Category: Church

Priesthood Session age 12

Daniel and Richard are posing patiently so I can begin the chronicle of Daniel’s rise in height during the next few years. Paige and I have our photo taken before General Young Women meetings, so I’m starting the tradition of photographing Daniel and Richard each October before the General Priesthood meeting. They went out for pizza with his Young Men leaders after the the broadcast. He said to Richard as they drove away from dinner, “I think this is going to be a good year.”

Daniel’s Faith in God Award

 

There is really no fanfare given to kids who earn this award at church. There is a certificate at the end of the book signed by our Bishop and Primary President, but there is no presentation or pin. That’s okay. The true measure of a person is not the fanfare and decorations they’ve received, but the qualities they have developed.

Here is what a child (age 8-12) must do to complete this award, and it’s significant:

  • Pray daily to Heavenly Father.
  • Read the scriptures regularly.
  • Keep the commandments and live gospel standards.
  • Honor parents and be kind to your family.
  • Pay your tithing and attend tithing settlement.
  • Attend sacrament meetings and Primary regularly.
  • Write your testimony
  • Memorize the Articles of Faith (13 paragraphs) and explain their meaning
  • Complete 24 activities under the following categories: Learning and Living the Gospel; Serving Others, Developing Talents.
  • Complete 5 requirements under the Preparing for the Priesthood category.
  • Have an interview with a member of your bishopric.

Here are many of the activities that Daniel completed to earn his award:

  • Explained how the sacrament helps you renew your baptismal covenant. In a family home evening, he taught us about things we can do to remain faithful.
  • Gave a family home evening lesson about Joseph Smith’s First Vision. Discussed how Heavenly Father answers sincere prayers.
  • Marked verses of scripture about the Holy Ghost.
  • Read a recent conference address given by a prophet. Decided what to do to follow the prophet, and did it.
  • Prepared a pedigree chart and shared a family history story.
  • Learned to sing “Choose the Right” and explained what agency is and what it means to be responsible for his choices.
  • Read and discussed the parable of the good Samaritan and planned a service project to help a family member or neighbor.
  • Wrote a letter to grandparents expressing appreciation and explaining what he respects about them.
  • Planned, prepared, and served a nutritious meal.
  • Learned to practice good manners and courtesy.
  • Entertained young children with songs or games he made himself. Showed he knows how to care for and protect a young child.
  • Planned a parent-child activity (helped plan and carry out the Blue and Gold banquet).
  • Read the twelfth article of faith and discussed what it means to be a good citizen and how actions affect others.
  • Learned to play a song from the Children’s Songbook on the piano.
  • Wrote a poem about a gospel topic.
  • Made an item from wood and displayed it.
  • Visited a concert.
  • Planned a physical fitness program and participated in it for one month.
  • Learned about and practiced good nutrition, good health, grooming, and modest dress.
  • Learned about the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood.
  • Read the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood and what it means to do his duty to God.
  • Read scriptures about education and discussed its importance in strengthening priesthood holder for service in home and family and the Church.
  • Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” and made a list of things to strengthen his family and make a happy home.

Young Women

I’m going to regret posting this silly photo, but all well. Thirteen was a time to try purple eye shadow and have a best friend. I’ve been thinking about those years and the people who helped me move beyond the purple eye shadow stage. Among the heroes were Tina Day, Robin Baker, and Paige Crawley. My mom was the biggest influence in my life, but these women came next. They modeled righteous womanhood; they taught me by their example.  They opened their homes, shared their talents, and loved us. They were my Young Women leaders from church.

I’ll just write it here because I can’t hardly speak it without feeling my throat close and my eyes flood with tears. I’m the new Young Women President. I’ve waited 16 years to work with the Young Women (ages 12-18) and I mean to enjoy it.

Camping

We went camping this weekend on Mount Lemmon with our church.

What is that you have, Mark?

Oh, a tiny horned lizard!

Timothy found one, too, but it was much bigger.

Daniel whittled.

Paige was great at tent setup and cleanup. Yes, she IS that incredible.

Everything was packed and ready to go, but we lingered. The pleasant temperatures, the pines, and the company kept us there. Just ignore that odd expression on my face.

An evening with the Candy Bomber

Paige and Richard attended a speech by the Candy Bomber, Gail Halvorsen. I think very highly of this man who still keeps speaking engagements around the world. He’s humble and kind. I was doing dishes in the church in November and he walked right in and started drying the silverware. He’s also quite funny. Yesterday he and his wife walked into the church building out of the wind. When I commented about the wind, he said, “Yeah, it sure messed up my hair!”

Oil Painting with the Young Women

I have offered to teach the Young Women at our church for years. I have offered to teach them basically anything, but I have never been called. Finally in January when the sign-up sheet went around church, I listed every fantabulous thing that I can do and then added a few things I don’t do well. I gave each option a fancy name. I am that desperate to be with the youth.

They asked me to teach something I am not so good at. But it was still very fun.

Making it

This week we’re just making it.

We made pulled pork for a Cub Scout dinner for 80.

We made collages and 1 of us cried over it and 3 of us stormed off.

Paige made it to one day of seminary this week because she’s so very sick.

Timothy wrote an epic essay about Genghis Kahn. You never know what will inspire a kid to greatness.

Richard spoke in the Spanish branch on Sunday. He worked to get his talk translated into Spanish and then presented it with a slight Portuguese accent.

This weekend I’m looking forward to celebrating Richard’s birthday. Pretty soon I’ll be kissing a 40 year old.

Temple Trip

We drove up to the Mesa temple this weekend and Richard and I attended a temple session together. The kids came along and walked around the temple grounds for several hours during our session. They learned about citrus trees and played games in the shade. Mark composed this note while he waited for us. I reflected on the sacrifice that our children make when we go to the temple. They drive for 4 hours and wait for 2-4 hours once they get there. I never had to do that as a child. They are really good sports about it and I am proud of them.