Lesson: Chapter 27: Work and Personal Responsibility
Instructor: Sister Ashby

President David O. McKay said, “Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success” (Pathways to Happiness [1957], 381).

Sister Ashby had a great activity to go along with this lesson. She brought a treasure box filled with items that could be sorted into three categories of work: Physical, Spiritual, & Emotional. She had sisters come up and take an item out of the box and decide which category it would fit in. You can go here, for pictures you could use to do this same activity with your family.

Work is an Eternal Principle:
"Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have shown us by Their examples and teachings that work is important in heaven and on earth. God worked to create the heavens and the earth. He caused the seas to gather in one place and the dry land to appear. He caused grass, herbs, and trees to grow on the land. He created the sun, the moon, and the stars. He created every living thing in the sea or on the land. Then He placed Adam and Eve on the earth to take care of it and to have dominion over all living things. (See Genesis 1:1–28.) Jesus said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17). He also said, “I must work the works of him that sent me” (John 9:4)."

Family Responsibility
"Parents work together to provide for the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of their family. They should never expect anyone to take care of this responsibility for them. The Apostle Paul wrote, “If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8).

What responsibilities do your children have? How do you hold them accountable?

We Can Enjoy Work
To some people work is a drudgery. To others it is an exciting part of life. One way to enjoy life’s fullest benefits is to learn to love work.

Our attitude toward work is very important. The following story shows how one man saw beyond his daily labor. A traveler passed a stone quarry and saw three men working. He asked each man what he was doing. Each man’s answer revealed a different attitude toward the same job. “I am cutting stone,” the first man answered. The second replied, “I am earning three gold pieces per day.” The third man smiled and said, “I am helping to build a house of God.”

God Condemns Idleness
The Lord is not pleased with those who are lazy or idle. He said, “The idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways” (D&C 75:29). He also commanded, “Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer” (D&C 42:42).

Work, Recreation, and Rest
It is important to find balance between "work, recreation, and rest".

On other days of the week, in addition to working, we may spend time to improve our talents and enjoy our hobbies, recreation, or other activities that will refresh us.

Family Home Evening Ideas:

Sharing Time: A Happy Home

Friend Article: Mine House is a House of Order

LDS Living: Responsibility

LDS Living: Using Time Wisely Song

Great Article- The Dangerous Digital Vortex

My sister in law sent me the link to an article from the BYU Alumni Magazine. It goes really well with the lesson we had in Relief Society and Priesthood a couple of weeks ago about protecting our family from the fiery darts of the adversary. With our children growing up in the digital age, how do we protect them? This article is very straight forward and gives some great ideas for connecting with children. Click here, to read the article.

Sunday Happenings (times 2)

Sunday, February 6

Instructor: Sister Baumann

Lesson- "More Diligent and Concerned at Home" David A. Bednar

1) Suggestion Number One: Express and Show Love 1John 4:18

"We can begin to become more diligent and concerned at home by telling the people we love that we love them. Such expressions do not need to be flowery or lengthy. We simply should sincerely and frequently express love."

• Sister Sanderson talked about showing love to/from parents: phone calls & care packages while at school, Mom staying with son while in hospital when she had to work, Able to take care of mom after her father passed away. She would take her on special adventures. How do you show love to your parents?
• Sister Perkins talked about showing love to her husband. She said that there are times when they don't see each other very often. They make sure there is a daily phone call so they can communicate and really talk. Take the little moments to let them know you are thinking of them- cookies, notes, a spontaneous hug...etc..
• Sister Nichols talked about showing love to her children. Having family rules (don't yell at one another, call each other names, hit one another, if you do...apologize sincerely). Be on the same wave length with your spouse, communicate with one another about decisions. Give students responsibilities because "we are all part of this family".

2) Suggestion Number Two: Bear Testimony and Live It: D&C 8:2

• Sister Baumann talked about using Family Home Evening as a time to share "feelings" or "testimony". It was a great time for her sons to hear their father share his testimony.

"Feeling the power, the edification, and the constancy of testimony from a spouse, a parent, or a child is a rich blessing. Such testimony fortifies faith and provides direction. Such testimony generates light in a world that grows increasingly dark. Such testimony is the source of an eternal perspective and of enduring peace."

3) Suggestion Number Three: Be Consistent

• Attend Church Weekly
• Reading Scriptures
• Saying Prayers
• F.H.E.
• Getting back on track if needed

"Today if you could ask our adult sons what they remember about family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening, I believe I know how they would answer. They likely would not identify a particular prayer or a specific instance of scripture study or an especially meaningful family home evening lesson as the defining moment in their spiritual development. What they would say they remember is that as a family we were consistent."

Sunday, January 30:

Instructor: Sister Smith

Lesson- "Let There Be Light" Quentin L. Cook

Sister Smith held up this picture and asked us to concentrate on it for 1 minute. She then asked what we felt?

