Music

Music is a great FHE tool. Here are some of my favorite ways to use music in FHE:

• You can use choose an opening song to help introduce the topic you are going to talk about. For example, Our Bishop if you are going to talk about the bishop and Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime? if you are going to teach about seasons.
• You can use a fun song to help catch children's attention (songs with actions are a great choice). See Section Below.
• You can choose a song to base your lesson around. Baptism is a great example of a song that you could base your lesson around. You could have your children listen closely while you sing the song and then quiz them on it. You could also go over each section of the song explaining what it means. A Prayer Song and I Pray In Faith are other great examples of songs to base your lesson around.

Since the oldest child in my family is 2, many of the songs we sing are action songs that often don't go along with the lesson. Sure, lesson specific songs are great, but a two year old is much more interested if he has 1)heard the song before and 2) there are fun actions with the song. It is hard enough to keep him interested in FHE as it is!

We also often sing the same song at the beginning and end of the lesson. This is especially true if it is a song we are singing for the first time. We find that it helps our son remember the song (and actions) better.

Some Songs from the Children Songbook that are easy to add actions to:
*Once There Was a Snowman
*A Prayer Song
*Popcorn Popping
*Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
*Faith
*Book of Mormon Stories
*Love One Another
*I Am Like a Star
*Daddy's Homecoming
*My Heavenly Father Loves Me
*Saturday
*Falling Snow
*If You're Happy
*Smiles
*Two Little Eyes
*I Have Two Ears
*Two Happy Feet
*I Wiggle
*My Hands
*Roll Your Hands
*Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
*To Get Quiet
*Do As I'm Doing
*Hinges
*Stand Up
*Oh, How We Love to Stand
*The Wise Man and the Foolish Man

Here's a list of suggested songs for Nursery from LDS.org

Music

Temples

Opening Song: I Love to See the Temple

Display pictures of temples from the Gospel Art Kit, framed pictures from around your home, and maybe a wedding picture.

Show each picture to the children. With each picture explain that this is a temple and have them say "temple". Also mention an characteristic of temples with each picture. For example, house of God, peaceful place, where we can feel the Spirit, a place where we help others, etc.

Explain that Mommy and Daddy were married in the temple and that means our family can be together forever. Share your hope that they will each be married in the temple too.

Close with your testimony of temples.

Temples

Priesthood

(Sorry this is a day late; I spent all day yesterday thinking it was Tuesday and woke up today to find I lost a whole day of my life!)

Two divisions of the Priesthood

The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. There are two Priesthoods in the Church, the Melchizedek and the Aaronic.

A. Aaronic Priesthood

The Aaronic Priesthood is "an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood" (D&C 107:14). It is often called the preparatory priesthood. As a priesthood holder serves in the Aaronic Priesthood, he prepares to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, to receive the blessings of the temple, to serve a full-time mission, to be a loving husband and father, and to continue in lifelong service to the Lord.

**Display picture of John the Baptist conferring the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry

On May 15, 1829, Joseph and Oliver Prayed to the Lord concerning baptism when an angel, who announced himself as John the Baptist, conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood through the laying on of hands
The offices of the Aaronic Priesthood are bishop, priest, teacher, and deacon. With the authorization of the presiding priesthood leader (usually the bishop or branch president), those who hold the Aaronic priesthood perform many duties.

**Go through each office of the Aaronic Priesthood. (D&C 13) Cut out a handout with the responsibilities of each office, pass out to kids and have them read them

Handouts:
DEACON: I am a boy who has been baptized and confirmed a member of the Church. At the age of 12 I am ordained to this priesthood office if I am worthy. I can pass the sacrament, serve as an usher or a messenger for priesthood leaders, help care for church buildings and church grounds, and fulfill special assignments such as collecting fast offerings.
TEACHER: I am a worthy young man who is ordained to this priesthood office when I am 14 years old. I have all the duties rights, and powers of a deacon, plus additional ones. I may prepare the bread and water for the sacrament, and I may be assigned as a home teacher.
PRIEST: I must be a worthy young man at least 16 years old. I have all the duties, rights, and powers of the office of deacon and teacher plus some additional ones. I may baptize, administer the sacrament, and ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons. I also may take charge of meetings when there is no Melchizedek priesthood holder present. I am to help church members live the commandments.
BISHOP: I am a worthy High Priest in the Melchizedek Priesthood so that I can preside over all ward affairs and all members within my ward. As such I am responsible for both the temporal and spiritual needs of my ward members. I am a Judge in Israel, I preside over the Aaronic Priesthood and am President of the Priest’s quorum. I am blessed with the spirit of discernment.

