Saved by the Scriptures

Saved by the Scriptures

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “The Power of Deliverance,” by Elder L. Tom

Perry, Ensign, May 2011, 55.

Thought:

We can be delivered from the ways of evil and wickedness by turning to the teachings

of the holy scriptures.

 (L. Tom Perry, “The Power of Deliverance,” Ensign,  May 2012, 94).

Song:

“As I Search the Holy Scriptures,” Hymns #277.

Scripture:

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which

testify of me.

 (John 5:39)

Object Lesson:

Have a family member read aloud John 5:39.

Ask:

• Why does Jesus say we should “search the scriptures”?

• How can we make scripture study more meaningful?

• What is the difference between searching the scriptures and just reading them?

• What might the Jewish leaders have understood if they had searched and believed the

scriptures?

Ask another family member to read aloud John 5:28–29 and explain it as best they can.

Have another family member read Doctrine and Covenants 76:15–21. Ask, What knowledge

and understanding have we been blessed with because Joseph Smith searched John 5:29? Invite

family members to share how they have been strengthened by searching the scriptures.

 (Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament,

 [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 120.)

Story:

I went through an interesting exercise when I lost my scriptures on February 7, 1991. I

wasn’t too concerned right at first. When I realized at my office that they were missing, I knew

they must be at home, or in the car, or in Salt Lake City at the Relief Society Building. I knew

I would get them back. My name was in them. When I said to someone, “I lost my scriptures,”

they’d ask, “Well, where did you put them?” If I knew where I had put them they wouldn’t be

lost, but people still asked that question.

The last time I remembered having them was after a meeting at the Relief Society Building.

My hands were full, and I stuck the scriptures, in their plastic holder-with-a-handle, on the top

of the car. So I got thinking perhaps I had left them there. Agh!

Anyway, it was a few days before I became concerned. Then I slowly realized that my

scriptures weren’t in any of the places where I thought they might be. Still I remained somewhat

calm. Surely they would come back. Someone would find them and see my name and address and get

in touch. Each time I drove to or from the Relief Society Building I looked carefully, going the same

way I always went. I didn’t want them to be in a ditch or alongside the road somewhere.

My next step was to imagine that, yes, someone had found my scriptures, and they were reading

them, and they were in the process of conversion, and when they were ready to be baptized, they would

get in touch, and it would be a fabulous story with an incredibly happy ending. Yes, that was what was

happening. My scriptures were busy doing their thing.

But I missed them. I hadn’t realized how much I liked them, that one particular set. . . . [They] had

been on a couple of missions with me. They had been to Asia and Africa. They smelled like mold, and

it made me homesick and nostalgic whenever I caught their scent. I missed all the things I had written

in the margins. I missed the way they seemed to pop open to just what I needed.

Of course I prayed for those scriptures. I wasn’t demanding or anything. I just let Heavenly Father

know that I missed my scriptures and would sure love to get them back. And although I probably

didn’t exactly say, “Thy will be done,” I did say, “If it’s possible” or “If it’s a good idea” or “If it

would be okay.” Of course, I couldn’t imagine a single reason why it wouldn’t be a wonderful idea for

me to get them back.

Days passed and then weeks. General conference was getting closer, and I still had not found my

scriptures. Eventually it was as if the still small voice said something to me like, “Edmunds, get a grip.

They’re gone. You’ve got to get some more.” And so I did. Shortly before conference I bought a whole

set. I tried to like them—not very hard, but I did try. They weren’t user friendly. They wouldn’t pop

open to the right place. They didn’t smell like mold. Nothing was written in the margins. And for some

reason I didn’t write my name in them. Not yet. I did take them to conference and other places with

me. I tried to bond with them. It wasn’t working.

A few days after conference, when my real scriptures had been gone two months, I had a feeling

that I wanted to pray about them again. I hadn’t mentioned them in several weeks because I didn’t

want to be too pushy. But on an evening in April when I knelt to pray I included something about my

scriptures. I said to Heavenly Father, “I know You can see them.” I knew He knew where they were.

I didn’t say it like, “So why haven’t You brought them back?” It was just something I knew. And I

asked for the last time about getting them back. He knew it was the last time. I mentioned how much

I had missed them and how I hadn’t realized how much that particular set meant to me. I thanked Him

for not being mad at me for bringing it up again and told Him I would let go if for some reason they

couldn’t come back. I wouldn’t bother Him again about that particular subject.

