Garden of Wishes

This is an inexpensive, fanciful and fun activity to welcome Spring and give the girls the opportunity to work on their “Outdoor Fun & Skills” development.

Required materials:
· 1-gallon milk jugs (1 for each girl), empty, clean, and dry, with label removed
· 6 different types of flower seeds
· Wooden craft sticks (6 for each girl, a few extra in case of typos) · Potting Soil
· Flower or gardening stickers (optional)
· Thin permanent markers
· Printouts (see attachment)
· Containers for seeds (ex: small condiment containers)
· Colored curling ribbon
· Plastic spoons (1 for each girl)


Printout of "Wishes" and Instructions:














Pre-Assembly:

1.Cut the top portion of the milk jug with scissors so the handle is still useable.
2.Place each packet of seeds into the “Wish” container you’d like it to correspond to. Write the type of seeds on the back so you can show the girls which seeds are in which “Wish” container.
3.Punch a hole in the top corner of the “Garden of Wishes Instructions” (see attachment).
4.Cut colored ribbon long enough to attach each instruction sheet onto the handle.

Instructions:

• Have each girl fill their container with potting soil (4-5 inches) in the bottom of their container.
• Select floral/foam stickers to place around the jug (optional).
• Write each “wish” on a craft stick with a thin-tip permanent marker in preparation for sowing their “Garden of Wishes”.
• Using the plastic spoon, create a small well in the potting soil to place the seeds in – 1” deep.
• Select a few seeds from each “Wish” container and drop the seeds into the potting soil. Gently cover.
• Place the craft stick identifying the “Wish” next to the seeds.
  Work in a circular motion around the jug, placing the seeds in a circle, with 1 -2 flower seeds in the center.
• Attach the instructions to the jug handle.

Watch your wishes bloom!

Jesus Atoned for Our Sins

Jesus Atoned for Our Sins

Use this object lesson to teach how Jesus doesn’t cover up our sins…. He is able to remove them forever.

Before the lesson, you will need to gather and create the following:

· Wire Clothes Hangers (15-20) from the dry cleaner
· Printouts of ways people repent of their sins. (See suggestions below) Punch a hole in the top of each printout so they can be slid onto the clothes hanger during the lesson
· Hole Punch
· 1 Red Sheet of Construction Paper with the words: “Jesus Atoned For Our Sins” printed on it, with a hole punched in the top center of the sheet

Lesson
Put the clothes hangers in a bag. Make sure to mix them up so they are intertwined and stuck together. Place the printouts face down on a chair or table next to you.

Pull the hangers out of the bag and talk about how messy they are. Explain to the children that they are just like our sins. One or two clothes hangers might be easy to sort out, and may not seem like a lot, but when they begin to grow large in number, they can become tangled and bulky and hard to handle. (Drop several on the floor to really get your point across.)

Ask the children: “What are some ways that you or people you know try to cover up or remove their sins?”

Ask children to come up one by one to select a way sins are covered up or removed. Have them read what the paper says, then slide it onto the clothes hanger. Hang the hangers on the bottom of a rolling chalkboard or lay them on the floor for all to see.

Some examples/ways sins are covered up:
(Print these out 2 to a sheet of paper. Cut in half and punch a hole in the top center of the sheet to place over the clothes hanger). Print a few extra blank sheets and ask the children to come up with their own ideas.

Example:
· Justify it by saying, “everyone else does it.”
· Come to church.
· Admit to the sin. Tell your family and own up to the punishment or loss of privileges.
· Do something good to make up for it.
· Lie about it.
· Pretend it never happened.
· Pray to Heavenly Father and ask Him to guide you.
· Choose the right.
· Blame it on someone else.
· Hide the evidence.
· Make up an excuse.
· Repent and try not to do it again.
· Have faith that Jesus can take away your sins if you are really sorry.
· Choose different friends if the choices they are making are not right.

At the end, pull out the red construction sheet and show the children what it says: “Jesus atoned for our sins”.
Explain that this is a special hanger. Why is it colored red? (For Jesus’s blood). Why would Jesus atone for our sins? (So we can return to live with him and Heavenly Father again.)

Lay this red hanger on top/center of all the other sins.

Explain that even though the coat hangers/sins are still there and you can still ‘see them’, they are gone. Jesus can take away/remove our sins.

Share the message below, taken from “Chapter 12: The Atonement,” Gospel Principles, (2009),59–66

The Atonement Is Necessary for Our Salvation
Jesus Christ “came into the world … to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; that through him all might be saved” (D&C 76:41–42). The great sacrifice He made to pay for our sins and overcome death is called the Atonement. It is the most important event that has ever occurred in the history of mankind: “For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; … yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement” (Alma 34:9).

The Fall of Adam brought two kinds of death into the world: physical death and spiritual death. Physical death is separation of the body and spirit. Spiritual death is separation from God. If these two kinds of death had not been overcome by Jesus Christ’s Atonement, two consequences would have resulted: our bodies and our spirits would have been separated forever, and we could not have lived again with our Heavenly Father (see 2 Nephi 9:7–9).
But our wise Heavenly Father prepared a wonderful, merciful plan to save us from physical and spiritual death. He planned for a Savior to come to earth to ransom (redeem) us from our sins and from death. Because of our sins and the weakness of our mortal bodies, we could not ransom ourselves (see Alma 34:10–12). The one who would be our Savior would need to be sinless and to have power over death.

Jesus Christ Was the Only One Who Could Atone for Our Sins
There are several reasons why Jesus Christ was the only person who could be our Savior. One reason is that Heavenly Father chose Him to be the Savior. He was the Only Begotten Son of God and thus had power over death. Jesus explained: “I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:17–18).

Jesus also qualified to be our Savior because He is the only person who has ever lived on the earth who did not sin. This made Him a worthy sacrifice to pay for the sins of others.

