*THE PURPOSE OF THIS BLOG...

This blog was created with the intent to identify the different Principles found in the inspired document "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" and to fulfill a semester-long project requirement for school. :) 

While we were given many option as to how we could approach this project, having a family of my own, I felt like creating FHE lesson plans would be a very effective, enjoyable way to make use of this information in my own home. When my kids were younger I had FHE packets galore that we'd use each week.  Now that my kids are older and range is ages from 8-16, I have found that those packets are not sufficient for their growing needs, especially the older kids.  They face so much more at these ages/stages of life.

While I have focused the bulk of these lesson plans more toward my kids' ages/needs, I have also included some alterations for younger families as well in most lessons. I think these could be effective for all age groups.  I am excited to try these lessons out in my own home.  I figure if anyone else is able to use it for their family as well, that's just an added bonus! Enjoy! :)

*Chapter 32- The Eternal Family- A plain and precious part of the plan of salvation

Proclamation Principle:  The family is central to the creator's plan for the eternal destiny of his children…In the premarital realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.

Lesson Objectives:   An important part of understanding the necessity of a family in the Great Plan on Happiness is to first understand our purpose here upon this earth.  Why are we here?  Where did we come from?  Where am I going?  What role does the family play in that plan? 

Opening Song:  The Family is of God.  If your family is not yet familiar with this song, you could even sing along to this little video presentation of the song. 

Quote/Scripture of the Week:  John 17:3- "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."


Video clip presentation- Our Eternal Life. A little bit fast paced for little ones to understand but a great presentation for a little bit older kids. 

Attention Activity:  Sit everyone around the dinner table and let them pour a bowl of Life cereal Everyone can enjoy their Life while discussing the purpose of this life and the Plan of Salvation.  Idea found here.

Have a jar full of pom poms in the colors of the LIFE cereal logo (the pom poms are not essential but just a fun addition). Each individual will take turns pulling out a pom pom that corresponds with that colored question below.  While that individual can answer the question, the whole family can discuss the topic.  Parents should be prepared to answer any question the kids may have.

Blue- What is the purpose/reasons of life? (Be tested, to gain a body, etc.) 

Green- What are some good choices you can do with your life? (so many different answers)

Orange- Read John 17:3 and see if you can do it by memory!

Red- What is the highest degree of Glory. (Celestial Kingdom)

Blue-  When we die, where does our Spirit go? (Spirit World)

Green- What was the time before earth life called? (Pre-existence)

Orange- What does resurrection mean? (When the body and spirit are reunited)

Red- How is the spirit world divided? (Paradise/Prison)

Blue- Who was the first person to be resurrected? (Jesus Christ)

Green- How can we become clean when we make a mistake? (Repentance)

Orange- What happens when we die? (bodies and spirits separated temporarily)

Red- How many of God's spirit children rebelled and followed Satan? (1/3)

Blue- Before we came to earth, who did we live with? (Heavenly Father and Jesus)

Green-What do spirits look like? (Similar to regular people, just without a body)

Orange- What are the three kingdoms (Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial)

Red- Another name for the Plan of Salvation (The Plan of Happiness)

Adaptations for younger children:  It would be wise to have a visual such as this chart found here for younger children to help them understand the plan in a simplistic form.  Scriptures on the chart can be used to reinforce the learning.

Alternate/Replacement Activity: If your children are older and already know the basics above on the Plan of Salvation, this is a great, fun alternative. 

GEOCACHING- This has always been a family favorite although we have not gone for awhile. We need to change that.  If you don't know what geocaching is, visit this site for a good rundown on how to do it.  Basically, Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt.  Players try to locate hidden containers (geocache) using a Smartphone or GPS and using the stated latitude and longitude coordinates on the website.  Geocaches are located all over the nation and you can select levels of difficulties as well as locations.  We have many of them near our home so we usually just choose a location such as a park or forest nearby.  Chances are you have one near you as well.   (***Fair warning, sometimes the treasure may be something as simple as a matchbox car but the fun is in finding the treasure). :) In place of the item you took, you leave a treasure in return for the next finders. 

