Create and Shine Forth

I was looking at the board in the foyer at church on Sunday and a particular flyer caught my attention.  An International Art Competition for Youth based on the 2012 Mutual Theme, "Arise and Shine Forth".
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The Church History Museum invites the youth of the Church to create works of art that express what the Lord's request "Arise and Shine Forth" means to them.  What a wonderful opportunity for our youth!
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Online submissions will begin to be accepted January 2, 2012.  Now is a great time to get them thinking about the theme and encouraging them to create.
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Here are a few ideas:
  • If there are youth leaders or others within your wards who know how to paint with oils, watercolors, pastels, ink or pencil - find out if they are willing to offer instruction to youth who may be interested in developing the particular skill.

  • Maybe even set aside a mutual night for art instruction.  We did this a couple years ago, in preparation for our YW in Excellence: Color Me Beautiful.  The girls were taught how to create a portrait of themselves in pastels.  It was a wonderful night.  And the artwork was incredible.

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photo from lds.org
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As for the competition itself, you can find all the following information on the LDS Youth website:

Penny for an Idea

At the beginning of the year I started searching for pennies from every one's birth years and anniversaries (oops, I let the cat out of the bag!).  I've done pretty good, I am only missing a few of the years.  I have them in a Ziploc bag, ready to be displayed in a cute little frame.  I thought it would make a fun custom birthday/anniversary gift.
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I just came across these Lucky Penny Keychains and have been inspired to possibly use these pennies in a different way.  Now all I have to do is figure out how to punch the holes.
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This would be a wonderful addition to Project HOPE CHEST.
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This idea would even be fun to use in making custom necklaces for each of our young women.  A gift to present them on their birthday.  I suppose the key chains would be great for our Laurels.  :)
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JUST FOR FUN
Your kids would love these penny stunts!  I found them in an article titled "Fun with Pennies", from The Friend, January 1984.  This might be fun for a Family Home Evening activity, possibly after a lesson about tithing, saving for a mission, or money management.
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Before you put your pennies into a piggy bank, you might like to try these stunts with them. Some aren’t as easy as they seem!
  1. Submerge a small glass right side up in the bottom of a large wide-mouthed bottle filled with water. Then try to drop pennies into the glass.
  2. Press a penny firmly against the center of your forehead, slide it upward about an inch, let go, and it will stay there.
  3. Lie flat on your back on the floor. Have someone put a penny on the tip of your nose. Without moving your head, try to dislodge the coin by wiggling your nose.
  4. Stand with your feet together and your heels against a wall. Have someone place a penny about eighteen inches in front of your toes. Without moving your heels from the wall, try to pick up the coin.
  5. Hold out one hand, palm up. Have someone place a penny on each fingertip except the thumb. See if you can get all the pennies into one pile on a fingertip without using the thumb or other hand.
  6. Have a friend put an even number of pennies in one closed fist and an odd number in the other. Announce that without looking you can tell which hand holds the even number of pennies. Ask the person holding the pennies to multiply the number of pennies in his right hand by five, the number in his left hand by six. The two results are added together and the total number announced. If it is an even number, the even number of pennies is in the right hand. If the total is an odd number, the number of pennies in the right hand will be odd.

Bad Habit Bonfire

templates here
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This activity is being developed because a group of youth want to have a bonfire as their combined activity.  As we have been planning, they have made it clear they just want time to "kick back" and "chill".  What I heard was, "I challenge you to find a lesson in that!"  I love the challenge of finding a way to teach and inspire in everything we do.
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This is what I like to call "Bad Habit Bonfire" or "Bad Habits No S'more".  :)
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PURPOSE   To challenge those involved to get rid of the bad habits they may have.  Helping them understand that as they do this it will "ignite the light" they have inside of them.  Encourage them to let their light (personal testimonies) shine by developing good habits, making wise choices, and being a good example to others.
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ACTIVITY
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BONFIRE
As leaders, we left it up to the youth to build the fire.  We were hoping that the skills they have learned through the girl's camp and scouting programs would shine.  :)  And they did!
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DEVOTIONAL
Brie, prepared and shared the following devotional.  It was perfect.

