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FHE: Mini Lesson

2010
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FHE Mini Lesson

What is a Mini-Lesson: These lessons are to help jump-start more couple, family and ward discussion and planning. These are generally used to introduce new ideas with more complete lessons to follow on similar topics.

Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 38:30

Hymn: “As Zion’s Youth in Latter Days”

Lesson: Becoming Self-Reliant

“We become self-reliant,” explains Julie Beck, president of the Church’s organization for women, “through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being.”

Church leader Elder Robert D. Hales outlines ways we can become self-reliant:

  • Be ready for rainy-day emergencies
  • Avoid excessive debt; be content with what we have
  • Use the resources of the earth wisely; don´t be wasteful
  • Prepare for the future by making spending and savings plans
  • Keep a family or personal budget
  • Teach children wise spending habits and help them save for the future
  • Obtain an education or vocational training
  • Find gainful employment

As we become self-reliant, we will be prepared to face challenges with confidence and peace of mind.

From the Web site: Self Reliance- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Discussion Topics:

What areas are you or your family weakest?

From the list above, list the item that needs to most attention first and so on.

How can you become self-reliant in this area?

Goal Setting: Make a goal to actively work on 1-2 of these areas over the next three months. Write down specific things you will do to achieve this goal towards becoming more self-reliant. Post this paper of your goals in an area you will see if EVERY DAY.

Activity: Make a goal board and cut and paste pictures out to emphasize your goals for this New Year.

Examples include: Cut out photos of wheat, rice, etc. if you’re wanting to start or increase your food storage. Cut out pictures of a house if you’re wanting to pay off debt to own your own home. Cut out job titles you’d like to have and photos of the schooling or training it will take you to get there.

More Help From Family Home Evening:

We currently have FHE lessons to help with some of these areas. Please use these in follow-up FHE lessons to see how to you can better work on these goals to becoming more self-reliant.

Creating A House of Order

Obtaining An Education

Family Finances

*Be sure to check out all the great FHE lessons available. Tip: Use the search bar at the top of the page and type in keywords for topics you’re looking for. Don’t see a lesson on a topic you’d like to see covered? Contact Us!

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Filed Under: Family Home Evening, Lessons, Store

Caretakers of the Earth

2009
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Objective: To be aware and grateful for the Earth the Lord created and our responsibilities to it.

Hymns: “For the beauty of the Earth” pg #92, “Beauty Everywhere” pg 232 (Children’s)

Resources: (include activities) “Earth – A Gift of Gladness” by G. Michael Alder, Ensign, Jul 1991
“The Wonder of the Creation” by Mark J. Nielsen, Ensign, March 2004
“Reverence for Creation” by Karen Ashton, Friend, Sept. 1996
Lesson: After reading any one or all articles, together or before hand, talk about all the things you enjoy that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created for us on this Earth. From the sun to the moon, bugs, animals, trees, ocean and mountains. Look at things from a scientific perspective. Spiders eat bugs. Trees create oxygen. Plants bloom flowers and flowers grow to fruits and vegetables, etc. Think of the blessings each of these things bring into your life. Whether it be the food on the table, to the smell of the flowers or the clouds that bring rain.
What role do we play on this Earth as it’s main inhabitants? Where do we fit in the “Circle of Life”. Discuss why Heavenly Father created all that he did and not just Man and Woman?
Activity: Set goals that as family, friends, and individuals can do to ensure that the Earth continues to bloom and grow. You may use the examples given to you in the articles or make your own. Keep track of your progress through out the next week, month or year.

Fill two glasses or small bowls with water. Set them somewhere they can be easily seen everyday. For one, set rule the “Do not drink, Keep clean”. For the second, “Drink and refill”. Observe them for a week and take notes as the days go by.

Does anyone drink from the glass? Does the glass get refilled? Does dust gather on top of either one?

Heavenly Father created a perfect world. It’s up to us to ensure that it continues that way. Keep it clean, use it wisely and replenish the earth.

Filed Under: Family Home Evening, Lessons, Store

Living within our means

2009
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“Living within our means”

Purpose: To teach family members the importance of having a budget, sticking to a budget, controlling our finances and avoiding unnecessary debt.

