What a wonderful conference we had this month. There were so many great talks. If you want to read, listen to, or watch any of them, click HERE to go to lds.org. Here are the highlights:
Monday, October 24, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
If you only read ONE story this year...
then this would be it. "We Must See Past What it Seems" is an incredible message that the world should read. It will change the way you see things. It will change the way you do things. It will change YOU. And all for the better. Read it. Please. Today.
We Must See Past What it Seems...
Monday, August 22, 2011
Fathers Day Ideas
Fathers Day is fast approaching here (1st Sunday in September) and I have a husband who doesn't really need or want much. Now usually this is a good thing, but come birthdays and Fathers Days, it makes it awfully hard to find something to give him, or do for him. On browsing the net this week I found several pretty cool ideas I thought I would share. Surely I'm not the only one wondering what the kids and I should do for Fathers Day?
First up I found this interview. So easy to print out and have the kids fill in. If you don't have a printer, just copy the questions onto a piece of paper. For real young kids ask them each question, then write the answer yourself.
Click HERE to go to the Simply Montessori Blog to download.
Allison has a different interview on her blog which allows space for the kids to draw a picture too. I really like that idea. It'd be cool to make it a tradition every Fathers Day. Collect the interviews and put them in a binder, then each year you can see how much they've grown up.
Click HERE to go to Allison's blog for the download.
Click HERE to find the download link for these free cards from Ana (and more fathers day printables).
I love this hand tree. So easy for the kids to do:
And this little gift is super easy to do. Print out the tag and attach to a packet of M&Ms. Go HERE to download the tag.
The following list of ideas I found on The Red Headed Hostess' blog. She is also a Seminary teacher, and has lots of fantastic information and ideas for scripture study. Just check her sidebar for links. Here are her 9 fun ideas for Fathers Day. I just love number 8:
1. Sticky Note Love
Have your kids write things they love about their dad on sticky notes. Put them up all over the house, in his pockets, car, etc…
2. Daddy Photos
Dress up your kids in their dad’s clothes. Take them outside and take pictures of them. Print your favorite ones and frame them for his desk at home or work.
3. Daddy Books
Have your children each make a picture book about their dad. Each page can have a sentence about him along with an illustration. Things like:
My dad is always ________________
I like it when me and dad _________________
When I grow up I want to be ______________ like my dad
My dad is really good at ________________
Staple them together and have them make a cover page and come up with a fun title.
4. Me and Dad… Our History
Same as the idea above – but instead have it just about this past year. That way you could make a new book every year and it is a little family history. For example:
Last summer Dad and I ________________
Dad always helps me with my homework in ________________
Its really important to Dad that I _________________
One of the best things Dad and I have done this year is ______________
Every night Dad and I _________________
Last Christmas I gave Dad _______________
5. Our Treasures (hunt) With Dad
Send him on a treasure hunt around the house and yard. Each clue could be something about him and that location written by different family members. For example:
We built this together last summer. - Tim
This is where we like to sit and talk. -Mom
This is where you picked me up when I fell on my bike. -Sara
6. Driveway Love
Have your kids write things they like about their Dad all over the driveway so that everyone in the neighborhood can read them
7. Father’s Day Sign
Have your kids make a Happy Father’s Day sign similar to this Happy Birthday sign. Here is the lettering: happy fathers day sign
8. Paper Bag Mystery
Have everyone find one item that reminds them of Dad in some significant way and have them all put it in one large paper bag. Have Dad reach in, and before pulling it out, try and guess what it is and who put it in there. Then after he pulls it out then the person who put it in can tell why they chose that item and what it means to them.
9. Pictionary
Play Pictionary with memories of Dad. So divide into 2 teams, then each team has to write 10 to 20 memories of Dad. Like: When Dad and Tim mowed Mr. Smith’s lawn when he had surgery. Then the other team has to draw them as you play pictionary. So each team has 1 minute to try and draw as many as they can until the next team gets to to. The first team to draw and guess them all first, wins.
LOVE LETTER BOOK
Next up is a gift idea that would be more from you than from the kids. Perfect for his birthday or Christmas too. It's a love letter book. This is what Heather Lynne says to do:
1. Search the stores for the most masculine journal/notebook you can find
2. Write your first love note. It can be the same sort of note you might write in a card or something a little more lengthy.
3. Give him the book as a gift, and explain that the pages will be filled (by you) over time.
4. Every time you notice something great that you love about your husband, get out the book and write a dated note to him. Don't tell him when you've written them. Just let him find them next time he looks in the book.
5. Next time there's a special occasion, instead of buying him a card, just get out the book and write in that instead. If there are past notes in there that he hasn't seen yet, he'll see them when he re-receives the book for that occasion.
Bonus: No more cards from random occasions to stash in a shoebox somewhere or add more clutter to your home. All of your meaningful notes will be contained in one small and accessible place- yay!
I (Jacinda) did this for my husband on our 11th anniversary in April. He loved it. And I loved the idea of a record of our love. You can tell your husband he's welcome to write his own love notes to you in there too, or it can just be one way, from you to him.
SUPER HERO NOSH
Here's a fabulous idea from Alpha Mom, with free printables so all the hard work is done. Surely every Dad is a superhero to their kids, yes? I (Jacinda) did this for my husbands birthday in May, from the kids and I. The kids were just as excited about it as he was. I bought some cellophane bags from the $2 shop to put everything in, but you could just as easily use zip lock bags too. I found the perfect size gift box at the same shop, and I was good to go. Here's how my box turned out:
HAPPY MEAL
OK, here's an idea from BAKERELLA for those that are good in the kitchen. (That isn't me by the way).
Look closer. The bun is a cupcake cut in half and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The meat pattie is actually a brownie, the lettuce and sauces are icing, and the chips are actually sugar cookies rolled in sugar! How cute is that! Go to Bakerella's site for instructions, and to download the template to the tray and chip packet.
