Young Women's Lesson #35 - Wise Choices

Introduction to Lesson
Post Cookie Recipe in the Room – for everyone to see the directions.

Bring Kitchen Aid and Ingredients to Make Cookies.
Show them that I should follow the recipe as is instructed
But I was running late today and didn’t have time to go shopping this weekend, so I brought what I had and I think I know how to make this recipe better anyway, so I am just going to do it my way and not follow the directions.

No brown sugar – molasses (to make it darker – use a lot)
Butter – Crisco
Flour
Sugar
Pepper instead of Salt
Eggs with the shells
Chocolate chips
Use only approximations for the measurements.

WHAT DO YOU THINK – SHOULD WE BAKE THESE COOKIES? (have the girls look at the batter.)

Over Cookie recipe hang another recipe – God’s Recipe for Happiness. – JUST LIKE THE COOKIE RECEIPE – GOD HAS GIVEN US A RECIPE TO FOLLOW TO BE HAPPY. NOW WE CAN CHOOSE TO OBEY THIS RECIPE OR DO IT OUR OWN WAY – BUT OUR LIVES COULD END UP JUST LIKE THE BATTER FOR THOSE COOKIES.

GOD'S RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS
2 parts – daily prayer
10 parts – obedience to commandments
1 part – church attendance
100 parts – Chastity
100% pure – obedience to parents
0 cups - caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and drugs
Pinch of charity, service and integrity
Sprinkle with love

Mix all ingredients together with 10-30 minutes of scripture study and daily seminar attendance.

LESSON: Just like this cookie recipe – God has given us a recipe to follow in this life to help us out and for us to be happy. (read some of the items). But HE HAS ALSO GIVEN US FREE AGENCY TO DECIDE FOR OURSELVES HOW WELL WE WANT TO FOLLOW HIS RECIPE IN OUR LIVES.

We can choose to follow GOD’S RECIPE (HIS commandments) and make correct decisions and receive more happiness in life (have edible cookies). Or we can NOT FOLLOW GOD’s RECIPE (disobey HIS commandments) and make incorrect decisions which results in hardship, hard lessons to learn and nothing to show for it (non-edible cookies).

MOST DECISION IN LIFE REQUIRE A CHOICE AND YOU HAVE TWO OUTCOMES –

MY CHOICE – TO MAKE COOKIES:
OUTCOME 1: Disobey the cookie Recipe - I ended up with horrible cookies – one I couldn’t eat and a waste of time and effort and money. It could have been much easier if I had obeyed the recipe.

OUTCOME 2: Follow the cookie Recipe – and ended up with good edible cookies (WHICH I WILL BRING NEXT WEEK BECAUSE IT IS FAST SUNDAY). The recipe was created to help me make good edible cookies in the end. I would have saved myself time, money and been much happier in the end.

QUESTIONS
• What are some choices between good and evil that you must make every day?
• What consequences could result from making a wrong choice in each of the areas listed on the chalkboard? Write the young women’s answers on the chalkboard as shown.
• What blessings would you receive if you made the right choices?


God has given us commandments and the ability to know right from wrong. You and only you, get to choose what actions you will take in life. If you choose to do good, God will reward you with blessings. (with edible cookies).
If you choose incorrectly, there will be consequences to your actions. You might feel lousy, you might feel guilty or things might be taken away from you or you might have to delay your progression because of those wrong choices (non-edible cookies).

SCRIPTURAL EXAMPLE: Joseph and Potipher’s wife.
Genesis 39:6-8
Genesis 39:10-12

The wife took the garment that Joseph left behind as he was trying to escape this vixen and she used it to lay a trap so that it would look like he was there to hurt her instead of her trying to seduce him. So, when her husband came home, she told him that Joseph had been there and tried to hurt her and showed him the garment as proof. The efforts of Potiphar’s wife to tempt Joseph did not cease because he refused her once. She tempted him day after day, and he continued to resist her. Finally, in her anger and frustration, she accused Joseph of the very sin of which she was guilty. As a result, Joseph was put in prison.

Genesis 39:20-23
While Joseph was in prison he was given the power to interrupt dreams. And he eventually became so well known for it that he ended up interrupting the king’s dream.
Genesis 41:38-42
“But the Lord was with Joseph” because he chose to obey. Eventually, Joseph was released from prison and became a ruler over all of Egypt.

