"God's extraordinary work is most often done by ordinary people in the seeming obscurity of a home and family."
- Neal A. Maxwell
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| And this is mine:) |
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
A Pimple for a Dimple
This just made me smile when I read it, so true:)
"A man in love mistakes a pimple for a dimple."
Japanese Proverb
Thursday, February 10, 2011
We Will All Have Our Fridays
“Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.
“But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come.
“No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, in this life or the next, Sunday will come.”
("Dark Friday, Bright Sunday," New Era, Mar. 2008, 4)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Maintaining a Strong Relationship with your Children
Give Daily Outpourings of Love
"Feeling acceptance and affection from parents is vital for a child’s sense of acceptance. Sadly, about one out of every four LDS teens reported that they felt their parents did not adequately demonstrate their love for them. While we cannot know exactly how often and in what manner their parents actually expressed affection, we do know that more than 25 percent felt it did not measure up to what they desired and needed. It is difficult for teenagers to feel a sense of worth if their parents do not express love, appreciation, and respect for them. Those young people who exhibit a healthy confidence not only have come to feel Heavenly Father’s love for them but also have experienced consistent expressions of love and support from their earthly parents. “My parents are very affectionate,” one young man reported. “They always hug me and tell me they love me. That means a lot!” In contrast, many of the teens who expressed self-contempt reported that they did not feel loved by their parents and rarely, if ever, heard the words “I love you.” One high school student stated: “My family isn’t a hugging, touchy-feely sort of family. We have problems expressing our love to each other. I can count on one hand the number of times I have been hugged by my parents. I wish we would show our love more openly.” Each of us needs to feel loved, respected, accepted, and appreciated. We all need to hear verbal expressions of that love. It is especially vital for adolescents who are being bombarded with feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. As one teen declared, “I don’t think the words ‘I love you’ can ever be overused.”
It is difficult for some parents to hug their children and express love, even though such expressions are as vital to the emotional and spiritual development of their children as sunshine, good soil, and adequate water are for the healthy growth of a plant. A parent’s reluctance to express love can be compounded sometimes by the way children react—especially if they aren’t accustomed to experiencing such affection. They may roll their eyes, groan, and pull away, but deep inside they feel a special security that comes with the knowledge that they are loved. Expressing love takes little time, costs nothing, and yet yields rich dividends—here and hereafter. A daily outpouring of love is not only vital for emotional well-being but also essential to spiritual development."
(Ensign, February 2006)
"Feeling acceptance and affection from parents is vital for a child’s sense of acceptance. Sadly, about one out of every four LDS teens reported that they felt their parents did not adequately demonstrate their love for them. While we cannot know exactly how often and in what manner their parents actually expressed affection, we do know that more than 25 percent felt it did not measure up to what they desired and needed. It is difficult for teenagers to feel a sense of worth if their parents do not express love, appreciation, and respect for them. Those young people who exhibit a healthy confidence not only have come to feel Heavenly Father’s love for them but also have experienced consistent expressions of love and support from their earthly parents. “My parents are very affectionate,” one young man reported. “They always hug me and tell me they love me. That means a lot!” In contrast, many of the teens who expressed self-contempt reported that they did not feel loved by their parents and rarely, if ever, heard the words “I love you.” One high school student stated: “My family isn’t a hugging, touchy-feely sort of family. We have problems expressing our love to each other. I can count on one hand the number of times I have been hugged by my parents. I wish we would show our love more openly.” Each of us needs to feel loved, respected, accepted, and appreciated. We all need to hear verbal expressions of that love. It is especially vital for adolescents who are being bombarded with feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. As one teen declared, “I don’t think the words ‘I love you’ can ever be overused.”It is difficult for some parents to hug their children and express love, even though such expressions are as vital to the emotional and spiritual development of their children as sunshine, good soil, and adequate water are for the healthy growth of a plant. A parent’s reluctance to express love can be compounded sometimes by the way children react—especially if they aren’t accustomed to experiencing such affection. They may roll their eyes, groan, and pull away, but deep inside they feel a special security that comes with the knowledge that they are loved. Expressing love takes little time, costs nothing, and yet yields rich dividends—here and hereafter. A daily outpouring of love is not only vital for emotional well-being but also essential to spiritual development."
