Book Review - At the Pulpit, 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women

At the Pulpit is a refreshing collection of women’s voices from the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The book contains 54 speeches given by women from 1831 to current day and is an impressive collection that shows the strength of women in the church. After reading the words of these eloquent women, I felt empowered and grateful for their examples of courage, compassion, and faithfulness. 

Life can be very full and busy at times.  I worried that I wouldn't be able to find time to read and review this book at first.  But during quiet minutes, I found myself drawn to it to bring me peace. I loved the stories and I felt stronger and more motivated after reading it.  Sister Jacobs had it right in the infographic below.

In the first chapter, I was impressed with the leadership of Lucy Mack Smith (aka “Mother Smith,” mother of Joseph and Hyrum Smith). In 1831, Lucy Mack Smith was part of a group that was planning to travel to Kirtland, Ohio from Fayette, New York. Two prominent males in the group refused to lead the group during the journey and deferred to Mother Smith. She rallied the troops and handled the finances, food, lodging, and spiritual guidance. At one point, the group was stuck in Buffalo, waiting for the ice to break in the harbor. Another party there encouraged Smith and her group to hide their religious identity to avoid prejudice. Smith rejected the advice and instead “boldly proclaimed her Mormon beliefs” to the townspeople.

Eliza R. Snow’s speech to the Salt Lake City 17^th Ward Relief Society really struck a chord with me in regards to how church callings should work.  She said, “Each member of the society should study to know her place, and honor herself by filling it honorably , and all move forward like machinery that is perfect in all its parts. Let no one overstep her mark or in the least crowd against another… And if this principle shall be carried out in every department, the society will move like clockwork.”  Her beautifully chosen words and appropriate similes describe how callings should be handled not only in just olden days but now as well. Each person is to learn and magnify her calling and not hinder others from fulfilling their responsibilities by enabling them or doing things that are outside their realm of stewardship.

Early Return LDS Missionaries - Anxiety and Depression Resources

Many people don't understand depression and anxiety. I get it.  If you, or someone you love, haven't experienced it personally it is easy to misjudge and think someone can just overcome it with a positive attitude.

Signs of Depression

• A persistent sad, helpless, hopeless, or worthless feeling.
• Decreased energy and motivation, and increased fatigue.
• A loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
• Appetite change and weight loss or gain.
• Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up.
• Thoughts about death and suicide.

Here are some informative articles, videos, blog posts and podcasts that may help provide some understanding about depression, anxiety, and early returned missionaries.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng&_r=1

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2016-05-012-elder-hollands-counsel-for-early-returned-missionaries?lang=eng

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865628809/6-lies-early-returned-missionaries-tell-themselves.html?pg=all

http://ldsmag.com/what-this-mission-president-would-like-every-early-returned-missionary-to-know/

https://typedlettershome.com/2016/10/06/a-letter-to-every-erm/

http://www.provomormondude.com/2015/09/dealing-with-depression-as-latter-day.html

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2016/02/depression?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/new-era/2016/09/dealing-with-depression?lang=eng

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxK2E2OFJhQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZdr56g_efQ

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1984/02/my-battle-with-depression?lang=eng

https://www.mormon.org/blog/dealing-with-depression-and-mental-illness#d

https://www.mormonchannel.org/listen/series/mormon-channel-daily-audio/his-grace-being-an-early-returned-missionary

http://www.ldsliving.com/A-Video-About-Early-Returned-Missionaries-Every-Member-Needs-to-See-Understand/s/80052

Primary Music Leader Training

We had a fun Stake Primary Music Training in our stake recently.  All of our ward Primary Music Leaders came and shared their ideas.  I wanted to share the information from that night.

Sing Your Heart Out

Music Leader Training Get-together

“We care so much about you and about the children you are teaching. Prepare well to bless these little ones.  Give it your best effort.  Your influence will - quite literally - affect these children for eternity.  Enjoy the assignment that you have, and discharge it faithfully.  However much we love and admire children, I am certain we underestimate who and what a child is, and what in the hands of God he or she may become.  May God bless you always in your sacred opportunity to help save the children of this Church.”   