"Many years ago, large packs of wolves roamed the countryside in Ukraine, making travel in that part of the world very dangerous. These wolf packs were fearless. They were not intimidated by people nor by any of the weapons available at that time. The only thing that seemed to frighten them was fire. Consequently, travelers who found themselves away from cities developed the common practice of building a large bonfire and keeping it burning through the night. As long as the fire burned brightly, the wolves stayed away. But if it were allowed to burn out and die, the wolves would move in for an attack. Travelers understood that building and maintaining a roaring bonfire was not just a matter of convenience or comfort; it was a matter of survival."
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We do not have to protect ourselves from wolf pack as we travel the road of life today, but, in a spiritual sense, we do face the devious wolves of Satan in the forms of temptation, evil, and sin.  We live in dangerous times when these wolves roam the spiritual countryside in search of those who may be weak in faith or feeble in their conviction.  Peter described our "adversary the devil, as a roaring lion that walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).  The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith that "enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb" (Doctrine and Covenants 12:6).  We are all vulnerable to attack.  However, we can fortify ourselves with the protection provided by a burning testimony that, like a bonfire, has been built adequately and maintained carefully.
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Because none of us are perfect, we all make mistakes and create bad habits.  These bad habits and sins can be like a bucket of water on our burning testimonies if we don't repent.  By taking the time to cleanse ourselves spiritually, we can grow and become stronger.
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Joseph B. Wirthlin has three suggestions for building your personal bonfire (testimony):
  • First - FAITH in Jesus Christ
  • Second - humble, sincere REPENTANCE (sin is like a bucket of water)
  • Third - follow the example of the SAVIOR
Remember the promise that God has given to those who build and maintain brightly burning bonfires of testimony to counter wolves that threaten us.  This is His promise:  "Fear thou not;  for I am with thee:  be not dismayed;  for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee;  yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."  (Isaiah 41:10)
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(Brie shared personal testimony)  I know that through faith, our testimonies can grow and not only help us spiritually, but could also help those around us.  I know that we all need the strength to keep ourselves safe, but through Heavenly Father and His promises, I know everything will work out.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

The devotional ended with everyone picking up a leaf, a piece of paper, or a twig.  These items represented a bad habit(s) they wanted to rid themselves of.  They threw them into the fire.
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Then everyone created their own "Bad Habits No S'more".  We also made dough boys Delish!
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RESOURCES for the DEVOTIONAL
Spiritual Bonfires of Testimony, Joseph B Wirthlin, New Era, June 2002
Breaking Bad Habits, Idea List, New Era, September 2002
Feed the Flame, New Era, July 1997
Cast Your Burden Upon the Lord, Elder Robert L Simpson, New Era, January 1977
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THE REST OF THE NIGHT
The remainder of the the evening was devoted to "kickin' back" and enjoying good company.  The pool was available, but they were too busy shooting baskets on the court, playing a little ultimate volleyball, and passing the football, rugby style.  Good times!
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REFRESHMENTS
As I mentioned, we made good ol' fashioned s'mores and dough boys.  But just in case (for whatever reason) you need a recipe or two for your bonfire, I've found a few variations of the wonderful s'more.  :)
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Basic S'mores
photo found here
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Golden Grahams S'more Bars
recipe here
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Oooey, Gooey S'more Bars
recipe found here
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S'mores Bars
recipe found here
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Campfire Cookies
recipe found here
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Picture of S'more Brownies Recipe
S'more Brownies
recipe found here
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S'mores Cupcakes
recipe found here
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S'more Ice Cream Sandwich
recipe found here
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Frozen S'more Pops
recipe found here
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S'more Whoopie Pies
recipe found here
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TAKE-A-WAY
Every one was given a roasting stick at the end of the night.  The tag has the "Ignite the Light" logo along with this scripture Ether 12:27:  “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; … for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
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THANK YOU GIFT
We had a family in the ward, who was good enough to let us use their backyard (more like a park) for our activity.  To thank them, I picked up an outdoor candle, tied it up with ribbon, and added the "Ignite the Light" onto the lid.  Simple.
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These s'more kits would have been a cute thank you as well.
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DIY S'more Kits
idea found here

Fireworks

Here is a preview of a Young Women in Excellence I've been working on.  Any ideas are welcomed.  I am going to play around with the logo some more - not thrilled with the one below.  Check back for updates.  :)
PURPOSE  Highlight the Personal Progress Program.  Acknowledge the efforts the young women have put into their own Personal Progress.  Inspire them to let their light shine!