Christ thus overcame physical death. Because of His Atonement, everyone born on this earth will be resurrected (see 1 Corinthians 15:21–22). Just as Jesus was resurrected, our spirits will be reunited with our bodies, “that they can die no more … , never to be divided” (Alma 11:45). This condition is called immortality. All people who have ever lived will be resurrected, “both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous” (Alma 11:44).

The Savior’s Atonement makes it possible for us to overcome spiritual death. Although all people will be resurrected, only those who accept the Atonement will be saved from spiritual death (see Articles of Faith 1:3).

We accept Christ’s Atonement by placing our faith in Him. Through this faith, we repent of our sins, are baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and obey His commandments. We become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. We are forgiven and cleansed from sin and prepared to return and live forever with our Heavenly Father.

The Savior tells us, “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer … even as I” (D&C 19:16–17). Christ did His part to atone for our sins. To make His Atonement fully effective in our lives, we must strive to obey Him and repent of our sins.

Last, share this Parable… you can simplify it for your Junior Primary children:

President Boyd K. Packer of the Council of the Twelve gave the following illustration to show how Christ’s Atonement makes it possible to be saved from sin if we do our part.
“Let me tell you a story—a parable.
“There once was a man who wanted something very much. It seemed more important than anything else in his life. In order for him to have his desire, he incurred a great debt.
“He had been warned about going into that much debt, and particularly about his creditor. But it seemed so important for him to do what he wanted to do and to have what he wanted right now. He was sure he could pay for it later.
“So he signed a contract. He would pay it off some time along the way. He didn’t worry too much about it, for the due date seemed such a long time away. He had what he wanted now, and that was what seemed important.
“The creditor was always somewhere in the back of his mind, and he made token payments now and again, thinking somehow that the day of reckoning really would never come.
“But as it always does, the day came, and the contract fell due. The debt had not been fully paid. His creditor appeared and demanded payment in full.
“Only then did he realize that his creditor not only had the power to repossess all that he owned, but the power to cast him into prison as well.
“‘I cannot pay you, for I have not the power to do so,’ he confessed.
“‘Then,’ said the creditor, ‘we will exercise the contract, take your possessions, and you shall go to prison. You agreed to that. It was your choice. You signed the contract, and now it must be enforced.’
“‘Can you not extend the time or forgive the debt?’ the debtor begged. ‘Arrange some way for me to keep what I have and not go to prison. Surely you believe in mercy? Will you not show mercy?’
“The creditor replied, ‘Mercy is always so one-sided. It would serve only you. If I show mercy to you, it will leave me unpaid. It is justice I demand. Do you believe in justice?’
“‘I believed in justice when I signed the contract,’ the debtor said. ‘It was on my side then, for I thought it would protect me. I did not need mercy then, nor think I should need it ever. Justice, I thought, would serve both of us equally as well.’
“‘It is justice that demands that you pay the contract or suffer the penalty,’ the creditor replied. ‘That is the law. You have agreed to it and that is the way it must be. Mercy cannot rob justice.’
“There they were: One meting out justice, the other pleading for mercy. Neither could prevail except at the expense of the other.
“‘If you do not forgive the debt there will be no mercy,’ the debtor pleaded.
“‘If I do, there will be no justice,’ was the reply.
“Both laws, it seemed, could not be served. They are two eternal ideals that appear to contradict one another. Is there no way for justice to be fully served, and mercy also?
“There is a way! The law of justice can be fully satisfied and mercy can be fully extended—but it takes someone else. And so it happened this time.
“The debtor had a friend. He came to help. He knew the debtor well. He knew him to be shortsighted. He thought him foolish to have gotten himself into such a predicament. Nevertheless, he wanted to help because he loved him. He stepped between them, faced the creditor, and made this offer.
“‘I will pay the debt if you will free the debtor from his contract so that he may keep his possessions and not go to prison.’
“As the creditor was pondering the offer, the mediator added, ‘You demanded justice. Though he cannot pay you, I will do so. You will have been justly dealt with and can ask no more. It would not be just.’
“And so the creditor agreed.
“The mediator turned then to the debtor. ‘If I pay your debt, will you accept me as your creditor?’
“‘Oh yes, yes,’ cried the debtor. ‘You save me from prison and show mercy to me.’
“‘Then,’ said the benefactor, ‘you will pay the debt to me and I will set the terms. It will not be easy, but it will be possible. I will provide a way. You need not go to prison.’
“And so it was that the creditor was paid in full. He had been justly dealt with. No contract had been broken.
“The debtor, in turn, had been extended mercy. Both laws stood fulfilled. Because there was a mediator, justice had claimed its full share, and mercy was fully satisfied” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1977, 79–80; or Ensign, May 1977, 54–55).
Our sins are our spiritual debts. Without Jesus Christ, who is our Savior and Mediator, we would all pay for our sins by suffering spiritual death. But because of Him, if we will keep His terms, which are to repent and keep His commandments, we may return to live with our Heavenly Father.
It is wonderful that Christ has provided us a way to be healed from our sins. He said:
“Behold, I have come unto the world … to save the world from sin.
“Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved” (3 Nephi 9:21–22).

Be Uplifted - The 7Up Talk

Be Uplifted - The 7Up Talk.

I gave this talk last year in Relief Society. I have attached the clipart I created to further enhance the talk with visual points on the board.
_ _ _ _ _


If you’ve ever read the book of Acts, you’ll know it chronicles the story of Jesus’ ascension into heaven [Acts 1:1-14].

It is the Bible’s detailed account of how Jesus departed from his disciples and returned to Heavenly Father.

As we know, for forty days after his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus appeared on different occasions to his disciples. At last, on the fortieth day, Jesus gathered his disciples together, promised them the gift of the Holy Spirit, and was then "taken up" or "lifted up" in a cloud. Jesus disappeared from their sight, and the disciples returned to Jerusalem to gather in prayer with the men and women who had known and loved him.

