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New Year Individual and Family Goals

2012
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Purpose: Setting goals and establishing resolutions is the number one way people begin the New Year. The most important aspect is to plan according to what you really want to accomplish in realistic time frames. You can plan for one long-term goal(s), something to focus on throughout the year and you can also do smaller, short-term goals to work on for a few months at a time, or even shorter. The most important aspect is “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

This lesson is to help jump-start individuals and families to set goals to for the New Year.

Lesson:

Goals have multiple layers: first, you create a visual in your mind of the goal(s) you would like to accomplish. Once you have in mind what you want to do, you’ve already accomplished half your goal.

1. Visualize yourself at the end point of reaching that goal.

Create a detailed plan to reach that goal. Will this be reached in 3, 6, 9 or 12 months? When will you have accountability on how you’re doing on reaching these goals? How often will you have this accountability? You can invite family and/or friends to help keep you focused on the goal(s) that you create.

What type of goals are you wanting to create for the upcoming year?

Career (do you want to achieve a promotion, finish an important project, increase sales, etc), Financial (pay off one credit card, two credit cards, all debt, pay off car, learn how to coupon and use them weekly, etc), Education (go back to school- finish your degree or begin a degree program, learn a new language, take a community class, etc.), Family (plan a vacation and set a budget, create a budget for your family, etc), Volunteer Service (make goals to volunteer monthly or do toy/food drives, make 24 Hr. Survival Kits, etc.), Physical (make goals to work out, lose weight, run a race, etc.), Personal Enrichment (learn to play a musical instrument, paint, cut hair, etc.).

2. Write it down.

Keeping a written log, journal or even create a blog to keep a daily or weekly record of your experience working towards your goals. Blogging can be a powerful way to keep yourself accountable and to engage others which will help you stay focused.

3. Create the plan.

Use budget sheets, goal sheets, calendars and whatever other materials you can find to get a detailed break down of your goal.

Set SMART Goals (from mindtools.com):

  • S – Specific (or Significant).
  • M – Measurable (or Meaningful).
  • A – Attainable (or Action-Oriented).
  • R – Relevant (or Rewarding).
  • T – Time-bound (or Trackable).

Discussion:

1. Is goal setting important? Why or why not?

2. How can setting goals help you discover new things about yourself and help you live your best life?

Activity:

 FREE Budget Tracking Sheets & other Financial Worksheets

FREE Blog Access (create a free blog to journal your progress in reaching your goals)

Why Set Goals? article

Treat:

Hot Chocolate & Marshmellows and No Bake Cookies

Hershey’s No Bake Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 3 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 Directions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened.
Filed Under: Activities, Couples, Couples, Families, Families With Children, FHE Lessons for All, Latter-day Saints, Newlyweds, Newlyweds, Single Groups, Tweens & Teens

Christmas Family Home Evening Lesson

2011
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Christmas Family Home Evening Lesson

Purpose: To reflect on the true meaning of celebrating Christmas, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Song: “Away In A Manager”

Scripture:Luke 2: 1-14

Lesson:

Young Children~ Print & Use this Picture Strip of the Christmas Story. *Manger Cut Out
~From LDS.org

Tweens~ Print & Use Nativity Matching Game

Teens, Groups, Couples,Individuals~

 What Is Christmas?

Christmas is prophecy fulfilled. On the eve of His birth, the voice of the Lord came unto Nephi, saying, “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.”

What did the holy prophets of old declare? Isaiah, more than 700 years before the birth of Christ, prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

On the American continent, King Benjamin said, “For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent … shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay. … He shall suffer temptations, and pain. … And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.”

Then came that night of nights when the shepherds were abiding in the fields and the angel of the Lord appeared to them, announcing: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. … For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

The shepherds with haste went to the manger to pay honor to Christ the Lord. Later, wise men journeyed from the East to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. … When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Since that time, the spirit of giving gifts has been present in the mind of each Christian as he or she commemorates the Christmas season. Our Heavenly Father gave to us His Son, Jesus Christ. That precious Son gave to us His life, the Atonement, and victory over the grave.