MUSIC
"A Light That's Pure" , by Dan Carter (click song title for lyrics and sheet music)
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RESOURCES FOR TALK(S)
"It Shows In Your Face", Sister Elaine Dalton
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PERSONAL PROGRESS POSSIBILITIES
  • Individual Worth #5  Participate in a *dance, speech, music, or drama performance at school, in your community, or at church. How did your participation in this activity strengthen your feelings of individual worth and self-confidence? Record your thoughts in your journal.
How fun would it be to have a dance performance by the Young Women, choreographed by a Young Woman (10 hour project)?
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They have been encouraged to participate in dance and other cultural arts this year. I know a few girls who would absolutely love this! Maybe even a Flash Mob!
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Here's one song idea and the reason I think it may be appropriate:  "Firework"  (KidzBop version)
There's a spark in you (Moroni 7:16  - spirit of Christ given to all)
You just gotta ignite the light (testimony)
And let it shine  (Matthew 5:16 - let your light so shine before men)
Just own the night, like the Fourth of July
Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth  (individual worth)
Come on let your colors burst  (value colors)
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DECOR/AMBIANCE
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Pinned Image
INDOOR FIREWORKS
found here
Imagine a backdrop of glittering fireworks!
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or for NEW BEGINNINGS:  Make a panel of fireworks representing each value, in it's respective color.  Lighting them as each value is being introduced.  Progressively filling the "sky" with a colorful firework display.  I can envision it, can you?  :)
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  • Table Decor plus Take-A-Way:    Have you heard of Wanderfuls?  I saw these centerpieces and thought "how clever and how fun!"  Especially for a firework themed event.  You could make a bouquet in every value color.
  • DIY Wanderfuls:  The wands are plastic tubes, topped with silk carnations, with a spray of ribbons coming out of the center. Filled with different kinds of candy.
  • If you don't do Wanderfuls... maybe a few containers with a few of these firework looking flowers.  Spider mums come in various colors.  Green, yellow, orange, red, white.  You could create a brilliant firework centerpiece!*
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DIY TISSUE POM POMS
instructions found here
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TAKE-A-WAY
Why not give the girls sparklers!?  I saw this adorable wedding favor here.
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Instead of the names of the bride and groom it could read something like...
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VIDEO PRESENTATION using SPARKLER PHOTOGRAPHY
I think it would be fun to have a video with images of all the YW values displayed like this by the young women.

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Unfortunately I do not know how to take these kind of photos.  But thankfully, Mack (our cousin) shared the following instructions for taking these kinds of photographs.  "Bless his heart!"
"Here is what I did to get the sparkler shots. If you have a DSLR, set the F Stop at 3.5(or as low as you can), shutter speed at 3-5 seconds, ISO 100, and set the fla...sh for a rear curtain flash. Make sure it's pretty dark. Focus on your subject, light the sparkler, try to hold still, and shoot away."  - Mack Jolley
I also found this fun sparkler font.  I love it!  It would also be fun to use.
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Stay tuned for the fireworks finale!
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Autumn Winds

Do you know what I want to do right now?  I want to get in my car and drive. Drive into the mountains. Then find a trail, which takes me into a grove of aspen trees. After taking time to listen to the wind whistle through the leaves, and let the fallen leaves crunch beneath my feet, I want to go sit on a big rock. Maybe in a meadow nestled in the middle of the grove. No sounds of cars. No ringing phones. No televisions or radio in the background. Just the simple, beautiful sounds of nature. Then I want to remove a pad of paper and a pencil from my backpack and draw.  This is what I want to do right now.
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A solo. This takes me back to Unified Studies. Remember solo time? A time to reflect and create.
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Words can't express how excited I am for autumn.  Especially this autumn!  So many wonderful things to look forward to.
  • First and foremost, birthday celebrations.  Our household celebrates all of our birthdays in the fall.