(Ensign, February 2006)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Big Mud Puddles & Sunny Yellow Dandelions
Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions
When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard.
My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.
When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away.
My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.
When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen.
My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own.
When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk.
My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.
When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that.
My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy."
When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets.
My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with.
I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from?
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
I wish you Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions!!!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
FHE Spot - Love One Another, Valentines for Jesus
I saw this on LDS Family Fun, and thought it would be a great intro into Valentines Day next week. After all, 'All you need is love':)
Opening Song: Love one Another (click HERE for music and lyrics)
Opening Prayer:
Lesson: (Choose whichever parts suit your family needs the best)
1. Watch Video clip:
2. Read John 13:34–35
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
3. Discussion - Use as the Spirit and your family needs guide:
(He provided a Savior for us, so we can return to live with Him.)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.)
5. Is love important? (Yes.)
“Love is of the very essence of life...Love is the security for which children weep, the desire of youth, the cement that binds marriage, and the smoothing oil that prevents devastating friction in the home; it is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family, friends, church, and neighbors.” Gordon B. Hinckley, Tambuli, Aug. 1982
6. Can love make the world a better place? (Yes.)
“Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people, that can heal relationships shattered by bitterness....If the world is to be improved, the process of love must make a change in the hearts of men. It can do so when we look beyond self to give our love to God and others, and do so with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind.” Gordon B. Hinckley, Tambuli, Aug. 1984
7. How can we can show our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus? (By serving and loving others and following our Savior’s example.)
8. What can we do to show greater love for each other? (Discuss ideas.)
STORY: Valentines for Jesus
Mother put the box of colored paper, ribbon, and lace on the kitchen table where the children were busy addressing their valentines for their classmates.
“When you’re done, do you want to make some special valentines?” Mother asked the children.
“I want to make a special valentine for Daddy!" answered Heidi.
“Oh, Daddy will love that, Heidi!”
“Mommy, would it be okay if I make a valentine for my school teacher?” asked Janece.
“I think you should make one for your teacher,” Mother answered.
“I want to make a valentine for my primary teacher!” Thomas added.
“That’s a great idea, Thomas! I’m sure that will make Sister Wells very happy.”
Five-year-old Breanna sat quietly, listening to her brothers and sisters make a list of people they wanted to make valentines for. “Do you have someone special you want to make a valentine for Breanna?” Mother asked.
“Can I make a valentine for anyone I want?” Breanna queried.
“Of course, Sweetie!” Mother assured her youngest daughter.
“Then I want to make a valentine for Jesus!” the little girl exclaimed.
“You’re silly, Breanna. You can’t give Jesus a valentine. Can you Mom?” Thomas taunted.
Mother looked at Thomas and then at Breanna, who’s eyes had filled with tears. “Breanna, tell Thomas, why you want to make a valentine for Jesus.”
“To show Him I love Him!”
“I think love, is the best reason to send a valentine. Don’t you, Thomas?”
Thomas looked down, “Yes, Ma’am.”
“Mommy, can we all make valentines for Jesus?” asked Heidi.
Mother smiled at her eager children, “Of course!”
“We need to make the very best valentines for Jesus!” added Janece.
Mother thought about what they could do to make special valentines for Jesus. “I know what we can do!” she said.
Heidi and Janece you help me trace two paper hearts on this white paper for each of you. Mother then showed Brianna and Thomas how to glue the hearts onto a piece of poster board. They then took a piece of red construction paper and glued it to the poster board. After the glue dried Heidi and Janece carefully cut out the hearts, while Thomas and Brianna cut the red paper into long strips.
As they worked on the special valentines, they sang, “As I have loved you, love one another....”
Mother then taught the children how to weave the red strips in and out of the slits, she had cut, in one of the hearts.
“Mommy, what’s a disciple?” asked Breanna.
“A disciple is someone who believes in and follows Jesus,” Mother answered.
“Are you a disciple, Mommy?” the little girl asked.