• not alone
• it's ok, things aren't as bad as you think
• silence
• his LOVE
• Smile, brings happiness

In the world we live in today we are surrounded by evil. We must fortify ourselves against this evil by making the gospel the most important part of our lives.

First, we must PROTECT FAMILY. What can we do?

• Turn off T.V.
• No T.V.'s in children's bedrooms
• Computers in public places in the house
• Open Communication
• Good Friends
• F.H.E.
• Be the parent, it is ok to say NO!

" If we make of our homes holy places that shelter us from evil, we will be protected from the adverse consequences that the scriptures have foretold. If we make of our homes holy places that shelter us from evil, we will be protected from the adverse consequences that the scriptures have foretold."

Second: Protecting Community

• We need to take responsibility
• We shouldn't just let things happen around us without saying anything
• No Cussing Club see how one boy is taking a stand

"In our increasingly unrighteous world, it is essential that values based on religious belief be part of the public discourse. Moral positions informed by a religious conscience must be accorded equal access to the public square. Under the constitutions of most countries, a religious conscience may not be given preference, but neither should it be disregarded. "

Third: Honest Conduct

"The poet Robert Burns said, “An honest man’s the noblest work of God.”

"Clearly, moral values with respect to honesty can play a significant role in establishing light and truth and improving society and should be valued by those who do not have faith."

Family Home Evening Ideas:

Sharing Time: Love At Home

Sharing Time: I Will!

Sharing Time: Family Love

LDS Living: Home

LDS Living: Good Judgement

LDS Living: Love

Inexpensive Valentine Decorating Ideas

If you love Pride & Prejudice as much as I do, you will love this printable from A Place for the Lady

So many cute options for this Valentines Subway Art at Today's Fabulous Finds

You can get a copy of these cute conversation heart magnets at Oopsey Daisy

eighteen 25 will let you print out two versions of this cute Valentines Subway Art, plus they have a lot of other fun decorating ideas!

Check out less cake {more frosting} to download a copy of this cute printable.

One more place to check out for 10 more printable ideas is Lil' Luna, All Things Good.

You can print most of these out on your printer, or get them printed at the photo center at Sams Club, Costco, WalMart, or Walgreens for fairly inexpensive. You could even use frames that you already have and just switch out the picture for one of these printables and switch it back once Valentine's is over.

Sunday Happenings

Lesson: Chapter 26- Sacrifice (sorry this is a week late)

Instructor: Sister Bell

A few lesson highlights: "Sacrifice means giving to the Lord whatever He requires of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies to further His work. The Lord commanded, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Our willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to God. People have always been tried and tested to see if they will put the things of God first in their lives."

Why are people willing to make sacrifices for our Father in Heaven?

Examples of sacrifice today:

• A member of the Church in Germany saved his tithing for years until someone with priesthood authority could come and accept it.
• A Relief Society visiting teacher served for 30 years without missing an assignment.
  A group of Saints in South Africa rode for three days, standing up, to be able to hear and see the prophet of the Lord.
• At an area conference in Mexico, members of the Church slept on the ground and fasted during the days of the conference. They had used all their money just to get to the conference and had nothing left for food and shelter.
• One family sold their car to get the money they wanted to contribute to a temple building fund. Another family sold their home to get money to go to the temple.
• Many faithful Latter-day Saints have very little to live on, yet they pay their tithes and offerings.
• One brother sacrificed his job because he refused to work on Sunday.
• In one branch, the youth gave freely and willingly of their time to care for the young children while their parents helped build the meetinghouse.
• Young men and women give up or postpone good job opportunities, education, or sports to serve as missionaries.

"Many more examples could be given of those who sacrifice for the Lord. Yet a place in our Heavenly Father’s kingdom is worth any sacrifice we have to make of our time, talents, energy, money, and lives. Through sacrifice we can obtain a knowledge from the Lord that we are acceptable to Him (see D&C 97:8)."

What are some of the sacrifices you have made, or seen people make in your own life?

Family Home Evening Ideas:

Sharing Time: My Heroes & Heroines

Sharing Time: Pioneers & Temples
LDS Living: Selflessness
LDS Living: Personal Righteousness
LDS Living: Sacrifice

Sunday Happenings

Lesson: Chapter 25- Fasting
Instructor: Sister Ashby

Sister Ashby started out by creating a recipe for fasting:

Fasting
1-2 c. of prayer
8 oz. of purpose
A dash of humility
Fold in a sincere heart

Cook for a duration of 2 meals. You can add extra flavor, shed a few tears. Follow the recipe for desired result and a testimony of fasting.

Fasting is ________.

