FHE -- A Secure Anchor, The Savior, Jesus Christ

 

FHE -- A Secure Anchor, The Savior, Jesus Christ

OPENING SONG: "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus" Children's Songbook pg. 78
OPENING PRAYER: (to be assigned)
SCRIPTURE: 1 Nephi 3:7
7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

QUESTIONS:
Why does the Lord give us commandments?
Is it ever hard to keep them all?
How do the commandments help us in this life?
How do rules keep us safe?

VIDEO:
A Secure Anchor
3 minutes, 37 seconds

ARTICLE:
Steps to Happiness
by D. Todd Christofferson

QUESTIONS:
What if we struggle and make mistakes?
Are we ever unforgivable?

VIDEO:
Reclaimed
3 minutes, 27 seconds

The Atonement allows for us to be forgiven when we repent of our mistakes, no matter how big or small.  We should always strive to live and keep the commandments, but if we stumble, we can repent and be made clean again.  We are here on earth to be tested and tried and we will occasionally  mess up! Let's help each other to keep the mistakes small and limited and repent when necessary.  "Keep the commandments, for in this there is safety and peace."

CLOSING SONG: "Keep the Commandments" Hymn #303
CLOSING PRAYER: (to be assigned)

REFRESHMENTS:
S'Mores Popcorn

Family Scripture Study -- Scripture Mastery

 This summer I decided that I wanted to switch up daily scripture studying with the kids a little bit.  For years we have just read through the books, usually 15 minutes each morning.  Many years ago I started with the Book of Mormon.  Then we read the Doctrine and Covenants and then the Book of Mormon again. Next we read the Pearl of Great Price and then back to the Book of Mormon.  Then the New Testament and this summer we were finishing the Book of Mormon, one more time.  Over the last 16 plus years we have read many scriptures, but I felt like we were mostly checking off a box, saying, "we read today."  The kids are all old enough now, the daily studying habit has been taught, and I feel like it is time for them to start understanding what they are reading and learning to search and really study the scriptures.  I came up with the idea to read and study the Seminary Scripture Mastery list.  I went to lds.org and printed, on cardstock, the 4 years worth of cards:
Old Testament Scripture Mastery Cards
New Testament Scripture Mastery Cards
Book of Mormon Scripture Mastery Cards
D&C Church History Scripture Mastery Cards

In each link, open the document in the PDF option and print pages 1,3, and 5.  There are 8 pages total, but I just wanted the front of these cards.  You can also get these cards at the LDS Distribution Center.  I cut them down, punched a hole in the corner and put them on a ring.

Next I purchased these clear labels.  They sell them at Wal-Mart.

I went to Avery.com and downloaded the template for these labels and I typed up the short scripture description located at the top of each card for each mastery scripture.  Underneath that I typed the scripture.

 Note: There are 100 total scripture mastery references.  (Yes, I used the new list!)  These labels come 80 per sheet.  I typed up the first 80 references on page one and then on page two I typed (cut and pasted) the remaining 20 references four times, one per column.  That way I can print everyone a page one and print one page two for four people and cut each row off.

 Each morning we read and study one of the references.  I decided to start with the Old Testament because that will be the book they study this year in Seminary.  Everyone was given a red/blue marking pencil and the stickers.  We read the scripture, mark it, put the sticker on, and then discuss what is written on the mastery card on the ring.  We look up the footnotes and try to understand what the scripture is teaching us and why it would be a helpful scripture for a missionary.  That is the ultimate purpose for them.  Teaching others about the gospel and the scriptures.
For example:
Day Two was, Moses 7:18

 

We read, marked, stickered, and talked about what the card says. Then we went to the footnotes and found this scripture:

D&C 38:4

Logan (10), my last child in Primary, was excited because we are learning the "Follow the Prophet" song in singing time this year and it has a whole verse about Enoch, so he knew who he was.  We sang the song and talked about Enoch.  We looked up what "Zion" meant and discussed it. The last part of the mastery card has an "application" section.  The question for this card is, "What can you do to build unity, promote righteousness, and assist those in need in your family, ward or branch?" The kids came up with answers like: service, fast offerings, being an example, etc. We talked about them and then we had our morning prayer.

 This has been our new routine for a few weeks.  When we finish all 100 mastery cards, I'll figure out what to do from there. :) If anyone has any great ideas, please share!

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

This recipe is from:here
(I adapted this recipe for my altitude and tastes.)

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
For the cookies:
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
1 tsp, baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt 
     In a large bowl add the butter, sugar, and powdered sugar and cream together, about 4-5 minutes, until fluffy.  Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.  In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Add one cup of the flour mix and let it mix it in.  Add the rest of the flour mix and let it mix just until combined. Do not over mix!  Place the dough onto plastic wrap, wrap tightly and flatten into a disk.  Refrigerate 1-2 hours, at least.