Jesus’s ascension reminds me that even if heaven and Heavenly Father are not literally “up,” and the earth and the rest of things not literally “down,” there is still something in our language that links transcendence and joy with moving upward, with elevation.

“I was feeling down,” we say sometimes, “but now things are looking up.” Happiness makes our spirits “rise” We feel “uplifted.”

Joy, hope, inspiration -- all these feelings of exaltation lift us up, they enlarge us, they carry us beyond ourselves... they may even move us to ecstasy, which literally means “ex-stasis,” out of a static place.

So where should we start if we are to become uplifted?

Let me share with you my 7Ups....

The first would be to ROLL UP.
Roll up your sleeves and get to work changing the things you can. Everyone knows the saying, “ A rolling stone gathers no moss.” Don't sit around allowing your mind to dwell on the negative and get you discouraged. Is your house a mess? Don’t say “I don’t have time, I am so busy with work, school or the kids.” Divide and conquer by tidying up a little each day and enlisting the help of those around you.
Don’t have time to put on make up or get out of those sweats and tee shirt everyday? Then put on a pair of earrings and some lipstick – it’ll perk you up and you’ll soon find that those old sweats and tee are really only for gardening or scrubbing bathrooms.

Somewhere along the way, other religions have lost the ancient vision of the church as a priestly people of the Lord, nourished in worship, sustained in the fellowship of Christ, called to declare that the plan of salvation is for everyone and no soul is above or beyond another.

We've been sent here into the world of business and finance, caked-on-Oreo cookies, piles of dirty clothes, the schoolroom, the boardroom, the bedroom, every room and nook and cranny of this broken and fearful world to be Christ's disciples, to be his hands and feet, his heart and soul.

The Lord has said, "I have called you by name...You are mine." This means all of us.
Many of us fear running into the bishopric in the hallway or answering the phone when the caller ID says Gerhardt, Carter or West. We think that if we are asked to speak in Sacrament or extended a calling, it means more work, and for crying out loud, we already have more work than we can handle.

When you think that taking a calling only means saying "yes" to a role in Relief Society, Young Women, Primary or even Visiting Teaching you are wrong.
Dead wrong.

This is when it's time to ROLL UP... roll up our sleeves and get to it.
Fulfilling your calling may very easily be doing what you are doing now, but with one exception. That exception is knowing that you belong to Heavenly Father and that you have been created, named and claimed exclusively for His work, "I have called you by name, you are mine." With that in mind, of course, it changes everything. Your life is not your own. By rolling up your sleeves and doing his work, you'll discover strength beyond your imagining.

What is afraid becomes courageous.
What is hateful is healed.
What is shamed, becomes free.

Because you are not your own, or rather you become what you most fully really are, you are called to shine forth with the full brilliance of our Heavenly Father... you are called to service. You work for peace, healing and reconciliation in your family and the church family.
Like Rosa Parks, who decided one fateful day that she was not going to stand up on the bus anymore, you act from within as the whole, beautiful person you were created to be.

Second, CHEER UP.
Are you an encouraging member of our church family? Are you sensitive to the needs of those around you? Do you crab and moan about other people, your calling, or something else?

Think of the pleasure you receive from a handwritten note, an unexpected phone call, or a gift.
Think about the sisters that are not here today. Are they ill, have personal issues at home or some other reason that's kept them away?

Keep a supply of note cards and stamps on hand to send to less active or missing sisters… you could easily send at least two notes a week to those who just need a lift. Better yet, go and visit them, even if you aren't their visiting teacher. Wouldn't your Visiting Teaching Supervisor be thrilled if you called her and left a message stating, "Hey, I just left Sister So & So's home... I took her a slice of my pie and a magazine to read... she's doing fine and we had a great visit".

If you have kids at home, let them get involved…. children are natural people pleasers. They love to be involved in bringing joy to someone. Let them do what they love -- coloring, cutting, pasting, decorating -- and teach them about loving one another at the same time. It brings honor and glory to God and a little sunshine to someone who needs it.

In the November 1993 Ensign, Spencer J. Condie relayed a story:

"A few years ago my wife, Dorothea, and I were walking across the grounds of a temple in a foreign land when we met a very radiant, cheerful, silver-haired sister. Her cheerful, Christ-like countenance seemed to set her apart from those around her, and I felt inclined to ask her to explain why she looked so happy and content with life.

“Well,” she said with a smile, “several years ago I was in a hurry to get married, and quite frankly, after a few months I realized I had married the wrong man.” She continued, “He had no interest in the Church as he had initially led me to believe, and he began to treat me very unkindly for several years. One day I reached the point where I felt I could go on no longer in this situation, and so in desperation I knelt down to pray, to ask Heavenly Father if He would approve of my divorcing my husband.

“I had a very remarkable experience,” she said. “After I prayed fervently, the Spirit revealed a number of insights to me of which I had been previously unaware. For the first time in my life, I realized that, just like my husband, I am not perfect either. I began to work on my intolerance and my impatience with his lack of spirituality.

“I began to strive to become more compassionate and loving and understanding. And do you know what happened? As I started to change, my husband started to change. Instead of my nagging him about going to church, he gradually decided to come with me on his own initiative.
“Recently we were sealed in the temple, and now we spend one day each week in the temple together. Oh, he’s still not perfect, but I am so happy that the Lord loves us enough to help us resolve our problems.”


Isn't that a great story? Wouldn't you like to be described by others as 'cheerful'?

Third, LIFT UP.
Lift up your hands and be an enthusiastic saint.
Lift your eyes toward heaven and never take them away for that is the goal for all of us to return to our Lord.
Lift your voice in cheerful song and prayer.