1. Luke 2:37- strength
2. Holy Ghost
3. Endure to the End
4. Mosiah 27: 22-23- Healing
5. Alma 5:46- Testimony
6. Missionary Work
7. Alma 17:3- Knowledge
8. Instrument in God's Hands
9. Helaman 3:35- Closer to Christ
10. Helaman 9:10- Comfort
11. D&C 88:76- Commandment
12. Gratitude

Other points to consider:

• "God's people have fasted to help them draw near to Him and to worship Him."
• "purposeful fasting is more than just going without food and drink."
• "Prayer is a necessary part of fasting."
• "Purpose of fasting is not to impress others."
• "We are promised peace, improved health, and spiritual guidance."
• "Fast offerings should be given generously as we are able."
• "Helps us gain strength of character, control our appetites and passions, teaching children to develop the spiritual strength to overcome greater temptations later in their lives."
• "The Savior has said to those who fast properly, "Thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:18).

Sister Ashby also made us some delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies. She has shared her recipe below.

Chocolate Chip Cookies
3/4 c margarine
3/4 c brown sugar
3/4 c white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp soda dissolved in 1 tsp. hot water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 c chocolate chips
Bake at 375 for 8 minutes

Family Home Evening Ideas:

Sharing Time: Fasting and Prayer
Article: Fasting- A Gift of Joy
LDS Living: Fasting

Announcement: The Murphy's are setting up an at home social skills therapy program for their developmentally delayed 2 1/2 yr. old son. They are looking for volunteer and paid aides to assist with the Floortime model. No experience is necessary. Training will be provided by an experienced therapist. Aides may bring children between the ages of 2 and 5 with them. Hourly wage for paid aides will be $8-$10, based on experience. Flexible hours, but a commitment of at least 2 hours per week for three months is requested. Please contact Sister Murphy before January 10th if interested. Thanks!

Sunday Happenings

Lesson: 11 Ways to Be Miserable
Instructor: Sister Stott

Ezra Taft Benson said: “Daily, constantly, we choose by our desires, our thoughts, and our actions whether we want to be blessed or cursed, happy or miserable.” (Ensign, May 1988)

1. Do Not Enjoy Anything

• Never Do Anything For Yourself
• Don't Get to Know the Sisters in our Ward, that would include doing your Visiting Teaching

2. Worry, Worry, Worry

• Gas prices are probably going to raise to $4.00 this year
• Worry about things you see on the news each night, things you have no control over. Soak in those sad, depressed, & glum feelings that accompany these worries.
• Happy people do the exact opposite: Scripture #1: D&C 123:17

3. Be Rude

• Belittle people, make them feel worthless
• No church activity is fun enough…make sure you let the committee know

4. Focus on Your Problems

• Think about all of the things you don’t like about yourself; your height, your weight, hair, car, clothes, nose, grades...etc...

5. Blame, Blame, Blame

• Never forgive- it is always someone else's fault, never yours

6. Postpone Being Happy

• Put deadlines on your happiness... fill in the blank... as soon as I ____, then I'll be happy.
• Jesus taught- Scripture #2: Luke 12:15

7. Postpone Prayer

• Keep your distance from deity- never let him know what is happening in your life
• Quote #4: President Wilford Woodruff- “WE should call upon the lord in Might prayer, and make all our wants know unto him. For if he does not protect and deliver us and save us, no power will” (Millennial Star, 48:806)

8. Avoid Scripture Study

• Never make time to learn about the plan our Father in Heaven has for us.
• Quote #6: Elder M. Russell Ballard- "As I think about your schedules and the pressures you face at this time in your lives, I can understand why scripture study can so easily be neglected. You have many demands pulling at you. In some cases, just maintaining your social life is a full-time occupation. But I plead with you to make time for immersing yourselves in the scriptures. Couple scripture study with your prayers. Half an hour each morning privately studying, pondering, and communicating with your Heavenly Father can make an amazing difference in your lives. It will give increased success in your daily activities. It will bring increased alertness to your minds. It will give you comfort and rock-steady assurance when the storms of life descend upon you.""Be Strong in the Lord, and in the Power of His Might" (CES fireside for young adults, March 3, 2002), 3–4

9. Always See the Negative

• Trials are there to make you miserable, enjoy them! Nothing will ever change in your life!

10. Never Set Goals

• No school goals, personal goals, spiritual goals, family goals
• Quote #8 John Bytheway- “If you start achieving goals, you might start to feel a sense of excitement, then you might want to set another goal, and then your miserable mornings are through. To maintain your misery, the idea of crossing off your goals should never cross your mind”. (How to Be Totally Miserable- A Self-Hinder Book)

11. Never Show Gratitude

• Never say thank-you

So you have your choice, you now have 11 ways to help you be miserable if you choose. Or, you can choose to be lights in the darkness. I encourage you to find one thing in your life each day that will help you to make your light brighter and happier. Matt. 5: 14-16

This lesson came from John Bytheway's book: How to be Totally Miserable: A Self-Hinder Book). I had some people ask for the lesson. Go here, to get a copy of the lesson. It could be used for Family Home Evening.