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Leadership Training Library, “Supporting the Primary Music Leader”

“We are able to feel and learn very quickly through music...some spiritual things that we would otherwise learn very slowly.”  

-Boyd K. Packer, “The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord,” Ensign, Aug, 1976, 61

PLANNING MUSIC TIME

Know the Song

Before you can teach a song effectively, you must know the song yourself. Become familiar with the words and melody by playing the song on the piano or listening to the music on the Church music website.

·         Do I know the song well enough to make eye contact with the children?

Use the Scriptures

Study the song to learn what message the words convey. Use the scripture references at the end of the song in your preparation or in teaching the song.

·         Do I connect the doctrine to the words the children are singing?

Sing, Sing, Sing

Children learn to sing a song by hearing it sung and by singing it themselves. Spend more time singing than talking during music time.

·         Do we sing more than we talk or play games?

Capture the Children's Attention

Engage the children's attention with an object, a picture, a scripture, an experience, or simply a whisper.

·         Do the attention-getters that I use enhance the learning experience?

Include Different Learning Styles

Use a variety of approaches to involve as many of the senses as possible.  Seeing, speaking, moving, and doing, as well as hearing, will help children better understand and remember the songs.

·         Do I vary my teaching plan to include different learning styles?

Direct Children's Listening

Ask questions that will encourage children to listen to the song and help them understand the gospel message. For example, ask—What? Where? When? Why?—and state the question in such a way that children can discover the answer as you sing the song.

·         Do I ask questions that encourage thinking?

Involve the Children

Create opportunities for children to participate. For example, invite children to improvise actions, assign small groups to sing different sections, ask for ideas to vary the styles of singing, or give them a picture or object to hold to remind them of the words to a song.

·         Do I use activities that involve all of the children rather than a few?

Bear Testimony

Bear your personal testimony or read testimonies recorded in the scriptures. As children hear the testimonies of others, they will be strengthened.

·         Do I bear brief testimony of the doctrine taught in the song?

Reverence Ideas               

 Bubbles in cheeks (Junior Primary)

To fold arms with choices (jets or fish, in lap or on chest)

Stand up/Sit down

Proximity Control

“If you can hear me ______.”

“To Catch a Butterfly”

https://www.lds.org/friend/2001/05/to-catch-a-butterfly?lang=eng&query=butterfly+reverence

Positive Reinforcement - “I” statements    

• “I’m looking for…”
• beautiful eyes
• big smiles
• chins up
• mouths moving to sing
• “I noticed…”
• Include specifics
• Whole group, class, or individuals
• Use a variety
• Praise around

           

• “I give ______ to those who ______”  
• thumbs up, smile.
• winks, look at me.
• pats on the back, sit up straight.

• Silent cheers

Old Reliable! (Games for THOSE weeks)

From The Barefoot Chorister, Stacy Sanchez

http://barefootchorister.blogspot.com

1. Hide the Note/Hot and Cold

2. Name that Tune (Notes, humming, rhythm, etc)

3. Stump the Chorister

4. Pop the Balloon

5. Skittles Challenge

6. Who's Missing

7. Something's Different, Sister ________

8. Swat Team

9. 4 Corners

Choose and Review games

From Kathleen Mower

http://thechildrensing.blogspot.com

1. Everyone who…

2. Three in a Row

3. Scrambled Word Puzzle

4. People in the Scriptures Made Good Choices

5. I Spy With My Little Eye

http://www.twoladiesandablog.blogspot.com/2012/07/roll-and-blow.html

Roll ‘em and Blow “em

Cut the Bishop’s tie

Roll/Spin Mix ‘n’ Match - Fun Ways to Sing

http://afprimarysingingtime.blogspot.com/2010/09/fun-ways-to-sing.html

http://kamisprimarymusicideas.blogspot.com/2014/04/review-activity-ways-to-sing-cards-more.html

http://teachldschildren.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Fun-Ways-to-Sing.pdf

http://primarysingingtimewithmatilda.blogspot.com/2015/01/20-minutes-for-singing-time-what-should.html

Battleship

Children can put their arm into the elephant's trunk and practice leading the song.  A simpler version could be an apple with a worm sticking out of it (if you don't want to try drawing an elephant).

