Feasting on the Scriptures Young Women Activity

Are you looking for a way to teach the young women in your church group about feasting on the scriptures?  Here's an easy and fun lesson for your weeknight church young women activity to help the girls learn the importance of regular, in depth scripture study.

I have been put in charge of the young women in our church youth group.  That means I get to plan and prepare the weeknight young women activity each week.  Since our girls love to have any excuse to party and eat, I decided to have a lesson on feasting on the scriptures.

I found the base of this lesson on this Activities Day PJ party activity.  I tweaked it a little to suit my girls and my unruly personality when in front of the group.  The girls ended up having a good time, laughing and talking, and hopefully learning in a way that was fun.

I started by talking about the importance of breakfast.  Why it was the "most important meal of the day" and why we needed to eat each morning to help us get through the day.  We discussed what the girls at for breakfast and how they all ate different things, but how it helped them to get the energy they needed to face the day.

We then spent quite a while discussing the difference between feasting, snacking, nibbling, and looking at the menu.  There was a lot of talk about the differences, but we narrowed it down to the fact that feasting was an enjoyable activity that we took our time doing and loved, while snacking was done in a haphazard way, usually while we were doing other things and not paying attention to the fact that we were eating.  We compared it between Thanksgiving dinner and snacking after school.

Then I showed the girls two Reese's peanut butter cups that I had sitting on the table.  I showed them how yummy they looked.  The girls were drooling over them and pretty upset when I just shoved the first one in my mouth and tried to eat it as fast as I could. (I do say tried, because that was a lot harder than it should have been.)

When I was done eating it, I asked them if they thought I had enjoyed it.  Why did they think I didn't?  We concentrated on how fast I blew through it and how I didn't really get to savor it.  Then I ate the other Reese's more slowly.  I licked my fingers and enjoyed every bite very theatrically.  Then I asked if they thought I enjoyed that more? 

I compared my Reese's to the scriptures.  I asked how many of them had quickly read their scriptures this week to get the page or chapter done so they could go to sleep or do other things on their list. 

Then I asked the young women to pretend that they were going to die tomorrow.  I told them they could write a message to those they loved.  I asked what they would say.  While they were answering, I talked about the different things they said, such as giving instructions about their burial, saying goodbye to loved ones, and giving advice for things that were going to happen in the future.

As they told me their answers, I wrote them down on a piece of paper.  When each girl had told me what she wanted to say, I proceeded to rip the paper in half and tear up the bottom half and throw it on the ground.  I walked over and put the other half on the bookcase with other books and just left it there.  

The girls were pretty upset that I had treated their words so carelessly.

Then I asked them if they had done that to the words of the prophets in the scriptures.  How many of them had gone home from church on Sunday and put their scriptures on their book case and forgotten about them?  It was cool to see the realization click for the girls that what I had done to their words was what they were doing to the scriptures.  (It was probably the coolest part of the night for me.)

I then told them the scriptures had the words of the prophets who loved them.  The prophets were giving them advice on how to solve the problems of the last days.  We had to open the scriptures and read the advice.

Then I shared the Spiritual Directory Assistance print and told them I had a "cheat sheet" to help them through these problems.  I asked if any of them had ever felt disappointed in a friend?  Had any of them ever felt like they weren't loved?  Or had they ever felt overwhelmed by the problems in their life?

The scriptures had the cheat sheet to solve these problems, we just needed to open them up and savor the words to get the most out of them.

I challenged them to go home and read the scriptures this week while focusing on feasting on the scriptures.  I told them if they did this, they would enjoy them more and it would help them in their lives.  Plus, it would help them to check off "Choice and Accountability Value Experience 1" in their Personal Progress.

Then, since we had spent all the team talking about feasting on the scriptures, we needed to feast on some food.  So we enjoyed a Yogurt bar.

For the yogurt bar, I purchased some plain yogurt and filled the table with different toppings for them to add to the dessert.  I had strawberries, bananas, raspberries, sprinkles, Reese's pieces, nuts, and honey.

We had a good time while learning a lot about their girls (and their wishes for their funerals.)  I think they had an "Aha" moment or two in their, but we'll see if any of them actually follow through this week.

In case you want to try and complete this Feasting on the Scriptures Young Women Activity with your girls, here's my outline and the "cheat sheet" printable that I used.