The next morning I got to the Missionary Training Center early. Since the door near my office was

locked, I walked through the lobby. I decided to check my mailbox while I was so near the front desk.

In it was a green slip, one of those forms that says “An item for you that would not fit in your mailbox

has been placed above the mailboxes. The item is . . .” The blank was filled in with red pen: “your

scriptures.” What?

I looked up, and sure enough, there they were. No plastic cover, but I recognized them instantly.

I grabbed them and ran down the hall to my office. I hardly had time to shut and lock the door before

I started crying—hard. I knelt and thanked Heavenly Father for answering my prayers. Imagine how

Heavenly Father can look down on all His billions of children and pick us out, one by one, knowing

our names and our needs, and responding in such unusual (sometimes we say “mysterious” when we

don’t comprehend the particulars), specific, remarkable, miraculous ways. I keep the green slip inside

my scriptures (it now smells a little like mold too) and it reminds me of many things but mostly of how

loving and patient and merciful God is with us and how well He knows each of us.

Incidentally, my dear friend Subandriyo (we call him Yoyo) from Indonesia happened to be at

general conference that year. When I saw him after I had found my scriptures, I asked if he had a set

in English. He said no, but he surely would like one someday. Not all the books have been translated

into Indonesian, and he enjoys things like the Topical Guide. I told him about my experience and gave

him my newly purchased scriptures, saying how nice it was that I would just happen to have an extra

set. He smiled as only he can and said, “Oh, Sister, the Lord works in mysterious ways. He knew that

Yoyo needed some English scriptures.” Yes, He did.

 (Mary Ellen Edmunds, Love Is a Verb,  [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1993], p. 50-4.)

Activity:

Have each family member look up one of their favorite scriptures. Take turns reading them aloud

and explaining why you like that particular scripture.

Refreshment

Peanut Butter Yummies

1 cup sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup peanut butter

21⁄2 cups Rice Chex® cereal

21⁄2 cups Rice Krispies® cereal

Combine the sugar and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-

high

heat, stirring often. Maintain a rolling boil for about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add the peanut

butter to the hot syrup and stir until thoroughly mixed. Combine cereals in a large bowl. Pour hot

peanut butter syrup over the cereals and stir with a large wooden spoon. Spoon cookie-

sized

amounts

onto waxed paper and let cool before serving.

Makes 2 dozen.

Judging Others FHE

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” by

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Ensign, May 2012, 70.

Thought:

This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it

comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause

harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Ensign, May 2012, 70.)

Song:

“Kindness Begins With Me,” Children’s Songbook, p. 145.

Scripture:

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for

wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the

same things.

(Romans 2:1)

Object Lesson:

Materials needed: A watermelon.

Procedure: Let the group see the melon. Point out that it’s hard, plain, and maybe

even a little scuffed up on the outside. It’s outward appearance doesn’t give a hint as to

the treat that is inside.

Split the melon and show the red, juicy fruit. As the group is eating the melon,

draw a parallel between the watermelon and people. Many don’t dress, act, or appear

as we do; but if we are willing to look beyond surface appearances, it will be worth our

effort. We can find qualities of humor, kindness, intellect, and much more. Sometime

we’ll still find a few annoying habits, just like the seeds, but it is a simple matter to

overlook them. Then we can truly enjoy the most important part of a person.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Power Tools for Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 39.)

Story:

Heber J. Grant

There stand out in my life many incidents in my youth, of wonderful inspiration

and power through men preaching the gospel in the spirit of testimony and prayer.

I call to mind one such incident when I was a young man, probably seventeen or

eighteen years of age. I heard the late Bishop Millen Atwood preach a sermon in the

Thirteenth Ward. I was studying grammar at the time, and he made some grammatical

errors in his talk.

I wrote down his first sentence, smiled to myself, and said: “I am going to get here

tonight, during the thirty minutes that Brother Atwood speaks, enough material to last me for the entire

winter in my night school grammar class.” We had to take to the class for each lesson two sentences,

or four sentences a week, that were not grammatically correct, together with our corrections.

I contemplated making my corrections and listening to Bishop Atwood’s sermon at the same time.

But I did not write anything more after the first sentence—not a word; and when Millen Atwood

stopped preaching, tears were rolling down my cheeks, tears of gratitude and thanksgiving that welled

up in my eyes because of the marvelous testimony which that man bore of the divine mission of Joseph

Smith, the prophet of God, and of the wonderful inspiration that attended the Prophet in all his labors.