So.....what do you reckon? Think there's something there that you could use this Fathers Day? I'm definitely using a couple of them, and I know the kids will be excited to do the interviews and draw a picture at the very least. Whatever you decide to do, I hope it's successful and that your Fathers Day celebrations are full of love and joy.
First up I found this interview. So easy to print out and have the kids fill in. If you don't have a printer, just copy the questions onto a piece of paper. For real young kids ask them each question, then write the answer yourself.
Click HERE to go to the Simply Montessori Blog to download.
Allison has a different interview on her blog which allows space for the kids to draw a picture too. I really like that idea. It'd be cool to make it a tradition every Fathers Day. Collect the interviews and put them in a binder, then each year you can see how much they've grown up.
Click HERE to go to Allison's blog for the download.
Click HERE to find the download link for these free cards from Ana (and more fathers day printables).
I love this hand tree. So easy for the kids to do:
And this little gift is super easy to do. Print out the tag and attach to a packet of M&Ms. Go HERE to download the tag.
The following list of ideas I found on The Red Headed Hostess' blog. She is also a Seminary teacher, and has lots of fantastic information and ideas for scripture study. Just check her sidebar for links. Here are her 9 fun ideas for Fathers Day. I just love number 8:
1. Sticky Note Love
Have your kids write things they love about their dad on sticky notes. Put them up all over the house, in his pockets, car, etc…
2. Daddy Photos
Dress up your kids in their dad’s clothes. Take them outside and take pictures of them. Print your favorite ones and frame them for his desk at home or work.
3. Daddy Books
Have your children each make a picture book about their dad. Each page can have a sentence about him along with an illustration. Things like:
My dad is always ________________
I like it when me and dad _________________
When I grow up I want to be ______________ like my dad
My dad is really good at ________________
Staple them together and have them make a cover page and come up with a fun title.
4. Me and Dad… Our History
Same as the idea above – but instead have it just about this past year. That way you could make a new book every year and it is a little family history. For example:
Last summer Dad and I ________________
Dad always helps me with my homework in ________________
Its really important to Dad that I _________________
One of the best things Dad and I have done this year is ______________
Every night Dad and I _________________
Last Christmas I gave Dad _______________
5. Our Treasures (hunt) With Dad
Send him on a treasure hunt around the house and yard. Each clue could be something about him and that location written by different family members. For example:
We built this together last summer. - Tim
This is where we like to sit and talk. -Mom
This is where you picked me up when I fell on my bike. -Sara
6. Driveway Love
Have your kids write things they like about their Dad all over the driveway so that everyone in the neighborhood can read them
7. Father’s Day Sign
Have your kids make a Happy Father’s Day sign similar to this Happy Birthday sign. Here is the lettering: happy fathers day sign
8. Paper Bag Mystery
Have everyone find one item that reminds them of Dad in some significant way and have them all put it in one large paper bag. Have Dad reach in, and before pulling it out, try and guess what it is and who put it in there. Then after he pulls it out then the person who put it in can tell why they chose that item and what it means to them.
9. Pictionary
Play Pictionary with memories of Dad. So divide into 2 teams, then each team has to write 10 to 20 memories of Dad. Like: When Dad and Tim mowed Mr. Smith’s lawn when he had surgery. Then the other team has to draw them as you play pictionary. So each team has 1 minute to try and draw as many as they can until the next team gets to to. The first team to draw and guess them all first, wins.
LOVE LETTER BOOK
Next up is a gift idea that would be more from you than from the kids. Perfect for his birthday or Christmas too. It's a love letter book. This is what Heather Lynne says to do:
1. Search the stores for the most masculine journal/notebook you can find
2. Write your first love note. It can be the same sort of note you might write in a card or something a little more lengthy.
3. Give him the book as a gift, and explain that the pages will be filled (by you) over time.
4. Every time you notice something great that you love about your husband, get out the book and write a dated note to him. Don't tell him when you've written them. Just let him find them next time he looks in the book.
5. Next time there's a special occasion, instead of buying him a card, just get out the book and write in that instead. If there are past notes in there that he hasn't seen yet, he'll see them when he re-receives the book for that occasion.
Bonus: No more cards from random occasions to stash in a shoebox somewhere or add more clutter to your home. All of your meaningful notes will be contained in one small and accessible place- yay!
I (Jacinda) did this for my husband on our 11th anniversary in April. He loved it. And I loved the idea of a record of our love. You can tell your husband he's welcome to write his own love notes to you in there too, or it can just be one way, from you to him.
SUPER HERO NOSH
Here's a fabulous idea from Alpha Mom, with free printables so all the hard work is done. Surely every Dad is a superhero to their kids, yes? I (Jacinda) did this for my husbands birthday in May, from the kids and I. The kids were just as excited about it as he was. I bought some cellophane bags from the $2 shop to put everything in, but you could just as easily use zip lock bags too. I found the perfect size gift box at the same shop, and I was good to go. Here's how my box turned out:
HAPPY MEAL
OK, here's an idea from BAKERELLA for those that are good in the kitchen. (That isn't me by the way).
Look closer. The bun is a cupcake cut in half and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The meat pattie is actually a brownie, the lettuce and sauces are icing, and the chips are actually sugar cookies rolled in sugar! How cute is that! Go to Bakerella's site for instructions, and to download the template to the tray and chip packet.
So.....what do you reckon? Think there's something there that you could use this Fathers Day? I'm definitely using a couple of them, and I know the kids will be excited to do the interviews and draw a picture at the very least. Whatever you decide to do, I hope it's successful and that your Fathers Day celebrations are full of love and joy.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Walk with gratitude
“Walk with gratitude in your hearts, my dear friends. Be thankful for the wonderful blessings that are yours. Be grateful for the tremendous opportunities that you have. Be thankful to your parents who care so very much about you and who have worked so very hard to provide for you. Let them know that you are grateful. Say thank you to your mother and father. Say thanks you to your friends. Say thank you to your teachers. Express appreciation to everyone who does you a favor or assists you in any way.”
