The Triangle of the Gospel

I have hear this teaching a couple times in the past few months.  First was Simon McHenry in his homecoming talk, and then the youth speaker this week, Jeff Winn.  It is that in order to stay close to the church and keep your testimony strong three things are needed, prayer, scripture study and attending your church meetings.  It is really pretty simple.
Many years ago, Bishop Betts from Ballard taught the five-star points of the gospel, personal prayer, family prayer, personal scriptures, family scriptures, daily journal writing, and then a sixth for the center, weekly family home evening.  Bother pretty simple lessons, and basically suggesting the same thing.  How important it is to say our prayers regularly and read scriptures daily.  When I have struggled in my life, I am usually lacking one of these things.  I prayer regularly, but not a kneel -down kind of prayer which is often needed.  Scripture study is as needed for a lesson, or in relation to the current Ensign.

Christmas Sing-Along- Family Home Evening

We had a great time at our annual Christmas Sing-a-long.  It was really fun.  I don't think we have ever had so many people over, but Caleb thinks there were more when he opened his mission call.  We had many Banks, the Hokansons from our ward, Sam's family (Tony's friends from school, Grandpa Scoresby, Jeremy and family, Charity and family, Petersons, and Candace, Hayley's friend.  Gil our neighbor came over for a few minutes as well.  It was a great time.  We learned a new scheme as to how to take turns selecting songs.  The family with the youngest member picks first, and then we work our way up to the oldest.  We finished with "Silent Night" the first verse in German.  Miranda played almost all the songs.  Maybe only one sone we ssng without accompaniment.  Something new this year, Sheri served hot chocolate with the cookies.

Family SIng-A-Long family Home Evening 2015

Please join us if you wish, but please RSVP and tell Sheri if you plan on coming.

Family Home Evening: The Plan of Salvation

Miranda and Tony taught the plan of salvation for Family Home Evening.  Miranda drew upon the lesson in "Preach My Gospel."  Tony drew upon his primary lesson on the same theme.  Miranda presented the above diagram, preearth life, birth, earth life, death, spirit world, final judgement and resurrection and three degrees of glory.  For more check out Mormon.org

Tony drew Miranda's picture again; but also was familiar with the lesson. 

Miranda Teaches the Restoration

Miranda, who leaves on a mission in a little more than a month, taught us the restoration today for family home evening.  I love the story of the restoration.
She started by explaining the need for a restoration.  When Jesus lived on the earth, He established his Church.  However, after he had left, evil men persecuted the apostles.  many were killed and the true church of Jesus Christ was lost fro the earth.  This is called apostasy.
She then told the story of Joseph Smith.  As a boy of 14 he was struggling with which church to join.  He read in James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Joseph determined to pray.  While he was praying he was visited by God the Father and his son Jesus Christ.
It was fun to observe the interaction between Tony and Miranda.  Tony knew the answer to most of Miranda's questions.

To read Joseph Smith's Testimony please go here/
https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/32667_eng.pdf?lang=eng
I know that this is a true story.  Joseph Smith did indeed see God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Third Annual Wardle Family Sing-Along

We had a pleasurable family home evening singing with friends.  This is actually the second time we have done this, as the second was cancelled for illness.  We had a small group, the Binghams from our ward who were at the first sing-along, and Charity and Anthony who were also there.  Now they have a baby.  Sheri also invited Sam's family.  Sam is a good friend of Tony's from school and they have spent some time together doing play dates.  We had a great time.  I forgot to take pictures, but did get the snack table before we started.  Miranda made cupcake trees. Sheri made cookies.  In addition to singing and eating we recited the end of "A Christmas Carol."  It was fun.

Family Sing Along

Third Annual Wardle Christmas Family  Sing-along
Monday, December 2, 2013 7 p.m.
We would like to invite you to our home for an evening of singing
1789 Cocomo Pl Manteca, CA  Please bring a snack to share
Please RSVP and let us know if you have a favorite Christmas song or hymn
 209*665*4439   408*888*8526