I have a friend I met during my son’s baseball season this spring. This beautiful woman is not LDS, but I know many years from now, we will both sit in heaven, watching the saints play ball and continue to enjoy each other’s company.
We were watching our sons' game one afternoon and the subject of bullying in school came up. She asked if Remi had ever been bullied and if so, how I handled bullying at school. I explained that I have instructed Remington that if a situation comes up, to ask the student to please stop, go get a yard aide or worst case scenario, defend himself.
She paused for a moment, then said she had been thinking of the best way to instruct her son on bullies, but had raised him with the understanding that, “Our hands are for praying and praising.”

Can you imagine our lives spent with our hands lifted up in gratitude and appreciation of our Heavenly Father and Jesus? How about even just high-5'ing each other on jobs well done? What a wonderful world we'd live in.

Another friend I know has a mother with a big booming alto voice and what she lacked in quality she made up for with volume. When we were younger, I remember her feeling embarrassed when all the kids around their pew would turn and stare at her mom and roll their eyes. I remember her saying to her mother one evening, “Mom, why do you have to sing so loud? People are staring at you and it’s so embarrassing.” Her mom answered, “I'm not singing for them, I'm singing to the Lord, and he expects me to give it all I've got.”

In the Latter Day Saint Woman Personal & Family Development Lessons, there is one titled, “Creating an Uplifting Environment in Our Homes.” It speaks about the powerful influences we as mothers have on the lives of our children.

Dorothy Law Nolte wrote, “The time we spend at home and the atmosphere of the home have a powerful influence on our lives.”

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

We have an important responsibility to create an atmosphere of warmth, love and trust in our homes. When our family steps through the door, all external pains, worries and fears should be left at the doorstep.

We should ask ourselves:
Are we patient and happy?
Do we correct family mistakes in love and not in anger?
Do we show reverence toward sacred things?
Do we share one another’s problems and listen to each other?

As we do these things, we create a feeling that will inspire and help our families.
A home is a place where people live in peace and happiness. It can be a house, apartment or trailer. The size or beauty of a building does not make it a home; happy people make a home. The greatest principle to be learned in the family setting is love. If parents will influence and direct and persevere with love, then members of the family will also make that principle a part of all they do. The principle of love can overcome many parental mistakes in the raising of their children.

Each of us should create a feeling in our home that will inspire our family. We want our family members to live gospel principles and to make good use of their time and talents. We should provide opportunities for study, recreation, and hobbies in our homes. Then our kids and spouses will want to be at home and be less likely to seek activities elsewhere.

(Optional discussion point: ask the sisters about happy times in their lives)

Fourth, CLAM UP.
Or more aptly put, shut up.

When you are tired or frustrated, it’s easy to slip into being critical of your partner or family members. I know I have done this on more than one occasion.
But remember that negative expressions or comments and behaviors hold more weight than positive interactions.

If you do have to make a negative remark, make sure that for every negative comment you say, you counteract it with five positive comments or interactions: a laugh, a compliment, a kiss, a hug... an act of love.

I remember growing up and seeing my mom and dad fight. Well, fight would be a very strong word, as they disagreed about little things more so than ever really have any type of fight. My mom however, was a very stubborn woman and NEVER said, sorry. Perhaps they don't have that word in Taiwanese or Mandarin, I don't know.

But we always knew when she'd throw in the towel and also knew they'd never go to bed angry. When it came time for her to reconcile, she'd do it in her own special way: she would make my dad a cup of tea, top it with a spoonful of honey, find him wherever he was in the home or backyard and sit down with him while he drank his tea.

It is these tender moments that I recall, these small acts of love. They treated their love like a cherished friendship, and we should all do the same. The happiest couples and families relate to each other with respect and affection, and empathy. They choose their words carefully, avoiding the most poisonous relationship behaviors such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling - positive families feel emotionally connected.

Fifth, STICK UP.
Stick up for what you believe in: your church, your beliefs, your self respect.

My sister and her family joined the church over 2 years ago, but has become inactive. While she has a testimony in her heart, she hasn't found her way back to church yet. When I asked her why she didn't come to Sacrament, she reminded me of why she hadn't gone to church regularly while we were growing up.

She has a term she uses called "Sunday Christians". We all know one or two of these people...the ones that come on Sunday with the appearance of being a true Christian, but Monday thru Saturday, you'll find them gambling, watching inappropriate movies or pornography, and cussing at everyone who drives 55 in their traffic lane.

If people make fun of you for because of your religious ties, your choice of clothing or something else, don't get caught up in right or wrong. It's easy to fall into a power struggle of who's right and who's wrong, but that will prevent you from ending the issue. Forget about the fault, and stick up for yourself, the prophet, our church, or whatever you feel strongly about. Speak your mind. Many times people come home and think to themselves, "I wish I had said xxx when that fool made that comment." Sometimes you only have one chance to defend whatever it is your heart believes in.

In the November 1983 Ensign, our Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley said;
"There comes into my mind these great words from one of the letters of Paul to Timothy:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.” (2 Tim. 1:7–8.)

Take a deep breath and give yourself the satisfaction of knowing you didn't walk away from what you hold dear. That you stuck up for what you believed in.

Six, FREE UP.
Free up your time.
Want to be a better saint? Set aside time to read the scriptures.
Want to be totally uplifted? Set aside those precious hours on the Saturdays and Sundays General Conference is held. Be an avid listener and note taker. Read your Ensign the following month when the talks come out.
Want to be a better spouse or friend? Spend more time with those you love, not talking, just listening with an open mind and non-judgmental heart.

We all know the famous one-liners:
"Just a minute"
"I'm busy right now"
"I'll be there in awhile... go ahead and start without me."

I am guilty of using these words but now I try and tell myself - this is the ONLY opportunity I’ll have to savor this moment, minute, hour.

Yes, sometimes we can't help ourselves or break free to do the things we like and enjoy, but when there is a golden opportunity at hand, the Internet, the Dr. Phil Show, and even the phone can be ignored.