“Thank the Lord for His goodness to you. Thank the Almighty for His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who has done for you what no other in all this world could do. Thanks Him for His great example, for His tremendous teachings, for His reaching hand to lift and help. Thank the Lord for His marvelous Church restored in this great season of history. Thank Him for all that it offers you. Thank Him for friends and loved ones, for parents and brothers and sisters, and family. Thank Him for a strong body, for a sound mind, for teachers who guide you and mentors who take a special interest in you, for those willing to coach you and help you develop new talents or become better at something you love."
"Thank Him that you live in a land of freedom, where you can come and go as you please and make choices that suit you. Thank Him that you live in a time of relative prosperity. Thank Him for the advances in communication that allow you to stay close to those you love and interact with. Thank Him for the ease of travel and the privilege of getting an education. And even thank Him for your struggles, for they will make you strong if you will let them.”
Gordon B Hinkley
Saturday, May 14, 2011
For our Youth
A little something for our Young Women today. Listen to the words. Really listen. Hear what he's saying...
And a message all young women should hear.
I love this story. How wonderful the world would be if all the youth did a good deed instead of a prank.
And a message all young women should hear.
I love this story. How wonderful the world would be if all the youth did a good deed instead of a prank.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Photo evidence of a great night in
We had an awesome turnout to our Relief Society Birthday Party. The Activity Committee did a great job organising the evening, and I could see everyone had a wonderful time. I think next time we have a quiz evening everyone is going to be clamouring to be on Sister Tipene's team. Hidden talents there ay Leslie! Talk about quick on the draw. I maybe answered 2 questions the whole night, and even then, it was 4.5 seconds AFTER everyone else answered. LOL. I choose to believe my talents lie in other areas. ;D
A Relief Society gathering wouldn't be complete without supper now would it? For the birthday celebration everyone brought a dessert type dish to share, and as you can see, it was absolutely delicious.
Our next activity is on April 12th, at 7pm. It's going to be a wearable arts night, and you all are going to get the chance to channel the designer within. Bring along recyclable, reusable products from home (paper, plastic, etc) to make your outfit with, and be prepared for another evening of fun and sisterhood. Bring your friends along, and a finger food supper plate to share. See you there.
A Relief Society gathering wouldn't be complete without supper now would it? For the birthday celebration everyone brought a dessert type dish to share, and as you can see, it was absolutely delicious.
Our next activity is on April 12th, at 7pm. It's going to be a wearable arts night, and you all are going to get the chance to channel the designer within. Bring along recyclable, reusable products from home (paper, plastic, etc) to make your outfit with, and be prepared for another evening of fun and sisterhood. Bring your friends along, and a finger food supper plate to share. See you there.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Relief Society 169th Birthday
It's a milestone. You can't NOT celebrate it right? It's 169 years since the Relief Society was formed, and that's reason enough for us to celebrate this wonderful organisation. Come along on to the chapel on Tuesday 15th March, ready to start the fun at 6.30pm sharp. Click on the image below for an enlarged view.
We'll start with a bit of Relief Society History first, then move on to a game show/trivia night activity. (You might just want to take note of the history lesson by the way - later in the night they may just pop up in the trivia questions). It's going to be a lot of fun, and don't worry if you don't know much church history, we're going to work in teams, and there are other non-church categories too.
We'll end the evening with a dessert style supper and cake. If you could bring a dessert, pudding, cake, or fruit to share for supper, that would be fabulous. Please let your Visiting Teaching homes know about the activity too, and invite them along for the fun.
Dress for the activity is skirt/top or a dress. Please be on time, or you'll miss the info at the start, and you're going to need it for the trivia game later on.
We'll start with a bit of Relief Society History first, then move on to a game show/trivia night activity. (You might just want to take note of the history lesson by the way - later in the night they may just pop up in the trivia questions). It's going to be a lot of fun, and don't worry if you don't know much church history, we're going to work in teams, and there are other non-church categories too.
We'll end the evening with a dessert style supper and cake. If you could bring a dessert, pudding, cake, or fruit to share for supper, that would be fabulous. Please let your Visiting Teaching homes know about the activity too, and invite them along for the fun.
Dress for the activity is skirt/top or a dress. Please be on time, or you'll miss the info at the start, and you're going to need it for the trivia game later on.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Time Out For Women (TOFW)
Time Out For Women is coming to New Zealand in July. This is a fantastic opportunity to see and hear from some amazing LDS speakers and entertainers. They are having one show here in NZ before heading over to Australia. Here's an intro from the TOFW blog:
Choose to Become 2011 Tour
What if you had the chance to take a weekend to discover something new?
What if this was the year for you to make meaningful change?
You do. This is!
It’s the TIME OUT FOR WOMEN 2011 TOUR and it’s coming to a city near you. CHOOSE TO BECOME just a little closer to the woman you were meant to be—through your testimony, through your relationships, and through your personal improvement. Join us for an inspirational weekend of messages and music. We see a whole world of possibilities out there just waiting to be discovered…come find the ones waiting for YOU!
It is our hope that during this day filled with messages of inspiration from respected authors and music artists, you will learn, you will laugh, and your spirits and sights will be lifted. It is Deseret Book’s great pleasure to invite you to catch your breath, take a break from daily pressures, “huddle” with your sisters and friends, and feel rejuvenated for the days ahead.
We look forward to taking a Time Out with you!
