Happy Earth Day

Song:  The World is So Big Children's  Song Book page 235   Click Here For Link

Prayer:

Scripture: Genesis 1:31 " And God  saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good."

Activity: 

This weekend we got to help clean up the Earth by raking leaves at the Eco Center in the  Izmailovo Park. It was hard work and tiring. Remember the good feeling that we felt after we were done. 

Heavenly Father has blessed us with this beautiful Earth. It is our responsibility to do what we can to take care of it. What can we do as a family to help the Earth? Remember everyone can do something!

Now let's play an Earth Day Charade Game.  Charades is a word guessing game.  We have  a prop box to help.  One person will act out the word on the card and every one else will try and guess what word they have.

Prayer:

Dessert:  Earth Day Granola Bars

The Golden Rule

Song:  Love one Another CS, 136

Prayer: By Invitation

Scripture: Matthew 7:12

12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Lesson: From the Friend Magazine: The Law of Moses and the Golden Rule

Read the following story: 

The Law of Moses and the Golden Rule

Philip Joslin, Arizona, USA

Throughout my life, I’ve learned that the scriptures help us solve life’s problems. At one time, there was quite a bit of bickering and fighting among the children. My wife and I became frustrated as we tried to teach Christlike behavior to our children and wanted a happier, more peaceful family.

At our next family home evening, I gathered the family together and sternly explained that we were going to start following more rules in the house. I unraveled a long list of rules written on several pieces of paper I had taped together. “Absolutely no running in the house. No yelling. No eating here or there …” The list continued with many “don’ts” and some “do’s.”

The children appeared stunned. They began to ask, “What does this rule mean?” “How will we remember all these rules?” And “What happens if we break the rules?”

I then held up another, single sheet of paper. I explained that we could either follow the long list of rules or obey one simple rule. Then I turned it around to read, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (see Matthew 7:12).

I explained that the long list of rules was the way some people might see the Law of Moses. We also discussed the benefits of treating others as we want to be treated. As visual reminders, we posted our long list of rules and the Golden Rule on the refrigerator.

Our family experienced more peace and order after focusing on the Golden Rule. We were blessed as we “likened” the scriptures to our family’s needs.

Discuss with your family. 

How can we apply this story to our family?

How can we apply this at school?

Activity: Prepare a gift of appreciation for someone.

Refreshments: Doughnuts

Mental Health

Hymn: Where Can I Turn for Peace pg 129

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/music/library/hymns/where-can-i-turn-for-peace?lang=eng&_r=1

Extra Info about this hymn for depression: https://www.ldsdaily.com/personal-lds-blog/inspiring-true-story-behind-lds-hymn-can-turn-peace/

What is mental health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Mental health challenges can impact anyone, regardless of education, geography, faith, calling, or family. They are nothing to be ashamed of and should be met with love.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is the reaction to situations perceived as stressful or dangerous. Anxiety disorders are manageable and curable with the right treatment and therapy.

Anxiety is the mind and body's reaction to stressful, dangerous, or unfamiliar situations. It's the sense of uneasiness, distress, or dread you feel before a significant event. A certain level of anxiety helps us stay alert and aware, but for those suffering from an Anxiety Disorder, it feels far from normal - it can be completely debilitating.

Intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Fast heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and feeling tired may occur.

Anxiety can be normal in stressful situations such as public speaking or taking a test. Anxiety is only an indicator of underlying disease when feelings become excessive, all-consuming, and interfere with daily living.

What is depression?

A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.

The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterizes major depression can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide.

People may experience:
Mood: anxiety, apathy, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, or sadness
Behavioral: agitation, excessive crying, irritability, restlessness, or social isolation
Sleep: early awakening, excess sleepiness, insomnia, or restless sleep
Whole-body: excessive hunger, fatigue, or loss of appetite
Cognitive: lack of concentration, slowness in activity, or thoughts of suicide
Weight: weight gain or weight loss
Also common: poor appetite or repeatedly going over thoughts

We Should Never Be Ashamed of a Mental Illness

“I wish to speak to those who suffer from some form of mental illness or emotional disorder, whether those afflictions be slight or severe, of brief duration or persistent over a lifetime. … These afflictions are some of the realities of mortal life, and there should be no more shame in acknowledging them than in acknowledging a battle with high blood pressure or the sudden appearance of a malignant tumor.”
—Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Video: Like a Broken Vessel

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2016-06-2001-like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng

What is Self-Care?

