Courage

...Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." -Joshua 1:5,9

Tonight for FHE we will be talking about Courage. I was inspired by President Monson's talk "Be Strong and of A Good Courage" given in April 2014 at the Priesthood session. Read it to prepare for tonights lesson... Link to President Monson's talk:https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/be-strong-and-of-a-good-courage?lang=eng
Here is what my little family will be doing:

Opening Song: Nephi's Courage https://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/nephis-courage?lang=eng
We need Courage and our Prophet took the time to teach us about courage last April. Here is what he said:
"We live in a world where moral values have, in great measure, been tossed aside, where sin is flagrantly on display, and where temptations to stray from the strait and narrow path surround us. We are faced with persistent pressures and insidious influences tearing down what is decent and attempting to substitute the shallow philosophies and practices of a secular society.

Because of these and other challenges, decisions are constantly before us which can determine our destiny. In order for us to make the correct decisions, courage is needed—the courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right."

Watch You Tube clip of the "Cowardly Lion" to further introduce the idea of Courage. http://youtube.com/watch?v=z2itQkiQUOE
In this clip the Lion is mean and unkind to other characters... is this courageous? What is courage? Can you get courage from a wizard like the Lion hopes to do? How do we get courage?

Create a list of what courage is to your family. What does it look like, feel like, sound like? Share this definition of Courage from President Monson's talk:
"Courage comes in many forms. Wrote the Christian author Charles Swindoll: “Courage is not limited to the battlefield … or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are inner tests, like remaining faithful when no one’s looking, … like standing alone when you’re misunderstood.”3 I would add that this inner courage also includes doing the right thing even though we may be afraid, defending our beliefs at the risk of being ridiculed, and maintaining those beliefs even when threatened with a loss of friends or of social status. He who stands steadfastly for that which is right must risk becoming at times disapproved and unpopular."
Discuss some instances where we might need courage.
President Monson shared a story of a young man during WW 2 that kneeled in prayer every night... even though the other soldiers made fun of him. He never missed a night even though it would have been easier to say his prayers in bed and keep from being ridiculed. Would we have this type of courage?
Examples of Courage in the Scriptures:
Story of Daniel (Daniel Chapter 6). After sharing this story if you have little ones use this link for a coloring page: https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/daniel-lions-den-416449?lang=eng
Story of Abinidai ( Mosiah 11:20; 17:20)
Story of Joseph Smith from President Monson's talk (use the link at the beginning of the lesson to get you to this story)
How were these people courageous? How can we be like them?
Is courage a characteristic that we can have only when others are looking?
In an interview published in a national magazine, well-known American NCAA basketball player Jabari Parker, a member of the Church, was asked to share the best advice he had received from his father. Replied Jabari, “[My father] said, Just be the same person you are in the dark that you are in the light.”
Courage is a hard characteristic to have all the time but with the Lord by our side we can do it! Read Joshua 1:5,9.

This Week's Goal: We will strive to be COURAGEOUS in doing what's right at all times and in all places. We will bring the Lord's smile of approval because we will be trying our hardest to show Him our love through our COURAGE. Have everyone write a sticky note to hang somewhere they will look at it often:
"I will have COURAGE to..."
Encourage family members to pray to have courage to choose the right this week in their personal prayers.

Final thoughts from President Monson: "All acts of courage bring peace of mind and knowledge that right and truth have been defended."
Closing Song: Stand For The Righthttps://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/stand-for-the-right?lang=eng

TONIGHT's TREAT:
COURAGE COOKIES
(Adapted from: Hawkins Family Treasure Cookies)
 1  1/2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/2 to 2/3 Cups Flour
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1 14oz Can Eagle Brand Milk
7 Tablespoons Butter
1 1/3 Cups Coconut
2 Cups Chocolate Chips
1 Cup Chopped Nuts
Mix graham cracker crumbs, flour, and baking powder. In a large bowl beat Eagle Brand Milk and butter until smooth. Add crumb mix. Stir in coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts.
Form into balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees until golden!