Sheri Dew
President and Chief Executive Officer, Deseret Book Company"
This clip advertises their DVD, but it also gives you a glimpse of what TOFW is like:
NZ TOUR DETAILS
Auckland, NZ
Saturday, July 30, 2011
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Auckland Convention Center
ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
50 Mayoral Drive
Auckland CBD, AL 1010 NZ
See a list of the speakers HERE.
Pricing details HERE. If you book as a group of four before June 15th, you get a much cheaper price. Prices on their website are in American dollars.
Hillary Weeks is one of the speakers (I just love this woman, honestly), and she performed this song at one of their previous TOFW conferences:
So what do you think? Looks good huh? I'm going, as is my sister and probably my Mum. We think it's an opportunity to be uplifted and inspired like never before. It does cost a bit, but there is plenty of time to put away your pennies and save for it before June 15. After talking to my American friends, I really don't think anyone who has attended TOFW in the past has regretted it, in fact they all rave about it.
Promise me you'll think about it OK? Do something for YOU this year.....because you know you're worth it. :)
Choose to Become 2011 Tour
What if you had the chance to take a weekend to discover something new?
What if this was the year for you to make meaningful change?
You do. This is!
It’s the TIME OUT FOR WOMEN 2011 TOUR and it’s coming to a city near you. CHOOSE TO BECOME just a little closer to the woman you were meant to be—through your testimony, through your relationships, and through your personal improvement. Join us for an inspirational weekend of messages and music. We see a whole world of possibilities out there just waiting to be discovered…come find the ones waiting for YOU!
It is our hope that during this day filled with messages of inspiration from respected authors and music artists, you will learn, you will laugh, and your spirits and sights will be lifted. It is Deseret Book’s great pleasure to invite you to catch your breath, take a break from daily pressures, “huddle” with your sisters and friends, and feel rejuvenated for the days ahead.
We look forward to taking a Time Out with you!
Sheri Dew
President and Chief Executive Officer, Deseret Book Company"
This clip advertises their DVD, but it also gives you a glimpse of what TOFW is like:
NZ TOUR DETAILS
Auckland, NZ
Saturday, July 30, 2011
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Auckland Convention Center
ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
50 Mayoral Drive
Auckland CBD, AL 1010 NZ
See a list of the speakers HERE.
Pricing details HERE. If you book as a group of four before June 15th, you get a much cheaper price. Prices on their website are in American dollars.
Hillary Weeks is one of the speakers (I just love this woman, honestly), and she performed this song at one of their previous TOFW conferences:
So what do you think? Looks good huh? I'm going, as is my sister and probably my Mum. We think it's an opportunity to be uplifted and inspired like never before. It does cost a bit, but there is plenty of time to put away your pennies and save for it before June 15. After talking to my American friends, I really don't think anyone who has attended TOFW in the past has regretted it, in fact they all rave about it.
Promise me you'll think about it OK? Do something for YOU this year.....because you know you're worth it. :)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Hold onto your hats
You are going to be so glad you stopped by today - I have some fabulous finds to show you! I love to search the internet for ideas for visiting teaching, family home evening and church in general. This week I stumbled across Simply Fresh Designs, who offer free quiet book downloads for your primary children. I think some of them would be great for new converts too. Click on the headers to be taken to each download page with more information, and click on any photo to see it larger.
We Believe
A simple summary on each card about what we believe in.
Prophets and Apostles
This is an awesome quiet book. What better way for your child (and you) to learn about the prophet and apostles.
Here's a close up of two of the pages.
Book of Mormon Stories
I love this one. The book is 26 pages including the cover and includes the following stories:
Lehi fleeing Jerusalem, Lehi’s Dream, The Liahona, Enos Praying, Mormon Abridging the Plates, King Benjamin, Abinadi, Alma baptizing at the Waters of Mormon, conversion of Alma the Younger, Ammon, Anti-Nephi-Lehies, Moroni and the Title of Liberty, Two Thousand Young Warriors, Samuel the Lamanite, Christ appearing to the Nephites, Christ blessing the children, the Brother of Jared, Mormon & Moroni, and more.
For those in Primary, they have 2011 Primary Theme cards too. They're available in 5x7, 4x6, 3x4 and even poster size. The bigger the size, the more info on it:
How about some Article of Faith cards? They come in 3x4, 4x6 and 8x10 size:
*sigh* Now doesn't all that just make you happy? Makes me happy.Simply Fresh Designs has done such a wonderful job with all of these cards. I printed out a copy of each of these (less the Primary theme cards) at Harvey Normans this week, and slipped them into a 4x6 photo flipbook for my girls. Now during sacrament they can look through these and learn a little something along the way. I'm thinking they'll make great birthday presents to nephews and nieces too....
We Believe
A simple summary on each card about what we believe in.
Prophets and Apostles
This is an awesome quiet book. What better way for your child (and you) to learn about the prophet and apostles.
Here's a close up of two of the pages.
Book of Mormon Stories
I love this one. The book is 26 pages including the cover and includes the following stories:
Lehi fleeing Jerusalem, Lehi’s Dream, The Liahona, Enos Praying, Mormon Abridging the Plates, King Benjamin, Abinadi, Alma baptizing at the Waters of Mormon, conversion of Alma the Younger, Ammon, Anti-Nephi-Lehies, Moroni and the Title of Liberty, Two Thousand Young Warriors, Samuel the Lamanite, Christ appearing to the Nephites, Christ blessing the children, the Brother of Jared, Mormon & Moroni, and more.
For those in Primary, they have 2011 Primary Theme cards too. They're available in 5x7, 4x6, 3x4 and even poster size. The bigger the size, the more info on it:
How about some Article of Faith cards? They come in 3x4, 4x6 and 8x10 size:
*sigh* Now doesn't all that just make you happy? Makes me happy.Simply Fresh Designs has done such a wonderful job with all of these cards. I printed out a copy of each of these (less the Primary theme cards) at Harvey Normans this week, and slipped them into a 4x6 photo flipbook for my girls. Now during sacrament they can look through these and learn a little something along the way. I'm thinking they'll make great birthday presents to nephews and nieces too....