Although it is now more than sixty-five years since I listened to that sermon, it is just as vivid

today, and the sensations and feelings that I had are just as fixed with me as they were the day I

heard it. Do you know, I would no more have thought of using those sentences in which he had made

grammatical mistakes than I would think of standing up in a class and profaning the name of God. That

testimony made the first profound impression that was ever made upon my heart and soul of the divine

mission of the Prophet. I had heard many testimonies that had pleased me and made their impression,

but this was the first testimony that had melted me to tears under the inspiration of the Spirit of God to

that man.

During all the years that have passed since then, I have never been shocked or annoyed by

grammatical errors or mispronounced words on the part of those preaching the gospel. I have realized

that it was like judging a man by the clothes he wore to judge the spirit of a man by the clothing of

his language. From that day to this the one thing above all others that has impressed me has been the

Spirit, the inspiration of the living God that an individual had when proclaiming the gospel, and not the

language; because after all is said and done there are a great many who have never had the opportunity

to become educated so far as speaking correctly is concerned. Likewise there are many who have

never had an opportunity in the financial battle of life to accumulate the means whereby they could be

clothed in an attractive manner. I have endeavored, from that day to this, and have been successful in

my endeavor, to judge men and women by the spirit they have; for I have learned absolutely, that it is

the Spirit that giveth life and understanding, and not the letter. The letter killeth.

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Classic Stories from the Lives of Our Prophets, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1971], 214.)

Activity:

Find a selection of fifteen to twenty small interesting objects, arrange them on a tray and cover

with a towel.

Uncover the tray and place it where all family members can see it. Give everyone one minute to

memorize the contents of the tray, then cover it up again.

Give everyone a paper and pencil. Ask them to write down all of the objects that they can

remember.

Review everyone’s answers. Point out that everyone remembered different items. We are all unique

and see things a little bit differently, but no one is right or wrong.

Refreshment

Watermelon Smoothie

4 cups seeded cold watermelon

1 Tbsp lime juice

1 Tbsp honey

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (optional)

1 cup ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Makes 4 servings.

5 Ways Father's Influence Their Daughters

A father’s relationship with his daughter can significantly impact her throughout her life. Here are 5 ways Dad can influence his girl and help her to become a confident, happy, successful woman.

We’ve all seen them—the sitcoms and movies, even television commercials that portray fathers as inept creatures bumbling through family life. In a culture where dads are often portrayed as the dunces of the family, researchers are only beginning to scratch the surface of just how important their role in the family truly is.

“Fathers bring something very different to the table—many things that mothers can’t,” says Dr. Meg Meeker, author of the bestselling book Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. “The biggest mistake dads make is not understanding their significance.”

Without question, fathers are a powerful influence on both sons and daughters—an influence that reaches well beyond the roles of provider and protector. And as new studies emerge, it’s becoming clearer just how deeply the father-daughter relationship can affect a woman throughout her life in a variety of ways, including self-confidence, body image, education, career, and romantic relationships.

1. Self-Confidence 

“Dads are very good at teaching girls to be more assertive,” explains Meeker. “They give their daughters a sense of strength and a huge amount of self-confidence. From a daughter’s perspective, Mom is usually the safe person who will love them no matter what. Dad’s love is a little more negotiable, so when she does feel she’s getting his attention, it gives her a great sense of confidence, which translates into feeling good about herself and feeling in control of her life.

But because fathers wield a tremendous amount of influence, they should be mindful of their well-meaning attempts to instill confidence in their daughters. “If you comment on her beauty, athletic prowess, or academic achievement, she’ll focus on her ‘external self’ and worry about retaining your love through achievement and appearance,” cautions Meeker. “Your daughter wants you to admire her deep, intrinsic qualities. Focus on her character and her worth. Compliment her on her ability to be a good listener or a caring friend, her courage, and her integrity.”

2. Body Image 

Research has proven that fathers who are involved in their daughters’ lives can play a pivotal role in preventing eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Daughters who feel a stronger emotional connection to their fathers are less likely to be depressed or have an eating disorder. In one such study, published in Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, all of the anorexia patients’ fathers had become less accessible during their adolescence.