Feasting on the Scriptures Young Women Activity Lesson

• What does breakfast mean?
• Break the Fast
• Why is it important to nourish our bodies daily?
• 2 Nephi 31:20  (feasted)
• Moroni 6:4  (nourished)
• What is the difference between
• feasting
• snacking
• nibbling
• looking at the menu
• Object Lesson:  
• Have two candies sitting on a nice plate on the table.  See how good they look?
• Shove one candy in mouth and swallow as fast as can
• Did I enjoy that?
• Why?
• East the second candy more slowly, savoring it, licking fingers
• Did I enjoy that?
• Which way did I enjoy most?
• Do we quickly get our scripture reading done, or do we savor it?
• Object Lesson:
• Pretend you knew you were going to die tomorrow and wanted to leave a message for your family.
• What would you say?
• Write down.
• When done, tear up paper, put on the bookcase and walk away, use as paperweight
• The prophets have important things we need to know to survive the problems of the last days on Earth.
• We need to feast on the scriptures to know our purpose and how to get through the problems.
• We have a Cheat Sheet in the scriptures
• Spiritual Directory Assistance Print
• Have you ever felt disappointed in a friend?
• Have you ever felt overwhelmed?
• Have you ever felt unloved?
• There is a cheat for that problem...in the scriptures.
• We need to feast upon the scriptures to help with problems
• Choice and Accountability Goal 1
• Read scriptures daily
• Feasted on scriptures, now we can feast on food
• Yogurt bar

Why Blogging is like a Cocktail Party

I sometimes feel like blogging is like a Cocktail party.  We all get "dressed up" and stand around talking about what we've been up to, laughing about our problems, and discussing our children before moving on to chat with the next blogger.

Now I admit, there's nothing wrong with that.  I just stink at it.

Source

I don't know if there is a "small talk"or a "lets talk about me" gene that I missed, but I definitely don't have it. So when my friend Pam from Pam's Party and Practical Tips asked me to be part of the "Tour of Blog Land," I admit I started to panic.  It's the same panic that hits when I'm asked to go to a Cocktail party where I have to sit and chat for hours.  It's bad.

Let me talk about my projects or what I create, and I can do with only a little problem.  But ask me to talk about me, and I freeze up.  So please bear with me as I try to introduce myself and not sound like complete imbecile today.

I started my blog back in 2010.  I had never read a blog before, nor really heard of them, but my friends all started one and wanted me to create one so we could stay connected.  So of course, I started a blog.  (Yea, but don't worry, I wouldn't jump off a bridge if all my friends were doing it...I'm afraid of heights.)

It wasn't until I threw an Alice in Wonderland birthday party for a dear friend's daughter, that my blog really changed from a family journal to a DIY party blog.  I had grown up in the "LDS party world" since my mother was the Ward Activity chairman in every ward we've ever been in and was involved in all the wedding receptions of anyone she'd ever me, because she was so awesome.  But it wasn't until that wonderland party that it all came together for me.

I love being able to share my parties, my printables, and my DIYs on my blog.  Between here and my online store, I've been able to be home with my kids and be the "cool" mom who has all the fun treats and activities at our house.

What am I working On?

Like most crafters, I usually have several projects going through my head at a time.

I have a Candy Bar Membership Club that I have been creating candy bar wrappers for each week.  I've found that I'm having a lot of fun creating different themes and ideas that can be used as gifts, cards, or little notes for family and friends.  It's become a fun little project that allows me to get out some of the quick quotes and ideas that spin through my head late at night.

I have also come down with Football Fever pretty bad right now.  My oldest son is playing High School football, so I've been having fun decorating the house and planning a big team party for next month.  I've been planning the food menu, the decor, and have a few dessert ideas brewing, so don't be surprised if you see more football projects in the next few days.

How Does My Work Differ From Others in my Genre?

I know there are a lot of party blogs out there.  I read a lot of blogs that have so many great pictures and ideas.  I am in complete envy and awe of some of them.

But I'm a mom.

I have a mom budget when I throw a party.  I have to account for kids' tastes when I feed the guests at my party.  And I live in a little town with no stores, so I need to figure out how to make as much as I can all by myself.

That's what makes me different.  When you see one of my completed parties, you can go through my blog and find out exactly how to make the Alice in Wonderland Flamingo Croquet, the Elf on the Shelf kisses treat, and the 50s Sock Hop Candy Bouquet.  It's all there so you can figure out how to make the desserts, decorations, and games too.

How Does the Writing/Creative Process Work?

Hey, if someone figures that out, please let me know.  I'm still trying to figure it out myself.

I do read a lot of blogs, I look at a lot of magazines, and I try to sleep a lot.  (I know. Kinda weird, but it works for me.)  I don't know why, but if I need to brainstorm party ideas or write a poem, I go into my bedroom where it's quiet, lay on my bed, and close my eyes.  Within moments, the ideas start flowing.

