I have two 4 year old girls. One has been apart of the Mormon culture since birth. The other is new to the scene. Recently I have been trying to have Family Home Evenings that still interest the "seasoned" child, but are appropriate for the newbie. It's been a bit difficult. A couple weeks ago I came to the conclusion that as long as I am trying, it's good enough. Both girls will learn. All of our testimonies will be strengthened. The Lord will bless us for our obedience. No more pressure for perfection.
Once I let go of the notion of having a perfect FHE, the burden was released! I could have fun again! After a week or two of trial and error I came up with a system. I'm sure yours is similar.
- Take turns praying.
- Take turns picking the songs.
- Take turns leading the music.
- Ask for help holding the pictures.
- Repeat things together out loud-keeps everyones attention.
- Make sure the story/lesson is well prepared so it can be concise and to the point.
- Games are optional.
- Treats are required!
As you can see, the most important lesson I learned is to take turns, even with the adults. Everyone has to play a part. When everyone participates, nobody is left uninvolved. The last 3 weeks have been spent on the life and death of Jesus Christ. They were wonderfully powerful lessons and testimony building for all ages. This week we are talking about the scriptures and starting our Book of Mormon reading as a family. Can I tell you, the part I'm most excited about is making the Scripture Cookies! Here's the recipe. I hope you will have Family Home Evening this week and give them a try!
Scripture Cookies
To find each ingredient, look up the scripture reference and fill in the blank.
3/4 cup _________
“The words of his mouth were smoother than ____” (Ps. 55:21)
1/3 cup _________
“Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy ____ and honey” (2 Ne. 26:25)
1 1/2 cups _________
“To what purpose cometh there to me … the ____ ____ from a far country?” (Jer. 6:20)
2 _________
“As one gathereth ____ that are left, have I gathered all the earth” (Isa. 10:14)
2 cups _________
“And Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty measures of fine ____” (1 Kgs. 4:22)
1 teaspoon _________
“Take thou also unto thee principal spices … and of sweet ____ half so much” (Ex. 30:23)
1 teaspoon _________
“Ye are the ____ of the earth” (Matt. 5:13)
1/2 teaspoon _________
“The kingdom of heaven is like unto ____ (Matt. 13:33)
3 cups _________
“Nevertheless … ____ for the horse” (D&C 89:17)
1 cup _________
“And they gave him … two clusters of ____” (1 Sam. 30:12)
Beat first four ingredients together. Mix in remaining ingredients. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° F (175° C) for 15 minutes.
Scripture Cookie Answers:
3/4 c butter, 1/3 c milk, 1 1/2 c sugar, 2 eggs, 2 c flour, 1 t cinnamon, 1 t salt, 1/2 t baking soda, 3 c oats, 1 c raisins
Amy has been married to her hunky, hard-working, semi-pro football playing, graphic designer husband for 8 years. She is also mother to two energetic, delightful, and precocious 4 year old little girls. You'll find more at I Wish I Was in Dixie. Visitors always welcome.
(top image from stock.xchng)
