Choosing The Roght - Exercises for the Soul

At our recent family reunion it was fun to see all the grandkids and how much they are growing up. I have been thinking since then, about my hopes and dreams for them. I am certain all their parents have many thoughts too.
In these next 10-20 years some choices will be made that will affect you for the rest of your eternal life. Up till now your parents have been an active part in most of your decisions but you will increasingly be on your own. This is a good thing because you will become independent but it is important to make right choices. Fortunately there are many places to help you.

Ask: List some good sources to turn to for help making choices. (Parents or other relatives who have good experience and your happiness in mind, scriptures, the prophet of the church and other church leaders, the Holy Ghost etc.) One of the greatest gifts God has given us is free agency but it comes with great responsibility.
Ask: Is a person morally clean who talks lustfully but doesn't do what he talks about? (Read 3 Nephi 12:27-20).
Ask: Is a person morally clean who consciously arouses unclean thoughts or desires in another?

Game: "What would you do if..." Make up realistic situations that your children, at their ages, might face. See if your children can think of graceful ways out of bad situations. Sometimes there will be no graceful way out.
Tell the story of Joseph and the wife of Potiphar (See Genesis 39:-13)
Explain that it is better look foolish or displease someone than to disobey one of God's commandments and lose out on blessings of staying morally clean.

Possible songs or hymns: "I Am a Child of God" Sing With Me B-76 or "Choose the Right" Hymns no. 110

Person of the Week: Reese Kern (I heard him make a right choice at the family reunioj even though he was the only one at the time.)

Peach Jello Dessert

August was a busy month so instead of trying to catch up I will just start with the recipe we made this week. This is a dessert using peaches that is a little different than the usual and quite refreshing.

PEACH JELLO DESSERT

1. Make a crust in a 9x13 pan. Press into pan and chill 15 minutes.

2. Beat 8 oz. package cream cheese (I used Neufchatel cheese. It is lighter and has fewer calories.) with 1/4 c. sugar. Gradually beat in 1/4 c. milk. Fold in 3 1/2 c. whipped topping and spread over crumb crust. Top with 4-6 peeled, sliced, fresh peaches and return to fridge.

3. Dissolve 1-4 oz. pkg. peach jello in 3/4 c. boiling water. Combine ice cubes and 1/2 c. cold water to make 1 1/4 cups. Add to jello,stirring until slightly thickened. Remove any unmelted ice. Gently spoon jello over peaches. Chill until firm about 3 hours. Cut into squares to serve. Makes about 12 servings.

Exercises for the Soul - Temple Marriage

Last weekend a group of us went to the Rexburg, Idaho temple to do a sealing session for others who have passed on. It was a session I could participate in because we could do it early in the morning. Family and friends were there to help and there was a wonderful feeling in the temple.
August has been a busy month and I am ready to get back on my BLOGGING schedule. Because it has been on my mind, I decided to do a FHE lesson on Temple Marriage.

Ask: What happens when you throw a rock into a quiet pool or mud puddle?
Quote: Elray L. Christiansen said in April 1974 General Conference, "Probably the most consequential event in your lives takes place when you are united in marriage. It will have a far reaching effect on your future. Like the ripples caused by a pebble cast on a placid pool, the decision you make in regard to where, with whom, and by whom this event will take place will not only affect you, but the lives of many others, especially your children."
Ask: Why is a temple marriage so important?
How will it affect your life now and in the future?
Discuss: How will deciding early in your life that you want a temple marriage help you make many correct decisions in the future?

BLESSINGS OF ETERNAL MARRIAGE

On a poster or blackboard have family members list comparisons under the headings TEMPLE MARRIAGE and CIVIL MARRIAGE consider questions such as:
-What preparation is needed?
-Where will this marriage take place?
-Who performs the ceremony?
-How long will the marriage last?
-What will the people married in this way be doing throughout eternity?
-What will happen to the family after this life?

If desired show pictures from your own temple marriage. Talk about your wedding day.

Grandma Kern's feelings: When I was young I knew that eternal marriage was important, It was a tiny little point in time and a decision that would affect an eternity. Now that I am closer to the next life, I can't imagine it without my family and grandchildren that I love so much.

Suggested Songs: Families Can Be Together Forever or I Love to See the Temple

Person of the week: Grandpa Kern for making all the arrangements for last week's Temple visit. He saw to every detail from arranging for his colleague, a Temple Sealer to arranging for babysitters for the grandkids.