* Gospel Correlation:Talk about how this activity relates to our journey through life.  We came to the earth and were given the coordinates of our ultimate destination (back to our Heavenly Father/eternal life).  We were also given the tools needed to help us be successful on our journey (the gosepl, scriptures, prayer, the spirit, family, leaders, etc.) that will help us to reach our desired destination. At times we may get a little off course and a little discouraged with the journey (which we typically always do trying to find the geocache) but if we course correct, we will eventually find our way back onto the path that will lead us to our Heavenly Father.  

Refreshments: The Life Cereal seems good enough to me! :) Or if you choose the Geocache activity, maybe Hearshey's Treasures candies

*Chapter 29- The Proclamation:

Proclamation Principle:  A Guide, A banner, and a Doctrinal Summary of the Church’s Emphasis on the Family

Lesson Objective:  Many people in the world today do not believe the principles in the Proclamation.  Some even think these teachings are incorrect BUT these words come from God. By learning about and better understanding the principles in the Proclamation we can teach our children how to discern the false teachings of the world in regards to the sanctity of marriage and of family!

Opening Song:  Families can be together forever.

Quote/Scripture of the Week: 

When President Hinckley presented the proclamation, he explained,“The world we are in is a world of turmoil, of shifting values. ...With so much of deception concerning standards and values, with so much of allurement and enticement to take on the slow stain of the world, I have felt to warn and forewarn” (Stand Strong against the Wiles of the World, Ensign November 1995, 99-100).

"Strong eternal families and Spirit-filled homes do not just happen.  They take great effort, they take time, and they take each member of the family doing his or her part."  Cheryl A. Esplin. General Primary Presidency

Jenga Activity:  (You will need a box of Jenga building block as well as For the Strength of the Youth booklet for this activity). Before setting up the blocks, open to the section on Family in For  the Strength of the Youth.  Have each person pick out different things that strengthen the family.  Attach a little paper to each one of the blocks listing one of those ideas.  Build a tower (jenga formation), and talk about how the tower represents the home.  Removed one block at a time and relate how the missing block represents things that come into our home to weaken our family (selfishness or unkind actions, teasing, fighting, quarreling, disobedience, etc.)  If we strive to support our family members, our family will be stronger and better able to stand firm. (adapted from sugardoodle.net)

Mission statement Activity:  Now that the family has discussed how to strengthen the family,  make a list of WHO your family is, WHAT is most important to your family, and list the GOALS of your family.  Devise a mission statement that can be displayed in the home as a reminder of the values and goals we have set for a happy, successful family life. Allow each family member to  contribute to this activity.

(our family mission statement that we put together last year)

ALTERNATE ONGOING ACTIVITY:  Or if you are feeling up to the challenge, this is a fantastic activity where the family is able to memorize the Proclamation in the course of 12-weeks with these fantastic FREE printable guides here.  She breaks it down and does a few parts of the Proclamation each week so that it's not so overwhelming. By the end of the 12-weeks, you've got it mastered.  This could be a worthwhile opening activity to each home evening lesson and then a review each night at scripture study.

Refreshments:  Just as your family mission statement will be unique to YOUR family, your taste preferences will be unique as well.  For dessert, serve whatever your family's favorite dessert is and you will have a house full of happy people! :)

*Chapter 23- Wholesome family Recreation: Building Strong Families.

Proclamation Principle:Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

Lesson Objectives:  Sometimes it's important to just PLAY!!!  Having fun in a good, wholesome environment is essential to a happy home.  I always tell my kids, “Work hard, then play hard.” Life is about finding balance.

Opening Song:  Family Night

Quote/Scripture of the week:  

Isaiah 51:3- "For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody."

Attention Activity:
Service Scavenger Hunt:
I made this for a YW youth activity recently but feel like it could be such a fun way to present the idea of having fun while serve others.  This activity covers many of the areas in the principle:  Respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.   What a fun way to spread a little cheer throughout the community while strengthening the family at the same time.  With my YW, we competed as teams but in the family setting, you could set a timer and see how many items you could check off in the allotted amount of time.