  • The cooler weather.  Which translates into longer, more comfortable, conversations on the porch.

  • The "Dirty Dash".  I cannot wait to be reunited with all of my sisters!  Not only that, we are going to be joined by cousins and friends.  As excited as I am, I am a little nervous (to say the least).  I am so far from being ready to run a 5k obstacle course.  I just want to go and have a good time.  Laugh.  And spend time with some of my favorite people.  I think Lyndsey explained it best when she said, "If I fall in the first few minutes and throw mud in someones face, I'm good."

  • BYU football has to be mentioned.  We already have our new shirts.  Ordered and delivered.  Sitting in the closet, patiently waiting for the first game of the season.

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INVITATION
In celebration, I have decided to combine a few of my favorite things: autumn, watercolors, and an art gallery.  I just pulled out my art supplies!
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I am hoping you (all of you) will join me in creating the first Sisters in Zion Art Gallery posts. If you know a budding artist, invite them to join us. I think this would make for a wonderful Personal Progress 10 hour Project .
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To help inspire you to paint, I gathered a few watercolors inspired by autumn.
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ASPEN BRANCH
by Linda Nadel
found here
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by Nancy Dias
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LAKESIDE LEAVES
by April
found here
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GRAPE LEAVES
by Jan Grady
found here
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FALL ROAD
by Donna Maxey Hanna
found here
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WATERCOLOR
by You
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Send your submissions to freshairedesigns@gmail.com.
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Your artwork will be posted in a special
Sister's in Zion Art Galley
post on the first day of autumn, September 23.

Back to School Pep Rally


template here
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PURPOSE  To help the youth understand the importance of living higher standards by choosing good friends, making wise choices, being involved in uplifting activities, and encouraging others to do the same.
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FLYER

SCHOOL NAME
L.H.S - Living Higher Standards
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SCHOOL COLOR
Gold - inspired by Virtue
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MASCOT
The Mighty Bee - inspired by President Gordon B Hinckley's 6 B's
(I will create a happier mascot for future use)  :)
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ACTIVITY
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Q&A
  • As the youth arrived they were given a 3x5 card and a pen.
  • They were to write down any question(s) they have going into the new school year.  Here are a few of the questions our youth asked:  "What can I do to get good grades?", "Will my teachers like me?", "What time should I wake up in the morning?", "How should I keep myself from getting too stressed?", "How can you avoid jealousy?", "How do you avoid Senioritis?", "Will I have entirely new friends?", "How should I study, if I hate studying?"
  • Questions were then gathered.
  • While the youth were involved in the following activities, the leaders/panel of experts :) went through the questions and discussed answers.
  • It would be a great idea to have a few of the following available as resources for answers:  scriptures, For the Strength of Youth, New Era(s), and conference talks.
  • Answers to the questions were discussed at the end of the night.  Some of the answers were all in fun and made them laugh.  Others were more serious, like the answer to the question, "Will I have entirely new friends?"  The answer being, "Probably (this was discussed more), but be sure your best friend is Jesus Christ."
  • The youth were also good to add their thoughts, helping their fellow classmates
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PEP SQUADS
  • The youth were divided into three equal groups or pep squads.
  • The were challenged to create a banner and a chant/cheer for L.H.S.
  • Side note:  While the youth were busy creating - the leaders discussed and wrote answers to the youth's questions.
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PEP RALLY  n: a mass meeting featuring songs, cheers, and inspirational talks
  • When banners and cheers were completed, everyone came back together for the Pep Rally.
  • We started by answering their questions.
  • Next each group was invited to hang their banners and share their cheer with the group.
  • Side Note:  It would have been fun to have pom poms and megaphones on hand for their use.
  • End the night with a few last words of encouragement for the coming school year.
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TAKE-A-WAY
  • The youth were given a simple brown lunch sack filled with the following items:  pen, highlighter, magnet set for their lockers (great DIY marble magnet instructions here), pencil with eraser (you could also use a simple eraser), Smarties, Snickers, butterscotch candies, Hershey Kisses, Now&Laters, M&M's, gum, and a faux dollar bill (you could also use a 100 Grand bar).
  • Each item had a little tag of encouragement to go along with it. 