Studies also show that girls recovered from eating disorders more quickly if their fathers were involved in their recovery. In fact, Meeker says one of the primary treatments for girls with
eating disorders is spending time with their dads. “Spending enjoyable time together teaches father and daughter that beneath her illness—and the misbehavior it can cause—she is still a girl to be loved, and that’s the first big step toward her recovery.”

3. Education 

A study by the U.S. Department of Education found that highly involved fathers had children who were 43 percent more likely than other children to earn mostly A’s and 33 percent less likely than other children to repeat a grade.

Another government study concluded that girls with involved fathers are twice as likely to stay in school. And those with fathers who are actively involved in their lives have higher quantitative and verbal skills, as well as higher intellectual functioning.

4. Career

Fathers have also been proven to help daughters become more competent, more achievement-oriented, and more successful.

Lisa, a 40-year-old vice president of marketing and communications for an international financial institution, credits her father for much of her academic and professional success. “My dad was the one who always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be,” she recalls. “He’s the reason I earned a full-ride scholarship to college. And he’s the one who encouraged me to go for my dream job in a highly competitive field—a job that I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.”

A Mormon woman, Lisa hoped to be married and start a family years ago, but since the opportunity hasn’t come, she finds herself pursuing her career and turning to her father for advice—something her mother, a stay-at-home mom, doesn’t have experience with. In fact, as women both in and out of theLDS Church marry later—or sometimes not at all—or return to the workforce out of necessity, it creates a new opportunity for fathers and their adult daughters to bond.

In an article published by PsychologyToday in 2011, Dr. Peggy Drexler, author of Our Fathers, Ourselves, observed: “The conveyor that once reliably delivered daughters from the protection of a father to the protection of a husband is not reliable. . . . As a result, fathers who might have once defined their role as helping daughters prepare to be good wives now see it as preparing
them to make and manage money, compete for jobs, handle relationships, be tough.”

She continued, “We are entering an awkward stage where a generation of stay-at-home mothers must find ways to relate to career-minded daughters, who by shared experience alone may gravitate to dad.”

5. Romantic Relationships

“It’s uncomfortable for most dads when their daughters start to become women,” acknowledges Dr. Jonathan Swinton, a marriage and family therapist. “Dads become more hands off, with the
exception of the protector role, and it changes the nature of the relationship with their daughters—they’re not as close emotionally.”

But distancing themselves emotionally is a huge mistake, warns Meeker. “That’s the time when daughters need their dads more than ever. Fathers need to talk to their girls about uncomfortable subjects like sex and dating because they can have a huge influence on their daughters’ behavior.”

A study published in 2010 in The American Journal of Family Therapy supports Meeker’s assertion. It states: “Girls’ interactions with their fathers during their formative years may be important predictors of their later intimate and sexual interactions with male peers. . . .
Adolescent daughters who perceive less communication with and attachment to fathers report more frequent sexual behavior. . . . Girls deprived of closeness are likely to seek substitute male affection through interactions with male peers. . . . More specifically, paternal responsiveness
may predict greater self-worth. . . . In turn, to the degree that daughters have strong self-worth, [they] may successfully refuse unwanted heterosexual activity.”

Meeker recommends that fathers take their daughters on “mini dates,” or daddy-daughter dates, as they are more commonly known among Latter-day Saints. “Take her to dinner and spend one-on-one time with her so she becomes comfortable being a woman in a social setting. You can
show her how she can expect to be treated.”

Above all else, be the kind of man you want your daughter to marry. “Women gravitate to what is familiar,” says Meeker. “How you treat your daughter and your wife is how she will expect to be treated by her spouse.”

Lesson on Miracles

"Miracles are everywhere to be found when the priesthood is understood, its power is honored and used properly, and faith is exerted." -Thomas S. Monson

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Willing and Worthy to Serve,” by
President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 2012, 66.

Thoughts:
Miracles are everywhere to be found when the priesthood is understood, its power is honored and used properly, and faith is exerted.

(Thomas S. Monson, “Willing and Worthy to Serve,” Ensign, May 2012, 66.)

Song:
“Master, the Tempest is Raging,” Hymns, no. 105.

Scripture:
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
(John 2:23)

Lesson:
If you have a fifty-five gallon water storage container or a large trash can, have your family gather around it for scripture study.