What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that He “went about doing good.” As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will be ours. ~President Thomas S. Monson

Story:  “Maybe Christmas Doesn’t Come From A Store” ~ Elder Jeffery R. Holland

Activity:

Young Children~ Coloring Pages

Wise Men Still Seek Him Color Page ~ From LDS.org


Joseph, Mary & Baby Jesus Color Page ~ From LDS.org

Meaning Of Christmas Decorations~ from LDS.org

Want an activity for the older children. Have them observe Christmas decorations around the house or around the neighborhood and write down the decorations they see and what they think each of them symbolize. Compare the lists and talk about their meanings.

Decoration Symbolism
Bells Sheep bells
Candy canes Shepherd’s staff
Lights, candles, star The star that appeared on the night of Jesus’ birth
Holly The crown of thorns
Evergreen tree Eternal life
Green, ivy Life and hope
Red, holly berries The blood of Christ


Filed Under: Families, Families With Children, Latter-day Saints, Lessons

FHE Service Project: Write Letters to Sick Children

2011
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Letters to Sick Children Service Project

Purpose: Jesus taught us by His teachings and His perfect example to bless those that are sick and afflicted. There are many seriously ill children in hospitals all over the world that would love to have your letters of hope and inspiration.

Lesson:

Have you ever had an earache, sore throat or the flu and felt miserable for a day, two or maybe for a week? There are many children all over that suffer from more serious illnesses that leave them bound in hospitals. Many are to weak to play and are unable to go outside, jump in piles of leaves, smell the fresh air or even play in the park.

During this holiday season, you can serve other children that are similar ages to those in your family by performing acts of service. One way is to visit them, go caroling at the hospitals, donate toys and even write letters.

Discussion: What are ways in which you can serve someone daily? Weekly? Monthly? How have you felt as you’ve been served? Share an experience of being served.

Goal Setting: Have family, group or ward members write at least one goal to be more active in serving those who are in need– like the sick and afflicted.

Service Project: Write letters to ill children in hospitals

Each member of the family, group or ward can participate in this service activity.

Gather paper, markers, crayons, stickers, etc. to make greeting cards to send to sick children in hospitals all over the country. If you live outside of the U.S., you can send letters to children in your own area/country or surprise some of these children with letters from all over the world!

Visit: Make A Child Smile (click to link to Web site)

You’ll see a list of children who would love to have your letters! You can click on their names to read more about them.

Treat:5-Minute Chocolate Pie

Ingredients: 1 Ready Graham Cracker Pie Crust 1 1/4 C. cold milk 2 pkg. (4- serving size) chocolate instant pie pudding mix 1 tub (8 oz.) whipped topping (thawed) 1. Beat milk, pudding and half the whipped topping together in medium bowl with a wire whisk for one minute. The mixture will thicken. 2. Pour into ready-made crust. 3. Top with remaining whipped cream. You can eat it right away or chill until ready to eat!
(recipe adapted from Keebler)

 

 

Filed Under: Activities, Couples, Families With Children, Family Home Evening, FHE Lessons for All, Lessons, Service Project Ideas, Service Projects, Tweens & Teens

Forgiveness

2011
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 Family Home Evening: Forgiveness
Purpose: Each of us has done something to hurt or disappoint someone else and most likely have had the same happen to us. These unfortunate acts can be small or they can be life-changing. It is sometimes easier for us to hold a grudge against someone who has wronged us, or hold back from forgiving ourselves if/when we’ve been the one to cause pain rather than exercise the powerful commandment of forgiveness. This lesson hopefully will help share some ideas on how to begin to forgive others and forgive yourself.
Lesson: In October 2006, a milk delivery man in Pennsylvania who had been experiencing some difficult tormented memories drove to an Amish schoolhouse and committed a terrible crime.
His actions that day left 5 little girls dead. His actions that day left a lot of broken hearts and created a lot of sorrow. However, the Amish community showed tremendous courage, love and a deep understanding of the healing power of forgiveness when they reached out to the shooter’s family.
President James E. Faust, in the April 2007 General Conference spoke about their remarkable example of forgiveness: (Excerpts in red from “The Healing Power of Forgiveness”)
“If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being. Some recent studies show that people who are taught to forgive become “less angry, more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious and less stressed,” which leads to greater physical well-being. Another of these studies concludes “that forgiveness … is a liberating gift [that] people can give to themselves.
Dr. Sidney Simon, a recognized authority on values realization, has provided an excellent definition of forgiveness as it applies to human relationships: 
Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves.”
Most of us need time to work through pain and loss. We can find all manner of reasons for postponing forgiveness. One of these reasons is waiting for the wrongdoers to repent before we forgive them. Yet such a delay causes us to forfeit the peace and happiness that could be ours. The folly of rehashing long-past hurts does not bring happiness.

