Apparently I really needed to hear a lesson on service. Our Relief Society lesson was about kindness; which evolved into a lesson on service. Then one of the kiddos did a lesson on service using the first experience for Good Works in the Personal Progress book. I love the challenge of recognizing and acknowledging service others give to you for two weeks. We talked about the times we give service without even realizing it and how much those seemingly little things can mean so much to those being served. There are other times when we need to be aware of specific ways to serve; instead of asking "What can I do to help?", just offer "I'm bringing dinner tonight".
We played I Never for our activity. Everyone started with 10 M&M's. The first person stated something they had never done, everyone who had done that thing has to eat an M&M. The goal is to be the last one with M&M's. Loosing never tasted so sweet!
Speaking of sweet, we had double chocolate cookies for our treat. Those of us who bore our testimony at church had double treats.
Between Cub Scouts and planning Young Women Camp, I've had my fair share of meetings the last few months. Even though some weeks there are only a couple of meeting free nights, for the most part the meetings aren't a horrible four letter word. Some meetings I run, some I just show up, and others are somewhere in between. Here's my Ten on Tuesday list of ways to have enjoyable meetings, It's a Crafty Life style.
- Serve refreshments - I know many of us are trying to watch our weight, but a plate of homemade cookies show how much I appreciate everyone's attendance and support.
- Be friendly - A little chit chat helps people feel comfortable and builds a personal connection.
- Stay focused - While a little chit chat is good, no one wants to spend an extra hour at a meeting listening to me go on about my favorite hobby (unless your meeting is about your favorite hobby).
- Be enthusiastic - To me this goes along with being friendly.
- See the purpose - I'm giving up time with my family for something important.
- Delegate - Not only does this lighten my load, it helps others enjoy the meeting more because they are involved.
- Be compassionate - I avoid asking any one to do any thing I'm not willing to do. I also try to be aware of the situation and not add more than they can manage.
- Listen - Listening is tied into so many other steps. I can't build a connection or understand your situation if I don't listen.
- Be teachable - Usually the purpose of a meeting is to work together, not just to receive assignments. I'm more willing to work when I feel my opinions and experience are appreciated.
- Say thank you - Everyone wants to be appreciated. I try to show my appreciation repeatedly.
Now I'm not saying I'm into going to a meeting just for the fun of going to a meeting, but I might as well make the best of it. What makes a meeting good for you?
Our lesson was a review of our Love One Another chart from Easter Week. I love to see all the acts of service that happen in our house!
For our activity, we made Mother's Day cards and gifts.
The treat was homemade ice cream. It was a simple recipe from a friend that turned out so good! Thanks Jill!
As we heard in General Conference, the Welfare Program is now 75 years old. In it's honor, we had a lesson on Church Welfare. We talked about how the official program started in 1936, welfare has always been a part of the church. The official program led to Deseret Industries, church farms and canneries, and most recently Helping Hands. One source was the talk "Principles and Programs" by Glenn L. Pace. The adults shared their experiences with the various parts of the Welfare Program.
We played Apples to Apples Jr. for our activity again. What can I say? It's a family favorite.
Our treat was Oven Smores. They were super easy! There are several versions on the internet, but we simplified them. We lined a cookie sheet with foil, placed the appropriate number of graham cracker squares on top. Then placed two Hershey squares of chocolate and a large marshmallow on top of the graham crackers. Broil for few minutes until the marshmallow is golden. Take out of the oven and place the graham cracker lid on top of your gooey goodness.
In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas celebration, I had an encounter with someone where I felt unjustly attacked but I also knew that I offended the other person, even thought I wasn't sure what I did. Talking to a friend who witnessed the exchange, she very nicely told me that I did sound snippy at the start of the conversation with the other person.
That immediately changed my perspective. I knew I was stressed and grumpy, but I thought I'd done a decent job putting it aside to do what was needed. My friend's words changed my perspective of the situation, and because of that change I was able to sincerely apologize.
The more I thought about my friend's words, the more I wondered if I would have the courage to tell any of my friends they were wrong. There's not many people I trust to tell me something like that, especially not with kindness. Would my friends trust me to tell them the truth they don't want to hear? When I offer suggestions for improvement, does the love I have for that person come through?
At Wood Badge, we learned that feedback is a gift - it needs to presented as a gift (spoken with love) and received as a gift (with an open heart). Another life lesson put to the test by real life!
While not a typical Christmas story, our lesson about the Good Samaritan fits well with the Christmas season. It's a story of kindness, compassion and service. Isn't that what Christmas is supposed to be about? I don't know about you, but this year I'm struggling to keep the excitement and joy of the season in my heart. That's why I especially appreciated reading the parable of the Good Samaritan. After we read the story, the snowflake ornament Grandma sent last Christmas was pulled out and is currently floating around the house with many simple good deeds.
Our activity was decorating the Christmas tree - and the banister. I think my tree is shrinking; it can't seem to hold as many ornaments as last year! When I worked in the Christmas department at Macy's before we had children, we were trained how to load the branches with more ornaments than seemed humanly possible. Next year, I'll have to train my kiddos to do the same to fit all our precious ornaments on the tree - and the banister.
We enjoyed some Christmas fudge for our treat. I love the recipe on the marshmallow cream label!
I heard about this sweet card drive at Ling's Design Studio to bring a little cheer to the elderly this Christmas last week. There's over a week to get any Thanksgiving or Christmas cards you would like to donate sent off.
Or look into nursing homes in your area and send them a few signed cards to pass on to their residents who need it most.