Display a picture of a wedding reception, especially the refreshment table if one is available. Ask family members to imagine hosting a wedding reception and running out of refreshments before the reception was over. Ask, How would you feel? What would you do?
Invite one member of your family to read aloud John 2:1–11, paying particular attention to the Joseph Smith Translation in verse 4. To better understand the depth of this miracle, invite your family to turn to the Bible Dictionary, “Weights and Measures,” 788–89, to find out how much a firkin is. Ask:

• Why was Jesus at the marriage? (Verse 2.)
• How many waterpots are mentioned? (Verse 6.)

• How many firkins of water did each pot hold? (Verse 6.)

Have someone do the math where all can see:

Firkin = 8.25 gallons
Each pot = 2–3 firkins
8.25 × 2 = 16.5 gallons x 6 pots = 99 gallons
8.25 × 3 = 24.75 gallons x 6 pots = 148.5 gallons

Compare your totals with the amount the water container or trash can would hold
and talk about the majesty of this miracle.

Share the following insight with your family:

“We can well imagine the sense of reverential awe that came into the heart of the revelers as the servants let it be known what Mary’s Son had done. . . . John says that by this act, Jesus ‘manifested forth his glory, and his disciples believed on him.’ Miracles follow faith, and miracles strengthen faith.” (McConkie, Mortal Messiah, 1:453–54.)

Share an experience with your family when a miracle has strengthened your faith.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 115.)

Story:
“Two Bags of Cement” by John Purser

In June 1964, we were pouring the concrete floors in the chapel and recreational hall of the Poverty Bay District and Gisborne [New Zealand] Second Branch Chapel. There had been storms in the area for three weeks and the boats had not been able to deliver cement to Gisborne. We had borrowed all the cement there was within eighty miles, and when we quit work for lunch on the last day of pouring, we had just two bags of cement left and needed two and a half yards of concrete—enough to fill an area fifteen feet by thirteen feet. This would have required twelve bags of concrete to complete the job. As we returned from lunch everyone was saying, “We may as well not even start again; it wouldn’t even be worthwhile.”

I told them to start the mixer; that we were not only going to pour, but we would complete our floors that day. Then, not knowing at the time how it could be done, I walked a short distance from the group and prayed. I simply said, “Father, you fed the thousands with the five loaves and two fishes. Surely you can help us this day.”

We went to work and mixed two small one-fourth yard batches of concrete with the two bags of cement we had and started pouring. There seemed to be no end to the concrete as it poured from our wheelbarrows. The full pour was not only completed, but we had to remove two wheelbarrows full when it was leveled out.

There is no physical way this could have been done by men. It was indeed a modern miracle performed for his people of the latter days.

(Jay A. Parry, Everyday Miracles, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2001].)

Activity:
Stretch a rope out on the floor. Take turns blindfolding family members and have them walk on the rope. If they step off the rope, they are out.

Refreshment
Macaroons

3 egg whites
2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup flour
1/3 pound chopped hazelnuts or almonds, or 1 1/3 cups sweetened, flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a small bowl, whip egg whites until quite stiff. Gradually mix in sugar, vanilla, and almond extract. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Mix flour and nuts or coconut together and fold into egg white mixture. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove from pan immediately and cool on wire rack. Makes 3 dozen.

Teaching about Life and Death

Death is a part of every life. Find scriptures, stories, and discussion ideas for talking with your family about death, life, and how to live courageously.

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “The Race of Life,” by President Thomas

S. Monson, Ensign, May 2012, 90.

Thought:

Death comes to all mankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its summons is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life’s journey. At times it hushes the laughter of little children. . . . My brothers and sisters, we know that death is not the end. This truth has been taught by living prophets throughout the ages. It is also found in our holy scriptures.

(Thomas S. Monson, “The Race of Life,” Ensign, May 2012, 90.) 

Song:

“The Lord is My Shepherd,” Hymns, no. 108.

Scripture:

Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of cpeace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

Lesson:

Ask your family to consider this question: “If you were to die today, would you have any regrets?” Read together Alma 46:39–41 and look for the way many of the Nephites handled death. Ask:

• What qualities did the people possess who “went out of the world rejoicing”?

• Why do you think living a faithful life, could cause rejoicing when we die?

• Why would it be important to you to have this same experience when you die? Share your testimony that living the commandments brings joy in life and death.

Invite your family to live in such a way that they will have no regrets when they leave this earth.

