New Year, New Goals

“The direction in which we are moving is more important than where we are at the moment.”

- Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94).

Goals help us see the direction and set the course of our lives. These goals can be daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and even eternally. Knowing how to set proper goals will help us achieve them, and thus give us fulfillment and joy. To help you start with your goal setting, here are steps and ideas on how to create worthwhile goals. 

1. Find a time to seriously reflect and pray

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “First, think about your life and set your priorities. Find some quiet time regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there. Jesus, our exemplar, often ‘withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed"  (Luke 5:16).

Carefully considering the path you want to take, the life you want to have will help you set the course of actions you want to take. Prayer will help identifying the best path and the correct set of actions to take. 

2. Write down your specific goals for every area of your life

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994): “Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. Some will be continuing goals. Each week when we partake of the sacrament we commit ourselves to the goals of taking upon ourselves the name of Christ, of always remembering him and keeping his commandments. Of Jesus’ preparations for his mission, the scripture states that he ‘increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.’ (Luke 2:52.) This encompasses four main areas for goals: spiritual, mental, physical, and social. ‘Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?’ asked the Master, and he answered, ‘Verily I say unto you, even as I am.’ (3 Ne. 27:27.) Now, there is a lifetime goal—to walk in his steps, to perfect ourselves in every virtue as he has done, to seek his face, and to work to make our calling and election sure”

Goals vary in focus and duration. In our lifetime, we will have short-term and long-term goals. Regardless of the time you have set for your specific goal, it should always point toward the Savior, Jesus Christ. Doing so will ensure happiness and satisfaction along the way. 

3. Work out your goals and manage your time

Time is a valuable resource and work is honorable. These two principles work hand in hand in accomplishing our goals. Effective time management if accompanied by diligent work will help us ensure success in the life we choose. 

President Thomas S. Monson said, “Our house is to be a house of order. … Let us provide time for family, time for work, time for study, time for service, time for recreation, time for self—but above all, time for Christ". 

In Mosiah 4:27 we are also reminded to “see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.”

Reference: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/the-gospel-and-the-productive-life-student-manual-2018/chapter-3?lang=eng&id=p57#p57 

General Conference for Homes with Children

One great blessing of the pandemic is the church's General Conference being watched at home. We are free to plan and create activities for our family to endure and enjoy the 2 days (up to 10 hours) of conference sessions. To help parents plan for this conference, here are some tools and ideas to help us make the most out of the General Conference Sessions for families with children:

• Print some coloring materials to make toddlers and younger kids focused and busy. You can use the General Conference Squares for this. Here is a sample:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Help the children identify and recognize the General Authority so they know who is talking. They will appreciate it more if they know who the speaker is. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Give everyone a General Conference Notebook that they can use in recording thoughts and inspirations during the conference. You can use these templates or also make your own.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Go paperless and help your children to the Kid's Gospel App. Click on these links where you can download with your Apple Device or Android. 
  
  
  
  

There are a lot of materials you can choose from to make it enjoyable, comfortable, and fun for everyone in your family. I personally make sure that there are some snacks for everyone 👌😅.  

I pray that you get inspired as you prepare your family to receive special blessings and personal revelations. 

References:

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/general-conference-activities-for-children-and-youth

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/global-leadership-of-the-church?lang=eng

https://oneshetwoshe.com/general-conference-activities/

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ftsoy/2021/09/05_general-conference-notebook?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/collection/primary-images

HOW TO CREATE A PRIMARY SACRAMENT MEETING PRESENTATION (2021)

It's the last quarter of the year again. For primary leaders, this is the time to prepare for the Annual Primary Sacrament Presentation. Here's a short guide on how to do it step by step ;) 

1. PLAN - 

The Ward Primary Presidency and The Music Leader will meet with the Bishopric assigned to the Primary to plan for the presentation.

2. CREATE THE PROGRAM FLOW / SCRIPT -

The Ward Primary Leaders and Music Leader create the flow of the presentation considering these guidelines:

• "should allow the children to present what they and their families have learned about THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS at home and in Primary, including the Primary songs they have sung during the year"
• Our Stake Primary Leaders encourage to compile one video for the Sacrament Presentation and present it in one Virtual Sacrament Meeting.
• The video should be around 25 - 35 minutes only
• Ward Leaders may assign children and their families to record a verse, testimony, or song.

3. GET APPROVAL-

The bishopric assigned to the Primary should approve the presentation.

4. START PRACTICE AND/OR RECORDING:
Once approved, primary children and their families can start practicing and recording. Please note that:

• Practices should not take unnecessary time away from Primary classes or families.
• There are visuals, costumes, and media presentations that are not appropriate for sacrament meetings.
• Prepare for any technical types of equipment and resources needed for the actual presentation.

5. END WITH A BISHOPRIC REMARK-

A member of the bishopric will conclude the presentation with a short remark.

FOR ADDITIONAL GUIDES:

See Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 11.5.3, ChurchofJesusChrist.org. : https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../gen.../12-primary...

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https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../instru.../singing...

#PrimaryPresentation #WardPrimarySacramentPresetation #2021PrimaryPresentation