(Example of our service scavenger hunt last year at Christmas time where we wrote encouraging notes on the running trails at a local park.  It was a huge hit with all those passing by.)

Alternate Activity ideas: (Only you know what works best, and would be most enjoyable for your family but here's a few ideas we've done and love):

• Photo Scavenger Hunts can be equally fun.  Personally we love to head to the mall for this but there are lots of ideas for different varieties of photo hunts here: 
• Family bake-off.  This is a weekly tradition for our family.  We don't eat a lot of sweets so everyone looks forward to this activity.  We pick a "featured ingredient" for the week that has to be present in each team's dessert.  Sometimes our treats turn out awesome. Other times, not so much.  Our biggest flop was "pineapple" night.  Not one dessert turned out.  Oh well, there's always the next week. :) The point is to spend the time together as a family.   While we wait in anticipation for our goodies to finish baking, we play games. The only not so great part of the night is the clean up!

• Get out of the house and go play.  If you enjoy the lake, head out on the lake.  Karaoke fans? Give it a try.  If you like gaming, try it as a family. If you enjoy sports, go play a little ball.
• And by all means, if you can find some of these to rent (pictured below)...DO IT!!! Guaranteed to brings hours of fun, lots of memories, and some pretty funny videos to the family!  :)

• Just do SOMETHING!  ANYTHING!  CREATE MEMORIES (and take pictures to preserve those memories.  Your family will greatly benefit from the effort!

 

Refreshments:  Whatever you make for your bake off because that's probably plenty of sugar for one night! :)

***Additional: Parents, THIS is a fabulous clip to observe as parents on the importance of FULLY giving our time and attention to our family.  

*Chapter 21- The Meanings and Blessings of Family Work

Proclamation Principle:  Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of work. 

Lesson Objectives:  Teach the children how important it is to "share the load" in the family and how the entire load is too much for just one person, but if we all pitch in to help it makes the burden easy to carry. This lesson is also a great way to teach the importance of recognizing our limits and that it is also important to ask for help.

 

Opening Song:  When we're helping we're happy 

Quote/Scripture of the Week:    “Our Heavenly Father asks only that we do the best we can—that we work according to our full capacity, however great or small that may be.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Points to Ponder:  Our family motto is from the scripture in Psalms, ”How pleasant it is to dwell...in unity and love.”  One way to establish that unity and love is by working/serving with our family. 

It is important for children to understand the value of working as a family because the collective efforts of the whole is far greater than the individual effort.  Just like in any sports team, while every player has different strengths and talents in different areas, it requires the talents, strengths, and effort of every player in order for a team to be successful! EVERY player can contribute in this "game of life" or so to speak.

Video Clip:  Watch this video clip on the impact that each family members' efforts can have on the family for good. 

Physical Work Activity:  If your home is like mine, there are always plenty of projects that need to get done. As a family, decide on a few jobs around the yard or home that need to get done and do them as a family.  Set the ground rules that there will be No whining and No complaining. :) You could come prepared with a list of ideas beforehand so that the family feels like they have more of a say on the activity.  This tends to lead to greater cooperation on such things. Also, make certain that each family member has a responsibility so that they get a sense of satisfaction as well. Even little ones can do small tasks.  Family work can be fun!  If by chance, you do not have any projects around the home that could be done (then I am very jealous of you), :) find a family that could benefit from your service instead.  This would not only teach the value of work but the value of service as well. Two birds/one stone!

Refreshment Activity: After you've finished your physical work, come back inside for a fun way to wrap up the lesson.  Gather for the activity in the kitchen. Have all of the ingredients for a particular treat/dessert set out on the counter.  Ask the family if they’d enjoy eating the ingredient they provided by itself or if it might be better combined with other ingredients. Then ask what you could combine the ingredients into. After some discussion, provide the recipe and explain that just like ingredients are better when combined, we are also blessed as we organize ourselves and become unified as a family. Every person is important and needed. Work together to prepare the recipe, and let the family enjoy the treats.