“I am! Are you?”
Breanna smiled and nodded.
“So, how do we show Jesus that we are His disciples?
“I know, I know!” shouted Thomas, “By loving one another. Like the song says!”
“That’s right Thomas. The song was written about the new commandment Jesus gave us in the scriptures. Should we write the scripture on your valentines?
“Yes! That’s my favorite song! And I want to also tell him that; I will be His disciple.”
“That a good idea,” Mother agreed.
The children finished their special valentines for Jesus by trimming them with lace and ribbon.
“Mommy, how will we give our valentines to Jesus?” Brianna asked.
“How about if we hang it in your room, where it can remind you to be Jesus’s disciple by loving one another. That way Jesus can see it and He will know that you love Him!”
Opening Song: Love one Another (click HERE for music and lyrics)
Opening Prayer:
Lesson: (Choose whichever parts suit your family needs the best)
1. Watch Video clip:
2. Read John 13:34–35
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
3. Discussion - Use as the Spirit and your family needs guide:
- When Jesus gave this new commandment to “love one another” (John 13:34–35), was He speaking only to His twelve disciples? (No.)
- What is a disciple? (One who believes in and follows Jesus.)
- How can we show Jesus that we are His disciples? (By loving one another and keeping the commandments.)
(He provided a Savior for us, so we can return to live with Him.)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.)
5. Is love important? (Yes.)
“Love is of the very essence of life...Love is the security for which children weep, the desire of youth, the cement that binds marriage, and the smoothing oil that prevents devastating friction in the home; it is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family, friends, church, and neighbors.” Gordon B. Hinckley, Tambuli, Aug. 1982
6. Can love make the world a better place? (Yes.)
“Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people, that can heal relationships shattered by bitterness....If the world is to be improved, the process of love must make a change in the hearts of men. It can do so when we look beyond self to give our love to God and others, and do so with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind.” Gordon B. Hinckley, Tambuli, Aug. 1984
7. How can we can show our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus? (By serving and loving others and following our Savior’s example.)
8. What can we do to show greater love for each other? (Discuss ideas.)
STORY: Valentines for Jesus
Mother put the box of colored paper, ribbon, and lace on the kitchen table where the children were busy addressing their valentines for their classmates.
“When you’re done, do you want to make some special valentines?” Mother asked the children.
“I want to make a special valentine for Daddy!" answered Heidi.
“Oh, Daddy will love that, Heidi!”
“Mommy, would it be okay if I make a valentine for my school teacher?” asked Janece.
“I think you should make one for your teacher,” Mother answered.
“I want to make a valentine for my primary teacher!” Thomas added.
“That’s a great idea, Thomas! I’m sure that will make Sister Wells very happy.”
Five-year-old Breanna sat quietly, listening to her brothers and sisters make a list of people they wanted to make valentines for. “Do you have someone special you want to make a valentine for Breanna?” Mother asked.
“Can I make a valentine for anyone I want?” Breanna queried.
“Of course, Sweetie!” Mother assured her youngest daughter.
“Then I want to make a valentine for Jesus!” the little girl exclaimed.
“You’re silly, Breanna. You can’t give Jesus a valentine. Can you Mom?” Thomas taunted.
Mother looked at Thomas and then at Breanna, who’s eyes had filled with tears. “Breanna, tell Thomas, why you want to make a valentine for Jesus.”
“To show Him I love Him!”
“I think love, is the best reason to send a valentine. Don’t you, Thomas?”
Thomas looked down, “Yes, Ma’am.”
“Mommy, can we all make valentines for Jesus?” asked Heidi.
Mother smiled at her eager children, “Of course!”
“We need to make the very best valentines for Jesus!” added Janece.
Mother thought about what they could do to make special valentines for Jesus. “I know what we can do!” she said.
Heidi and Janece you help me trace two paper hearts on this white paper for each of you. Mother then showed Brianna and Thomas how to glue the hearts onto a piece of poster board. They then took a piece of red construction paper and glued it to the poster board. After the glue dried Heidi and Janece carefully cut out the hearts, while Thomas and Brianna cut the red paper into long strips.
