Lesson Highlights 3/6/11

Given by Tiara Dominguez

Elder Dallin H. Oaks:
Consider the power of the idea taught in our beloved song “I Am a Child of God” (Hymns, 1985, no. 301), sung so impressively by the choir at the beginning of this session. Here is the answer to one of life’s great questions, “Who am I?” I am a child of God with a spirit lineage to heavenly parents. That parentage defines our eternal potential. That powerful idea is a potent antidepressant. It can strengthen each of us to make righteous choices and to seek the best that is within us. Establish in the mind of a young person the powerful idea that he or she is a child of God and you have given self-respect and motivation to move against the problems of life.

Consider the powerful ideas taught in these Primary songs:

“I Am a Child of God” p. 2-3
I am a child of God, And he has sent me here, Has given me an earthly home With parents kind and dear.
I am a child of God, And so my needs are great; Help me to understand his words Before it grows too late.
I am a child of God. Rich blessings are in store; If I but learn to do his will, I’ll live with him once more.

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do, to live with him someday.

“My Heavenly Father Loves Me” p. 228
Whenever I hear the song of a bird or look at the blue,blue sky. Whenever I feel the rain on my face or the wind as it rushes by. Whenever I touch a velvet rose or walk by our lilac tree, I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see the color of butterfly wings. He gave me my ears that I might hear the magical sound of things. He gave me my life, my mind, my heart: I thank him reverently. For all his creations, of which I’m a part. Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me.

“A Child’s Prayer” p. 12-13
Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer every child’s prayer? Some say that heaven is far away, But I feel it close around me as I pray. Heavenly Father, I remember now something that Jesus told disciples long ago: “Suffer the children to come to me.” Father, in prayer I’m coming now to thee.

Pray, he is there; Speak, he is listening. You are His child; His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayer; He loves the children. Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heaven.

“I Love to See the Temple” p. 95
I love to see the temple. I’m going there someday. To feel the Holy Spirit, to listen and to pray. For the temple is a house of God, a place of love and beauty. I’ll prepare myself while I am young; this is my sacred duty.

I love to see the temple. I’ll go inside someday. I’ll covenant with my Father; I’ll promise to obey. For the temple is a holy place where we are sealed together. As a child of God, I’ve learned this truth: A family is forever.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

My daughter posted this on her blog recently. I like it. Simple, and true. Just like anything worthwhile, it is up to us to “be happy”. It’s a choice. Not always easy, but definitely within our power. We sometimes think that happiness just happens to us if we are lucky. But in reality, we have to be proactive…which is in itself an action word and indicates that we can’t expect something out of nothing. I also think it is interesting that even though we seek to find happiness for ourselves, we most often are able to achieve that happiness through using our personal strengths to go outside of ourselves and help others. I have heard it said that a definition of insanity is when a person expects different results but continues doing the exact same things…now that’s INSANITY!

“Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.”

----Benjamin Disraeli

Love,

Miralee Hartley,

FV 2nd Ward RS Presidenthttp://ubersuper.com/are-you-happy/">

graphic by Alex Koplin

Feb 20 Lesson Highlights

"Chapter 26: Sacrifice," Gospel Principles, (2009)

Given by: Emihlie Wells

The Meaning of Sacrifice

Sacrifice means giving to the Lord whatever He requires of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies to further His work.

The Law of Sacrifice Was Practiced Anciently

The ordinance was given to remind the people that Jesus Christ, the Firstborn of the Father, would come into the world. He would be perfect in every way, and He would offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.

Christ’s atoning sacrifice marked the end of sacrifices by the shedding of blood. Such outward sacrifice was replaced by the ordinance of the sacrament. The ordinance of the sacrament was given to remind us of the Savior’s great sacrifice. We should partake of the sacrament often. The emblems of bread and water remind us of the Savior’s body and of His blood, which He shed for us.

We Still Must Sacrifice

Even though sacrifice by the shedding of blood was ended, the Lord still asks us to sacrifice. But now He requires a different kind of offering. He said: “Ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood, … and your burnt offerings shall be done away. … And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:19–20). A “broken heart and a contrite spirit” means that we offer deep sorrow for our sins as we humble ourselves and repent of them.

We Must Be Willing to Sacrifice Everything We Have to the Lord

The Apostle Paul wrote that we should become living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God (see Romans 12:1).