Candyland 

Wiggles and Giggles - Children can pick one of these cute things out of the jar and there is a fun song attached that they can sing.  Great idea to pull from when you see the kids need a little break and some movement.

 Roll the dice to see what style to use while singing the song.  Kids love that!  

Uno Game to learn a song. 

This was a fun idea.  One binder contained a copy of the Primary Children's Songbook that she had taken apart and put in sheet protectors.  The other binder had the plan for the month.  Great way to be organized and what a fun theme.

This was the treat table for our training.  Our theme was Sing Your Heart Out since we held it a few weeks before Valentine's Day.  Who doesn't love sugar cookies and chocolate?

This was the table of things we gave our music leaders. 

Here's a link to a folder which includes some documents such as fun ways to sings songs and our training documents.

Nephi's Broken Bow - Visuals for Teaching Primary

I created these visuals to go with the lesson in the Primary 4: Book of Mormon manual, lesson #5, entitled "Lehi and His Family Are Led through the Wilderness."  

I used my own words and interpretation to choose the graphics.  The kids loved it and the visuals helped them pay attention to and understand the story.

Click HERE for the PDF files.

I designed it so there were two visuals on each page.  I printed on cardstock and then cut the pages in half.  For the lesson, have the kids read along (or listen) to 1 Nephi 16:17-32.  Lay out all the pictures on the floor and then have kids point to a picture when it fits with the story.  Put them up on the board using magnets.

Here are some links to supplementary material about Nephi's broken bow.  I personally like to study a lot about a topic before I teach it so that I can gain insights, even if I don't share all the info with the class.

Story from The Friend magazine called "Nephi's Bow" (and little boys).

"When Your Bow Breaks" Speech (more for adults)

The Book of Mormon Study Manual

Info about Nephi's Bows from the New Era

Worth the Wait - A BYU Pathways College Assignment

My sister-in-law, Michelle, wrote this awesome letter for a project in her BYU Pathways English class. I was really impressed and asked her if I could share it. The assignment involved to write a love letter to an object.


Michelle has enjoyed attending BYU Pathways. She does all the work on-line and once a week she attends a local gathering with other students to discuss coursework. This has allowed her to work toward her college degree while being a stay at home mom. It is affordable (around $65/credit) and convenient. I am so proud of her! Here is a link with more information in case anyone is interested in pursuing their degree.


Worth the Wait 

My Dearest Love, I remember the day we reunited again after nearly 15 years. Seeing you there brought back fond memories of why I missed you, and strong desires to never abandon you again. While basking under the sun, I noticed you were resting on a chair. You looked lonely. I nearly heard your silent call for friendship, companionship, and adventure. I was hesitant to greet you, mainly because I did not want to commit to what you had to offer. However, as the gentle summer wind blew your cover open, I could not deny that our time spent together had always filled my own loneliness, and I remembered how much I had missed going on wild adventures with you. Without further reservation, I picked you up and held you tight to my heart. How could I have left you? Your words, stories, and wisdom had never failed me. I was the one that had failed you! Silently, I cried for your forgiveness. When I finally got brave and picked you up, you gave me butterflies and I was reminded of why I fell deeply in love with you. I was elated to see that you could still help me escape from the daily routine and give me hope and comfort when I needed extra attention. It made me long for more time with you, and I wondered how I could fit you in more often into my life. Why had we stayed away from each other for so long? You surprised me how appealing you had become; you made it so hard to put you down at night. I was even willing to lose a full night of sleep so I could find out what happed at the end of the story. Thank you for changing my life and for stealing me away when I’m having a bad day, or even feeling overwhelmed and need a pick me up. It has been entertaining to visit all these stunning places, solving murders, being inspired, and seeing the girl get her dream guy. You have stolen my heart away as you take me on the journey of a lifetime, and I look forward to being taken away to many more amazing destinations. My love for you grows stronger every day as I find time to spend with you. I love the person I’m rediscovering and I owe it all to you.Love you Forever,Michelle

Campfire Songs

Here are a collection of campfire songs that I collected from my mom, aunts, sister-in-laws, and from Girls Camp.  Hope you enjoy them!

