PROVIDENT LIVING FHE

FHE: Provident Living

Thought: When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior's example to serve and bless others. (Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually," Ensign, May 2009, 7-10.)

Song: "When We're Helping We're Happy," Children's Songbook, p. 198

Scripture: Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness. (2 Nephi 9:51)

Lesson: In one hand have a sack labeled "lots of money"; in the other hand have a spoon. Show your family what you have in your hands and ask them which they would rather have and why. Replace the spoon with a picture of your family and ask the same question. Hold up the money and ask, "Is it wrong to seek for riches?:" Turn to and read Jacob 2:18-19. Ask:
What should we seek before we seek for riches? (Verse 18.)
Why is the kingdom of God more valuable than earthly wealth?
If the Lord blesses us with riches, what should we do with them? (Verse 19.)
What other kinds of riches can the Lord bless us with?

Share your testimony of the greater joy that comes from the Lord's eternal blessings compared to temporary, earthly blessings.(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 78.)

Story:"I Guess You'll Have to Walk," By Bishop John H. Vandenberg
My wife and I were married during the time of the depression. I had purchased a new car, and it was all paid for. I was employed; my salary was $125 per month. I remember bringing home my first check. My wife said, "It isn't very much, is it?" I replied, "No, but it will do." She said, "Yes, if we budget it." So we sat down and budgeted: $12.50 for tithing; $1.00 for fast offerings; $45 for rent; $40 for food, and additional amounts for utilities and clothing; and $10 in the savings account, for we presumed and anticipated that a child would come eventually. When we added it all up, the $125 was all allocated. I said to my wife, "It's all gone, and there isn't any left to buy gasoline for my car. What am I going to do?" She replied, "Sorry. I guess you'll have to walk." So I walked back and forth to work. And the car stayed right in the garage for several months until I got a raise and could spare a little to buy gasoline. We've always managed to get along on my income, and I don't think we have ever had an unhappy moment over it, but rather, much satisfaction in coping with the situation. It isn't so much what you earn, but how you manage. (Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 2, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1971].)

Activity:Preparation: Collect several different items which family members could "buy" (for example cookies, small toy, magazine, etc.). Put them in a box or sack so they can't be seen until auction time. Obtain play money from a game or make some "family money."
Activity: Distribute the money evenly among the members of the family. Take one of the items out of the sack, hold it up, and tell the family you are going to sell it to the highest bidder. Ask someone to begin bidding for the item. The highest bidder pays with family money and receives the item.
Continue to auction the items until all have spent their money or all the items are gone.
Ask family members who they think go the most for their money and who got the most valuable item. Then ask the family members what they think are some of the most valuable things we can gain in this life and why they are valuable. Discuss what makes something valuable. Point out that the things that are of the most value are the things that last forever.(Allan K. Burgess and Max H. Molgard, Fun For Family Night: Church History Edition, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], p. 193.)

Refreshment:
Saltwater Taffy
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
I cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
Grease a 9 × 9 x 2-inch baking pan. In a 1 1/2-quart saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Stir in corn syrup, water, and salt. Add butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and sugar is completely dissolved. Continue cooking, without stirring, until temperature reaches 260 degrees on a candy thermometer, or until a small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a ball that is hard enough to hold its shape, yet pliant. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Butter fingers and pull taffy until it has satin-like finish and light color. Pull into long strips, 1/2-inch wide. With scissors, cut into 1-inch pieces. Wrap individual candies in wax paper. Makes 1 pound.