Sacrifice Helps Us Prepare to Live in the Presence of God

Only through sacrifice can we become worthy to live in the presence of God. Only through sacrifice can we enjoy eternal life. Many who have lived before us have sacrificed all they had. We must be willing to do the same if we would earn the rich reward they enjoy.

We may not be asked to sacrifice all things. But like Abraham, we should be willing to sacrifice everything to become worthy to live in the presence of the Lord.

Activities with Kids

Here are a couple of great blogs that will give you some ideas of things to do with your kids/grandkids/etc. in the Orange County area. Most of them are inexpensive ideas too!

Check them frequently, the are posting new ideas all of the time!

http://daytrippingmom.com/

http://www.just-spotted.com/

Please feel free to leave comments about things you know of that are going on in the OC :)

Feb 1, 2011 RS Meeting: Family Night!

We had so much fun sharing tips on having a successful and meaningful Family Home Evening, no matter what circumstances we are living in. Thank you to everyone who shared their tips and those who participated.

Some quick tips:

http://lds.org/family/home-evening?lang=eng

Basics

What makes family home evening successful?

• Start and end with prayer. This invites the Spirit, increases love, and teaches your family how to pray.
• Learn from the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets to help your family live the gospel.
• Add music, such as hymns and Primary songs, to create an atmosphere of love, peace, and joy. Visit the music site →
• Make it fun by playing games, acting out scripture stories, and making treats. Keep the atmosphere light and loving.
• Be consistent. Monday nights are set aside by the Church for family home evening. If that doesn’t work, find a night that does.
• Add variety. Help a neighbor in need, hold a lesson at the park, or go for a walk as a family.

We ended the evening with a craft, making FHE assignment blocks.

If you have some FHE tips you would like to share, please leave them as a comment :)

Valentine's Strawberry Cookies

Recipe from Taste of Home Magazine

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Strawberry-Valentine-Cookies

24 ServingsPrep: 50 min. Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Ingredients:
2/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup strawberry drink mix
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

GLAZE:
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon shortening

FROSTING:
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons strawberry drink mix
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups confectioners' sugar
3 to 5 tablespoons milk

Directions
In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and lemon juice. Combine the flour, drink mix, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2- to 3-in. heart-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until set and edges begin to brown. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Spread over cookies; let stand until set.
In a small bowl, beat the butter, drink mix and salt until blended. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Add enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Decorate cookies. Yield: about 2 dozen.

Strawberry Valentine Cookies published in Simple & Delicious January/February 2008, p16

Lesson Highlights Jan 30, 2011

FAITH AND CHARACTER
Elder Richard G. Scott

Given by: Linda Sorenson


II. Read the Carrot Seed

III. What is faith?
1. true faith is centered on the Lord Jesus Christ
2. foundation, a building block of creation
3. power of obedience to the commandments
4. principle of action and power (Joseph Smith Lectures on Faith)
5. Things that are hoped for (Ether 12:6)
6. humility and willingness to be taught

IV. How do we develop faith?
1. Trust in God and in His willingness to provide help when needed, no matter how
challenging the circumstance.
2. Obedience to His commandments and a life that demonstrates that He can trust you.
3. Sensitivity to the quiet promptings of the Holy Ghost
4. Courageous implementation of that prompting
5. Patience and understanding when God lets you struggle to grow and when answers
come a piece at a time over an extended period

V. What are some experience you have had that helped develop your faith?

VI. How does faith develop character?
1. Obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ
2. Applied principle, doctrine, obedience
3. Faith in ideals and sacrificial devotion to them
4. Consistently being what we want to be
5. Following the promptings of the Holy Ghost
6. Choices made with trust in things as they are believed and when acted upon are confirmed
7. Confirming evidence of the spirit
8. Many correct decisions, none of which is difficult to make
9. Self control
10. Think and do righteously
11. Avoid subtle temptations
12. Patient consistent practice

VII. Our mortal life is a proving ground. How can we benefit in this life and the life hereafter because
of our life and character?
1. have every understanding
2. Every capacity for peace
3. Rich fulfillment in this life
4. Eternal happiness in the presence of the Lord
5. A testimony (character—countless correct decisions)
6. The stronger our testimony and character, the more we are able to exercise the power of
faith
VIII. Will our life be perfect because of our faith and character?
1. Struggles and difficulty will continue to test us
2. Satan

IX. What can we do today to develop and strengthen faith and character in our lives?