Saturday, January 29, 2011
2011 already?!
I must apologize for not keeping this blog updated more. Life always gets hectic around Christmas/New Years, and I've not had time to post new things on the site. I will be better about it this year I promise.
2011 brings us a new Relief Society Presidency for Mountfort Ward. Sister Maara Mata is our new President, with Sister Priscilla Pei 1st Counselor, and Sister Opal Higgins 2nd Counselor. I'm still the Secretary (yay!) and we're all excited to be serving the Lord and the sisters of Mountfort Ward.
We have had a lot of new sisters join our ward in the last couple of months. Welcome to each and every one of you - we're excited to have you with us, and look forward to getting to know you better.
It is time once again for Visiting Teaching Interviews. We will do this at the chapel over two evenings: Tuesday 15th and Tuesday 22nd February 2011, starting at 6pm. Look out at church for a signup sheet and put your name down early so you get the time you want.
Our next activity will be on Saturday February 12th, from 6pm to 7.30pm. It's going to be a fun evening where we get to know each other better. We've chosen to have this on a Saturday so the Primary and Young Women teachers can attend. We hope you all can make it. If you cannot find a sitter for your kids at home, the Young Women have kindly agreed to babysit in the nursery room at the chapel during our activity. Please arrive early enough to settle your kids in the nursery before the RS activity starts. Parents please bring a snack for your children.
As I browse the net each day I find some wonderfully uplifting articles and videos that I just can't help sharing. These are my favourites at the moment. Brother John Bytheway is the most AMAZING speaker. He keeps you enthralled throughout, and delivers his message in a wonderfully entertaining way:
And I'm not sure if I've posted this before, but this is my absolute favourite version of "Mary Did You Know". The visuals along with the music put me in Mary's position every time, and the emotion has me crying each and everytime I watch it. It's a powerful video, and quite authentic to how it must have been for Jesus on the Cross, and for Mary to be witnessing it all, so be aware it might be a little 'too real' for little kids.
Here's another version of "Mary Did You Know", this time sung by Clay Aitkin. I love this version too, and the visuals are a lot more kid friendly.
I can watch these over and over. If you've found a really beautiful church song on YouTube, send me an email, or leave a message in the comments here, and I'll link it up in a future post. Have a wonderful week sisters, and I will hopefully see you at our activity on Feb 12th.
2011 brings us a new Relief Society Presidency for Mountfort Ward. Sister Maara Mata is our new President, with Sister Priscilla Pei 1st Counselor, and Sister Opal Higgins 2nd Counselor. I'm still the Secretary (yay!) and we're all excited to be serving the Lord and the sisters of Mountfort Ward.
We have had a lot of new sisters join our ward in the last couple of months. Welcome to each and every one of you - we're excited to have you with us, and look forward to getting to know you better.
It is time once again for Visiting Teaching Interviews. We will do this at the chapel over two evenings: Tuesday 15th and Tuesday 22nd February 2011, starting at 6pm. Look out at church for a signup sheet and put your name down early so you get the time you want.
Our next activity will be on Saturday February 12th, from 6pm to 7.30pm. It's going to be a fun evening where we get to know each other better. We've chosen to have this on a Saturday so the Primary and Young Women teachers can attend. We hope you all can make it. If you cannot find a sitter for your kids at home, the Young Women have kindly agreed to babysit in the nursery room at the chapel during our activity. Please arrive early enough to settle your kids in the nursery before the RS activity starts. Parents please bring a snack for your children.
As I browse the net each day I find some wonderfully uplifting articles and videos that I just can't help sharing. These are my favourites at the moment. Brother John Bytheway is the most AMAZING speaker. He keeps you enthralled throughout, and delivers his message in a wonderfully entertaining way:
And I'm not sure if I've posted this before, but this is my absolute favourite version of "Mary Did You Know". The visuals along with the music put me in Mary's position every time, and the emotion has me crying each and everytime I watch it. It's a powerful video, and quite authentic to how it must have been for Jesus on the Cross, and for Mary to be witnessing it all, so be aware it might be a little 'too real' for little kids.
Here's another version of "Mary Did You Know", this time sung by Clay Aitkin. I love this version too, and the visuals are a lot more kid friendly.
I can watch these over and over. If you've found a really beautiful church song on YouTube, send me an email, or leave a message in the comments here, and I'll link it up in a future post. Have a wonderful week sisters, and I will hopefully see you at our activity on Feb 12th.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Visiting Teaching Gift Ideas
OK, to all those who didn't make it to our Relief Society Activity last night, you really missed out! We had a great time discovering new ideas for visiting teaching gifts, and came home with several projects we'd made over the course of the evening. (Along with full tummies from Make's delicious stirfry). It was wonderful to have Sister Pei join us too (welcome to our ward by the way). Lots of crafty talent this lady.
There are a lot of ready made resources on the internet in regards to visiting teaching, so I'm going to link you up to the ones we showcased last night. Here goes. Someone let me know if I miss any out:
SURVIVAL KIT. This is an awesome, inexpensive gift for your VT families. The items are generally ones you can find at home, and you can tailor the kit to suit any situation. We did the Scripture Survival Kit for a take home activity, but there are tons of other themes such as:
New Parent Survival Kit
Christmas Survival Kit
Day Care Provider Survival Kit
Getting Old Survival Kit
Hospital Survival Kit
Friendship Survival Kit
Birthday Survival Kit
and a ton more
ADVENT PAPER CHAINS. Oh I love this project. So easy to do too.A great idea for families with children.
There is a free download at this link all ready to cut out and put together.