(PS There are a ton of them so be sure to click on the "read more" link to view the entire post)

The Animal Fair

I went to the animal fair

The birds and the beasts were there

The big baboon by the light of the moon

Was combing his auburn hair.

The monkey bumped the skunk

And sat on the elephant’s trunk

The elephant sneezed and fell on his knees

And that was the end of the monk, the monk

And that was the end of the monk!

The Ants Go Marching

The ants go marching one by one hurrah, hurrah,  

The ants go marching one by one hurrah, hurrah,  

The ants go marching one by one,

The little one stopped to suck his thumb,

And they all go marching  

Down to the ground, to the earth.  

Boom, boom, boom, boom.

Two by two - to tie his shoe
Three by three - to scratch his knee
Four by four - to shut the door
Five by five - to dance and jive
Six by six - to pick up sticks
Seven by seven - to look to heaven
Eight by eight - to shut the gate
Nine by nine - to tell the time
Ten by ten – to say the end! 

LDS Resources Toolbox

Here are some helpful links:

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Helping Hands Guidelines Manual for planning and conducting community service projects  

(click on link above, then click "English" to download PDF)

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Neighbors Helping Neighbors disaster preparedness website

PROVIDENT LIVING

Self-Reliance and Welfare Resources

FAMILY HISTORY

FamilySearch Website

BIBLE

Bible Videos

WELFARE – LEADER RESOURCES

Welfare Leader Resources

Baptism - One Page Information Sheet

I found this in this Friend magazine article.  It is a simple summary for young children to better understand baptism.

Understanding Your Patriarchal Blessing - Worksheet

Here's a chart to use that goes with THIS LESSON about Patriarchal Blessings.

Law of Consecration - Primary Lesson

I am a big believer in the Law of Consecration.  My friends and family know that I believe that everything we have been given is from God - our time, talents and material blessings.  Since everything belongs to God and comes from Him, it is our obligation to handle those blessings according to His will.  We are all on earth here together to help each other and share.  (The hard part comes when some people take advantage of others but I figure that is their problem, not mine).

Here's a Primary lesson that teaches on this subject.  The Lord Reveals the Law of Consecration.

I made this worksheet to go along with the lesson.

Church Humor - Bishopric Pun

Here's a little humor for any of my LDS blog readers out there....

Since it was Mother's Day, my husband taught my Primary lesson on Sunday and I was able to just sit and listen.  It was about Edward Partridge who was called as the first bishop.

Here's the conversation:

HUBBY:  Who was the first bishop in the church?

BOY: I know, I know.  BISHOP RICK

Okay, I'll admit that I had to pretend I needed a drink of water and I went out in the hallway to let my laughter out.  Best part was that the boy was completely serious!  Get it, "Bishopric" and "Bishop Rick!"  It still makes me laugh!

The Prophet Receives Revelation for the Church - Primary Lesson 15, Manual 5

Here's a handout that I made to go with my Primary Lesson today.  I chose to include the story from the last General Conference that President Monson shared about when he was a little boy and started a forest fire because I thought the kids would remember the lesson.  Click HERE to read President Monson's complete talk called "Obedience Brings Blessings."

Click HERE to read the entire Primary lesson called "The Prophet Receives Revelation for the Church."

I am personally so grateful to have a living prophet on the earth today who receives revelation from God.

I agree with President Dieter F. Uchtdorf who said, "Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He has not left them to walk through this mortal life without direction and guidance.  That is why He pleads so earnestly with us through His prophets.  Just as we want what is best for our loved ones, Heavenly Father wants what is best for us."

Click HERE to watch a video about why we need living prophets.  As God's children, it makes perfect sense to me that He would send prophets to earth to guide us.  This is one of the reasons I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains the fullness of the gospel.  There are lots of great churches and religions out there, but to contain the fullness of the gospel, we need a living prophet and also the priesthood authority from God to perform ordinances such as baptism.  Logically and spiritually this makes perfect sense to me.  I dearly love and appreciate President Thomas S. Monson as he serves as a living prophet on this earth.

General Conference April 2013 - You're invited!

Click HERE to watch General Conference.  I am grateful that the whole world has the chance to listen to living prophets speak to us each Spring and Fall at General Conference.