As they worked on the special valentines, they sang, “As I have loved you, love one another....”
Mother then taught the children how to weave the red strips in and out of the slits, she had cut, in one of the hearts.
“Mommy, what’s a disciple?” asked Breanna.
“A disciple is someone who believes in and follows Jesus,” Mother answered.
“Are you a disciple, Mommy?” the little girl asked.
“I am! Are you?”
Breanna smiled and nodded.
“So, how do we show Jesus that we are His disciples?
“I know, I know!” shouted Thomas, “By loving one another. Like the song says!”
“That’s right Thomas. The song was written about the new commandment Jesus gave us in the scriptures. Should we write the scripture on your valentines?
“Yes! That’s my favorite song! And I want to also tell him that; I will be His disciple.”
“That a good idea,” Mother agreed.
The children finished their special valentines for Jesus by trimming them with lace and ribbon.
“Mommy, how will we give our valentines to Jesus?” Brianna asked.
“How about if we hang it in your room, where it can remind you to be Jesus’s disciple by loving one another. That way Jesus can see it and He will know that you love Him!”
by Margie Nauta Lee © 2007 Living Scriptures, Inc.
VALENTINES FOR JESUS ACTIVITY:
Make valentines for Jesus. Click HERE for full instructions.
Or, maybe cut out some paper hearts and everyone write down something they are going to do this week to show Jesus that they love Him, and review at next weeks FHE.
TREATS: Valentine Day Oreo's
Won't Let Go
This was created by Alisha over at Homemaking Honeys. She said:
"Friday morning while I was taking the children to school this song came on in the car. I was listening to the words and was invisioning Jesus Christ saying these words to me, "I will stand by you, I will help you through, when you've done all you can do if you cant cope. I will dry your eyes I will fight your fight, I will hold you tight and I wont let go. So I came straight home and through out the day made a music video to go with it. It did take all day, I mean I am still and most importantly a mom, but I really wanted to do this. So here it is. I hope you enjoy it. I would love your feedback!"
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Laughter of the World
"The laughter of the world is merely loneliness pathetically trying to reassure itself."
— Neal A. Maxwell (The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Earning Vs. Yearning
“All too often a family's spending is governed more by their yearning than by their earning. They somehow believe that their life will be better if they surround themselves with an abundance of things. All too often all they are left with is avoidable anxiety and distress”.
("Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts," Ensign, May 2004, 42).
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Look Deeper for the Good
“I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we [stop] the sounds of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort.”
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008)
Monday, January 31, 2011
FHE Spot - Showing Love Through Words
My Children can always use a lesson on this topic. I hope it comes of some use to you and your family.
Opening Song: Kindness begins with me
Opening Prayer:
Lesson:
Heavenly Father has given us many wonderful blessings. We can see and hear and use our hands to work and to help others. One of the special blessings Heavenly Father has given us is our power to speak. We can use words to tell others what we need, to share a funny story or to say prayers. But words are very powerful. What kind of words we choose to use is a very important decision.
Some words we say can make other people feel happy. Some words we say can make other people feel sad. Some words we say can invite the Holy Ghost to be with us and other words can send him away.
I want to tell you a story from the Friend Magazine (January 2010) about a little boy who found out how powerful words can be:
"Robbie wiped the sweat from his face. The sun beat down on him as he played ball with other fourth-grade boys.
Seth threw the ball to Robbie. A boy on the other team lunged for it, but missed. Robbie dove for the ball and caught it before it hit the ground. The other boy called Robbie a mean name.
“Don’t let him get away with saying that, Robbie,” Seth said. Robbie ignored the mean name and took his position. Some of the boys snickered. Robbie couldn’t get the word out of his mind. When his team won the game, he didn’t feel like celebrating with his teammates.
That evening, Robbie told Dad what happened. “Why did he call me that word?” Robbie asked.
“Not everyone believes what we do,” Dad said. “Some people think using words like that makes them seem cool. Words have a lot of power. They can build people up or tear them down.”
“Seth told me not to let the boy get away with saying what he did,” Robbie said.
“What did you do?” Dad asked.