Hymn: “Count Your Blessings”

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Lesson: In a message from President Ezra Taft Benson in 1987, he shared the scripture story found in 2 Kings of a women who had a debt and almost had to sell her children. The wise counsel he gives us in the message is, “Pay thy debt and LIVE!”
This timeless counsel is the same for us today. It is clear to see the effects of greed and misuse of funds that we are blessed to have. Many families have lost homes, jobs and the comforts we enjoy daily. Living in debt is binding— getting out of debt is freedom.

We have been counseled from church leaders throughout the history of the church to live within our means. There are many things families can do together and individually to help rid ourselves of excessive debt and learn principles of control to avoid future debts.

Pay Tithing~ The Lord has promised that we will not have room to receive the blessings of heaven as we faithfully pay our tithing. When we begin to budget our finances, it is important we remember this commandment and pay an honest and faithful tithe.

Budget~ There are many free budget and debt worksheets that are available online. One site that I love provides easy-to-use worksheets for various financial goals. The worksheets were created by one of my favorite professors at Utah State University.

Click on this link: Financial Worksheets

There are also free financial counseling places in communities everywhere. Search out the non-profit organizations that will help teach you correct financial principles and budget help– for free!

Activity:

Individuals/families/teens/tweens~

Print off a budget sheet for all family members or individuals who are able to create and keep budgets. Also use the tracking worksheets to see where your money is spent. This is a powerful, eye-opening exercise. It’s also great for teens who don’t have good savings and spending habits.They’ll see how much money they spend on clothes, gas, eating out and hopefully encourage them to slow their spending.

Coupon together: Visit coupon Web sites, use your newspaper and mailer coupons and together plan your next grocery store trip by using the coupons you find, print or clip. Add up all the money you save and put it into a family savings account for a vacation, Christmas, charitable donations or for a rainy day. This can become a weekly ritual of savings that can truly add up quickly and teach great money lessons, too!

Helpful materials/sites: USU Housing & Financial Counseling Worksheets

Mint.com

Couponmom.com

Couponsuzy.com

RetailMeNot.com

RedPlum.com

***Leave a comment with your favorite coupon/shopping blog or Web site and tips below!!!***

Treat:

Fried Apples

**Be sure to leave comments about your Family Home Evening experiences. If you have any tips on how to budget or budgeting with your children– leave a comment on the FHE Blog or visit the FHE Forums!!**

(image from The Friend)

Filed Under: Family Home Evening, Lessons, Store

The Holy Ghost

2009
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The Holy Ghost is perhaps the most under-estimated power that members of the church receive after baptism and is a gift to those who can remain worthy of its constant influence throughout our day-to-day lives.

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead.

President Gordan B. Hinckley said, “The Holy Ghost stands as the third member of the Godhead, the Comforter promised by the Savior who would teach His followers all things and bring all things to their remembrance, whatsoever He had said unto them (see John 14:26). The Holy Ghost is the Testifier of Truth, who can teach men things they cannot teach one another. In those great and challenging words of Moroni, a knowledge of the truth of the Book of Mormon is promised “by the power of the Holy Ghost.” Moroni then declares, “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moro. 10:4–5). I believe this power, this gift, is available to us today.” (Gen. Conference, April 1986)

Elder Joseph B. Worthlin taught, “In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord calls the gift of the Holy Ghost “the unspeakable gift.” It is the source of testimony and spiritual gifts. It enlightens minds, fills our souls with joy, teaches us all things, and brings forgotten knowledge to our remembrance. The Holy Ghost also “will show unto [us] all things what [we] should do.” (“The Unspeakable Gift” Ensign, May 2003)

The prophets have always made an effort to help teach us how the Holy Ghost works within us. Another example by an ancient prophet is found in Alma 32.

Alma, teaching the poor people who were not allowed to attend the churches they helped construct– he wanted to give them a lesson on faith. During this lesson on faith, Alma also helps us know how to recognize the some of the aspects of the Holy Ghost so that we can recognize those feelings and know where they come from.