"The links are numbered 1-25 and on each link is a different theme and scripture reference. Hang the chain with 25th link at the top and remove one link each day during December leading up to Christmas, using the scripture for family devotions and the theme as a focus for prayer. It's a handy way to count off the days until Christmas and learn more about the real meaning of the holiday. ~ Jim Elzerman"
Bookmarks. These are so easy to do. Pick a favourite scripture or quote, copy onto tall thin cardboard and decorate. These JESUS CHRIST BOOKMARKS are just beautiful, and can be downloaded from the Visiting Teaching Blog. They look great printed on photo paper so they're all glossy. I print mine at Harvey Normans, as either a 6x4 or 5x7 photo (make sure you select no cropping when printing):
WARM FUZZIES.
This is SUCH a cute project about service. Another way to present it is to fill a baby food jar with pom poms and attach the poem to it. The lady who designed this also put a neat “Nutritional Chart” on the back to help us calculate how many calories we can burn (aka warm fuzzy feelings) from serving others. Super cute.
M&M CHRISTMAS
My favourite visiting teaching gift at Christmas time. Attach the poem to a small bag of M&Ms and voila, one thoughtful, yummy, Christ centered gift all done. Here's the poem:
As you hold these candies in your hand
and turn them, you will see
The ‘M’ becomes a ‘W’,
An ‘E’, and then a ‘3′.
They tell the Christmas Story
I’m sure it’s one you know.
It took place in a stable
A long, long time ago.
The ‘E’ is for the East,
Where the star shone so bright.
The ‘M’ is for the Manger,
where the Baby Jesus slept at night.
The ‘3′ is for the Wise Men,
Bearing gifts, with which they came.
‘W’ is for Worship,
Hallelujah! Praise His Name!
So as you eat these candies
Or share them with a friend,
Remember the meaning of Christmas:
It’s a love that never ends.
Click HERE, to download my ready to print version (A4 sheet with 7 poems).
TIP JUNKIE has a ton of fabulous Christmas Printables - too many to list here, so just go check out her site and see what you can find.
GIFTS IN A JAR
RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES.
I liked this idea. Visit the website for the printable version and attach to a small packet of batteries.
SIMPLE POP-UP CARDS. Now we didn't have these last night, but how awesome would your sisters feel to receive a handmade card like this? You have to check these out. The cards are amazing, and range from simple to advanced, all with step-by-step instructions:
OK, there are more ideas which I'll post later. Check back as I add them to the bottom of this post.
There are a lot of ready made resources on the internet in regards to visiting teaching, so I'm going to link you up to the ones we showcased last night. Here goes. Someone let me know if I miss any out:
SURVIVAL KIT. This is an awesome, inexpensive gift for your VT families. The items are generally ones you can find at home, and you can tailor the kit to suit any situation. We did the Scripture Survival Kit for a take home activity, but there are tons of other themes such as:
New Parent Survival Kit
Christmas Survival Kit
Day Care Provider Survival Kit
Getting Old Survival Kit
Hospital Survival Kit
Friendship Survival Kit
Birthday Survival Kit
and a ton more
ADVENT PAPER CHAINS. Oh I love this project. So easy to do too.A great idea for families with children.
There is a free download at this link all ready to cut out and put together."The links are numbered 1-25 and on each link is a different theme and scripture reference. Hang the chain with 25th link at the top and remove one link each day during December leading up to Christmas, using the scripture for family devotions and the theme as a focus for prayer. It's a handy way to count off the days until Christmas and learn more about the real meaning of the holiday. ~ Jim Elzerman"
Bookmarks. These are so easy to do. Pick a favourite scripture or quote, copy onto tall thin cardboard and decorate. These JESUS CHRIST BOOKMARKS are just beautiful, and can be downloaded from the Visiting Teaching Blog. They look great printed on photo paper so they're all glossy. I print mine at Harvey Normans, as either a 6x4 or 5x7 photo (make sure you select no cropping when printing):
WARM FUZZIES.
This is SUCH a cute project about service. Another way to present it is to fill a baby food jar with pom poms and attach the poem to it. The lady who designed this also put a neat “Nutritional Chart” on the back to help us calculate how many calories we can burn (aka warm fuzzy feelings) from serving others. Super cute.
M&M CHRISTMAS
My favourite visiting teaching gift at Christmas time. Attach the poem to a small bag of M&Ms and voila, one thoughtful, yummy, Christ centered gift all done. Here's the poem:
As you hold these candies in your hand
and turn them, you will see
The ‘M’ becomes a ‘W’,
An ‘E’, and then a ‘3′.
They tell the Christmas Story
I’m sure it’s one you know.
It took place in a stable
A long, long time ago.
The ‘E’ is for the East,
Where the star shone so bright.
The ‘M’ is for the Manger,
where the Baby Jesus slept at night.
The ‘3′ is for the Wise Men,
Bearing gifts, with which they came.
‘W’ is for Worship,
Hallelujah! Praise His Name!
So as you eat these candies
Or share them with a friend,
Remember the meaning of Christmas:
It’s a love that never ends.
Click HERE, to download my ready to print version (A4 sheet with 7 poems).
TIP JUNKIE has a ton of fabulous Christmas Printables - too many to list here, so just go check out her site and see what you can find.
GIFTS IN A JAR
RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES.
I liked this idea. Visit the website for the printable version and attach to a small packet of batteries.
SIMPLE POP-UP CARDS. Now we didn't have these last night, but how awesome would your sisters feel to receive a handmade card like this? You have to check these out. The cards are amazing, and range from simple to advanced, all with step-by-step instructions:
OK, there are more ideas which I'll post later. Check back as I add them to the bottom of this post.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
General Conference
It's General Conference Weekend here. Are you going? 3pm and 6pm Saturday, 1pm and 4pm Sunday. If you're not able to attend one or all of the sessions, you can watch, read or listen to the talks on the LDS.org website HERE.