   

Supplemental Activity: (to reinforce this principle) MVP award- When our kids were younger we used to issue an "MVP" award to the child who'd been most helpful, best behaved that day. This entitled them to an extra 15 minutes of mom/dad time after the other kids had gone to bed that night. It was amazing how much that little incentive gave them the extra boost to put forth their best efforts. It was such a great way to teach the kids the importance of doing their part in the family, and doing it well.  Life is a team effort!

Refreshments:  Whatever treat the family makes for the refreshment activity.

* Chapter 20- Repentance and Forgiveness in Family life

Proclamation Principle: Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of repentance and forgiveness…

Lesson Objectives:  Reinforce the principle that no matter where you have been or what you have done in life, the Lord has provided a way for us to be forgiven so that we can take hold of the rod again and move forward in life.  Today is that day!

Opening Song:  Hold to the Rod

Scripture/Though for the week:  "The perfect place to begin is exactly where you are right now."  Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Opening Story:  (summarize the story if needs be to accommodate younger-age children).  

Attention Activity: Hold to the Rod-  A family favorite ever since our kids were little is our "Hold to the Rod" activity.  All of the kids lined up holding a rod-like object (broom handle, curtain rod, etc). Before heading outside for the activity they are instructed to hold onto the rod no matter what. As the kids proceed outside they see that there is candy littered all over the lawn.  One parent tries to distract the kids from the rod telling them to grab some candy while the other encourages them to hold to the rod.  This represents Satan vs. the spirit.  Some children (usually the youngest) are too tempted by the candy and leave the rod.  They have to stay off of the rod for the time being.  In the end, if the kids stayed on the rod, they arrive at a much greater treasure than the little candies (usually a jumbo-size candy bar or something much more significant than the tiny piece of candy).  This illustrates the point that the awards that await us in Heaven are far greater than the things that seem so desirable here on the earth. For those who left the rod, we talk about the importance of Repentance and the Atonement.  The Savior provided a way for all to be washed clean and forgiven of their poor choices here on the earth so that we can receive all of the blessings He has intended for us.  If they are willing to forsake, or hand over their tiny candies they collected, they are able to earn the greater reward as well.  This perfectly illustrates the importance of handing our sins over to the Lord through repentance. He desires to give us his greatest blessings if we will do so.

*Adaptations:  As our kids have gotten older, they have wanted to act as the person tempting the younger ones to stray from the path instead. You could even have another family join you for this activity as well as it's such a simple, non-intimidating way to teach the principle of the Plan of Salvation. 

Video Clip:  Watch the Other Prodigal Son.  

Discuss the principle that just as repentance is a vital part of our Father's plan, we too have a responsibility to forgive others as well.  Discuss the importance of being forgiving of others (especially in our family) when they don't make the best choices in life or when they may hurt or offend us.  Our Heavenly Father never gives up on us and is more than willing to forgive us when we make poor choices.  We need to do the same for others.  We should never make it more difficult for others to return to the rod.

Refreshments:  Everyone can enjoy their treat from the Hold to the Rod activity or this is an adorable idea for a handout/treat.

*Chapter 18-Faith in Family Life

Proclamation Principle:  Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith and prayer. 

Lesson Objectives:  In James 1,we are instructed: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”  We live in a time when faith is failing men but Faith is an essential part of our ability to stand strong in the midst of so much turbulence and tribulation in the wold.  Faith is another stepping-stone that is critical to our eternal salvation.  The Savior also said, “And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.” Faith gives us a greater ability to recognize our Heavenly Father’s hand in our lives.

Opening Song: Faith

Quote/Scripture of the Week:  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6

Attention Activity: Filling Our Homes with Light and Truth.  Full address here:

Before reading the portion of the article (below), have someone in the family come up to the front of the room. Give them two soda cans-one full of soda and the other empty.  Have them try to crush each can (the empty can will crush with ease but the full can will not be affected).  Discuss and ponder as a family why they think that is.  Read together the portion of the address below.  I typed it up so you could just place it in a word document and print.

Faith Journal Activity: As a family, decorate a tablet of some sort any way you'd like to be used as a "Family Faith Journal."  Your book can be as unique as your family is.  Just enjoy the experience of talking about experiences, scriptures, thoughts or impressions that you have experienced in life that have strengthened your testimony and write them down.  Then, in times of doubt, you can draw on this journal as a source of strength. 