I just have to remember to keep a notebook by the bed at all times.  And I admit, I really don't sleep a whole lot.  Another lovely gift from my mom.

Why  Do I Create What I Do?

Some days, I ask myself the same question.  I even try to stop occasionally, but am always drawn back.  Crafting is in my blood.  Throwing parties and making people happy was ingrained in me as a child.

When I lay down at night and close my ideas, the poems for candy toppers crowd through my head.  The ideas for DIY projects replace sleep.  And this blog helps me to create and sleep (occasionally) at night.

While I may not be the best hostess at the cocktail party, I can plan, organize, and throw a party that you would be happy to attend.  Just don't try and talk to me at the party. I'll probably be in the corner watching the dessert table until its all over and time to clean up.

5 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes and Dare to Share

Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner recipes to enjoy after a long day of school, work, and running the kids to soccer practice?  These 5 yummy easy weeknight dinners will have your family hustling to the table to enjoy a bit of home cooked goodness without a lot of work.

It's another Friday night and a closer step to Winter. YUCK!

 I hate the cold weather, but love the crisp autumn air of fall.  With snow coming down outside, I'm wondering where the fall weather went.  Two days of beautiful weather, and we are already into winter?  No thank you!  

I heard someone say this week that we were in for another long, cold, crazy winter.  Sigh.  Can I just opt out of that now?  I guess I'm glad to have found these 5 quick and easy weeknight meals at last week's Dare to Share Saturday link party.

They look like they should warm my spirits, tummy, and mind this winter.  Did you see them?  If not, check out these dinners and give them a try tonight!

1. Pepporoni Pizza Frittata ~ We like to have breakfast for dinner all the time at our house, but I never thought about dinner for breakfast.  This easy dish will have you wanting Pepporoni Pizza every morning, afternoon and evening.

2. Chicken Croissant Casserole ~ Two of the most popular things in my house are chicken and bread, this chicken croissant casserole would make my kids swoon at dinner time.  What a great dinner casserole for a busy fall evening.

3. Turkey and Swiss Sliders ~ These cute little sliders are the perfect versatile meal.  They would be great for a "little" snack or for the tailgating party we are going to next week or for a unique and yummy dinner.  I know my boys would love anything with the Hawaiian roles, and I love the melted cheese. Talk about the perfect meal.

4. Chicken Alfredo Casserole ~ We love to have pasta at our house. It's a cheap, filling, delicious meal.  It makes an appearance at least once a week, and Chicken Alfredo is definitely a favorite. I never thought of turning it into a casserole that I could prepare a head of time. I love this idea and will be adding it to our family dinner meal.

5. Potato Skins ~ These potatoes look so good I am almost drooling on my computer. I love potatoes in any way, shape, or form. Theses easy, filling potato skins would make a great, cheap dinner for a cold fall afternoon when I'm so tired from running the kids all over all day.  I can't wait to give them a try.

Thanks for sharing such yummy dinner recipes last week.  There were so many other great projects shared too.  Did you see all the favorites that Pam shared during her week?  You should stop by and check out her Features of the Day.

What have you been up to this week?  I can't wait to see.

If you would like to be emailed when the party goes live each week, subscribe here. (I promise this will only be used to send you a reminder invitation!) 

An InLinkz Link-up

Take a Craftsy Class at Half Off This Week!

Do you remember when I told you one of my goals this year was to learn at least one new thing a month?

Yea, well.....that hasn't gone quite as planned.  (Do resolutions ever?)

Last week I finally got around to taking one step towards meeting that goal.  I purchased my first Craftsy class.

I have always wanted to learn to crochet.  I understand the theory behind it, but can't ever make my fingers do it.  I asked my Mother-in-Law to teach me one summer and I think we both threw up our hands in frustration after a few hours.

It just didn't go well.

I decided to try this Beginners Crochet Basics and Beyond class to see if I could make it work this time.  I've only had time to work on the first two sections of lessons, but I admit, I'm so excited at my progress and with the class.  I actually was able to chain my way through the whole house.  (Yea, my kids thought I was absolutely nuts making that long of a chain for no reason at all other than that I could., but hey...)

I love that you can repeat portions of the lesson until you get the stitch right.  This really helped as I was trying to learn the Double stitch.  I put a 30 second clip on repeat until I managed to get the stitch right.

It was also kind of fun to see questions from others who have taken the class on the side of the video.  It was interesting to think about things that others were having problems with so I could avoid that problem.

I'm still a long way off of making my goal project.  (I really want to make a crochet headband!)  But I'm at least started on the way and have hope I'll get there eventually.

Thanks Craftsy for that!