B. Melchizedek Priesthood

Melchizedek Priesthood holds the keys to the mysteries of the Kingdom of God and performs the ordinances that pertain to godliness. It is called the greater priesthood and is associated with presiding and administration of spiritual affairs.The Melchizedek Priesthood, which is "after the Order of the Son of God" (D&C 107:3), is the greater priesthood. It "holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church" (D&C 107:8). It also holds "the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church" (D&C 107:18). It is named after a great high priest who lived during the time of the prophet Abraham named Melchizedek who was a very righteous priesthood holder.

**Display picture Peter, James, and John conferring the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith

The apostles Peter, James, and John came to Joseph and Oliver in Junes of 1829 to confer the power and restore the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood. This power and its keys of authority which were held by many righteous men through the various dispensations will remain on the earth in preparation for the second coming to the Savior

**Handout offices and duties of Melchizedek Priesthood

ELDER: I am ordained an elder usually at the age of 19. I may be called to serve a mission at this time. As an Elder I am called to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church. I have the authority to give the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I can conduct meetings of the Church. I can bless and administer to the sick.
SEVENTY: as an ordained seventy, I have a special calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and build up the church in all nations. I am called to be a witness for the Savior to all people. I am called to preach the Gospel.
HIGH PRIEST: As a worthy High Priest I have the right to preside in the church and administer in spiritual things. I can serve in a ward bishopric or branch presidency. I can serve on a Stake High Council. I can serve in a Stake Presidency. I can serve in a Mission Presidency.
PATRIARCH: I am a worthy High Priest who has been chosen and ordained to give special blessings to members of the church in my Stake. These Patriarchal blessings give guidance and understanding as to the conduct of our lives on earth. I give the word of the Lord personally to the members of the Church.
APOSTLE:I am a special witness of Jesus Christ to all the world. I administer the affairs of the Church throughout the world. The Quorum of the 12 Apostles holds all of the keys of the Kingdom of God on earth, but act under the direction of the President of the Church.

**Questions for Discussion:
-For Boys: How can you prepare to get the Priesthood?
-For Girls: How do we honor and respect the priesthood?
-Where have you seen the priesthood working in your life?
-Who do you know that are good examples of honoring the Priesthood?

Song Suggestions:
"The Priesthood is Restored" CSB p. 89
"The Fifth Article of Faith" CSB p. 125

Priesthood

If Ye Are Prepared...

"If Ye Are Prepared, Ye Shall Not Fear" (D&C 38:30).

President Hinckley has warned of possible disasters
and has counseled members to prepare:
“There is a portent of stormy weather ahead to
which we had better give heed. . . . No one
knows when emergencies will strike. . . . Set
your houses in order. If you have paid your
debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be
small, then should storms howl about your
head, you will have shelter for your wives and
children and peace in your hearts. That’s all I
have to say about it, but I wish to say it with
all the emphasis of which I am capable” (in
Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 70–72; or
Ensign, Nov. 1998, 53–54).*

My family always uses Conference time to rotate our 72 hour kits. We have a family night where we pull out the kits, rotate the food, and put in better-fitting clothes that are more suitable for the weather. For example, in the Spring, we take out the cold-weather clothes, and put in warm-weather clothes and vice versa in the Fall. We replace the water and the food. It's also fun to have the food as a snack for Family Home Evening.
We also like to check our smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors, make sure our doors and windows are properly secured, and go over evacuation and life-saving procedures. Be aware that disaster could strike at any time anywhere. It would be ideal if the family were together during such a disaster, but if some are at school or work, be sure to form a plan as to how you would meet up with each other. Be sure the children know their emergency contacts and have a meeting place decided if there is a fire or the area needs to be evacuated.

Heavenly Father has promised us many times that if we do all we can, He will make up the rest. If we follow the Prophet's council to keep our home in order, and we prepare "every needful thing" (D&C 88:119), we are assured that He will make up for that which we cannot prepared for. After all the natural disasters that have been happening recently, it is daunting to think of all the horrible things that could happen. That is why I take comfort in this scripture, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." I can rest easy knowing that I have done all I can to prepare for the unexpected.

*Review:
http://www.providentliving.org/pdf/English_TrainerResource_37058.pdf

If Ye Are Prepared...