Freeing up your time can even be time for yourself, even if you are in the company of others - like relaxing in the tub with a little R&B playing in the background. It can be building blanket & pillow forts with your kids all over the living room, or even finding time to read a few verses or chapter of scriptures at night with your spouse before nodding off to bed.

Whatever the activity is, even if it's laying on the grass, looking up at the sky and daydreaming, take a few moments for yourself. Feed your own needs and make yourself a priority. If you need to, wake up five minutes earlier each day so you have the opportunity to carve out some "Me time” to spend alone or with someone you love.

And last on my list of 7Ups is YOU'RE UP.
What does this mean? Well, it can mean a host of things, but I'll leave the final choices up to you.

When you're up and your home team is counting on you, don't let them down.

Remain uplifted - just like Christ's ascension into heaven in the Book of Acts, we can trust our moments of joy, we can notice and value those moments of being uplifted by what is beautiful or noble or pure, because in those moments our hearts are rising with Christ to give thanks for all He has done for us.

So I said "You're Up" ... how about:

Having the missionaries over for dinner?
Taking life less seriously?
Finding the courage to share your testimony with a friend or neighbor?
Being the first to offer the olive branch?
Dreaming big!?

Margaret D. Nadauld, said in her “A Woman of Faith,” article in the November 2002 Ensign:
"A Latter-day Saint woman who follows Christ’s example in her daily living begins to fulfill the plan of our Heavenly Father for her. By so doing she can be a powerful influence for good in today’s world and meet the challenges of mortality. The Latter-day Saint woman who follows Christ is a true Christian in the very best sense of the word. She is a woman of faith who trusts God and is confident and fearless."

A woman of faith trusts God and faces adversity with hope. She has a living relationship with Jesus. He is not limited to only one moment in history. Because of His sacrifice, He is not far off, a man who lived -- as fairy-tales say -- long ago and far away.
Instead He is here with us, intimately close and ready to help us in all areas of our lives.

(Point to each "Up" as you recap the lesson)

LIFT UP
A woman of faith is confident because she understands the divine plan of our Heavenly Father and her role to bless lives. She is confident that any sacrifice she makes is worth something in an eternal sense. She knows about sacrifice from knowing of the life of the Savior.

ROLL UP
A woman of faith is fearless. She fears no evil, for God is with her. There is no ambiguity, no uncertain trump in her life. She can live a principled life because she studies the doctrine and teachings of a perfect teacher, the Master. She is a noble example to all who know her.

STICK UP
A fearless woman of faith has the courage to talk with her children about practices which would destroy them. They not only hear her discuss her commitment, but they see her commitment in her daily living—in the way she dresses, what she reads and watches, how she spends her leisure time, what she loves and laughs at, whom she attracts, and how she acts at all times, in all things, and in all places. She has a certain style of her own that is attractive and joyful and bright and good. All can safely trust in her examples and seek out and promote that which is uplifting and happy and decent.

Ephesians 4:10 states: "He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.”

I know in my heart that if you fill your cup with the 7ups I've shared with you today, you can be a happier, calmer, more confident woman, mother, saint.

You will demonstrate it by the life you live, by the words you speak, by the service you render, by your every action.

You won’t be perfect, but it's not a race - just knowing you're doing your very best is enough.

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Walking in the Light of the Lord: The Relief “Sole-Ciety" Store

This is a talk I gave in Relief Society. I brought in several shoe boxes and each shoe mentioned in the talk. It was again shared at a Stake Conference for our Young Women.
_ _ _ _ _

This talk is taken from:
"Our Fading Civility" Ch. 4 of Standing for Something, Gordon B. Hinckley
“Faith in Every Footstep” M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Nov. 1996, 23
And “Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the Lord¨ Mary Ellen Smoot, Ensign, Nov. 1998, 89


Imagine that you are in desperate need of shoes. You are barefoot and your feet are calloused, blistered and sore. You find yourself inside my Relief Sole-Society Shoe Store.I will be here to help and serve you today and from the looks of what I see, I must dub you “Sister Blister.

¨Sister Blister, it appears that your sole is hurting and in need of some support. It also appears that you have become calloused and refuse to believe that there is any hope for you in finding relief for your sole in this store. But, that's where you are wrong! You’ve taken a step in the right direction coming here. After all, this is the Relief Sole-ciety Shoe Store and we specialize in taking care of “de-FEET.¨ (point to the foot). But before I fit you, please realize that not just any pair of shoes will do. You have unique calluses, so I need to be selective in my decision as to which shoes will fit your best.

Let me introduce you to some of our most popular pairs:

LOAFERS
A lot of women purchase these, but upon closer inspection, they are just a pair of loafers. They want to be civil and friendly, but they just refuse to get instep with the other shoes. They hesitate to visit the other shelves and talk to the other soles. They feel they are often too busy to go out visiting and don’t have the time or energy to worry about the other soles, when in reality, they don’t do much of anything.

FLIP-FLOPS
Here’s another pair, but they may not be much support to your feet. Sometimes they say hi and sometimes they don’t. They flip-flop from week to week -. Should they go to church? I don’t know…. Should they magnify their calling? I don’t know….With these flip-flops, I don’t think you’d be able to jump into anything with both feet and get a task accomplished.

SNEAKERS
Now these here are the latest in technology. They are sharp-looking and fast, but honestly, they are just a couple of sneakers. You have to keep your eye on them because they sneak in and out of the Relief Sole-ciety Store so quickly that you might miss them. They know this is the right place to be and that your sole needs support, but it’ll be hard to catch them.

CONVERSE
Now these are a nice pair too, but I am not sure if you can trust them. If you look in the inside, you’d see that they have their share of calluses too. Oh, they're faithful in coming to church every week, but their tongues are strung-out, and they have a hard time tying them up. They converse, converse, and converse with each other, but not to the other soles on the different shelves. Between you and me, I think they are here only to socialize.