Story:

“Death in a Foxhole” by Paul H. Dunn

My mind immediately was called back to a day about twenty years ago when, as a young soldier participating in the activity of this country during World War II, I found

myself on the island of Okinawa, somewhere in my nineteenth year. In that serious mortal conflict, while trying to do what we could to preserve these very freedoms that have been discussed today, by chance I fell into the good graces of another young man who had fine ideals and high standards. Almost automatically we got together and shared the experiences of the war together. Frequently we shared the same foxhole. One night during the month of May, our forces had sustained such heavy casualties that it became necessary for my friend and me to be separated. We were in different holes about fifty yards apart. It had commenced to rain about seven that evening, and it was a cold night. Along about eleven the enemy let go with a barrage that was almost unbelievable, and for almost two hours they harassed our lines with heavy artillery and mortar fire. Shortly after midnight one of these shells landed in the hole of my good friend. I could tell from the sound of the blast that it was serious. I called to him but couldn’t get an answer, and the type of fighting we did in the Pacific prevented me from crawling over to offer aid. About an hour later I got a faint response indicating life still existed. All that night long, under heavy fire, I tried to call words of comfort to him, and finally as it commenced to get light I crawled to the hole of my friend and found that he had almost become submerged in the water from the heavy rain of the night before.

As I lifted him out on that cold, muddy bank and laid his head in my lap, I tried to offer what physical comfort I could under those conditions, wiping his brow and face with a handkerchief. He was almost limp with death now. I said, “Harold, you hold on, and I’ll get you to the aid station just as soon as I can. It’s only a few hundred yards away. “No,” he said, “I know this is the end, and I’ve held on as long as possible because I want you to do two things for me, Paul, if you would.” I said, “You just name it, Harold.” He said, “If you are permitted to live through this terrible ordeal, will you somehow get word to my parents and tell them how grateful I am for their teaching and influence which has enabled me to meet death with security and calmness, and this in turn will sustain them.” And I’m happy to report to you I was able to fulfill that commitment.

“Second, Paul,” he said, “if you ever have the opportunity to talk to the youth of the world, will you tell them for me that it is a sacred privilege to lay down my life for the principles that we have been defending here today.” And with that testimony on his lips he like so many others before, gave his life for the principles of freedom and righteousness.

Well, as we buried Harold along with his comrades, close friends, and associates, we placed over a cemetery on Okinawa this inscription, and I think it still stands for all to observe who would: “We gave our todays in order that you might have your tomorrows.”

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 1, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1970].)

Activity:

Play Wastebasket Toss.

Use a wastebasket as the goal. Mark the tossing line with a piece of string or tape. You may wish to make the tossing line closer for young children. Use a ball or beanbag for tossing. If the ball or beanbag touches the basket it counts 1 point; if it goes inside and it stays there it counts 5 points. If the ball goes in but bounces out it counts 2 points.

Remind the family to make their life count and not toss it away. 

(Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968] p. 171.)



Refreshment

Almost Oreo Cookies

Makes 11⁄2 dozen cookies

1 (18-ounce) package devil’s food cake mix 2 eggs

3 tablespoons water

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Filling

1 cup shortening

1 pound plus 1 cup powdered sugar, divided 

1 teaspoon vanilla

1⁄4 cup water

1⁄2 cup cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.

Combine cake mix, eggs, water, oil, and cocoa powder until well mixed. Form into balls and place on cookie sheets. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass and bake 6 to 8 minutes. Remove cookies from cookie sheet and place on paper towels. Let cool for 20 to 25 minutes.

For filling: Beat shortening until fluffy. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla, and water and beat until fluffy. Add half the remaining powdered sugar and beat well. Add remaining powdered sugar and beat well.

Place desired filling amount on one cookie. Place second cookie on top of filling. Gently squeeze together. Repeat until all cookies have been made into sandwiches. These store well in an airtight container.



This lesson will help you discuss disabilities with your family and how to respectfully and lovingly interact with those who have disabilities.

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “Special Lessons,” by Elder Ronald A. Rasband,

Ensign, May 2012, 80.

Thought:

A perfect body is not required to achieve a divine destiny. In fact, some of the sweetest spirits are housed in frail frames.

Though we will face trials, adversities, disabilities, heartaches, and all manner of

afflictions, our caring, loving Savior will always be there for us. 

Scripture:

Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame,

or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.

(3 Nephi 17:7)

Song:

“I’ll Walk With You,” Children’s Songbook, p. 140.

