Crush

Notes for:  YW Manual 3, Lesson 35  "Dating Decisions
*

*
TABLE DECOR

I created a flower arrangement using various shades of orange flowers - representing Choice and Accountability.  I added a green ribbon around the vase - representing Knowledge.  A framed picture of Christ was placed on the table as well - always as a reminder to look to Christ in all we do.

*

LESSON NOTES

Note:  This is simply a list of ideas used throughout the lesson - not a lesson outline.

*

The lesson begins with the question:  "What are some important decisions you must make about young men?"  Ideas were written on the board as they were discussed.  After the list filled the board I wrote the word CRUSH in capital letters above it.  Asking them if these things were true in repect to the young men they were currently "crushing on".

*

We also discussed the importance of being the kind  of person you would eventually like to marry.  This is where I gave them all this handout.

*

The question of steady dating came up.  Here was my response, read from "Unsteady Dating":  President Hinckley said, “When you are young, do not get involved in steady dating. When you reach an age where you think of marriage, then is the time to become so involved. But you boys who are in high school don’t need this, and neither do the girls”

*

MEDIA

As part of the lesson I shared this Mormon Message:  "Chastity, What Are The Limits?"  It was perfect.

*

 

*

TAKE-A-WAY

It took a bit of thought, but this is what I finally came  up with:  "Choose Righteously Understanding Sacred Honor".  We discussed that their Sacred Honor as daughters (and sons) of God were the covenants they made at baptism, then we re-read the Young Women Theme.  The young women were all given a can of CRUSH soda. 

*

*

ANALOGY

As I was preparing the lesson my mind was trying to create an analogy to go along with the CRUSH soda.  I wasn't sure if what I finally thought of was going to be appropriate for the group.  But, at the end of the lesson (at this point all the girls were holding their can of soda) one of the leaders made a comment that led perfectly into this particular analogy.  (this is just a brief outline of what was discussed)

• I asked what would happen to the can of soda if I were to open the lid and let it sit for awhile.  The answer they gave was that the soda would lose it's fizz.  I also mentioned the same thing would happen if I were to puncture the can in one or more places.
• I invited the girls to imagine that the soda can represented each of them, and the soda inside the can represented their spirit in respect to their virtue/chastity - this could even work well in discussing the effects on the spirit in dressing immodestly.
•  We discussed the effects on their spirit in the choices they make as they interact with young men.  Good/Virtuous choices protect their spirits.  Poor choices lead to them losing the spirit.
• IF NEEDED:  This is where you could discuss the atonement - the Savior providing refills.  :)
• I also threw in a thought about marrying their future CRUSH:  "Imagine what happens when you take a full can of soda, shake it up, and open it."  The girls all laughed at the thought.  I then said, "Remembering what the can in your hand represents, imagine how much more thrilling and meaningful it would be to go to the temple with a young man who has kept his spirit protected - and you have kept yours protected." "And just think of how much more thrilling your wedding night will be - saving it for that special night."  This is where they laughed, were probably a little embarrassed, but they understood.  I know because of conversations afterwards.  :)

Bad Habit Bonfire

templates here

*
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.

**

This is what I like to call "Bad Habit Bonfire" or "Bad Habits No S'more".  :)

*

* 

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.

*

ACTIVITY
*
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!
*
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."

*

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.

*

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.

*

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)

*

(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.

*

Then everyone created their own "Bad Habits No S'more".  We also made dough boys.  Delish!

*

*

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

*

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!
*

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.  :)

*

Basic S'mores

photo found here

*

Golden Grahams S'more Bars

recipe here
*

Oooey, Gooey S'more Bars

recipe found here

 *

S'mores Bars

recipe found here

*

Campfire Cookies

recipe found here

*

S'more Brownies

recipe found here

*

S'mores Cupcakes

recipe found here

*

S'more Ice Cream Sandwich

recipe found here

*

Frozen S'more Pops

recipe found here

*

S'more Whoopie Pies

recipe found here

*
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."

*

*
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.

*

*

These s'more kits would have been a cute thank you as well.

*

*

DIY S'more Kits

idea found here

"Pop" Quiz

template here

*
My husband helped me with this one.  "Thanks honey!"
*
This particular 5th Sunday, we were asked to choose a topic from the New Era.  He suggested "choosing appropriate music" as the lesson topic.  This tied in nicely with the 2011 Mutual Theme.

*

While grocery shopping, he found the perfect little take-a-way.  Miniature Mexican pop bottles.  There weren't many flavors to choose from.  I went with pineapple.  Thought it might taste good once it was well chilled, almost to the point of slush.  :)

*

*

As for the lesson...  I began by telling the girls we were going to have a "pop" quiz.  (It would have been more like a real pop quiz if I would have handed them a pen and a paper numbered 1-10.)  We just did this as a group.

*

One at a time, I played different types of instrumental music.  The girls were to explain how the music made them feel, and what it made them think of.  It was really interesting for all of us.

*

Here is a sample of the music I used (from my own collection):

• Sweet Lullaby, by Deep Forest
• When the Saints Go Marching In
• Brandenburg Concerto No.2, Johann Sebastian Bach
• Allegretto , by Bond
• After the Rain, Micheal Jones (one of my favorite relaxation Cd's)
• Western Lives, Brad Paisley
• Hosanna to God and the Lamb!, Merrill Jenson

We talked briefly about the effect music, not just the words, has on us.  The girls told me they liked the "pop" quiz.  :)

*

We then moved into the rest of the lesson.  See lesson references below.
*

REFERENCES

• Out of the Best Book, Movies, and Music, Christa Skousen, LDS.org Youth 2011
• Pop Quiz, Laura Andreason, LDS.org Youth January 2011
• Mushroom, Music, Movies and Magazines, Elder Spencer J Condie, New Era February 1990
• Music:  Apples or Onions?, Jack R. Christianson, New Era April 1984
• Mixed Signals, New Era June 2001, Special Issue:  Standards

*

TABLE DISPLAY

Just for fun, I made CD labels representing various genres of music.  I choose to go with the color orange to highlight the value Choice and Accountability.

*

*

TAKE-A-WAY

I removed the original labels from the pop bottles and replaced them with labels which read:  "Choose Your POP MUSIC Carefully"

*

**

This (below) shows the size of the mini pop bottles compared to a regular sized water bottle.  I thought they were so cute!  In a mini way.

*

*

MORMON ADS