Ahhh, now these here! These HIGH HEELS!
Hmmm, these appear to look very uplifting. And I bet they’d help you set some high, lofty goals for yourself.Why yes, I bet they’d even raise your self esteem and boost your tired sole. And in a pinch, they’d be able to do double duty as pest control - killing a spider, mosquito, or annoying fly.

So now that we’ve decided on the highest, most uplifting heels we could find, let me move further into my talk, which is really about WALKING IN THE LIGHT OF THE LORD.

But before I begin, take a look at the shoeboxes I brought today and think to yourself: What kind of shoe have I been wearing lately? If it wasn’t in high heels, is my sole in need of some uplifting?

You and I will take many steps throughout this life and the next: As a toddler, we learn from our parents how to take those first, most important steps into the waiting and loving arms of those who hold us most dear. As an elementary student, we take the first steps towards a formal education, eventually leading onto a stage to receive our high school, then possibly our college and graduate school diplomas. When we are baptized, we take a giant step of faith. As adults, we may stand or kneel in front of an altar during marriage. We also take steps to shop, clean our homes, and if time permits, stroll through gardens and exercise.

And at the end of our road, we hope to successfully pass the sentinels that guard the grand mansions above to be reunited w. our Heavenly Father. For to spend time and eternity with Him would truly be to walk in the light of the Lord.

Do you think we learn to walk with God in the same way that we learned to walk as babies? The way our children learned to walk? By trial and error, standing across the room from our Father and taking wobbly footsteps towards Him as he calls to us from the distance "Come to Daddy, " and falling down repeatedly as we try to get it right?

How many of you remember walking with your two year old? Maybe next to a busy street where the traffic makes it necessary to hold his hand? You try to point out to him the pretty gardens you are walking past; the beautiful flowers, the scampering squirrel, the pretty song bird; but he’s not interested. You see, he’s too busy trying to pry free from your hold. He can’t stand holding your hand. He’s a big boy now. He wants to walk free and on his own.

Instead of clinging to our Father’s hand, we too have this tendency to take off on our own wobbly two feet. There are so many things that take our attention from Him. Sometimes we don’t like the restrictions that holding His hand puts on our life.

Sometimes some of our Bible principles cramp our style. Sometimes we let the cares of this world pull us away from Him, and instead of holding tighter to His hand, we let go. And inevitably we fall down and hurt ourselves.

We sink into discouragement and we look to Him and we say "Father, what’s this all about? You know I love you and I don’t want to disappoint you, but how could You let this happen to me?" And He looks at us sadly and says "Child, you let go of My hand. You took off on your own. I am able to keep you from falling, but please keep your hand in Mine."

Our scriptures are full of promises of our Father’s willingness to hold us. Consider Jude 24-25: Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.

Now consider for a moment, what it really means to walk in the light of the Lord.
First of all, we’ll have light: light in our countenances, light in our outlook, light even when darkness surrounds us. And it also means we will walk with purpose and direction.

The Savior taught us the way when He delivered the parable of the 10 virgins, the parable of the talents, and the parable of the sheep and the goats during the last week of His life. As we listen and obey to the Lord, we become sisters of light and truth.

First, the parable of the 10 virgins teaches us to walk in His light by being spiritually prepared.The Savior likened the kingdom of heaven unto 10 virgins who took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. In Matthew 25:1-10, five of the virgins took oil for their lamps and when the bridegroom came, they were prepared to receive him. While the foolish five were scurrying to find some more oil, the bridegroom came, and only they that were ready went in with him.

Are we ready? Are we individually and collectively in the process of preparing ourselves for the generous gifts that the Lord has promised to all who remain faithful? Are we prepared to receive His light?

President Kimball has given some direction on how to fill our lamps with oil: Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, visiting teaching, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures: each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, tithing, chaste thoughts and actions, and marriage in the covenant for eternity. These, too, contribute to the oil with which we can by midnight be ready.

One of the gifts God has promised to all who earnestly seek Him is faith.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God’s laws, the greater will be the endowment of faith.

Faith and all spiritual gifts are available to everyone who is willing to live for them. Many times we think just being a member of this Church entitles us to all the Lord has promised. But each blessing requires obedience.

In D&C 130:21, The Lord declared, “When we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated¨. We gain strength and lift ourselves up by living the commandments.

So if we desire to walk in the light of the Lord, we put one spiritual foot in front of the other. We must follow the path of spiritual preparedness as it is set forth in the scriptures and by our living prophet, and we fellowship with each other here in Relief Society to bring all of us and our families unto Christ.

The Lord would also have us walk in His light by developing our talents. Another parable the Savior shared during the last week of His life was the parable of the talents.

You all know the story and its message: The Lord likened the kingdom of heaven to a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
In Matthew 25:14-30: "And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one¡¨. When the master asked for an accounting of the talents, he was pleased with the one who had five talents and gained five more. He was also pleased with the servant who had two talents and gained two more. But he was not at all pleased with the servant who was given one talent and buried it in the earth. He took the talent from this servant and gave it to another.¨

I believe our talents are developed as we are called upon to serve. If we will faithfully accept the call, hidden talents will be discovered, such as love; compassion; being a good friend; teacher, leader; homemaker; writer; etc.. All of these are special talents.

If you walk in the light of the Lord, you will surely discover your individual strengths and develop them. You will find great joy & personal happiness as you share all that the Lord has given you.

Third, in the last of the three parables, the Savior extends an invitation to walk in the light of the Lord by serving the individual. Matthew 25: 34-40 shares the parable of the sheep and the goats, and to the sheep on His right hand He says: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me¨.

When we walk in the light of the Lord, we do not walk alone. We also take the hand of our sisters and brothers. We teach our families and strengthen them. We also love and serve our ward families, reaching out to individual members we know that need our help, be it a spiritual or material need.

