (Oct 2011) of The Ensign which is dedicated solely to The Book of Mormon.

Today I wanted to share two really exciting features of this special issue.

First, a Book of Mormon timeline. I am a person who can get mixed up about the major dates and times of this book, especially if it's been a while since I had daily study (yep...it happens often). This issue has a full, tow-page spread of the basic timeline and story points of the Book of Mormon. A great resource!

Second is a new song. I love Primary songs and hearing little voices sing them out with gusto. This song is about a story in the Book of Mormon about 2,000 young men who had courage and faith to fight for what was right.

Some of my favorite lyrics from this new song are...

Their faith had made them mighty;
their strength was multiplied.
They fought with pow'r beyond their own,
for God was on their side.