Alma teaches: It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding; yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. (Alma 32:28)
Discussion:

1. What are some ways that you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost?

2. Why do you think the Holy Ghost is referred to as the “Unspeakable Gift?”

3. What are the three ways Alma teaches us about being able to recognizing the Holy Ghost?

Scripture: John 14:26

Song: “Let the Holy Spirit Guide”

Activity:

Option A: Inside a room, turn out all the lights. Find a single lamp to turn on and talk about how the light gives off warmth, helps us to see and provides a beacon in the darkness. (Great for young children who understand turning lights off and on)

Option B:Blindfold a member of the family or FHE group. Assign two other people to lead them around the home, outside and so on. One leader acts as the Holy Ghost–giving right directions and the other acts as the adversary–giving wrong directions. Allow the blindfolded person to rely on their own choices on who to follow. Talk about how important it is to listen to the small voice of the Holy Ghost and how easy it is to drown out the righteous help He tries to offer.

Treats:

Apple Crumble & Hot Chocolate

Filed Under: Family Home Evening, Lessons, Store

Creating the World

2009
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Here’s a simple lesson for busy fingers and creative minds.

Scriptures: Genesis 1, Moses 2: 2-27

Hymns: “The World is so Big” pg 235 Children’s

Materials: homemade play dough recipe with ingredients, measured out and ready:
white paper and/or construction paper.
crayons, colored pencils, markers and/or paint
wallet size pictures or drawings of animals, people and plants – use old school photos,
magazine cut outs or print some images off the Internet.
tooth picks

Read through both sets of scriptures and make note on a sheet of paper the sequence and details that are part of the creation of the world.
Lay out everything on the kitchen table or island before hand, leave the lights off. Start with prayer and hymn in a separate room. You can read the Creation all together before heading off into the kitchen or go straight into the activity. Enter the dark kitchen with a flashlight in hand and your notes. “Let there be light”- turn on the lights. Then begin to create your play dough world. Having a bowl full of water (pre-measured with extra water then what the recipe calls for)scoop out the extra water and place into a glass cup or bowl. This is heaven. Now follow the recipe and with your finished play dough make a globe, leaving a little extra for later. Wrap the globe with brown paper and create seas with blue or color over it with markers/paint. Now if you’ve printed out or cut out pictures of plants attach them to toothpicks and place them onto the Earth. Or you can now draw your plants and then place them around the Earth. If you are using paint feel free to draw your plants directly onto the Earth. Next create your sun and moon with the extra dough. To add more fun separate or create your plants into seasons. Next attach your animals, drawn or cut out. And finally attach Man and Woman onto the globe.

Through out each step refer back to the scriptures and critique your work. Do you find it good?

Discuss what you like about each piece you create. What are you grateful for, what are your favorite things about the Earth?

You can create one all together or create separate Earths.

Treat: Apple slices – dress them up with caramel sauce, peanut butter, cheese, yogurt or leave them plain.

Have Fun!
Filed Under: Family Home Evening, Lessons, Store

Law of Consecration / A Helping Hand

2009
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Hymns: “Because I Have Been Given Much” pg 219, “Give, said The Little Stream” pg 236


Scripture: D&C 38:25-27, Mosiah 4:21, Corinthians 8:14

Quotes/Talks: “When we have eyes that see and ears that hear and hearts that know and feel, we will recognize needs of our fellow beings who cry our for help. How do they eat – without food? How do they keep warm – without clothing? without shelter? How do they live – without means? How do they get well – without doctors, medicines, and hospital? I believe that when we face our Maker, we will be asked, “How many people did you help?” President Monson – From an address given to the Coalition for Utah’s Future, Common Good Awards Luncheon, Oct 2000

“Living the Principles of the Law of Consecration“ By President Marion G. Romney
Second Counselor in the First Presidency

What is the Law of Consecration?
Open a discussion of how you can begin living the Law of Consecration. Think of the service you give and how it applies to the Law of Consecration?

Activity: This is a perfect opportunity to invite the neighbors. Gather your neighbors and have fun with a reverse scavenger hunt. For each house that is participating assign one member to stay home while the others go door to door to discover the needs of each house and what they can contribute to help. Make a list of services/assistance one would give to friends and neighbors, such as; food, water, referral to a Doctor/Service, money, friendship, labor, clothing, etc. With each house assign a need; hunger, illness, financial, depression, lack of clothes, lack of medical care, loneliness, general labor, and whatever else you can think of. For families with little children draw pictures of various items for the children to choose from. When you venture out to each house ask questions, strike up a conversation to find out what help can be given to each neighbor. You can combine needs such as loneliness and assistance with lawn care or financial need and hunger. Get creative.


