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Time Capsule Series: Family Photos

2012
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Time Capsule Series: Family Photos
Purpose: The Time Capsule series helps families contribute items once a month that will provide a lifetime full of memories. This month we focus on sharing visual memories of the family.


Scripture:


Lesson:There are countless visuals of families throughout our church; from photos, sayings, signs and vinyl lettering in homes– but, what visuals of your family can you leave to look back on?

Elder Henry B. Eyring painted a powerful visual when he shared this story in the Oct. 2009 General Conference:

“In many of our homes, there are the words “Our Family Can Be Together Forever.” There is a gravestone near my home of a mother and grandmother. She and her husband were sealed in the temple of God to each other and to their posterity for time and all eternity. The inscription on the gravestone reads, “Please, no empty chairs.” She asked for that inscription because she knew that whether the family will be together depends on the choices each family member makes. The word “please” is there because neither God nor she can compel another to choose happiness. And there is Satan, who wants misery, not happiness, in families in this life and in the next.” - Elder Henry B. Eyring, “Our Perfect Example.”

Can you picture your family sitting around the dinner table? Perhaps there was one evening when someone was ill and their chair was empty. How did that feel not having them there?


Can you visualize other moments in your family? What about family vacations, trips to the park or zoo, family water gun fights or even birthday parties?!


Our time on earth is short, our time with our families even shorter. As children grow, leave home and start their own families, we want to capture as many moments as possible.


Activity:Get a camera and get ready to take some photos! You can also go through old photos to include in the time capsule.

Photo shoot Ideas~ 

Back-to-School Model Show:You can have the child(ren) dress up in their back-to-school clothes and take photos. This can be an annual event and great memories to share as you look back on over the years. Children change tremendously year-to-year, what a great tradition to have yearly.

Family Photos~ Find a place outside or create a backdrop in your home for new family photos. You can invite another family to join you, take their photos while they help you take yours. Be sure to take photos of individuals, parents and children. These can be used for your time capsule as well as for upcoming holiday cards.

Back then photos~ Sift through your old photos, find copies of pictures you want to include in your time capsule. Write a note about each of the pictures, what was going on, who was in the photo and so on.

Church Video: 







Treat: 


Berry Orange Sorbet

Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed raspberries or blackberries
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
  1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of the water and all of the sugar. Bring the liquid to a simmer and continue simmering it for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves. Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool.
  2. Berry Orange Sorbet Step 2 Put the berries and the remaining 1/4 cup of water into the bowl of a food processor and puree them for 30 seconds. Strain the puree to remove the seeds.
  3. Berry Orange Sorbet Step 3 In a pitcher, stir together the cooked syrup, the orange and lemon juices, and the seedless berry puree. Pour the mixture into two ice-cube trays and freeze until firm (generally 6 or more hours). A pitcher or a mixing bowl with a spout will make filling the ice-cube trays easier and neater.
  4. When you’re ready to serve the sorbet, chill serving dishes in the freezer and briefly chill your food processor bowl and blade as well. Then transfer the fruit cubes to the food processor and pulse them, in short bursts, to make a smooth sorbet. Spoon the sorbet into the chilled dishes and serve immediately. Makes about 6 servings.
Filed Under: Time Capsule Series

Time Capsule Series: Pioneer Stories

2011
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Pioneer Stories
Purpose: As you continue with the FHE Time Capsule Series, your family can learn and talk about the pioneers of our church. You can share stories from your personal family history or how you found the church.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6

Lesson: Using a map (either paper or show them briefly on the computer) point out the trail from Navuoo to Salt Lake City.
There were many, many children that walked thousands of miles across the United States to come to their new home in Salt Lake City, Utah. How far was your longest walk? The children, like their family members, often left behind many of their belongings including their homes, furniture, clothes, toys, friends and many other things that make us comfortable.
Below is a story of a pioneer girl and her experience along the trail:

Pioneer Story:  
Story of sacrifice involving pioneer Jacob Hamblin and his daughter Ella, as related by C. Vorris Tenney and Colleen Arrott Carnahan, great-grandchildren of Jacob Hamblin:
“As a young girl, Ella’s most treasured possession was a pretty cloth or rag doll, whose face and hands were made of china. She always cuddled it beside her as they journeyed in their wagon, and she would put it to bed at night in a special place nearby.

“One morning the family was awakened early before daybreak and urged to break camp as quickly as possible because of the long journey and hot weather that lay ahead that day. Still half asleep, Ella was placed in the wagon and continued sleeping for the next several hours. By the time she was fully awake and aware of what had happened, they were already several miles into their journey. It was then that she realized her treasured doll was missing. ‘We’ve got to go back and get my dolly,’ she told her mother, who knew that it was out of the question. It was too far and the men and animals were already getting tired. Ella continued to plead for some time, but to no avail. ‘We’ll get you another doll,’ her mother said, but that didn’t stop the tears.