To get you started, here's a great example of a Faith Journal here.

Alternate Activity:  One of the most important things that we can teach our children are our basic beliefs.  I know that as my kids have gotten older and friends have asked them what we believe, the Articles of Faith have been such a valuable tool for them to fall back on with confidence. These are our basics and are such a good starting point.

I found these fantastic printables that can be downloaded here: (I love it when awesome people are so generous in sharing their talents for free) 

Laminate them and each member of the family can make a set on a ring for their own personal reference.  

Refreshments:  Root beer floats using the cans of soda from the earlier experiment. :)

*Chapter 16- They cannot be lost: Temple Covenants Save Families-

Proclamation Principle: The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave.  Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.  

Lesson Objective:  To learn and understand the importance of temples, the covenants made in the temple, and the blessings available to the family and to each individual who lives worthy of those blessings.

Opening song: Families can be together forever.  

Quote/Scripture of the Week:  "I know your lives are busy [with] much to do. But I make you a promise that if you will go to the House of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you." –Gordon B. Hinckley

Object Lesson:  Share this analogy of the empty jar and the blessings afforded through the temple sealing.

Attention Activity:  Build a temple using sugar cubes, either individually or as a family.  As this is done, the family could discuss the blessings of  the temple.

 

*This could also be done with legos.  This could be as simple or complicated as desired. 

source:  Pinterest

Alternate Activity:  Take a trip to the temple for baptisms for the dead if you have older children.  The temple has made it so convenient to go whenever you are available now.

Refreshments:  Wedding cupcakes  (obviously don't have to be this fancy but too cute not to share.  :)

source: Pinterest

OR to go along with the analogy of canning fruit, you could have a nice thick slice of bread with some homemade preserves (if you actually happen to can, which I do not). :)

*Chapter 10- Parenting with Love, Limits, and Latitude: Proclamation Principles and Supportive Scholarship.

Proclamation Principle: Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness.

Lesson Objectives:  WHY we do the things we do?  What are the benefits and blessings of living the gospel fully? The Lord has decreed in revelation: “Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

“Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—

“That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you” D&C 88:78–80.

 

Opening Song: Teach Me to Walk in the Light

Quote/Scripture of the Week: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Attention Activity:
"Mormon Ads" family style-We did this activity with our youth a year or so ago and they absolutely loved it.  We had their "mormon ads" displayed for over a year.

Preparation beforehand:  Collect an assortment of props that the girls can choose from.  The girls pulled a few props out of the bin and had to come up with a creative saying that related to a gospel principle or standard.  They wrote down the sayings and then I did some photoshopping on them later with their wording.  While some were a little cheesy, :) it was such a fun way to remember some of the basic principles of the gospel.

I feel like this could easily adapt to the family setting as well and that it would help the kids to understand the importance of the principles of the gospel in a simplistic way that resonates with them. Plus, it's super fun!  Having the mormon ads on display at the home would also reinforce the principles and remind them of why we do what we do as members of the church.

Refreshments: Donuts "DO NUT" underestimate the value of living the gospel fully! :)

*Chapter 8- Should I keep trying to work it out?

Proclamation Principle: Marriage between a Man and woman is essential to God’s eternal plan. Should I keep trying to work it out?  Sacred and Secular Perspectives on the Crossroads of divorce.

Lesson Objectives:  While this chapter primarily deals with marital conflict resolution, the principle of working things out can also be applied to a family in their home life.  In so doing, we can create harmony and a loving environment in our home.  Learning the importance of this principle early, and of the importance of humility, is essential to a strong marital foundation.  Life will inevitably throw some curve balls and some challenging life circumstances where conflict may arise but with the help of a loving Heavenly Father, we can work through these challenges.

Opening Song:  Love is Spoken Here

 Quote/Scripture of the Week:  1 Peter 1:7- That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."