Obedience

I feel like I agreed to do this blog eons ago and it is finally my turn to write. Agreeing to do something like this can be very intimidating for me. I have never claimed to be a "Stepford" wife or anything close to it. So, knowing that I am going to write about how to hold a successful family home evening makes me worry that someone is going to call me an impostor. One thing I can say I feel I have a pretty good grip on, though, is something I learned growing up. I had the pleasure (I use this term loosely) of growing up in a family of six kids. We were your average Brady Bunch Utah family. 3 boys, 3 girls, lots of chaos and fighting over the bathroom. My mom would try very hard at teaching us the importance of family home evening. Sometimes we held it faithfully every week, other times my mom felt it a success to just get us at the dinner table all at one time. Every family functions different but one thing that I think is important is for every family is to enjoy the time that you have together. Family night does not always have to be held on a quiet Monday night, in a cozy living room, with fresh brownies in the oven. That is great if you can pull that off but sometimes family night might be held in the car or sitting in the doctor's office waiting room. It can be as simple as having a gospel discussion with your child. Take the moments that you are given and don't put too many expectations on how you need to be. One of my most favorite family nights is having a dancing contest in our basement. I love it because we are all there, laughing together and letting go. These are the times that I know my children will remember. I hope that you can find your own way of creating memorable family night full of learning and laughter. And with that.... here is my little family night suggestion.

Obedience:

Opening song- Nephi's Courage

Scripture-1 Nephi 3:7

Lesson- Before you begin, you will want to hide the envelopes to be used in the treasure hunt, and also make sure your treasure is in place.

Read the following story:

Rupert stood by the side of the road watching an unusual number of people hurry past. At length he recognized his friend.

"Where are all of you going in such a hurry?" he asked.

The friend paused, "Haven't you heard?" he said.

"I've heard nothing." Rupert answered.

"Well", continued his friend, "the King has lost his royal emerald. Yesterday he attended a wedding of nobility and wore the emerald on the slender gold chain around his neck. In some way the emerald became loosened from the chain. Everyone is searching, for the King has offered a reward of ten pieces of gold to the one who finds it. Come, we must hurry."

"But I cannot go without asking my grandmother," faltered Rupert.

"Then I cannot wait. I want to find the emerald," replied his friend.

Rupert hurried back to the cabin at the edge of the woods to seek his grandmother's permission. "If I could find it we could leave this hut with its dampness and buy a piece of land up on the hillside," he pleaded with his grandmother. But his grandmother shook her head. "What would the sheep do," she asked. "Already they are restless in the pen, waiting to be taken to the pasture and please do not forget to take them to water when the sun shines high in the heavens."

Sorrowfully, Rupert took the sheep to the pasture and at noon he led them to the brook in the woods. There he say on a large stone by the stream. "If I could only have had a chance to look for the King's emerald," he thought.

Turning his head to gaze down at the sandy bottom of the brook, suddenly he stared into the water. What was it? It could not be! He leaped into the water and his gripping fingers held something that was green with a slender bit of gold chain. "The King's emerald!" he shouted. It must have been flung from the chain when the King was crossing the bridge, on the highway, and the water washed it here. With shining eyes Rupert ran to his grandmother's hut to tell her of his great find.

"Bless you, my boy," she said, "But you never would have found it if you had not been doing your duty, herding sheep."

And Rupert knew this was the truth.

**Ask your family "Why was Rupert able to find the emerald?" (because he was obedient)

Tell the Book of Mormon story of Nephi and his brothers going back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates. Tell your family to listen closely because it will help them with the activity.

Activity:

Tell your family that they are going to have a chance to find a special treasure, but the only way is to be obedient like Nephi and follow instructions. Explain that there are five envelopes containing clues. If they answer the question on the outside of each envelope they can open and read what's inside. Give them envelope #1 and have them begin. In the end, testify to your family if we are always obedient to what the Lord asks, just like Nephi, then we will be happy and blessed.

Envelope #1- Outside: What was Nephi told to go and do?

Inside: When we are obedient, the Lord will answer our prayers. Look for your next clue where you usually say your prayers.

Envelope #2- Outside: Who asked Nephi to go back and get the plates?

Inside: When we are obedient to the Lord and keep the commandments, we will be washed of all our sins. Look for your next clue in the place where -----------------.

Envelope #3- Outside: Nephi and his brothers walked back to what city to get the plates?

Inside: When we are obedient the Lord will guide us wherever we go. Lookf for your next clue in the place where you -----------------------------------.