Some hold grudges for a lifetime, unaware that courageously forgiving those who have wronged us is wholesome and therapeutic.”

Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Recently . . . I encountered a large temporary sign declaring Rough Road Ahead, and indeed it was. Had I not been warned, that experience would have been disastrous. Life is like that. It’s full of rough spots. Some are tests to make us stronger. Others result from our own disobedience. . . . Each one of us encounters unique challenges meant for growth.” (“Finding Forgiveness”- New Era, March 2010)


Discussion:
What does forgiveness mean?
How do we forgive one another or ourselves?
When have we been forgiven and how did it make us feel?
Is there someone in our lives today that we can begin to forgive?

Activity:
Fill a bag or sack with five heavy objects (such as books or rocks) that have each been labeled with one of the following words: revenge, hurt, hate, resentment, and anger. 
Have each family member take a turn trying to carry this heavy load. Explain that carrying those feelings in our hearts is an even greater burden than carrying the heavy bag. 
When we really forgive, we forget all of these feelings and are free from the burden of carrying them. 

Activity from lds.org
Treat:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups cold milk
  • 2 packages (4-serving size) chocolate flavor instant pudding & pie filling
  • 1 tub (8 oz.) frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed, divided
  • 1 Keebler® Ready Crust® Graham Pie Crust

Directions

  • 1. In large bowl beat milk and pudding mix with wire whisk for 1 minute. (Mixture will be very thick.) Whisk in half of whipped topping. Carefully spread in crust.
  • 2. Spread remaining whipped topping over top.
  • 3. Garnish as desired. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

Filed Under: Latter-day Saints

The Ties that Bind

2011
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Objective: Include the family in learning their history, personality, and what makes you, you.

Song: “I Am A Child Of God”

Scripture: D&C 110:15

Talks: “The Phenomenon That Is You” by President James E. Faust

Materials: Any can be from the past or present.
  • Journals to write in and read from
  • A list of names used by the family
  • Birth dates
  • Habits and Hobbies
  • A list of where the families been/lived.
  • Physical and Personal characteristics
As a family read through these scriptures; Genesis 11:10-32, 25:12-18. Through out the Bible there are many records kept of the various generations and lineage of the Prophets and Kings. Discuss why these records are included and important for us to read through as we study the scriptures. How important is it to keep track of family history? What can learn from our family history?

Now read the talk by President Faust

Activity: Have each family member take turns in choosing a topic, from the list above, about the family. Such as how many birthdays are in the summer. Who shares the same initials? How many people enjoy the same hobbies? Who has the same smile/eyes/nose. Who participated in the same school activites? How many different jobs and careers has the family worked through. Be sure to include all family members; past, present and distant when discussing these fun tidbits of your history.
Dessert: Call up Grandma or an Aunt for a family recipe and enjoy making it together. Or have fun putting together this Skor Cake from grouprecipes.com (Make the cake earlier in the day)

Ingredients:
•• 1 baked devils-food or german chocolate cake (sheet cake) •• 1/2 jar of fudge topping (I like the Smuckers) •• 1/2 jar of caramel or butterscotch topping •• 1/2 can of condensed milk (I like Eagle brand) •• 6 Skor candy bars (these are like large Heath Bars) •• 1 tub of Cool Whip Directions:
1. Preheat oven (temp is on cake box) 2. Do not remove cake from pan. 3. Let the cake cool 10 min. 4. Make holes in the entire top of the cake 5. (one at a time) let each flavor soak in before adding the next. 6. Pour fudge, 7. Pour carmel or butterscotch 8. Pour condensed milk 9. Crush 3 of the Skor candy bars and sprinkle on the top. 10. Frost the cake with the whipped topping 11. Crush the 3 remaining Skor bars to decorate the top. 12. You may have an extremely hard time not eating it right out of the pan.

Filed Under: Latter-day Saints
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