Attention Activity-sit the family at the piano and have each person play any note of their choosing at the same time.  Results?  Probably not terribly easy on the ears.  What if we choose to play notes that are harmonious with one another?  What difference does it make?  Even one sour note in a family can ruin the entire sound. While each individual plays a part in creating harmony in the home, the parents have a responsibility to rear a family in love and righteousness and to show an example of love and respect. They can show this best by the way they treat their spouse.

Video Clip:  Show this silly little clip of the story of Dr. Seuss' the Zax.

Discussion: After watching the clip, discuss how this is the perfect example of how nobody is a winner when pride, selfishness, and insensitivity to others are in a relationship.   We must turn to the Lord to overcome feelings of conflict within our homes.  

Object Lesson:  The Yellow Gummy Bear Rule. Relate the story of the Yellow gummy bear rule and how there may be times of opposition in our marriage but if we can be steadfast in our efforts to overcome these challenges in our marriage, we can more fully appreciate the good even more. 

Alternate Activity:  There will be times in life when challenges come that seem impossible to overcome but if we have faith and trust in the Lord, He will help us to get through such times, especially when they are of a spiritual nature.

Clip:  Spiritual Whirlwind

 

Refreshments:  What else, gummy bears. :)

Chapter 3- Foundational Processes for an enduring healthy marriage.

Chapter 3- Foundational Processes for an enduring healthy marriage.

Proclamation Principle: Husbands and Wives have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other.

Lesson Objectives:  To help the family understand the sacredness, and importance of the marriage relationship.  Marriage is a gift from God to us.  The quality of our marriages in our gift to Him. Husbands and wives have a stewardship to love and care for one another in righteousness.

Opening Song: Love at Home

Quote/ Scripture of the week:“

"Achieving marital unity takes tremendous patience and persistence and a clear vision of what our priorities are in this life,” Spousal love is a wonderful gift, but we have to learn to give it fully in order to receive it in full measure.” Victor B. Cline.  

Gordon B. Hinckley: “I have long felt that happiness in marriage is not so much a matter of romance as it is an anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of one’s companion. That involves a willingness to overlook weaknesses and mistakes” (Ensign July 2005).

Attention Activity: This activity will help demonstrate the importance of working together in a marriage relationship.  Idea found here   Instructions:  Place a treat on opposite sides of the room, each one being assigned to a particular child. Have two family members link arms, back to back.  Set the timer for 10 seconds and let the kids race to get their respective treat.  They have to keep their arms linked the entire time. (It is likely that the kids will try to pull their teammate to their own candy so a little power struggle may ensue). In that amount of time, if there is a struggle, probably only one teammate will reach their treat which will leave one partner very unhappy. However, had the teammates communicated with one another, been unified, and worked together to get one and then the other, they would have been able to get both.  This is exactly how marriage should work.  Discuss how this correlates to marriage.  When a husband and wife work as a team, are unselfish, and are more concerned for their spouse's needs than their own self, they will have a much more successful, happy marriage.

Video Clip:  A portion of Elder Holland's address:  How do I love thee.

As a family, discuss these points from Elder Holland's full address:

• Mormon explicity taught that this love, this ability we all so want, is a gift.  It is bestowed.  It doesn't come without effort, and it doesn't come without patience, but, like salvation itself, in the end it is a gift, given by God to the true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ.
• The first element of divine love-pure love-taught by both Paul and Mormon is its kindness, its selfless quality, its lack of ego and vanity and consuming self-centeredness.  "Charity suffereth long, and is kind, charity envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own."  Moroni 7:45
• The second segment of this scriptural sermon on love in Moroni 7:45 says that true charity-real love-"is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity."Think of how many arguments could be avoided, how many hurt feelings could be spared, and in a worst-case scenario, how many breakups and divorces could be avoided if we were not so easily provoked, if we thought no evil of one another, and if we not only did not rejoice in iniquity but didn't rejoice even in little mistakes.
• Think the best of each other, especially of those you say you love.  Assume the good and doubt the bad.
• Ben Franklin once said "In marriage, be watchful with both eyes but after married, keep one eye closed "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage,"and half shut afterwards."