You might like to listen to these beautiful songs to lift your spirit too.
You might like to listen to these beautiful songs to lift your spirit too.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Are you ready for October?
I had a pile of announcements, calendars and notes on my desk with all the October activities on them. Not exactly the tidiest or best way to remember stuff, so I decided to get all organised and collate the information onto one sheet. I'm guessing I'm not the only one trying to keep track of all the church activities in October, so here you go . . . . our Mountfort Ward October Calendar.
3 Oct (Sunday)
General Relief Society Video Broadcast at our chapel at 6pm. The Stake will provide a supper afterwards.
8th Oct (Friday)
Our Relief Society Activity night starts promptly at 6.30pm. Dress tidy/casual. There's nothing like an earthquake in the South Island to get one motivated to sort out Emergency Kits and stuff!
If you have a 72hr kit already, please bring it along for show. Everyone packs theirs different and it's good to have a wide range for the sisters to be inspired by. Bring a snack bar or something you would have in your Emergency 72hr kit for your own supper. It's all about survival sisters!
We will have lots of handouts and information for you on the night, but if you want to start preparing your kits and family emergency plans in the mean time, see this site www.getthru.govt.nz.
9th Oct (Saturday)
General Conference Video sessions, 3pm and 6pm
10th Oct (Sunday)
General Conference Video sessions, 1pm and 4pm
15th Oct (Friday)
Reminder to RS and YW Presidencies about meeting with Sister Julie Beck (RS President) and Sister Mary Cook (1st Counselor YW Presidency) 15th October 6.30pm at Robertson Road Chapel.
22nd Oct (Friday)
Stake Ball 7.00pm to 11.30pm
Formal Dress; 14yrs and older
Rowandale Chapel
23rd Oct (Saturday) - Stake Conference
Priesthood Session 4pm
Evening Session 7pm to 9pm
Rowandale Chapel
24th Oct (Sunday) - Stake Conference
Morning Conference Session 10am to 12noon
Missionary Fireside 7pm
Rowandale Chapel
30th Oct (Saturday)
Justin Williams from American Idol is performing a free show at the new Manurewa Stake Centre as part of his NZ tour, at 7pm on the 30th of October, also featuring the Walmsley Family. Music from Justin's latest album "Familiar Strangers". They will be on the Good Morning TV show on Friday 22nd October any time after 9am. Click HERE for a bigger version of the poster.
30th Oct (Saturday)
Stake Temple Day. Note this is the 5th Saturday of the month, not the 4th as normal. This is due to our Stake Conference being conducted on our regular Temple Day.
31st Oct
No longer having a Stake Temple Fireside this day as noted in Stake Calendar. Has been rescheduled to 28th November.
3 Oct (Sunday)
General Relief Society Video Broadcast at our chapel at 6pm. The Stake will provide a supper afterwards.
8th Oct (Friday)
Our Relief Society Activity night starts promptly at 6.30pm. Dress tidy/casual. There's nothing like an earthquake in the South Island to get one motivated to sort out Emergency Kits and stuff!If you have a 72hr kit already, please bring it along for show. Everyone packs theirs different and it's good to have a wide range for the sisters to be inspired by. Bring a snack bar or something you would have in your Emergency 72hr kit for your own supper. It's all about survival sisters!
We will have lots of handouts and information for you on the night, but if you want to start preparing your kits and family emergency plans in the mean time, see this site www.getthru.govt.nz.
9th Oct (Saturday)
General Conference Video sessions, 3pm and 6pm
10th Oct (Sunday)
General Conference Video sessions, 1pm and 4pm
15th Oct (Friday)
Reminder to RS and YW Presidencies about meeting with Sister Julie Beck (RS President) and Sister Mary Cook (1st Counselor YW Presidency) 15th October 6.30pm at Robertson Road Chapel.
22nd Oct (Friday)
Stake Ball 7.00pm to 11.30pm
Formal Dress; 14yrs and older
Rowandale Chapel
23rd Oct (Saturday) - Stake Conference
Priesthood Session 4pm
Evening Session 7pm to 9pm
Rowandale Chapel
24th Oct (Sunday) - Stake Conference
Morning Conference Session 10am to 12noon
Missionary Fireside 7pm
Rowandale Chapel
30th Oct (Saturday)
Justin Williams from American Idol is performing a free show at the new Manurewa Stake Centre as part of his NZ tour, at 7pm on the 30th of October, also featuring the Walmsley Family. Music from Justin's latest album "Familiar Strangers". They will be on the Good Morning TV show on Friday 22nd October any time after 9am. Click HERE for a bigger version of the poster.30th Oct (Saturday)
Stake Temple Day. Note this is the 5th Saturday of the month, not the 4th as normal. This is due to our Stake Conference being conducted on our regular Temple Day.
31st Oct
No longer having a Stake Temple Fireside this day as noted in Stake Calendar. Has been rescheduled to 28th November.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Testing, testing, anyone still there?
Was May 24th really my last post?? SORRY! Life got pretty hectic for a while there. We had a great RS Activity last night with the talented Millie showing us how to do flower arranging. I learnt SO much, seriously. Millie has such a beautiful hand with flowers and I love seeing her arrangements at our meetings - she makes it look so easy. Akesa and Susan cooked up some scrumptious low budget dishes for our supper: Chicken noodle stirfry and Nachos. Mmmm.....it's been ages since I last had nachos.
We have our Relief Society Board Meeting on Thursday the 23rd of September. Anyone with a calling in Mountfort Ward Relief Society is invited to attend. (Teachers, Music, Piano, Visiting Teaching Supervisors, Compassionate Service, etc). We'll start with a Pot luck finger food type dinner followed by a little in-house training. It will be at Jacinda's house, starting at 7pm.
Now I just have to share this story I found this morning. With all the calamities going on around the world, this is one feel good story that I promise will warm your heart and maybe even bring out a few tears.