Last week I received an invitation to a friend’s wedding.Invitations are so special! I just love getting them in the mail, for it’s a call for celebrating, to gather for something special, .to gather with others at a most precious occasion.

By far though, invitations from the Lord are the most vital and special. They guide us back to our Heavenly Father and lead us in the way of truth and righteousness. They acknowledge our infinite worth as daughters of God.

They are so lovingly personalized. They come from our Heavenly Father, and He speaks to us in a language of invitations:
Come unto me
Follow me
Come ye
Walk with me

When we wholeheartedly accept the Lord’s invitation to walk in His light, we become spiritually prepared, we develop our talents, and we reach out to God’s family.As we walk in His light, we become women of courage and conviction. We become women of vision, women of destiny, and women of eternal value.

Kick up your heels! We galz are part of a worldwide circle of sisters. An unbroken circle filled with love, safety and protection.

Today, I’d like to extend an invitation to each of you, as found in Isaiah 2:5: Come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.¨

The words found in the hymn ”The Lord is My Light¨ further conveys my message to you today:
The Lord is my light; the Lord is my strength.
I know in his might I’ll conquer at length.
My weakness in mercy he covers with pow’r,
And, walking by faith, I am blest ev’ry hour.

Take time to walk in faith. Let’s put our hands in His Hand and walk with Him; He is the only one that can keep us from falling.

Let’s renew our commitments to spend time in scripture study and prayer. And let’s try to keep our thoughts directed always heavenward. Always move one step forward, and not one step back.

We’ll never know what’s ahead of us, but we will know without a doubt that there is safety is in walking with Christ, our hand in His, our hearts filled with perfect trust. Has He not said, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me"? Let us keep close to the Savior. Let us walk humbly with Him, filled with His meekness.I have a testimony that the Lord not only wants us to walk with him, but he often carries us in times of need. He is there even when we are not on the same paths, he stays by our side, whispering ever so softly to cross over and continue up the road with him.

May we always walk side by side towards the light of His redeeming love.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Ideas for Young Women's Mutual Activities

Each week, the young women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meet together to participate in Mutual. They participate in an activity that fosters fun, friendship and a firmer foundation in the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Planning an entire year of Mutual activities for LDS young women is no simple calling.

The Young Women and Young Men Presidency, with its advisors is one of the most important, yet difficult callings within a ward or stake. It can be challenging to come up with unique, fun ideas that motivate young women to show up regularly while also fulfilling a higher purpose.

Get the Young Women Involved in the Planning
Having the first mutual activity of the year be a "PJs and planning party" is a great idea. Young women can come in their PJs and slippers, share popcorn, fruit and smoothies, and contribute ideas for the coming year's activity schedule, based on their personal needs and interests.

LDS young women's leaders often simply don't know what interests their youth, and giving the girls an opportunity to voice their thoughts gives leaders real insight into what may motivate them.

Involve Others in Mutual Nights
Between Sunday classes and weekly activities, LDS young women often hear from their leaders frequently. It is refreshing to see a new face, hear from a new speaker, learn about a career or hear a gospel message from someone new. Call upon the help of young women's parents, ward missionaries, other ward members, and even non-members from the community to teach a skill.

Young Women's Mutual Activity Ideas & Suggestions
Overall, there are 3 basic purposes to the LDS Mutual program:

Helping young women participate in wholesome and fun experiences, while developing friendships with their peers
Allowing young women to experience spiritual growth and to work on their personal progress, and
Giving young women opportunities to serve others

Fun Young Women Activities
Activities that get young women excited enough to attend regularly and invite their friends is not an easy task, especially when it needs meet a ward or stake budget.

The following ideas may satisfy both:
~"P" night: girls adorn themselves in as many "P" items for the evening. (PJs, polka dot shirts, platform boots, ponytails, etc.) The girl with the most "P" items wins.
~Video game tournament: Wii, Rock Band, or Dance Dance Revolution
~Jewelry making with the help of an experienced adult
~Spotlighting Talents night: where each girl displays her talents on a personally decorated table in the cultural hall. Parents and stake members are invited to attend and admire each girl's accomplishments.
~Hair Updos
~Makeup Classes
~Photo scavenger hunt
~Fitness Challenge
~Chocolate Confections Class: learn to make chocolates in molds, along with other confections
Daddy Daughter "How Well Do You Know Me" Game: See which daddy/daughter combination knows the most about each other in a question/answer competition. The one with the most correct answer wins.
~Learn how to roll sushi, handrolls and spring rolls
~Visit or work a haunted house near Halloween
~Manicures and pedicures with the Achievement Day girls
~Cake decorating
~Internet safety presentation for Facebook, Twitter and MySpace
~Spa Night with facials, scrubs, and mani/pedis
~Ice skating or roller skating
~Competing in a local 5k
~Visiting a senior citizen center and singing Christmas carols or several piano/musical numbers
~Gold leafing a local temple on plastic, clear overhead paper

Every group of young women has a unique set of interests, so the best thing for leaders to do is ask for girls's input when planning these unique and fun activities.

Spiritually-Centered Young Women Activities
Mutual should also offer LDS girls with faith-building experiences whenever possible. This can be easily accomplished through activities that focus on the gospel and topics in the personal progress pamphlet.

Some ideas include:
~Scripture challenges
~Reading and conducting music
~Performing a song during Sacrament
~Q&A panel with the stake president on gospel topics
~Create a Family Home Evening lesson to present at home and also for the Primary group
~Visiting the local family history center to do genealogy work
~Sign language class: learn a hymn in sign language
~Patriarchal blessings preparation
~Create a fashion show highlighting modesty and learn how to purchase clothing with modesty in mind
~Learn how to change a flat tire, jump a car, check oil, etc.
~Participate in a self-defense lesson
~Learn how to mend, and sew on a button
~Learn how to separate, wash and fold laundry, as well as proper ironing techniques

Service-Centered Young Women Activities
Helping others is a critical part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When you are in the service of others, you are in the service of Christ.