“Self-care is the act of carrying out any practice where you care for and nurture your mind, body, and soul. It is when you identify your own needs and you meet them on a regular basis to keep happy, healthy, and rested.”

Physical activity, a healthy diet, regular sleep, and relaxation exercises may all help reduce anxiety. Joining a support group may also help. To manage symptoms effectively, it's best to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.

Self-Care Ideas

• Sleep. Mental illness can leave you feeling more tired than normal. So take as much sleep as you need to re-energize.
• Drink some water. Your body needs water and plenty of it. Make sure you look after yourself by drinking enough each day.
• Light a candle. There’s something about lighting a candle that is so relaxing. 
• Cup of herbal tea. Herbal tea is relaxing and a better option than loading up on caffeine, as caffeine can make anxiety symptoms worse.
• Make lists of things you want to do and achieve. What do you want to achieve in life? Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? List all your goals and dreams.
• Diffuse essential oils. Essential oils have so many amazing benefits for the body and they even help mental health too.  Lavender is great choice for both mental health and sleep.
• Mindful coloring. Mindful coloring brings you into the present moment by calming your mind and using your creative side.
• Digital detox. Social media makes most of us anxious and I am sure it does for you too. Take a day off and notice how much better you will feel.
• Stroke a pet or cuddle a toy. Stroking animals has been proven to improve your mood. No pets? Grab your fave teddy or blanket.
• Journal. Journal all of your thoughts and feelings out until you can’t write anymore.
• Positive affirmations. Swap your negative thoughts for positives and use affirmations to help re-train your brain.
• Make a gratitude list. Stop focusing on what you don’t have and want. And start focusing on what you do have and appreciate it.
• Epsom salt bath. Take a hot relaxing bath with Epsom or sea salts to detox your body.
• Put clean clothes on. There is nothing better than clean clothes to make you feel a bit fresher.
• Face mask. Sit back, relax, and pamper yourself with your favorite or DIY face mask.
• Watch a film. Put on your favorite film and snuggle up on the sofa.
• Listen to music. Put on some relaxing music and relax your mind and body.
• Watch positive Ted Talks on YouTube. Uplift your mood with positive and informative self-help talks from Ted.
• Eat fruit and vegetables. This is a must. Your body needs vitamins and minerals which can only be found in fruit and veg. Good food improves your mood!
• Hug someone. Human contact is so important, even if you are an introvert. Give someone a meaningful hug.
• Talk to someone. Get your thoughts and feelings off your chest by talking to family, friends, or a therapist. It’s better out than in.
• Create a vision board. Visualizing is a powerful tool to create a life you dream of. Create a vision board of what you dream about your life to be.
• Breathe deeply. Slow down. Take deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your nose.
• Meditate. Even if you meditate for just a few minutes, it will really help calm your mind and body.
• Mindfulness. Become mindful of your thoughts, actions, and surroundings to bring you into the present.
• Get creative with art and crafts. Being creative is a mindful practice that can calm you down and lift your mood. Don’t think about what or how just do and splash some paint on a canvas.
• Read. Read your favorite book or a self-help book on happiness would be ideal!
• Write a list of compliments to yourself. When was the last time you said something nice about yourself? Now is the time sister!
• Yoga poses. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Yoga is amazing for mental illness.
• Forgive others and yourself. Holding onto hate? Resentment? Anger? Let it go and forgive! If you don’t you are only hurting yourself.
• Say ‘No’. Take your power back and say no to things you don’t want to do. Set boundaries.
• Walk in Nature. Connect to the earth and ground yourself in nature. Pure bliss and the best medicine.
• Buy yourself flowers. Waiting for someone to buy you flowers? Buy them yourself and love yourself.
• Sing. Singing out loud is a sure way to increase mood, so blast out your favorite tunes.
• Shower meditation. Take a shower and meditate while doing so. Imagine the water is washing all of your worries away.
• Bake something tasty. Bake something tasty and get creative at the same time.
• Declutter your clothes and belongings. Declutter your belongings to declutter your mind. Think of clutter as stagnant emotion, let it go!
• Dance like nobody is watching. Get your blood flowing and your cheeks glowing.
• Exercise. Exercise releases feel-good hormones and is good for your health too. Put on your trainers and get active, even if it’s just a few minutes.