To do this just within your own family: earlier in the day assign each family member a need. Sit in a circle and take turns discovering what each family member could use your help. With the family you can make them more personal items.


Treat: Everyone bring cookies, squares, or cake to share.

Filed Under: Family Home Evening, Lessons, Store

FHE Quick lesson

2009
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Summers are busy, busy for most families. There’s vacations, family reunions, sports and lots of chores to get done during the warm months.


While there may be a lot to do, there still time to gather as a family and spend that quality time for Family Home Evening.

Here’s a quick FHE lesson for that crazy week this summer:


Lesson: Share stories with each other about growing up, what’s going on now and just have fun around a campfire.

Activity: Go someplace or at home and have a campfire. This is fun for ALL ages!

Treat: Have a hot dog roast and even some yummy S’mores!
Filed Under: Family Home Evening, Lessons, Store

Music Appreciation

2009
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Materials; a collection of music from various genres, a list of songs, a hat or bowl,
lyrics to your favorite songs

Hymn: opening – Oh, What Songs of the Heart pg 286 or Hum your favorite Hymn pg 152 (Children’s)
closing – Come, Let Us Sing an Evening Hymn pg 167 or Sing your way home pg 193 (Children’s)

Lesson: Finding Joy in Music, use any of the quotes, articles or ideas below to open a dicussion on the music in your lives and it’s relation to your spiritual, mental and emotional health.

Scripture: D&C 25:12 For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

For the Strength of Youth “Music is an important and powerful part of life. Don’t listen to music that drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, uses foul or offensive language, or promotes Satanism or other evil practices”

Open a discussion about the music you listen to, within your home, with friends and by yourself. What do you like about it? Does your taste in music reflect your mood/attitude on life? Do you use music to relax, get into a better mood, when you’re angry, or as escape?

What does your taste in music have in common with others taste in music? Are they all fast tempo? Do they use similar instruments? Are the lyrics uplifting, fun or energetic?

Take turns sharing the lyrics to your favorite song(s). Discuss whether they are in tune to the counsel found in the Strength of Youth and in the qoute below by Boyd K. Packer

“A wise man once said, “Music is one of the most forceful instruments for governing the mind.” Whether it governs in a positive way or a negative way is determined by what it brings onto the stage of your mind. If you can say that a song is spiritually inspiring or that it urges you to see yourself in a more noble perspective, the music is worthwhile. If it merely entertains or lifts your spirits, then it also has a useful place. But if it makes you want to respond in a carnal, sensual way or to consider unrighteous desires, then that music should be avoided. It is not worthy.” Boyd K. Packer (April 2008, New Era)

Is there ever a sound war in your home? Do your tastes in music drive other people crazy? Open a discussion following the advice found in the New Era and by Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, listed below.

“Whenever my dad and I talk about music, we get into a fight. How can I persuade him that it’s sometimes not a question of good or evil but of personal taste?,” New Era, Jan. 2009, 35

“Let there be music in the home. If you have teenagers who have their own recordings, you will be prone to describe the sound as something other than music. Let them hear something better occasionally. Expose them to it. It will speak for itself. More appreciation will come than you may think. It may not be spoken, but it will be felt, and its influence will become increasingly manifest as the years pass.” President Gordon B. Hinckley (Liahona Sept 2004)

For more guidelines on finding music to enjoy that is in harmony with the guidelines of The Church read Cream of the Crop from the 1986 Liahona.

Activity:

  • Name that tune - take your list of songs and cut them into strips. Place them inside a bowl or hat. Take turns pulling out a title and humming the tune while everyone else guesses the song. You can divide into teams or score points individually.