Now I've started looking at other things that I want to learn this year.  Lucky enough, Crafts is having a sale on some of their best classes this week.

Up to 50% Off On Food and Cake Decorating Classes and all Sewing, Quilting and Knitting Classes Best-selling Craftsy classes are on sale for one week only! Save up to 50% off on Food and Cake Decorating classes  and 50% off on Sewing, Quilting and Knitting classes taught by some of the world's best instructors. Once you purchase a class, it's yours to enjoy forever. Every class comes with a money-back satisfaction guarantee!

Sale Starts today! Prices valid through September 15, 2014 at 11:59 pm. 

Football Meatloaf Recipe

This yummy Football Meatloaf Recipe is a great treat to serve your football party guests at your next Superbowl party, Monday Night Football Viewing party, or Tailgating party.  With only a few ingredients, and a fun pan, you can make these meatloaf treats for dinner or as a snack during the big game.

Football reins in my house right now.  

We are watching college football (did you see that BYU vs Texas game? Wow!), pro-football (go Broncos!), and my son's football high school team.  LOVE IT!  I can't seem to get enough football this time of year.

It's even making it's way to my dinner table.  I had to make these yummy Football Meatloaf for our family challenge family dinner this week.  Didn't they turn out so cute and yummy? I'm so excited it.

Start with your meatloaf ingredients.  For mine, I use 2 1/2 pounds of hamburger, 1 package of Onion Soup mix, 2 eggs, 1 handful of oats, and your favorite seasonings.

Add all your ingredients to a bowl.  I like to let mine sit for a few minutes so the meat isn't quite so cold and make my hands hurt when I mix it, but that's up to you.  If you don't want to, get your hands in there and mix it up good.

I found this Wilton Mini Football Silicone Mold at Amazon.  It's great for using for cupcakes, brownies, and all kinds of treats.  It's great for football meatloaf too.  Spray your pan with cooking spray.

Pack your meatloaf mix into your pans.  Fill them full, since the meat mix will shrink as it cooks.  With a silicone pan, you'll need to put it on a cookie sheet and cook.

Cook your football meatloaf for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Now enjoy your footballs and your dinner!

Love Is Spelled Time Family Challenge

Take the family time challenge to help your family draw closer together.  Enjoy a meal together without the distractions of the world.  Your kids will thank you.

Have you noticed?  The world is getting really crazy out there.

I can't imagine dealing with the problems that my kids deal with on a daily basis at school.  They are constantly bombarded with worries about school safety, about pregnancy among their friends, about bulling, about so many crazy things.  I am scared silly for them.

That's why I try hard to make our home a place of refuge for my husband and kids.  I need to know that when they come home they can check the craziness at the door.  They need to know they are loved unconditionally and without the doubts that the world throws at them.

To try and do this, I have tried to find the little moments to enjoy with my kids.  We dance in the kitchen.  We make cookies together.  We play board games.  We laugh and talk and sing together.

I recently heard a family challenge to try and do one extra "something" a week to show your family that you love them.  I wanted to pass that family challenge on to you.

St Patricks Day Dinner

The challenge this week is to have family dinner and make it a little special for your family.  If that means putting on a table cloth and having a simple candlelight dinner with your kids, go do it!

Divergent Party

If you want to go a little more elaborate, choose a theme for your family dinner and dress up the table.  Every time that I do this, my kids are amazed, thrilled, and look forward to dinner so much more.  It's fun to have a theme for your family dinner.  Choose a back to school theme, a favorite movie theme, a holiday theme, or even just a sunflower autumn theme.

When dinner time comes, spend the time off the TV, phones, and electronics and just talk together.  Your kids will love that you spent the time concentrating on them.  It doesn't have to take a lot of extra time or work, just a little extra thought.

To you it may not mean much to throw a table cloth and some candle on the table, but to your kids, it will mean the world.  It will mean that you love them more than the crazy world.

Before you know it, you'll be sending them off into the craziness of the world full time.  And you'll miss the little moments that show your family that they are special and are loved.  Because to a child, the greatest way to show them they love them is spelled TIME.

Do you think you'll do it?  Will you take the family challenge and make one dinner a little "extra: this week?  I'd love to hear what you do in the comments below.

Serious Computer Rage and Dare to Share

This will probably be a short post tonight.  I'm a little frustrated with my computer and am considering throwing it across the room right now.

So instead, that probably means, I just need to take a night off and deal with it tomorrow when I'm a little calmer and not ready to have some serious computer rage.

I downloaded a computer program tonight to try and help me with a new project that I have in my head for the blog.  After doing so, my computer is having connectivity issues.  It will connect to one page and then tell me that I'm not connected to the Internet when I click on the next page.