Self-Care list above from https://tiaharding.com/41-self-care-ideas-for-depression-and-anxiety/

Seek Professional Help When Needed

“If things continue to be debilitating, seek the advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values. Be honest with them about your history and your struggles. Prayerfully and responsibly consider the counsel they give and the solutions they prescribe. If you had appendicitis, God would expect you to seek a priesthood blessing and get the best medical care available. So too with emotional disorders. Our Father in Heaven expects us to use all of the marvelous gifts He has provided in this glorious dispensation.”—Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Let Your Light Shine

Song:  I’m Trying to be Like Jesus Children’s Songbook (p78)

Prayer: By Invitation

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16

14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 

15 Neither do men light a candle , and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works , and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 

Lesson: From the Friend Magazine 

Shine Your Light 

Read the following: Being modest is a great way to shine a light for others to follow. It shows that you love Jesus Christ and are trying to follow Him.  Which ones do you want to work on?

Talk to your family about ways you can be modest. 

Modesty Means …

How I speak

• Kind words

• Not bragging or rude

How I act

• Fits the time and place

• Not showing off

How I dress

• Clean and neat

• Clothes that cover my body properly and are appropriate for the activity

How I treat my body

• With reverence and respect

• Keep it clean and healthy

How I treat others

• Look for the best in others—don’t judge

• Treat everyone with respect and kindness

Activity:

Draw and color our own flashlight. Write what we can each do to be our own light on the paper. You can also just use this picture below.

.

Treat: Ice Cream

Family Fun Time

 From The Friend Magazine

 Song:  "Give," Said the Little Stream (Children’s Songbook, 236).

Prayer: By Invitation

Scripture: (Spiritual Thought) “Every person is different and has a different contribution to make. No one is destined to fail.”President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency

Lesson: (Story)

The Secret Weapon

BY JESSICA LARSEN

(Based on a true story)

“Not Ivy! She’s a girl,” Braden whispered behind Adam.

But Adam was team captain for dodgeball for the day, and he had made his choice. “I pick Ivy,” he repeated a little louder. Tyler, the other team captain, smirked. Even Coach Garcia looked surprised at Adam’s second pick.

Ivy looked surprised too and then shyly stepped forward. Braden groaned.

Ivy wasn't just any girl. She was the smallest girl in the class. She didn't look very fast, and the ball seemed bigger than she was. “She probably can’t even lift the ball,” Braden said as Ivy walked over.

“Maybe she’ll be our secret weapon,” Adam said, trying to sound sure. But that’s not why he had picked her. Ivy had once told Adam she didn't like it when they played sports because she was always picked last. The other boys teased Ivy, but Mom and Dad had told Adam that boys should show respect for girls. So he picked Ivy. As he watched Tyler pick the biggest boy in class, Adam gulped. What would this game be like?

After everyone was on a team, Coach Garcia blew the whistle, and the teams ran to opposite ends of the court. Coach Garcia handed Tyler the ball, and Tyler scanned Adam’s team before he focused on Ivy. He pulled back his arm and let the ball fly.

Bam! The ball smacked the ground and bounced without hitting anyone. Adam blinked. Ivy had moved just in time. Everyone around him seemed surprised, but Adam just smiled. Maybe picking Ivy had been a good idea after all.

The game continued. Tyler kept trying to hit Ivy with the ball, but she kept dodging and diving out of the way. No one could hit her with a ball. Tyler and some of his teammates were so busy trying to get Ivy out that they didn't spend much time aiming for anyone else. Adam grinned—Ivy’s size actually made her better at dodgeball because being small and fast made her harder to hit.

At last Adam’s team won the game. “Secret weapon was right,” Braden said. “Ivy’s pretty good.”

“Yeah,” Tyler said. “Next time, she’s on my team. We’ll win for sure!” Ivy smiled as she walked back to class, surrounded by teammates.

Adam couldn't stop smiling as he followed the group. He had been nice to Ivy, and he had helped the other boys respect girls a little more. The greatest secret weapon wasn't a secret at all—it was just being kind.

Activity:

Good social skills and manners come from treating other people well. What ways have we looked out for others in small ways like Adam did for Ivy?

Role-Playing Game

Take turns choosing a situation from the list below. Talk about some of the things you might say and do. Then act out the scene to practice.

