I love the Visiting Teaching message for January which focuses on Self Reliance. You are not surprised...are you? I hope you are having good discussions with your sisters and encouraging each other to look at all of your/their needs (social-emotional, education, food storage, spiritual, etc). January is a great time to take stock of what you have in these areas and make plans for what you may need to focus on for the upcoming year.
I came across this Family Home Evening Lesson that you may want to consider entitled FHE: Provident Living (written by Shauna Gibby): It comes from LDS Living Magazine and it even comes with a recipe for to make for the "treat" (which is Fry Bread....yum!).
Conference Talk: For more information on this topic read "Being Temperate in All Things," by Kent D. Watson, Ensign, Nov 2009, 38-39.
Thought: Security for our families comes from learning self-control, [and] avoiding the excesses of this world.
Kent D. Watson, "Being Temperate in All Things," Ensign, Nov 2009, 38-39.)
Song: "When We're Helping We're Happy" Children's Songbook, p. 198.
Scripture:
But behold, I trust that ye are not in a state of so much unbelief as were your brethren; I trust that ye are not lifted up in the pride of your hearts; yea, I trust that ye have not set your hearts upon riches and the vain things of the world; yea, I trust that you do not worship idols, but that ye do worship the true and the living God, and that ye look forward for the remission of your sins, with an everlasting faith, which is to come. (Alma 7:6)
Lesson:
Ask family members to think of their earthly possessions and choose what they would most like to take with them when they die and why. Discuss the following:
What can we take with us when we leave this earth? (D&C 130:18-19.)
Since we can take knowledge and intelligence with us, what should we be doing?
Empty all the money in your wallet or purse onto the floor or table. Ask someone to read 1 Timothy 6:7, 9-12, 17-21 aloud and then ask:
Why is the "love of money" evil? (Verse 10.)
Share President Gordon B. Hinckley's statement: "It is the love of money and the love of those things which money can buy which destroys us. We all need money to supply our needs. But it is the love of it which hurts us, which warps our values, which leads us away from spiritual things and fosters selfishness and greed." (Ensign, May 1997, 49.)
How can we stay focused on the Lord rather than on temptations, snares, and foolish, hurtful lusts which can accompany wealth? (See verses 11-12, 17-19; see Matthew 6:19-21.)
Whom does Paul say we can trust? (Verse 17.)
What does Paul suggest we be rich in? (Verse 18; see D&C 42:29-31.)
How does providing for the poor build a "good foundation . . . on eternal life"?
What should we do with our riches?
Make a plan to contribute to Church humanitarian efforts or in some other specific way bless those who are less fortunate.
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 263.)
Story:
(Bishop John H. Vandenberg)
My wife and I were married during the time of the depression. I had purchased a new car, and it was all paid for. I was employed; my salary was $125 per month. I remember bringing home my first check. My wife said, "It isn't very much, is it?" I replied, "No, but it will do." She said, "Yes, if we budget it." So we sat down and budgeted: $12.50 for tithing; $1.00 for fast offerings; $45 for rent; $40 for food, and additional amounts for utilities and clothing; and $10 in the savings account, for we presumed and anticipated that a child would come eventually. When we added it all up, the $125 was all allocated. I said to my wife, "It's all gone, and there isn't any left to buy gasoline for my car. What am I going to do?" She replied, "Sorry. I guess you'll have to walk."
So I walked back and forth to work. And the car stayed right in the garage for several months until I got a raise and could spare a little to buy gasoline. We've always managed to get along on my income, and I don't think we have ever had an unhappy moment over it, but rather, much satisfaction in coping with the situation. It isn't so much what you earn, but how you manage.
(Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 2, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1971].)
Activity:
Use the simple alphabet/number code (a=1, b=2, c=3, d=4, etc.) to decipher the following message from the Prophet.
Answer: We urge you to be modest in your expenditures (see The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances, Feb. 2007, 1)
Refreshment
Alice's Navajo Fry Bread
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups warm water
Shortening for deep-frying
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add water in small amounts, mixing between each addition. Knead dough till soft but not sticky. Cover and let stand 15 minutes. Pull off egg-sized balls and roll each into a round about 1/4 inch thick. Prick with fork 3 or 4 times to allow dough to puff up when it is fried. Deep-fry in hot fat in heavy skillet. Serve spread with jam, or sprinkled with powdered sugar or salt. Makes 16 to 20 rounds.
(Paula Julander and Joanne Milner, Utah State Fare, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1995], p. 37.)
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