Robbie looked down. “I ignored him and kept playing,” Robbie said.
Dad hugged Robbie. “You did the right thing. I’m proud of you.”
Robbie was happy to hear Dad say that. “I guess you’re right,” Robbie said, smiling. “Words do have a lot of power.”
- When Robbie got called a name how did it make him feel?
- How do we make others feel when we call them names?
- What did Robbie do to the boy who called him a name?
- Was that a good decision or a bad decision?
- What will you do if someone ever calls you a mean name?
- How did Robbie's Dad make him feel better using words?
Families are so important. Heavenly Father wants us to always treat our family with love and kindness.
- How will our home feel if we yell at each other and call each other mean names?
- How can we use words to show love for each other?
Activity:
Get a beanbag or small stuffed animal. Have the family sit on the floor in a circle. Starting with a parent, have them say one "happy word" about another member in the circle. This can be a descriptive word that describes that person like sweet, kind, happy, fun, loving, affectionate, smart, musical, etc. Then toss the beanbag to that person. Then it is their turn to choose someone to say a "Happy Word" about and toss the bag to. Continue until every member of the family has had a turn as the tosser and receiver. You can continue as many times as you would like.
Treat:
Homemade Take 5 Bars
Opening Song: Kindness begins with me
Opening Prayer:
Lesson:
Heavenly Father has given us many wonderful blessings. We can see and hear and use our hands to work and to help others. One of the special blessings Heavenly Father has given us is our power to speak. We can use words to tell others what we need, to share a funny story or to say prayers. But words are very powerful. What kind of words we choose to use is a very important decision.
Some words we say can make other people feel happy. Some words we say can make other people feel sad. Some words we say can invite the Holy Ghost to be with us and other words can send him away.
I want to tell you a story from the Friend Magazine (January 2010) about a little boy who found out how powerful words can be:
"Robbie wiped the sweat from his face. The sun beat down on him as he played ball with other fourth-grade boys.
Seth threw the ball to Robbie. A boy on the other team lunged for it, but missed. Robbie dove for the ball and caught it before it hit the ground. The other boy called Robbie a mean name.
“Don’t let him get away with saying that, Robbie,” Seth said. Robbie ignored the mean name and took his position. Some of the boys snickered. Robbie couldn’t get the word out of his mind. When his team won the game, he didn’t feel like celebrating with his teammates.
That evening, Robbie told Dad what happened. “Why did he call me that word?” Robbie asked.
“Not everyone believes what we do,” Dad said. “Some people think using words like that makes them seem cool. Words have a lot of power. They can build people up or tear them down.”
“Seth told me not to let the boy get away with saying what he did,” Robbie said.
“What did you do?” Dad asked.
Robbie looked down. “I ignored him and kept playing,” Robbie said.
Dad hugged Robbie. “You did the right thing. I’m proud of you.”
Robbie was happy to hear Dad say that. “I guess you’re right,” Robbie said, smiling. “Words do have a lot of power.”
- When Robbie got called a name how did it make him feel?
- How do we make others feel when we call them names?
- What did Robbie do to the boy who called him a name?
- Was that a good decision or a bad decision?
- What will you do if someone ever calls you a mean name?
- How did Robbie's Dad make him feel better using words?
Families are so important. Heavenly Father wants us to always treat our family with love and kindness.
- How will our home feel if we yell at each other and call each other mean names?
- How can we use words to show love for each other?
Activity:
Get a beanbag or small stuffed animal. Have the family sit on the floor in a circle. Starting with a parent, have them say one "happy word" about another member in the circle. This can be a descriptive word that describes that person like sweet, kind, happy, fun, loving, affectionate, smart, musical, etc. Then toss the beanbag to that person. Then it is their turn to choose someone to say a "Happy Word" about and toss the bag to. Continue until every member of the family has had a turn as the tosser and receiver. You can continue as many times as you would like.
Treat:
Homemade Take 5 Bars
Friday, January 28, 2011
Participate
“We cannot see the future with precision, but we can know what the Lord intends and what it will take [for] each of us to qualify personally to participate.”
Henry B. Eyring
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