Lesson:

How to teach young people sensitivity toward people with disabilities

As parents of two non-verbal autistic children, we understand that all people, disabled or not, are created in the image of God and have the potential to become like God. Some disabled people, because the severity of their disabilities makes them unable to choose between right and wrong, are like little children incapable of sinning. Young people who truly understand this will have a much easier time being sensitive toward people with disabilities.

Additionally, we suggest:

Parents should lead their children by example in showing compassion to the disabled. If a child’s parents are uncomfortable around people with disabilities, the child will learn to be uncomfortable around the disabled, too.

Parents should go out of their way to include the disabled in their activities. Children who associate with the disabled are much more likely to learn that the disabled are more like “normal” people than they are different.

Parents should encourage their children to follow the Savior’s example and serve the disabled. We can learn from the Savior’s compassion by helping the disabled to carry the crosses they have to bear.

Parents should teach their children not to pretend that the disability isn’t there. Sometimes people have trouble dealing with others’ disabilities, so they try to ignore the disabilities altogether. This can lead them to ignore the disabled and their needs. Even worse, it can keep them from enjoying what those with disabilities have to offer.

Parents should believe and live the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach their children to do the same. No one who truly believes in the mission of the Savior and the plan of salvation could have anything but compassion for the disabled.

—Bryan and Martha Chambers, Globe, Ariz.

Stories:

Injured at birth

I was injured at birth and left cerebral palsied to a minor degree. This has left me with some coordination difficulties and an obvious limp.

My school friends had explained to them that my “telephone wires” were damaged and could not be fixed. My wife and I have used this approach, learned from my mother, to help nieces and nephews and other young people with whom we associate to feel comfortable and able to ask concerned questions.—Colin Maxwell, Northamptonshire, England

Personally acquainted

A new family moved into the ward. A member of the family was severely disabled. The child was put in the Primary strapped into a wheelchair. That first day the Primary children were frightened at what they saw. The caring mother came to the bishop and presented a plan to visit each home with her disabled child and have each family in the ward become personally acquainted with the child and his problems. A mighty change took place in the ward and especially in Primary. The child later died at an early age. At the funeral, the chapel was filled to capacity.—Tom Arnett, Mesa, Ariz.

Passing the sacrament

One boy in the Aaronic Priesthood had dealt with many physical disabilities in his lifetime, including difficulty with vision and mobility. Many times on Sunday you would see the other boys assist this young man so that he was able to pass the sacrament to the ward members. One boy would walk along supporting him as he carried the tray. Many young men had the opportunity to learn a true lesson in service, to a friend, to the ward and, most important, to the Lord.—Tina Conde, Olympia, Wash.

Activity:

Play Blind Man’s Bluff.

Form a circle with one blindfolded person in the center. He is the “blind man.”

The blind man calls out, “Scatter, one, two, three, freeze!”

On the word “scatter” everyone runs to hide but must freeze in his tracks when the word “freeze” is said.

The blind man searches the room until he touches someone and then asks this person a question.

The person may answer with anything he wants in an attempt to bluff the blind man. He may even disguise his voice to further fool the blind man.

The blind man may guess once who the person is. If he guesses incorrectly, he again calls, “Scatter, one, two, three, freeze!” and the game continues. When he guesses correctly, he and the person trade places.

Refreshment

Peanut Butter Buttons

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 (12-ounce) bag miniature peanut

butter cups (about 36 candies) 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter and peanut butter. Add sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. Beat until combined, making sure all ingredients are incorporated. Beat in vanilla and egg until light and fluffy. Beat in flour just until well combined.

Unwrap miniature peanut butter cups. Shape each dough ball around a peanut butter cup until it is completely covered and no chocolate is visible. Place on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8 minutes. Cookies may look underdone, but do not overbake! Remove from oven and let cookies sit on hot cookie sheets for several more minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling. After cookies are completely cooled, melt milk chocolate chips. Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies with a fork or toothpick. Allow chocolate to set up. To help the chocolate set up faster, put the cookies in the freezer for a few minutes before drizzling with chocolate. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

For more great information on this topic, visit these other LDS Living links:

“Dealing with Difference,” by Leisha Maw

“Autism in Our Primary,” by Wendy Green

“Meeting the Need: Helping Children with Developmental Disabilities in Primary,” by Julie Christensen

FHE on Conversion

In our world today, each [person] needs his or her own conversion to the truth. Each needs his or her own light, his or her own “steadfast and immovable” faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” by Neil L. Andersen, Ensign, May 2010, 108–12.