Envelope #4- Outside: Who came to protect Nephi and Sam when Laman and Lemuel were hitting them with sticks?

Inside: When we are obedient the Lord will protect us. Look for your next clue in the -----------------------------.

Envelope #5- Outside: How did Nephi's parents feel when he brought back the plates?

Inside: Obedience makes us happy. Look in the place that --------------------- and find a treat that will make your mouth happy!

P.S. I have this in paper form that I can easily email so you can have for future reference. If you want a copy, leave your email on comments or send me a message on facebook and I will send it to you. Happy family time!

Obedience

Easter Object Lesson

You may have seen this before--it is quite popular around where I live. This is a fun way to talk about the life of Christ. The idea here is you put an item in each egg that symbolizes something you wan to teach about. I have seen it done many different ways. You can do items from His entire life. You can do items that represent miracles of Christ. A common theme at this time of year is to do items that represent events around the Resurrection. Here are some ideas of what you can fill the eggs with:

1. Plain Cloth: Represents swaddling clothes Jesus was wrapped in when he was born.
2. Straw: Represent the straw Christ was laid on after he was born.
3. Wood Shavings: Joseph was a carpenter
4. White Jelly Beans: Fruit of the tree of life. 1 Nephi 8: 10-11; 11:21-22
5. Plain Cloth or Plant Leaf: Represents the palm leaves and clothes placed on the ground as Christ made his triumphal entry. Mark 11:7-9
6. Croutons or Bread: Represents Christ as the living bread. John 6: 51
7. Fish Cracker/Bread: Miracle of the loaves and fishes.
8. Sacrament Cup: Christ asks for the cup to be removed from Him. Matthew 26:39
9. Bread/Sacrament Cup: Christ institutes the sacrament
10. 3 Dimes: Christ is betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. Matthew 26: 14-15
11. Rope: Christ bound and delivered to Pilate. Matthew 27: 1-2
12. Soap: Pilate washes his hands. Matthew 27: 24-26
13. Red Cloth or Thorns: Christ mocked as a king. Matthew 26: 28-29
14. Nail: Christ nailed to cross. Matthew 27-31-32
15. Dice: Soldiers cast lots for Christ's garments. Mattew 27: 35-36
16. Soil or Several Small Rocks: Earthquakes after Christ gave up the ghost. Mathew 27:50-51, 54
17. Cloth: Christ's body wrapped in cloth. Joseph wraps Him in clean linen, then places Christ in Joseph's own tomb. Matthew 28:58-60
18. Stone: Stone placed to gaurd Christ's body. Matthew 27: 57-60, 65-66
19. Spices: Women come to annoint Christ's body. Mark 16:1 and Matthew 28: 2 & 5
20. Picture of Christ: We rejoice in Christ. Mosiah 26: 20 and 2 Nephi 25: 26
21. Empty: Represents the empty tomb. Matthew 28: 6-7

You can see that it is really quite simple to come up with little things to represent the life of Christ.

For the younger toddlers, try just opening each egg, talking about it, and reading only a couple of scriptures that you feel are best to read. With older children, read through the scriptures as you open each egg. With children who can read, have them take turns reading scriptures.

Remember to ask questions as appropriate. Also remember to ask your children if they have any questions about what you are learning about.

Easter Object Lesson

General Conference Review

General Conference is like a holiday in my mind. Growing up we always had a table FULL of treats (which we couldn't enjoy unless we were watching conference) and close friends joining in on the events of the day. Sometimes it is hard for kids to watch the speakers all day, but there are now fun activities available to help keep their attention for a little longer. My favorite is the traditional bingo-type worksheet. They have 7 ready and waiting to be used here: https://beta.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/content/english/pdf/conference_squares.pdf which means you can use a different one each session and give kids different work sheets if you'd like.

Or you can find other activities like "Conference Notebooks" and coloring pages along with the bingo sheet here: https://beta.lds.org/general-conference/children?locale=eng

Then on Monday, for FHE you can review these topics. If you'd like to have your children share a thought from their favorite talk, be sure to prepare for this before conference starts so they can be listening for something to share. Be sure to pick out something to share yourself :)

Having a review of the conference talks is a great opportunity for you and your children to bear testimony of the gospel and our living prophets and apostles.

Enjoy Conference and then enjoy it again for FHE!

FHE Song idea: "We Thank Thee oh God for a Prophet" hymn 19.

General Conference Review