“When Jacob finally heard the crying child in the wagon, he rode up on his horse and asked what was wrong. He listened quietly as Ella explained where she had put the doll to rest on a bed of pine needles at the foot of the big rock where they had camped the night before. He told her he would try to find it and not to cry any more. She watched as he turned his horse and rode back down the long trail from whence they had come.

“The party set up camp that afternoon at the top of a long grade, and Ella sat down to watch the trail for any sign of her father’s return. When Jacob finally appeared in the distance and eventually got close enough to tether his horse in some trees at the bottom of the grade, she still couldn’t see whether or not he had found her doll. He walked up the grade toward her, with his hands behind him. After kneeling down in front of her and looking into her eyes, he brought his hands from behind his back and there was her precious dolly!”
Discussion:
How would you feel if you had accidently left one of your favorites toys and were not able to go back and get it?
How do you think the pioneer children felt about sleeping in a new location every day? What are some of the things they probably ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner?
What do you think the pioneer children did for fun and games?
Would you have liked to be a pioneer?
Time Capsule Activities:
Young Children~ Coloring page
Older Children & Adults~ Time Capsule
Write a story about your family pioneers. Do you have ancestors that crossed the plains? Write about your favorite pioneer story. 
Did you, your parents or grandparents join the church first in your family? Converts are all pioneers and share in the rich history of those who sacrifice greatly to follow Jesus Christ. Write your own testimony or conversion stories (or both) and leave this journal entry as your Pioneer Story in your Time Capsule. 

Treat:

Homemade Donuts
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
1 egg
2 tbsp. melted shortening
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
Nuts, raisins, nutmeg or cinnamon (opt.)
Combine milk, egg, shortening. Sift dry ingredients together and add to above. Gently drop teaspoons of batter into hot grease, 365 degrees. Drain on paper towels. While still warm shake in paper bag with confectionery sugar or granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon.
*Photos and coloring page from The Ensign

 

Filed Under: Time Capsule Series

FHE Time Capsule: "My First Temple Experience"

2010
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FHE Time Capsule: “My First Temple Experience”
Purpose: As your family, group or ward continues to add to your individual or family time capsules, we wanted to make sure you recorded your first temple experience. Some of you may not have yet been able to go, so write out your specific plans for going. Once you visit the temple, be sure to record the experience and add it to your time capsule.
Scripture:  “I hope that everyone gets to the temple on a regular basis. I hope your children over 12 years of age have the opportunity of going to the temple to be baptized for the dead. If we are a temple-going people, we will be a better people, we will be better fathers and husbands, we will be better wives and mothers. I know your lives are busy. I know that you have much to do. But I make you a promise that if you will go to the house of the Lord, you will be blessed, life will be better for you.” - President Gordan B. Hinckley
Lesson & Discussion: Use the song for teaching this lesson. You can make the questions as simple or deeper as your family dynamics dictate. These are simple principles that all ages can benefit from learning.

I love to see the temple, I’m going there someday: How many temples have you seen in person? Why do we go to the temple? How old do you have to be to go to the temple?

To feel the Holy Spirit, to listen and to pray: What are some good ways to prepare ourselves to receive spiritual guidance and answers at the temple? How should we act on temple grounds– inside and outside the temple and Visitor Centers?

For the temple is a house of God: Why are temples referred to “a house of God?” How many temples can you name?

A place of love and beauty: How do you feel when you’re on temple grounds? How have you noticed others feel? Are the temple grounds well kept? Why do you think so?

I’ll prepare myself while I am young, this is my sacred duty: What is needed before we can enter the temple? Have you ever been interviewed for a temple recommend? Do you know the questions you are asked to answer? How did the interview make you think about your testimony? How can we prepare ourselves daily to go the temple?

I’ll covenant with my Father, I’ll promise to obey: What is a covenant? What types of covenants do we make in the temple? Why are covenants sacred?

For the temple is a holy place, where we are sealed together: What does it mean to be sealed? Why is this important and how is it different from marriage outside the temple?

As a child of God: How does knowing you’re a child of God help you understand your divine potential and role in this mortal life?

A family is forever: How does it feel to be a forever family? If your family has not yet been sealed in the temple, write some family goals and set-a-date to be sealed in the temple.
Time Capsule Activity: 

Materials Needed:
Journal paper
pen/pencil
photos of temples
photos of wedding dresses (for girls)
Have each person write about their first experience at the temple. Whether it is a young child telling about their trip to the temple grounds, going to a Visitor Center, visiting Temple Square, doing baptisms when you turned 12, going through the temple before your mission, getting married, etc. Be sure to include your first memory and the feelings you feel when you visit the temple. 