There are three things that you need to remember about Agency:
1) You need to have a KNOWLEDGE between good and bad. Now each of us have this knowledge because we are members of this church. We know about right and wrong through 1) baptism 2) families/parents 3) church 4) scriptures
2) It is our CHOICE – It is up to us to make our own choices, no one can do it for us – that is the great part of the Plan of Salvation. God gives us direction and help, but it is up to use to make the ultimate decision
3) There are REWARDS or CONSEQUENCES to our actions. While you are free to choose for yourself, you are not free to choose the consequences of your actions. God has established eternal laws and you will be rewarded or punished according to your actions. The consequences may not be immediate, but they will always follow, for good or bad.

Using the example of Joseph – his story shows the three elements of Agency-

1) Knowledge of good and evil – He was older so he knew good and evil. He had been taught the ways of the Lord by his father, so he knew God’s commandments.
2) Make choices: Because he knew God’s commandments –He choose not commit adultery
3) Outcome of his choice - Although the outcome wasn’t immediate – he was rewarded to become ruler over all of Egypt. God was bound by His own laws that he had to reward Joseph for his obedience to the commandments.

The ATONEMENT – Important thing to remember is that although you are responsible for your own actions – if you happen to make the wrong choice – we thankfully still have the power of repentance. The Atonement happened so that we could be forgiven of our mistakes and that no matter what our Heavenly Father will allow us to be forgiven of almost anything, if we work hard to repent, and not make the mistake again.

How wonderful it is to know that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that there he gave us rules/laws in this life to help us make the correct decisions, but also a back up plan that if we didn’t make the correct decisions, there is still away to be forgiven and we can still receive blessings and happiness if we choose to use the atonement in our lives and repent of our mistakes.

I gave them a handout of two recipe cards. One with God's recipe for Happiness and one for a real chocolate chip cookie recipe. I also gave them a handout the included quotes and the three elements of agency.

ANOTHER ANGLE TO TAKE:

FRUITS OF YOUR LABORS:
As you strive to make correct decision to life’s choices, your choices will show others around you the type of person you are. Your choices will bare certain fruits that will be visible for all to see. Will your decision bring froth good fruit or will it bring forth bad fruit?
Deciding what movie to watch or not watch? What activities you participate in on Sunday. How you dress? How you treat others at school or at church or even within your family? Even the language that comes out of your mouth. All of these are decisions that you make each day and every single decision you make bares a certain fruit (good or bad) and has a specific reward or punishment.
Those who are compliant with the Lord’s plan and exercise their free agency correctly will manifest the fruits of the gospel and set them apart as a beacon to all who are seeking for light and truth.
Matt. 7:15-20. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruits; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

Possible TAKE AWAY: Basket full of candy fruits (RUNTS) or Fruit snacks with a ribbon and a the “fruits of your labor” scripture tied to it.

You are responsible for the choices you make. You are a daughter of God with great strength. You have the ability to choose righteousness and happiness, no matter what your circumstances. You are also responsible for developing the abilities and talents Heavenly Father has given you. You are accountable to Him for what you do. Choose to do many good things of your own free will.

Soccer Girl

This fall Hannah is part of a soccer league. We thought this would be the perfect sport for her. She loves to run around and kicking a ball is just icing on the cake for her. She is part of a 3-6 yr. old league and the team name is Blue Angels. She is the smallest and youngest on the team. So, she has a hard time keeping up and doesn't get to kick the ball much in games, but she loves it nonetheless.

Her favorite part is drinking water from the cooler and the snacks after each game. She loves her pink soccer ball and is so proud that she doesn't use her hands. Every week, if they memorize a scripture they get a treat/candy from the refreshment stand. This week she is all ready. "Honor you father and mother". She is so cute in her soccer gear, that doesn't fit in the least.

Another Etsy find

This one I couldn't pass up. They are so cute and since I teach the young women now, I had to get it for them. I will have to figure out how I am going to use them, but whatever it is, it will be cute because of these labels. I actually purchased a lot of labels from Every Jot and Tittle. So cute and not too outrageously priced.

I think I need to invest in a letterpress. I am not sure how it works, but anything that is letterpressed is so darn cute!

ROP

It has been awhile since I posted some "random old photos". Although these aren't that old (just this summer). But thought I would post them before they get left behind.

These are pictures of the cousins on nana and papa's couch this summer. Enjoy!

Just think in another 20 years....

My dad sent me this picture. Can you believe it? 20 years ago, 1 GB hard drive looked like that and now 1 GB can be packaged into something the size of a stamp. That is crazy. Just think what we will be able to capture, share and create in another 20 years. That 1 GB card will look monsterous (if that is even possible).