1. 1. 
   You want to work with your friends on a project at school, but your teacher puts you in a group with kids you don’t know very well. How can you get to know the other kids better so you can work well together?

1. 
   
2. 2. 
   Your little brother accidentally spills food on his clothes, and your older sister makes fun of him. What can you say to be a good example to your sister and to help your brother?

1. 3. 
   Primary is about to start, and you're waiting for your teacher to come in. You try to talk to your friend, but he’s playing on a phone. How can you kindly let your friend know you want to talk with him?
2. 4. 
   You're playing a game at a friend’s house, and another of her friends comes to the door and asks to play. How can you help the other friend feel included?

Treat: German Smurf Gummies 

Yummy!!!!

Conference Review

It's General Conference Weekend here in Russia. (A week later.) Our girls have ballet on Monday night the traditional Family Home Evening night. For us it's just easier to ensure success we have FHE on Sunday Night.  With Conference fresh in our minds it seemed the logical choice for tonight's theme. We have family tradition of doing Conference Packets, eating Conference Waffles, and enjoying Conference Sundaes. It's a great time for our family to spend time together feeling the spirit and love of God!

Hymn: “Teach me to Walk in the Light”

Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 19:23 "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me"

 Lesson: Twice each year we are able to gather as a world-wide church and listen to the prophet of the Lord and his Holy Apostles.

We could watch one or a few of these.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/october-2014-general-conference-highlights?lang=eng&start=25&end=36&order=default

Take a few minutes and talk about some of the things that were taught in this past conference that stuck out to you. Write down or share 2-3 goals that you want to improve on from something you learned during General Conference.

Closing Activity: Sing the Living Prophet song to the tune of Books in the book of Mormon. 

 Click Here For Song

We cut out the Apostle cards from the September 2014 Friend magazine. 

Click Here For Cards

You are the Boss of your Body

FHE: You are the Boss of your Body

Opening Song: I am a Child of God

Scripture: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” – 2 Corinthians 3:16 Our bodies are temples. They are Holy Places – or at least they should be.

1. Teach children the correct names of all of their different body parts, including their private body parts. Have a younger child do head shoulders knees and toes. Then discuss private parts and different names they are given.

2. Teach children that "You are the boss of your body."

Let children know that they are in control of who touches their bodies and how.

3. Explain to children that there are three kinds of touches.

The three kinds of touches are:

• Safe touches. These are touches that keep children safe and are good for them, and that make children feel cared for and important. Safe touches can include hugging, pats on the back, and an arm around the shoulder. Safe touches can also include touches that might hurt, such as removing a splinter.When you remove a splinter, you are doing so to keep them healthy, which makes it a safe touch.
• Unsafe touches. These are touches that hurt your bodies or feelings (for example, hitting, pushing, pinching, and kicking). These kinds of touches are not okay.
• Unwanted touches. These are touches that might be safe but that a child doesn't want from that person or at that moment. It is okay for a child to say no to an unwanted touch, even if it is from a familiar person.

Touching Safety Rules

Once children can name their private body parts and know about different kinds of touches, you can teach them that there is another kind of unsafe touch that is also not okay. This kind of touch is when someone older or bigger touches their private body parts.

For a young child you might say, "Another kind of unsafe touch is when a bigger person touches you on your private body parts and it is not to keep you clean or healthy. So we have a family safety rule that it is never okay for a bigger person to touch your private body parts except to keep you clean and healthy."

The "clean" part of this rule applies to young children at an age when an adult might help them with diaper changing, going to the toilet, or bathing.

The "healthy" part of this rule refers to doctor visits; for example, when the doctor gives a child a shot. An adult family member should always be present at doctor appointments.

For an older child you might say, "Another kind of unsafe touch is when someone touches you on your private body parts and it is not to keep you healthy. So our family safety rule about touching is that no one should touch your private body parts except to keep you healthy."

Teach children the following safety rules:

• It is not okay to touch someone else's private body parts.
• It is not okay for someone to touch his or her own private body parts in front of you.
• It is not okay for someone to ask you to touch his or her private body parts.
• It is not okay for someone to ask you to take your clothes off or to take photos or videos of you with your clothes off.
• It is not okay for someone to show you photos or videos of people without their clothes on.
• The Swimsuit Rule: Any body part that is covered by a swimsuit is a private part.

My body belongs to me video: http://youtu.be/a-5mdt9YN6I

Questions/Comments?