You can watch the different sessions of General Conference on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - Noon and then from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Mountain Time.

I already have my note sheets ready to go!

Primary - Memory Matching Game about the Organization of the LDS Church

I created this fun memory matching game for my Primary class to go with Primary Manual 5, Lesson 11 (click HERE for complete lesson).  I printed the pages out and then attached them to 3x5 notecards.  I played it with my son and he absolutely loved it.  I know my Primary class will have fun when we play it later today.  (PS I searched and searched the internet and couldn't find a picture of Peter Whitmer Jr. on his own so I had to use a group shot)

Primary - Organization of LDS Church Summary

I made this fun little one page summary sheet for my Primary class.  It goes with THIS LESSON (Primary Manual 5, Lesson 11).  The kids will color it at the end of the lesson and hopefully it will be a reminder of the  WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHERE, and WHEN info about the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Feel free to use it if you'd like.

Book - Armor Up

“Take upon you my whole armor that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.” —Doctrine & Covenants 27:15

I am excited to buy this book for my teenagers.  All six of these youth speakers are amazing!  I've heard several of them speak at "Time Out for Women" and my kids have heard some of them at "Especially for Youth" conferences.  The website says that this book will "explain how wearing that spiritual armor can not only help youth face those difficult challenges in life, but also conquer them."

Sounds awesome to me!  By the way, I am in no way compensated or associated with the sale of this book.  I just like it and want to promote good things.  And how on earth could I resist posting about this book when it totally fits with my blog name! :)

Contents
• “Girt About with Truth” by Brad Wilcox
• “A Bulletproof Breastplate” by John Hilton III
• “Put on Your Gospel Shoes” by Anthony Sweat
• “Shields Up!” by John Bytheway
• “Buckle On Your Helmet” by Hank Smith
• “Your Spiritual Sword” by Laurel Christensen

Click HERE to visit the blog about this book.  Click HERE to purchase the book.

Seeing the Blessings in Trials

Our good friends were in a bad car accident on their way home from visiting us a few months ago.  She had just texted me when they were finishing up dinner and said things were going well.  I had a bad feeling when the phone rang about 10 minutes later.  My hubby answered and his expression said it all.

I am so grateful our friends lives were preserved.  Click HERE to read the whole story and see how there are indeed tender mercies to be seen even in the midst of trials.

(Thank you to Stephanie for allowing me to share your story)

General Conference Link

Click HERE to watch the General Conference sessions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Christmas Dinner for Church

 

 We had the teenagers serve dinner to all the families.  We served the food "family style" at the tables. This was fun because the families could stay seated and not wait in a buffet line and also because the teenagers could all hang out together.  Let's face it, teens would rather eat with their friends than their families at this age anyway!

I was in charge of coordinated all the teenagers and getting the food to the tables.  I had this sign hanging in the wall by the kitchen so that the kids would know what to serve and in what order.  We had an "In" door and an "Out" door for kids to come in and grab the food to bring into the cultural hall/gym area. 

Our menu was salad, rolls, pork chops, green beans, and baked potatoes.  The teenagers ate dinner in another room after they served all the families.  It was a big, fun mess in their room.

After dinner, and before dessert, we gave each table a sugar cookie kit so that they could decorate their own cookies for fun.  We had homemade sugar cookies, sprinkles, icing, etc.  Dessert was served last.  It was some sort of rich mousse type thing.  I didn't really have time to eat but I heard everything was yummy.

Here's the chart I made so that we'd know which teenager was in charge of which table.  Each person had one table to be responsible for.  They also had name tags on that listed their table number.  Tables were also numbered.  For centerpieces we had gingerbread cookie bouquets and each vase had a cute paper with a number on it. (if you enlarge the pictures of the tables you can see in more detail)  We also had a movie presentation showing lots of pictures of people doing service throughout the year.  We didn't have a screen that was big enough so we just showed it on the wall at the back of the stage.  Also, the pom pom snowflakes that were hanging from the ceiling were from Martha Stewart's website and made from tissue paper.

After the ward dinner, all the teenagers came over to my house for an "after party."  They had a blast playing basketball, ping pong, watching Elf, having snacks, and just hanging out.  It was an exhausting and fun night for all.