For families that have young girls, you can have them pick out a temple they want to be married in and a modest wedding dress picture from a magazine that they want to wear. Include these items in your time capsules.

For families with boys, have them pick out a temple where they would like to marry as well as a temple where they’d like to be a missionary. 
If your family is preparing to go to the temple, include a photo of the temple where you’ll be sealed, a dress Mom will wear and a date in which  
Be as creative with this activity as you’d like!
Treat:
Easy Peach Cobbler
1 pkg of yellow cake Jiffy mix
1 large can of canned peaches
Cinnamon
In a baking pan, pour the cake mix evenly around the bottom of the pan. Pour the canned peaches, with juice, on top of the cake mix. Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
Bake as directed on the cake mix box.
New Era Poster Link: “Set Your Sights”
Filed Under: Time Capsule Series

FHE Time Capsule: Testimony of The Book of Mormon

2010
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FHE Time Capsule Series: Testimony of The Book of Mormon

Purpose: In this new Family Home Evening series, you/family/group/ward will create and/or journal items according to the lesson to stick in your time capsule. You can create a time capsule for yourself, as individuals in the family or one family time capsule.

Song: “Testimony”

Scripture: Psalms 119:111

Lesson: Once a month during a Sacrament meeting we meet together for a Fast and Testimony meeting. People from the audience stand to share their feelings, or their testimonies, of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with others that are gathered. Often, on other occasions we can share our testimonies of Christ, the Plan of Salvation, Faith, Baptism, the Holy Ghost, Joseph Smith, Latter-day Prophets, The Book of Mormon and any other topic.

What is a testimony? According to lds.org, a testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost.

“The foundation of a testimony is the knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves His children; that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Son of God, and that He carried out the infinite Atonement ; that Joseph Smith is the prophet of God who was called to restore the gospel; that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Savior’s true Church on the earth; and that the Church is led by a living prophet today. With this foundation, a testimony grows to include all principles of the gospel.” (from lds.org)

How does one acquire a personal testimony?

Study the words of Moroni. He lived more than 1,500 years ago. This prophet had watched as his people were slaughtered and utterly devastated by civil war. His nation in ruins, his friends and loved ones slain, his own father—a great general and a righteous man—killed.

This great prophet, Moroni, having lost all that he loved, stood alone. The last of his people, he was the lone witness to the desolation and heartbreak that results from hatred and rage.

He had precious little time and space on his plates to write a few final words. His own people destroyed, Moroni wrote for our day. To us, he inscribed his precious words of farewell—his final words of counsel:

“Behold, I would exhort you,” he wrote, “that when ye shall read these things … ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men. … Ponder it in your hearts.

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Would that every ear could hear the last testimony of Moroni, this giant among men, this humble servant of God.

Do you want to know the truth of the holy scriptures? Do you wish to break the barriers that separate mortals from the knowledge of eternal verities? Do you wish to know—really know—the truth? Then follow Moroni’s counsel and you will surely find what you seek.

Be sincere. Study. Ponder. Pray sincerely, having faith.

If you do these things, you too will be able to stand with the millions who testify that God once again speaks to man on earth.

A testimony of the truth of the gospel does not come the same way to all people. Some receive it in a unique, life-changing experience. Others gain a testimony slowly, almost imperceptibly until, one day, they simply know. ~from Joseph B. Wirthlin “Pure Testimony”

Discussion:

What does it mean to have a testimony?

How can we gain a testimony of the gospel?

How do we nourish our testimony?

What are some ways we can share our testimony with others?

Activity: This FHE has several activities planned that are inter-related.

1. Create Your Own Time Capsule

Materials: A container (i.e. an oatmeal can, a jar, shoe box and so on), construction paper, glue, markers, stickers and any other item you want to use to decorate your time capsule.

You can also include the date that you made it and a date that you want to wait until you open it.

**Keep your time capsule open for a year to include enough items to be able to enjoy looking back on. We will provide monthly FHE Time Capsule Lessons for you to work on this project to complete your year.**

2. Watch the Testimony video on the Home Page of this blog (if the video has changed since viewing this lesson, click on Mormon Messages on YouTube and watch Elder Jeffery R. Holland’s testimony of The Book of Mormon.

3. Journal Your Own Testimony of The Book of Mormon~ this will be your first item in your newly created time capsule.

Treat:

Muddy Buddies

9 Cups of Corn, Rice, Wheat or Chocolate Chex cereal (or a combination)
1 Cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 C. peanut butter
1/4 C. butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 C. powdered sugar

1. Measure cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Filed Under: Time Capsule Series