A Sweet Bonding Moment

This morning I woke up from a horrible dream. I dreamt my daughter was lost in an airport and I couldn't find her. I searched everywhere and eventually after days of misery, my husband found her, but she wasn't the same. It was one of the dreams where you wake up feeling the emotion so vividly (which is the worst when it is a bad dream).

So, when it was time to get my daughter up, I went into her room and climbed into bed with her to wake her up. She slowly opened her eyes and smiled at me. She then cuddled up to me and we just laid there. Eventually, she said "Mommy, I missed you!" I of course said "I missed you too. I had a bad dream last night, that I lost you." Hannah then replied "Don't be sad" and cuddled up to me more.

Okay, I have to say, this was one of those moments that only happen in commercials or movies. I really was the best end to a bad dream and start of a new day... a true bonding moment between mommy and daughter.

(This is one of my favorite photos of us together, crazy to think how old she is now, just 1 year later).

Just as cute

To go along with the post the other day about cute cake stands. I found these adorable ones made by the same company (Department 56). They are pretty good at making cake stands... 2 more to add to my want-list.

Catching Up

This is the group of trees called The Senate

Like I said, last month was super busy and fun. So many things we did, that I have still to post and talk about. So, without further ado, we will start with the grandparents visit to our home. After three years away in Denmark, Chris' parents are home and they made the trek out here to see our place and visit. So, of course we took them to Sequoia National Park. We saw General Sherman again (the largest tree on earth) and walked the Congress Trail. We visited the Senate again, but this time several of the trees had been burned by lightning, so it just didn't look the same. One the way home, we saw the most beautiful sunset over the mountains. All shades of purple and blue with a layer of red, gold and pink. So, pretty. Unfortunately, the way my post has softened the colors of the picture, it doesn't do it justice. I have to say that Sequoia is one of my more favorite places to visit. (Almost worth the car sickness which happens every time).

Young Women's Lesson #34 - Standards

Holding Fast to Lord’s Standards #34

Object Lesson
I created a handout with quotes and two shapes --one is an hour glass,and it shows how restrictive the commandments can make you feel: Not lying, not stealing, staying pure etc (The hour glass gets narrower and narrower)--then the hour glass widens and it represents the benefits from doing all those things: Having a good job, friends who trust you, a solid relationship with a spouse etc., leading to Eternal Happiness.

The other shape is a diamond. This shows how doing whatever you want might make you feel free: Lying, smoking, Being lazy etc (The shape widens). Then the shape begins to narrow as you realize the fruits of your choices: Broken relationships, bad health, no one trust you etc., leading to Everlasting Misery.


Talked about how "For the Strength for the Youth" are modern day commandments given to the youth by the Lord. The youth are blessed to have these commandments spelled out for them so straight forward and clear as they live in this day and age. There is no questioning what the Lord expects from the youth.


Then we played FTSOY Jeopardy by Stacie Apache Junction, AZ Stake, to review those commandments and make sure they know what is expected of them.

I choose the questions and sections I wanted to focus on and elaborated/discussed after each question was answered.
For instance: I combined Piercing, dress and language into one category called "Body Language". And Media called "Movie, Music and More". Dating and Sexual Purity was combined under "Dating Rituals" and gospels basics under "Primary Answers".

How to keep ourselves safe and sound today (Camping with Bears Metaphor)
Keeping the Lord's Standards is like Camping with Bears

Elder Robert K Dalenbach spoke to the youth. He told them about how he likes to go fishing up in Alaska. They would camp out and fish for a week. Then he gave the youth some rules on survival while camping and fishing. He told them about the
Kodiak bear. It's the largest grizzly bear...when it stands, it is about 9 feet tall. It has massive paws with about 6-8 inch claws. It can pick little berries with them and not even bother the leaves. It's jaws are so big when it opens it's mouth, that it could fit your head in it easily. It can smell a package of bacon 10 miles away.

(I changed this a bit and shared a story from my Girls camp days when we camped with bears and our run in with a momma bear and her cubs.)

The way to survive while camping and avoid the bear are :
• Don't bring anything into camp that the bear wants (such as bacon)
• Keep your camp clean
• Know how to defend yourself
• Know where to get help when in trouble

If you are able to keep these rules in mind, usually you won't have any problems while you are camping. Then he told them it is like that in life.