Thinking the best of each other Activity:  Set the time for three minutes.  On little strips of paper (prepared beforehand), write down as many things as you can think of that you are grateful for in your spouse or marriage.  To include the whole family, this can be adapted.  Each member of the family contributes by writing down as many things as they can think of as to why they are thankful for the family.  

1. Write as quickly as you can and put down everything that comes to your mind.
2. When the time is up, compare your lists. What blessings do you have in common? What blessings are different?
3. Combine your papers and put into a blessing jar.  Continue to add to the jar throughout the days/weeks to follow as a reminder of all of the blessings that come from marriage/family. 4.  Encourage the family to really try to focus on the blessings in the home throughout the week and see if it makes a difference in their actions/attitudes.  
4.  Follow-up:  In the following week's FHE, follow up on how focusing on the blessings made a difference in the relationships.  This is a good time to address the idea that "if you are looking for the bad, you will find it. If you are looking for the good, you will find it."  There is good and bad in all things but it is how we CHOOSE to view them that makes all the difference.  

Video Clip: End the lesson with Elder Perry's final address before passing as he bears his testimony on why marriage matters: 
Why Marriage and Family Matters; L. Tom Perry

Refreshments:  Heart-shaped sugar cookies that the family could frost/decorate while discussing the lesson or something as simple as heart-shaped rice crispy treats.  Another fun option might be to serve whatever you had as your wedding reception refreshments.

*Chapter 2-ABCs of Successful Dating

Chapter 2-ABCs of Successful Dating
Proclamation Principle:  Marriage Between a man and a woman is ordained of God…but before marriage comes the courtship.  

Lesson Objectives:  With a 16-year old in the home, and one to follow shortly, we are all about the dating scene. This would be a good time to review For the Strength of the Youth as well as other church counsel on dating.

Opening Song:  Choose the Right

Quote/Scripture of the Week:   “Your circle of friends (I will add, those you date), will greatly influence your thinking and behavior, just as you will theirs. When you share common values with your friends (or dates), you can strengthen and encourage each other.” President Monson

Attention Activity:  Print out this handout "How to be a first rate date," to review with the family during the lesson.  You could make it into a quiz to see how they would answer prior to them seeing the list.  Then each point could be discussed or a scenarios played out.

(I typed this up so that it could be printed out)

Activity: Dating Trial run through-"Savor the Flavors."  The ideas presented here are fantastic.  You could do the whole FHE lesson around their idea:

I loved her description of the evening: 
'Our class title was SAVOR THE FLAVORS.  We talked about the excitement that comes from dating all sorts of people {flavors} and waiting to settle down with just one flavor until an appropriate time. {pre-marriage}.

We talked about that there’s a flavor out there for everyone, and that you’ll never know exactly what you love without having had the chance to try several flavors in the past."


Maybe change the name of the "Speed Flirting" portion to something different as that's sounds a little awkward with family :) BUT still a great idea for them to learn how to converse and learn as much info about another person. Instead of "flirting" you could do the speed round and see how much info each person could gather about their partner in that amount of time.  Person who gained the most information, is the winner of that round or something.

Activity:  Dating Notebook- I REALLY love this idea as well,  especially if your kids don't journal.  This way they'd be able to record all of their fun/not-so-fun dating experiences. :)  There's a lot of growth and wisdom that comes from dating.

 Alternate Activities:  

• For those who cannot date yet but are youth age-  here are some great ideas you could present instead found in "What Can we do if we like each other?"

• Adaptions for younger children instead of journals:  Bust out the photo album of your courtship and share your story with the kids.  My kids absolutely  love seeing the pictures and hearing some of the funny stories of our courtship.  We also love to share our journey to the temple and why a temple marriage was so important to us.  This gave them a better understanding of choosing people to date that have your own standards.
  
• If you have children who are dating age, here's a few site with some fun, budget-friendly ideas: here for some group date ideas, or 50 great ideas here, (this particular site says it's geared toward dating when married but I think almost all of them would work for youth age)

Visuals:  Keep your eye on the temple. 

Refreshments: Ice cream sundaes or ice cream cones in a variety of flavors to tie into the lesson presentation