  • I also had nail polish on hand.  Just in case the girls wanted to add to their school spirit.  They were excited!  I even painted my nails.  I'm not sure if it is my color though.  :)
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ADDITIONAL HELPS
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AFTER THOUGHTS
These would have been a cute treat to share at the end of the night.  Playing on the Mighty Bee Mascot idea.
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By the way - Let me know if you would like the templates for L.H.S., I am happy to share!

Baskets of Inspiration

template here
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Many moons ago, as a youth, one of my leaders presented an object lesson which had a lasting impact on me.  It was a simple lesson, using a bar of soap.  The lesson was on repentance.  Though I don't remember the complete contents of the object lesson itself, I cannot help but thinking about repentance almost every time I use a bar of soap.  Can you imagine just how often I use a bar of soap?
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This is one reason I love object lessons.  I have to admit there have been times I have picked up a bar of soap and been annoyed that I couldn't just wash my hands.  Always a lesson in the back of my mind.  Really?
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But more times than not, I have appreciated the moments I have really needed that reminder.  Looking at myself in the mirror, (because I am usually standing in front of the mirror when I am washing my hands - aren't you?)  :)  asking myself if I have been taking advantage of the gift of the atonement in my own life.  Washing the dirt from my spirit.  Allowing my light to shine.
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I think it is important for our youth to understand that they are surrounded by everyday items that can inspire them, remind them of gospel principles they have been taught, and that they can use these to inspire others.
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The following is an activity I have done a number of times with the young women I have had the opportunity to serve.  Thought I would share!

LESSON
Who is our greatest teacher?  (Jesus Christ)
How did He teach? (He taught using parables)
What is a parable?
Why did He teach using parables? 
Lets talk about a few parables found in the scriptures.
What lessons were being taught with each particular parable?
What is an object lesson?
What object lessons have made an impression in your lives?
What lessons were being taught with those particular object lessons?
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ACTIVITY
  • Display a basket filled with everyday items.
  • Invite everyone to take an item.
  • Allow time for the young women to come up with a parable or object lesson using the item they have chosen from the basket.
  • Encourage them to use scriptures as a resource.
  • Have 3x5 cards or slips of paper available. As well as something to write with.
  • When they are ready - give each of them time to share their parable or object lesson with the group.
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Side Notes:
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I recently shared this with our young women.  They had so much fun.  They were so good to encourage and support each other.  They even applauded after each one of them shared their mini lesson - no clapping, they were reverent and snapped.  :)  It made me smile.
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In case you were wondering, here are some of the items I have put into the basket:  an apple, alarm clock, flashlight, spoon, shoe, wood block with the word "friends" printed on it, necklace, book, towel, soap, door knob, flower, phone, blanket, piano music, water bottle, pencil, ...  really anything can be used.  It only takes a bit of inspiration.  :)
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Also, it wasn't planned, but this ended up being a great exercise for public speaking.  Score!
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CHALLENGE
The girls were then challenged to do the following individually or with their families (during Family Home Evening):
  • Find a basket/bag/shoe box and fill it with items you find yourself using, or even looking at, on a daily basis.
  • Take a few moments for each item and come up with a parable or object lesson using the item.
  • Remember to use your scriptures as a resource.
  • Use 3x5 cards or slips of paper to write on.
  • Refer to the cards frequently.
  • Soon you'll find that you will be reminded of gospel principles and be inspired by everyday items on a regular basis!
  • Also, make opportunities to inspire others everyday.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Object Lessons That Motivate, Jon R. Howe, Liahona May 1999
Looking for Lessons Everywhere, Lesson 10:  Teaching No Greater Call
He Spake Many Things to Them in Parables, Lesson 11:  New Testament Gospel Doctrine
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TAKE-A-WAY
If budget allows, you could give each of the girls a basket of their own with this little tag tied to it.
Or, you could simply tie this to a bag of chocolate - chocolate always inspires me!  :)