The way to keep yourself safe and strong in the gospel are like the other rules:
• Don't bring anything into your life or mind that would invite Satan there
• Keep your mind clean (such as no profanity, R-rated shows, porn, etc)
• Know how to defend yourself against Satan and the world...(reading scriptures, attending church/temple, attend seminary, etc.)
• Know where to go for help (bishop, parents, seminary teacher, stake Pres.,)

Then I gave the girls each a little bear (Michaels $1.59) with a quote attached to it that read: "We promise that as you keep these standards and live by the truths in the scriptures, you will be able to do your life’s work with greater wisdom and skill and bear trials with greater courage." The First Presidency

I want, I want!

A few months back, I posted an entry about my love for cake stands. Okay, this is the ultimate cake stand by Department 56 (which I absolutely love too)! So, darn cute and fun... I mean wouldn't you love to walk into a party or get together and see goodies in the middle of the table on this adorable thing. It is a bit pricey, but look at it. I am in love and some day, hope to own it.

Go Diego Go

So much has been going on this last month, that I can't keep up with everything. But I had to share the fun time Hannah had at the live production of Go Diego Go. Hannah's cute friend had an extra ticket and invited her to come. When I told Hannah she jumped up and down (not really knowing what she was going to see, but it did have "diego" in it, so she knew it had to be good).

When she got home, everything was all about Diego. She was singing it all over the house and had to carry her Jaguar mask with her everywhere she went and asked to watch Diego constantly. So, needless to say, I think she had a great time. Here are some pictures of the event!

Thanks again Serenity and Heather!

Hannah Meets Mary Poppins & Others

Here are some pictures of Hannah meeting her favorite Disney characters. Her favorite by far was Mary Poppins. She was speechless and just stood there staring at her. She also loved Winnie the Pooh too. She ran up and gave Minnie a big hug around her legs. Hannah didn't meet any princesses face to face, but several of them blew her kisses and she participated in the Princess Coronation ceremony. She kept asking me "where is Daisy Duck?" and that "we have to go find her". (I was informed by a Disney insider that Daisy Duck doesn't make public appearances, which is too bad). Truly a magical experience to watch your child interact and fall in love with this place!

Mommy Must Haves

A friend of mine is having a baby in a few months and we were talking about products that were must-haves. She wanted to know what mine were... so I thought I would post them here too. I get comments on all these products wherever I go. They defintely made having my last baby, a whole lot easier!

1. Lexie Barnes. This diaper bag is awesome. It is roomy, stylish and last weekend carried about 20 lbs. of stuff. It is big without feeling big.

2. Bumble Bag Car Seat Cover. Most carseats are pretty plain and boring. This car seat cover is so delicate and cute and make lugging a car seat around a little bit more fun. Everyone comments on this. It is so easy to take off and throw in the washing machine, so keeping the old car seat cover clean.

3. BeBe Au Lait. I wish I had this the first time around with Hannah. With as much breastfeeding I do in public places, this cover makes it so easy and non-stressful. I am completely covered at all times and I look cute doing it. I never worry about something popping out or my baby getting too hot, because the fabric is light and airy

NOTE: These items are somewhat expensive I know. But they are worth it and if search ebay, you can probably get them 50%, that is what I did. (except the diaper bag, that was my Christmas present last year).

Photo Heaven

Our trip to Southern Cali was so much fun. We went to Sea World, Newport Beach and 2 1/2 days at Disneyland and California Adventure. Sea World was tons of fun as we ran from one show to the other. We then went to downtown for a great seafood dinner on the bay. The next day we spent at the beach. The other Williams family knew how to do it right. We had a canopy, tons of food, sand toys and tons of sunscreen. The kids just played and played in the sun all day long while the adults played and relaxed in the shade.

Disneyland was as much fun as I thought it would be. We are going through Disney withdrawls. Hannah loved everything about it. It took a day to get used to the rides, but after that she wanted to go on everything. She loved meeting the characters! She got to meet Winnie the Pooh, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and her favorite Mary Poppins. She exchanged blowing kisses with Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Jasmine.

Some of our favorite things we did were: the Aladdin Musical, the fireworks show, the parade down main street. Astro Blaster, Fantasmic and Disney fudge! Hannah favorite rides were Winnie the Pooh and Astro Blaster (Buzz Lightyear). She couldn't get enough of those rides.

I have to say Disneyland is a photography haven. So many colors and so much to look at... so here are some of the pictures I took out and about at Disneyland.