For the filling:
4 Tbsp. butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
   Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Set aside.
   Divide the cold dough into 2 halves. Roll out each half, 4 inches by 12 inches.  If the dough is sticky, use powdered sugar to dust your rolling pin and surface, NOT flour! Work quickly trying not to touch the dough too much.  Warm hands and sugar cookie dough equals disaster!  Spread half the butter and half the brown sugar cinnamon mix onto each dough half.  Roll into a log and cut into 1 inch thick circles.  Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 11-13 minutes.  They should be a light color still, do not over bake!  Remove from the oven and allow to cool before icing.

For the icing:
2 Tbsp. cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon juice (my secret ingredient)
1-2 Tbsp. milk
   In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the cream cheese and butter.  Add the powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.  Add the vanilla and lemon juice.  A little at a time, add the milk until it reaches a smooth consistency.  (I like it to set up on the cookies so I like it a little thicker and I put it into a piping bag with a frosting tip to decorate the cookies.)

Once the cookies are cooled, ice them and let it sit for a few minutes to set before serving.

Thai Crunch Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing

Peanut Lime Dressing ( I wrote this up in small amounts for a 1-2 serving size recipe, then tripled it when I made it to fill the above pictured dressing container.)
3 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 Tbsp. lime juice (approx. 1/2 lime)
1 tsp. garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. ginger root, minced
2 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
1 tsp. brown sugar
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
3 tsp. coconut milk
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. canola oil
       In a blender jar combine all of the ingredients, except the canola oil. Blend on high until well mixed.  Continue to blend and slowly pour the canola oil into the blender to emulsify it into the dressing.

Thai Crunch Salad
rice noodles, follow package directions for cooking (very easy!)
carrots, matchstick cut
purple cabbage, thinly sliced
cucumbers, seeded and sliced
cashew halves
green onions, sliced
   Fill the bottom of your bowl with noodles and add the desired amount of vegetables on top. Pour on a generous amount of dressing and toss to coat.  

4 Cheese Jalapeno Bacon Dip

4 Cheese Jalapeno Bacon Dip
1/2 block cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayo
1/8 tsp. Creole Seasoning
2 green onions, chopped, divided
1 Tbsp. jalapeno, diced
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup monterey jack cheese, grated
1/2 Tbsp. parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
butter for baking dish
    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Butter a small 5x7 baking dish.  In a medium bowl combine the cream cheese, mayo, and Creole seasoning.  Add the green onions, reserving a small amount for garnish, the jalapeno, cheddar, parmesan, and monterey jack cheeses. Stir to combine.  Spread onto the bottom of the buttered baking dish.  In a small bowl add the melted butter and Panko breadcrumbs. Stir to coat.  Pour on top of the dip and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top browns just slightly.  Remove from the oven and top with the bacon and reserved green onions.  Serve immediately with crackers, vegetables or toasted baguette slices.

FHE -- How to Prepare Now to Serve a Mission

OPENING SONG: "Called to Serve" Hymn #249
OPENING PRAYER: (to be assigned)
SCRIPTURE: Alma 29:9-17
9I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy. 
10And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me. 
11Yea, and I also remember the captivity of my fathers; for I surely do know that the Lord did deliver them out of bondage, and by this did establish his church; yea, the Lord God, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, did deliver them out of bondage. 
12Yea, I have always remembered the captivity of my fathers; and that same God who delivered them out of the hands of the Egyptians did deliver them out of bondage . 
13Yea, and that same God did establish his church among them; yea, and that same God hath called me by a holy calling, to preach the word unto this people, and hath given me much success, in the which my joy is full. 
14But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi. 
15Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward! 
16Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy . 
17And now may God grant unto these, my brethren, that they may sit down in the kingdom of God; yea, and also all those who are the fruit of their labors that they may go no more out, but that they may praise him forever. And may God grant that it may be done according to my words, even as I have spoken.
Amen.


VIDEO:The Value of a Full-Time Mission
5 minutes and 22 seconds

QUESTIONS:
Who in our family wants to serve a full-time mission someday? (Parents may want to go as a couple someday.  Tell your kids that.  Let them know if you plan to.)
Why do you want to serve?
Do you think you are needed as a missionary?
Where in the world would you want to go if you could choose?
(If you are a parent who has served a mission, tell your kids about some of your experiences. :) Share your testimony about the importance of serving and how it has helped you in your life. If you have pictures, get them out and show them!)
How can you prepare yourself now for a mission in the future? 

 
LESSON:
How to Prepare Now to Serve a Mission

How as a family can we help each other to prepare for future missions?

CLOSING SONG: "We'll Bring the World His Truth" Children's Songbook pg. 172
CLOSING PRAYER: (to be assigned)

REFRESHMENTS:
Pretzel Turtles (Super easy!)