Thought:
In our world today, each [person] needs his or her own conversion to the truth. Each needs his or her own light, his or her own “steadfast and immovable” faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Neil L. Andersen, “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” Ensign, May 2010, 108–12.)

Song:
“I Will Follow God’s Plan,” Children’s Songbook, p. 164.

Scripture:
And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
(Alma 5:14)

Lesson:
Show a birth certificate of a family member and ask if they know what it is. Can anyone have two of these? Then show a baptismal certificate and ask how it might be considered a second birth certificate. Invite a member of your family to read John 3:3–7 and ask your family to look for what might have been on Nicodemus’s mind. Ask:


What does it mean to be “born again”? (See Alma 5:14; Mosiah 27:24–29.)
How can a person be born of the water (baptized) but not born of the Sprit?

Share the following by Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “Church members are not born again by the mere fact of baptism alone; rather, after baptism, they must so live as to experience a ‘mighty change’ in their hearts.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:142.)

Share an experience in your life when you felt a change of heart or spiritual rebirth. Explain that the process of spiritual rebirth happens over time. Testify that the sacrament allows a wonderful time to recommit one’s self to following God. Encourage family members to always seek for a change of heart by becoming a little better each day.
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 116.)

Story:
The “mighty change” of heart (Alma 5:14) is a process that takes varying amounts of time for different people. Let me tell you about a man I will call Sasha to protect his personal privacy. He is a man in his early forties who describes himself as having previously been a very hard, cynical man.

Sasha’s cynicism came from his background, which he describes in detail:

“I was born in the north of Russia, in a worker’s family in a small town. I spent my childhood and youth in a place where many criminals had been deported, as well as soldiers who had been captured and accused of treason. Cruel and wild morals reigned there.

I learned that a strong man always rules and a weak man always submits. My years of studying in an institute confirmed this statement. Three years of working in a colony of a special regime for dangerous criminals amazed me. I saw and heard unbelievable things. Now it is hard for me to understand how a man could do such things.

I did not wait for help from anybody, and I also did not help anybody, either. I often thought about the question of the meaning of life. What do we live for? I asked everybody about that, but nobody could answer me. People were busy with their own problems.”

One evening two young missionaries met Sasha on the street of a city where he still resides. They asked whether he believed in God. He continues:

“I was confused. I knew from my experience that when someone comes to you in the darkness and asks for ten kopecks, your answer does not matter much, because there is going to be a fight within a
minute or two. Earlier, I had considered religious believers to be mentally sick people, and yet these young men seemed like quite normal people.

I agreed to make an appointment with the missionaries. Oh, I tortured them so much! I asked them many silly, cynical questions, and I even supposed that they were agents of the CIA.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately!), I had lost my job then and had time to read the Book of Mormon and the Bible all day long. The experience of reading these two books of scripture hour after hour, day after day, completely transformed my life. I found the truth. As I met with these wonderful young men, my cynicism gradually but fully dissolved. In our meetings and through my personal reading of the scriptures day after day, I became a new person, with a new outlook on the world.

Since my baptism and the receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost, I have committed to our Heavenly Father that I will always try to help lift others throughout the rest of my life. As Alma explained [see Mosiah 18:8-10], when I accepted baptism I promised to be a comfort and a strength to others. And I will.”

Sasha is a dedicated servant of the Lord who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood. He is a man who shows great love to others. He now manages a new private company in his city.

(Howard L. Biddulph, The Morning Breaks: Stories of Conversion and Faith in the Former Soviet Union, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1996].)

Activity:
Give each family member an old magazine or newspaper, a blank piece of paper, and some glue (younger children can be paired with an older family member). Ask each person to think of a word or phrase that describes the changes that can happen after a person has been converted. Have them find and cut out the letters to spell this word in the magazine. Then paste them onto the blank paper. After everyone is done, have them share their words.

Refreshment:

Kleiner

6 eggs
1⁄2 c. butter
1 1⁄2 c. sugar
1⁄2 c. canned milk
1⁄2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
5 c. flour
3 tsp. baking powder
Powdered sugar

Combine eggs, butter, sugar, milk, salt, and vanilla. Then add dry ingredients. Roll dough into a triangle, and cut through dough to make long strips. Cut across strips diagonally to form smaller diamond shapes. Cut a slit in the center of each diamond shape. Pull the bottom corner through the cut in the center to make a twist. Deep fry the twists until light golden brown. Place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, or eat plain.