I have been through all of the settings.  I've deleted anything that remotely looks suspicious.  I've run my virus software.  I've reset my computer.  I've reset my modem.  I'm at my wits end.

Anyone have any ideas on this one?  I may have to lock myself into a torture rack and actually call my father in law for help tomorrow if I can't figure it out...so please, someone have an idea!

In the meantime, did you check out some of our other fun posts this week?

I made these quick and easy DIY tile magnets.  I put my favorite quotes on them, but wouldn't they be so much fun with Instagram pictures?  I am definitely going to go get some more tiles this weekend and make some with my favorite pictures.  What a fun Christmas gift that would be for my parents' or Dear Hubby's office at work!

There were so many great features at last week's Dare to Share party that I shared some on Thursday's post.  Did you see if you were one of the great posts featured?  I pinned them all to my Pinterest boards which gets a lot of views and visits, plus I shared them on some of my social media channels.  I hope that all my online friends will see your wonderful posts, so keep linking them up and Pam and I will keep sharing them.

And did you see my co-host Pam's new blog update? It's so pretty that I'm swooning over the improvements.  You need to go check it out.  I think it just shows that we Blogger blogs can compete with the crazy wordpress blogs in the beauty category!  

What have you been up to this week?  I can't wait to see!  (And if someone can save me from having to call my Father in Law, I would be ETERNALLY grateful! grin.)

An InLinkz Link-up

How to Make your own Tile Magnets in 10 minutes or Less

How to make easy and quick Tile magnets out of your favorite Instagram pictures or quotes.  With just a few items and a short amount of time, you'll have unique Christmas gifts that everyone will love.

I love to collect quotes.

There are so many good ones out there that can lift, inspire, and help on a rotten day.  There are so many that can make me laugh outright when I need a smile.  There are so many that are profound and make me think about things other than my own problems.

I've been collecting them for years and decided to make a few into lunchbox and backpack notes for my husband and kids as they went back to school.  Do you remember that free printable I shared?

I decided to turn them into Tile Magnets to lift me up when I'm feeling down.  They are pretty easy in case you want to use them with the Free encouragement quote printable I shared, or you can use them with your favorite quotes from your Quote pinterest board, or even with your Instagram pictures. I can't wait to give those a try!

To make these, you'll need your printable with the quotes or pictures each being 2 inches square.  You'll also need countertop tiles in 2 inch size (I found mine at the local Restore but you can get them at Home Depot or Lowes in the flooring department.)  You'll also need scissors and button magnets (not shown.)

The tiles come in sheets of 2 inch squares with little "rubber" type connectors spacing them out.

You will want to bend the squares and cut along the edge of the tile with your scissors to cut the connectors off the tiles.

Next, you'll need to cut out the individual pictures for your tiles. I recommend a Fiskars Paper Trimmerbecause it makes for easy, clean cuts.  (This is one of my favorite tools of all time!)

Once your pictures are cut out, I'm going to give you the instructions on doing these tiles two different ways, depending upon the tools you have on hand.

I HIGHLY recommend getting a Xyron Sticker Maker. I use mine for so many projects and I have one in several sizes because they are another one of my favorite crafting tools.

If you have a sticker maker, you can simple run your picture squares through the tool using the Xyron Laminate/Permanent Adhesive Cartridge.  Then cut out the stickers using your scissors and place on the front of the tiles.

If you don't have a sticker maker machine (sad face), you'll need some Modge Podge.  I admit, I make my own version, since it's so easy and so very much cheaper.

To make your own version of modge podge, pour a bottom of white school glue into a small mason jar.  Refill the glue bottle with an equal amount of water.  Pour into the jar.  Add the lid securely to the mason jar and give a really good shake until the glue and water are mixed.  There!  You're done!

Now paint the front of your tile using your glue.  Just give it a light covering, you don't need it too wet.

Place your picture on the top of the tile.  Seal it with another layer of your glue on top.  The edges may curl a little, that's okay.  Just use your finger to run along the edges to secure them down.  Now let the glue dry securely.

Once you have your sticker on or your glue is dry, add your magnetic button to the center of the back of the tile.  I usually use these magnets, but when I went to Walmart, they had these adhesive magnetic buttons and I thought I'd give them a try.  They worked really good and I didn't need to use my E6000 glue, which is always nice.

 Now you're done and can use your magnets to brighten your day while they are holding up the huge list of things you need to do today.

I just LOVE how these turned out, and I know I'm going to make some with pictures from my Instagram account.  What about you?  What kind of pictures would you put on these easy DIY Tile magnets?