  • Musical improv – two people open the scene in the ER, class room, work place or playground. Using only the title of songs create a diaolog. Each have 15 seconds to respond. If one can’t think of a title someone else takes their spot. ex. In the ER, person 1,”Help” (The Beatles) person 2 “Achy Breaky Heart”(Billy Ray Cyrus) , person 1 “I Wanna Hold your Hand” (Yesturday) person 2 “Love Hurts” (Nazareth), person 1 “I know, I know, I know” (Tegan and Sara) person 2 “Make it all better” (The Gifted) ….

  • Play a selection of music and make faces according how the music makes you feel; angry, happy, scared, excited, sleepy, crazy…

  • Dance party – have fun, jump around and dance together listening to your favorite songs.

Treat – S’more Brownies

Filed Under: Family Home Evening, Lessons, Store

Changes – A constant passing of time

2009
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Materials: Finding Joy in the Journey by Pres. Thomas S. Monson
Any one of these board games; Life, Monopoly, Sorry, Risk, Candy Land, Scrabble, Chutes and Ladders

Hymn: There is Sunshine in my Soul Today pg 227
Come Rejoice pg 9
I Will Follow God’s Plan pg 164(Children’s)
I am Glad for Many Things pg 151 (Children’s)

Scripture: And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the dend; therefore they were saved. Alma 5:13

“One of the discoveries that our Father in Heaven would have us make is to learn that we have far more control over our happiness than we sometimes think we do. How we see life’s glass—half-full or half-empty—is primarily a choice. And with our Father in Heaven’s help, our faith, hope, and optimism can grow. The story of Nephi, Laman, and Lemuel in the Book of Mormon is an interesting case study in choosing or looking for happiness. …

As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe put it, “A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart.” The world becomes a creation after our own image, a reflection of our own faith or lack thereof.

Even when trials come, the wise choose happiness. They are lovely people to be around. Conversely no cosmetic, perfume, or wardrobe can ever compensate for the unpleasantness of a complainer or pessimist. “But what if that is the way I am?” someone might ask. Or “what if I don’t feel like smiling?” Ben Franklin referred to pessimism as a “bad habit” to be broken and advised avoiding people so “infected.”” Elder Lynn G. Robbins (True Beauty – Nov. 2008 Ensign)

Read the talk by Pres. Thomas S. Monson as well as the quote above, either all together or before FHE.

Discuss the changes that have come into your life, from the big move to turning another year older.

  • How did you react to them?

  • What did you do about them?

  • Was it a planned change or unexpected?

  • Thinking back on them, do you notice any clues as to how these changes came about?

  • Have you learned anything from them?

  • What can you do to accomplish peace, happiness and strength the next time change comes into your life?

  • For young children discuss the changing of seasons, birthdays, new friends, first day of school, and new family members.

Activity: Play anyone of the board games listed above or any game that creates changes. At the end of each turn have every player voice their thought or feelings about what just played out. The point is not the fully complete the game but to understand ones own thoughts on change, planned or unexpected. A bonus to this is that not only should we come to a small understanding of what our first reactions are but that as every one takes their turn we’ll gain insight to those around us and learn to empathize and bare each others joys and burdens.

Treat: Humble Pie – any pie of your choice or this simple recipe found at foodnetwork.com: take a ready to eat pie crust and line it with your favorite fruit; bananas, berries, peaches… then take one packet of instant pudding – chocolate or vanilla, prepare as instructed and pour over the fruit. Let it chill and firm in the fridge for 3-4 hours. Serve with whipped cream.


Filed Under: Family Home Evening, Lessons, Store

Life After Graduation

2009
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Objective: To ensure that values taught in the home will continue on as your teen crosses over into adulthood.

Hymn: Today While the Sun Shines pg 229

Scripture:

For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have. 2 Nephi 28:30
Talks: read beforehand or with family

“Coming of Age” by Richard M. Romney – New Era May, ’96

“Can You Pass the Graduation Test” by Elder Dean L. Larsen – Liahona March ’81

Open a discussion on your thoughts of the talks and plans for the summer, near future and how you will continue to live the Gospel Principles as you surround yourself with new people, enter the work force, go away to college or travel.
Activity: Home movies, flipping through photo albums, pull out those grade school art work and awards. Reminisce on childhood and childish things. Have fun looking back at the evolution from toddler to graduate.
Treat: The graduates choice.
Filed Under: Family Home Evening, Lessons, Store
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