LIFE OF REILLY.
Amazing huh!
I got all motivated this week, what with the Christchurch Earthquakes and all, to finally get my 72 hr kit packed. My girls and I are all sorted, ready for whatever emergency may come, and it has given me great peace of mind just knowing those bags are there should I need them. I do have one or two little things to add (and a couple more bottles of water), so once that's done I'll take some photos and write up a 72hr post here on the blog for those that are interested. HOPEfully I'll have it all written up by the end of next week.
We have our Relief Society Board Meeting on Thursday the 23rd of September. Anyone with a calling in Mountfort Ward Relief Society is invited to attend. (Teachers, Music, Piano, Visiting Teaching Supervisors, Compassionate Service, etc). We'll start with a Pot luck finger food type dinner followed by a little in-house training. It will be at Jacinda's house, starting at 7pm.
Now I just have to share this story I found this morning. With all the calamities going on around the world, this is one feel good story that I promise will warm your heart and maybe even bring out a few tears.
LIFE OF REILLY.
Amazing huh!
I got all motivated this week, what with the Christchurch Earthquakes and all, to finally get my 72 hr kit packed. My girls and I are all sorted, ready for whatever emergency may come, and it has given me great peace of mind just knowing those bags are there should I need them. I do have one or two little things to add (and a couple more bottles of water), so once that's done I'll take some photos and write up a 72hr post here on the blog for those that are interested. HOPEfully I'll have it all written up by the end of next week.
Monday, May 24, 2010
12 year old prodigy
Sister Gallagher, our former RS President forwarded me this incredible story today. It is a CNN news article about a 12 year old prodigy who's paintings are inspired by visions from Heaven. Most remarkably, the girl grew up in an atheist home...
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Scriptures for Kids
If you have kids (or plan to have kids) there is a New Zealand website you really need to check out. It's called Scriptures 4 Kids, and is a fantastic resource for parents, children and the whole family. Here's some info from their website:
Mission
The mission of Scriptures 4 Kids is to provide parents with tools that will help them teach their children to love the scriptures and to help children gain a testimony of Jesus Christ.
Scriptures 4 Kids currently offers:
- 71 stories on 4 different reading levels including audio narration
- 71 original illustrations
- 71 thought provoking questions
- 71 coloring pages
- 71 original games that teach a gospel principle (2 games currently live, 30 to be released Summer 2010)
- 71 Family Home Evenings (released weekly)
Join the Daily Scripture Reading Challenge!
Scriptures 4 Kids is challenging children to read their scriptures every day, starting with one month. Oh, and we are not talking about Family Scripture Study (you are probably already doing that)! We want kids to learn the value of individual scripture study. But with Scriptures 4 Kids, individual scripture study is possible even if you are only three years old and even when mom is too busy to squeeze it in! Each month, extend the challenge for one more month and shoot for an entire year! Teach your children the importance of establishing habits while they are young. Help them to understand that if they start now with Scriptures 4 Kids, that someday they will be able to be partakers of the blessings that come with life long daily scripture study.
I love this site! There are Sacrament Activity Packs for Junior and Senior Primary kids, General Conference Activity Packs, Colouring Pages, Family Home Evening Lessons....and a ton of other resources. Go check them out. You can download everything for free, or make a voluntary donation if you like.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Follow the Prophet
Next weeks lesson (May 9th) is taken from Chapter 9 in the Gospel Principles Manual, entitled "Prophets of God". I found this inspiring talk by President Ezra Taft Benson on You Tube titled "Follow the Prophet". It's not the same lesson we'll get next week, but it is a wonderful complement to it, and I highly recommend you take a moment to sit....breathe....and listen.....
Wasn't that great!
On another note, the Relief Society is often called to help feed families-in-need in our ward. Since we don't have a Bishop's storehouse to use, we as a Presidency felt impressed upon to start a Relief Society store cupboard to use in emergencies. We humbly encourage each sister to bring one can of food to donate to the store cupboard each month. Just one can. It can be soup, baked beans, meat...whatever you like. By little things, great things happen. We hope this will help spread the responsibility for welfare among everyone, relieving the pressure off the same sisters who always respond to the call from our Bishop. Thank you so much.
Wasn't that great!
On another note, the Relief Society is often called to help feed families-in-need in our ward. Since we don't have a Bishop's storehouse to use, we as a Presidency felt impressed upon to start a Relief Society store cupboard to use in emergencies. We humbly encourage each sister to bring one can of food to donate to the store cupboard each month. Just one can. It can be soup, baked beans, meat...whatever you like. By little things, great things happen. We hope this will help spread the responsibility for welfare among everyone, relieving the pressure off the same sisters who always respond to the call from our Bishop. Thank you so much.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
March 2010 General Conference
Click the link below to go to the official Church Website for the transcripts of the March General Conference. You can read, watch or listen to all the talks.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
He Lives
Hi Sisters! Are you coming to our Relief Society activity on the 9th of April? Sister Talisa is going to give a fascinating talk on how we can use wheat, rice, milk powder, water, and salt and how we can store them too. I'm looking forward to this, as I'm only just starting my store cupboard. Storing food is one thing - actually knowing how to USE it is another.
After Sister Talisa's lesson, we're going to do a service project for our Primary. They need chair covers for the kids chairs, so they know which classes sit where. Sister Siteine is providing the pillowcases (but if you have some plain spare ones at home please do bring them too), and we will do the sewing and decorating. If you have a sewing machine at home please bring it along, as well as some thread and cutting scissors.
If you're not into sewing, please still come along and enjoy a night out with us. It's important that we continue to build friendships and get to know each other. We constantly have new sisters coming into our ward, so this is a good opportunity to get to know them in a casual environment.
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We wish these sisters a VERY happy birthday!
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