Some ideas for serving others include:
Creating food baskets for the less fortunate during the holidays
Assembling care packages for missionaries serving their mission from the ward
Cleaning up the church building
Service at women's shelter, public library, or animal shelter
Clean the ward nursery's toys "
"Yard Attack" houses of less-active members near Valentine's Day
Make and deliver dinners for ward members needed special help as defined by the Bishop
Crochet simple beanies for preemie babies at a local hospital
Organize a clothing drive and donate accumulated clothes to a homeless shelter
Create Valentine's for Vets and send them to a local VA hospital
Weed an elderly ward member's yard
Help clean the home of a member recovering from surgery or illness

Girls in the Young Women program are at a critial age. They are seriously searching to build their personal testimony and trying to fit in with their peers at school, church and other social venues. Mutual activities can provide the forum for personal growth, self esteem improvement, the building of homemaking skills, and and understanding of the importance of a quality education as well as gospel development.

The Young Women Personal Progress Pamphlets can be found online at:
http://www.lds.org/youthresources/pdf/YWProgress36035.pdf

Come Unto Me Bracelets - Beauty with a Purpose

Create something your girls will truly enjoy wearing when it's time to be recognized.
These bracelets are great for birthdays, Achievement Days, and baptism recognitions.

As always, the goal is to help each child gain a personal testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ, who came to earth and fulfilled his Father's plan, who gave his life freely for all of us so that we could return to him and live eternally.


"Come Unto Me" bracelets are beauty with a purpose.
Made with only the purest ingredients.
Hand crafted with love and patience.
100% daily allowance of prayers and blessings


I admit, I love to create jewelry, and this was the perfect excuse to share something with our beautiful young girls. I have created several different types, some for our nursery angels, all the way up to our graduating 12 year olds, including a special baptism bracelet for our 8-year old darlings who come unto the waters of baptism and receive the Holy Ghost.


Each bracelet comes in its own jewelry box with the poem printed on cardstock with ribbon tassles. The girls love to wear their bracelets to Church and share their testimonies with one another.

You Are Special
Let this bracelet be a constant reminder that you are wonderful, special, and unique.Each stone shares a special message.

You Are Special (Begin reading left to right)
You are special, you, yes you! (pink heart)
We know this to be true.
Though we may be different inside and out. (different colored beads)
Your light shines through and through. (silver bead)
God sent you to your parents, here upon the earth. (green bead)
It all began that special day, the day that marked your birth. (white bead)
God wants you to learn many things, to walk inside his light. (clear beads)
To pray to him daily, every morning, every night. (yellow & blue beads)
With love (heart) and trust he’ll show the way, his manner meek and mild.
He’ll walk with you and talk with you, nurture you as a child.
Ask God to help you always, (clear crystal), to try with all your might.
To make the right decisions, to always choose the right. (turquoise beads)
You are special (blue bead) yes it’s true, for there is only one of you. (gold bead)
With God’s guidance (clear bead) you will see…
You’re loved through all eternity. (turquoise heart)

Baptism
May this bracelet help you remember your wonderful decision to enter the waters of baptism. Each stone conveys a special message.

Baptism
Many, many years ago there was a special man.
He came to earth from heaven above to fulfill Heavenly Father’s plan.
His name was Jesus, his heart was pure.
He loved both me and you.
He gave his life for all mankind, the Scriptures say it’s true.
Our sins were washed away that day he died upon the cross.
For all he came to bring us back, so no soul would be lost.
Your baptism is a special time… the angels sing above.
“Oh Lord, let us rejoice today. Our hearts are filled with love!”
The water is pure, you’re dressed in white, the Holy Ghost shines down its light.
Your family and friends think to themselves, “There is not a more beautiful sight.
”May your heart remember this moment, may your hear each of us say,
“Congratulations on your baptism, on this most precious day!”


Bead Meanings
White Round Beads: You and Your White Baptismal Clothing
Clear Crystals: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost
Gold Beads: Eternal Life and Heaven Above
Silver Flowers: The Angels Singing and Rejoicing
Silver Beads: You are Pure and Spotless
Clear Round Beads: The Baptismal Ordinance and Confirmation of the Holy Ghost
Cross Charm: The Everlasting Gospel


God's Promises
Let this unique bracelet be a reminder of the promises the Lord has made with you.
Let it be your strength to lift you ,and support you, and nurture you along life’s way.

Gods' Promises (Read the message for the bracelet from left to right)
The first commandment God gave us was:

“Thou shalt love (heart) the Lord thy God (clear crystal) with all thy heart (rainbow crystal), and with all thy soul (gold crystal), and with all thy mind (light blue crystal), and with all thy strength (light yellow crystal). Mark 12:30

As we do our best to keep the commandments, we too receive promises from God:

I (clear crystal )will never leave you (pearl) nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

I (clear crystal) will give you (pearl) the desires (3 beads) of your heart (heart). Psalms 37:4

I (clear crystal) will strengthen (gold crystal) you (pearl) after you suffer trials (dark beads).
1 Peter 5-10

WAGS - Achievement Day Mascot

For our Achievement Days program, I created a new mascot for our girls, ages 8-11.

She's WAGS the black lab, an uber-adorable, stuffed animal that comes with her own carrying case, blanket, tennis ball, journaling notebook, and creativity set (pens, markers, stickers, etc.)

WAGS stands for Wonderful And Grateful Saint.

There are several introductory pages in the journaling notebook:
Adoption Page
Information About WAGS
How To Journal

Suggestions for daily care of WAGS includes praying and reading scriptures with her, getting ½ hour of exercise daily, and writing and sharing their testimony with her.
The girls look forward for their turn to take home their beloved mascot.

WAGS can also be found lounging at Sugardoodle.net
http://www.sugardoodle.info/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5620