Overcoming Challenges

FHE exchange, author unknown. "Some items changed to fit the needs of our family."

Preparation:
1. Collect an oyster or pearls, ping pong ball and a jar filled with rice.
2. Gather pencils and paper.
3. Scriptures.
4. Purchase pre-made/refrigerated cookie dough.

Opening Song: Nephi's Courage

Activity: Pass out paper and pencils, have each family member list 5 things that have happened in his/her lifetime. These can be sad or happy, thought-provoking or mundane, funny or serious. Allow anyone who wishes to share their list with the family.
Show an oyster or pearls: Pearls come from oysters. An oyster is a shell fish that loves in the ocean. They have a very hard shell that protects them, but sometimes like a grain of sand can get inside the shell and it causes a lot of pain and discomfort to the oyster. God has given the oyster a way to ease that pain. When a grain of sand gets in there, the oyster oozes out a liquid that coats the grain of sand and then it hardens. The oyster keeps doing this over and over until the grain of sand no longer causes pain. This is how a pearl is made. Something that started out being painful turned into something very beautiful and valuable. In that same way, we can make something negative turn into something positive by having the right attitude.

Place a ping pong ball in a jar and discuss challenges that we might face in our life. As each person mentions one allow them to put a small scoop of rice in the jar. Continue this until the rice is about 2 inches from the top of the jar. The rice will eventually cover the ball. The read D&C 63:47. Put a lid on the jar and gently shake it. The ping pong ball will rise to the top. Just as this ball "overcame" the rice, we can overcome the world.

Go back to the list of experiences that your family made. Name at least one blessing that came from each experience. (Children may need help to identify what is a blessing.) Brainstorm with your kids on ways to turn a negative into a positive.

1. Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would you have to look forward to?
2. Be thankful when you don't know something. It gives you an opportunity to learn.
3. Be thankful for difficult times. during those times you grow.
4. Be thankful for your limitations. They give you an opportunity to grow.
5. Be thankful for each new challenge. It will build your strength and character.
6. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you a valuable lesson.
7. Be thankful when you're tired and weary for it means you've made a difference.
8. Be thankful for your troubles. They can become your blessings.

Activity:
Think of someone you know who could use a "lift" in spirit. Make cookies using the pre-made cookie dough. Let your children make a card to go with the plate of cookies and deliver them.

Treat:
Eat the remaining cookies as a family.