h3. Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read "Raising the Bar," by L. Tom Perry, Ensign,
Nov 2007, 46-49
h3. Thought:
We remind you that where much is given, much is required. Be certain that you easily
clear the minimum standards . . . [be] worthy in every way to make and to keep sacred
temple covenants. . . . Prepare yourself to be more effective.
(L. Tom Perry, "Raising the Bar," Ensign, Nov 2007, 46-49)
h3. Song:
"I Will Be Valiant" Children's Songbook, p. 162.
h3. Scripture:
Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the
nations.
(Doctrine and Covenants 115:5)
h3. Lesson:
Have your family imagine that they are just getting on an airplane to fly across the
country. As they enter, the pilot greets them. As part of their conversation with him,
someone asks, "So how long have you been flying planes?"
He responds, "Well, I've never actually flown a plane. But I really like planes; I
always have! And I've read tons of books on flying planes, so I'm excited to try it. I'm
sure I'll do just fine."
Ask your family how that response would make them feel. Why would his lack of
experience concern you? Read the following statements:
"David O. McKay said, 'The rich rewards come only to the strenuous strugglers.'
In other words, to those who not only have faith but are willing to work and sacrifice
in order to achieve their goals." (O. Leslie Stone, "The Constant Exercise of Our
Faith," Ensign, July 1973, pp. 60.)
Ask your family why a person who hears the gospel but doesn't actually live it is
deceiving himself.
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Book
of Mormon, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 295.)
h3. Story:
*Bailey the Bench-Warmer* M. H. Austin
Robbie Bailey tugged his blue baseball cap low on his forehead as he started
through the gate at the baseball park. It was going to be hot in the dugout today.
"Hey, Robbie," someone called.
Robbie turned to see Johnny Warner from his class at school. "Hi, Johnny. Did you come to see the
Bluejays beat the Hornets?" he asked with a grin.
"I sure did," Johnny replied amiably. "Now that my team is out of the running, I'd like to see you
Bluejays win the championship."
"With Ken Davis, we can't lose," Robbie declared with pride. "He's the leading hitter in the
league."
Robbie was confident that the Bluejays could win today. And if his team won, they would earn the
right to go to Capitol City for the state play-off. Every member of the team would get to make the trip,
even the "scrubs."
"By the way, Robbie," Johnny asked, "what position do you play?"
"Me?" Robbie exclaimed in surprise. "I don't play at all! `Bailey the Bench-warmer'--that's me!"
"Well, good luck anyway," Johnny said.
"Thanks," Robbie replied as he hurried across the field to join his team.
After the pre-game warm-up, Robbie went to the dugout with the other younger boys who were
substitutes on the team. Some of the scrubs were restless, hoping that they would get to play today. But
Robbie knew he wasn't good enough to play with the first team. He would only strike out or cause his
team someway to lose the game. He didn't mind being a bench-warmer at all. He took his usual place
at the far end of the bench and settled back to watch the game.
By the last inning, the Bluejays led the Hornets by two runs. With two outs, the Bluejay pitcher
took his time pitching to the next batter. He whiffed in two fast strikes. One more strike, and the
championship would belong to the Bluejays.
Then, without warning, the Hornet batter slammed a hit past the shortstop into left field. Ken
Davis, the left fielder, ran over to cover the play. As he scooped up the ball to make his throw to the
infield, he pulled back his right hand with a cry of pain. He barely managed to make the throw.
Robbie jumped to his feet in alarm. Ken was hurt! Coach Reynolds ran onto the field to examine
Ken's hand. He began to lead him from the field.
Ken was rubbing his hand and grimacing in pain by the time he reached the dugout. "It's a badly
jammed finger," Coach Reynolds explained. "He can't possibly play any more." He turned toward the
bench, searching among the substitutes for someone to take Ken's place.
Robbie shrank down against the bench, hoping he would not be noticed. As Coach Reynolds' gaze
settled upon him, his heart began to pound. Surely Coach wasn't thinking of sending him into the
game.
"Robbie," called Coach Reynolds, "out to left field."
Robbie's legs were rubbery when he tried to stand up. His shoes felt as if their soles were made of
lead. He could never take Ken's place!
"Hurry up, Rob," Coach Reynolds instructed.
Robbie stumbled to left field in a daze. His knees were trembling as the Bluejay pitcher began his
windup. If only this Hornet batter could be put out so that the game would be over!
Then he heard the crack of the bat. A fly ball flew straight toward him. He ran forward and floated
under the ball, trying to keep it in sight while he waited to make his catch. He felt the ball plop into his
glove--and then fall to the ground. He had dropped it!
He scrambled after the ball and threw it to the shortstop as quickly as he could, but he was too late.
Two Hornet runs scored. The game was tied.
Although the next Hornet batter made the third out, Robbie blinked back tears as he left the field. It
was all his fault that the game was tied now. Sick at heart, he climbed into the dugout in disgrace. He
slid onto the bench and sat with bowed head, his hands clenched between his knees. He couldn't bring
himself to face his teammates, especially Ken Davis.
Then to his astonishment, he heard Coach Reynolds calling him. "Hurry up, Robbie. You're first at
bat."
Robbie couldn't believe Coach meant to leave him in the game. "I'll only strike out," he murmured.
He felt a hand clap his shoulder. He looked up to see Ken Davis giving him an encouraging smile.
"Just do the best you can," Ken said.
"That's all anybody can do." Ken shoved him out of the dugout.
Someone handed him a bat and a helmet.
Robbie stepped into the batter's box.
Out on the mound the Hornet pitcher seemed to tower over
him. The first pitch came in so fast that Robbie's bat never left his shoulder. Strike one!
As soon as the next pitch started toward him, Robbie began to swing with all his strength. Strike
two!
Three more pitches whipped across the plate. Dimly Robbie heard the umpire's count: three balls
and two strikes.
"Look sharp, Robbie," Coach Reynolds warned.
In desperation, Robbie faced the pitcher for the last pitch. The Hornet pitcher threw the ball so fast
that he barely saw it. At the last second, though, he thought the ball dipped low, and he held up on his
swing. "Ball four; take your base!" the umpire called.
On first base Robbie tried to remember all the things Coach had taught them in practice. Where to
stand, when to run. The next two Bluejay batters were thrown out at first base, but their sacrifice hits
moved Robbie to third base. The next Bluejay hitter slammed a grounder toward second base.
"Home, Robbie, home!" Coach Reynolds called out.
Robbie darted for home plate as fast as he could. He slid across the plate just under the catcher's
glove. The umpire's arms spread wide as he gave the call: "Safe!"
The game was over. The Bluejays had won on Robbie's scored run.
Robbie felt himself being pounded on the back by his happy teammates. "But I didn't do anything
at all," he protested. "It was the other fellows who kept hitting the ball to bring me in."
"Yes, but you had to get on base first," Ken said.
"That's right, Robbie" said Coach Reynolds. "Baseball is a team effort. As long as each player does
the best he can, it all adds up."
Johnny Warner was waiting for Robbie outside the ball park. "Congratulations on winning the
championship," he said. "But I thought you said you didn't play."
"I don't usually," Robbie explained.
"Well, you did all right today," Johnny said.
"I did the best I could," Robbie replied with a grin. As Ken Davis had said, "That's all anybody can
do."
(Leon R. Hartshorn, Inspiring Stories for Young Latter-day Saints, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1975].)
h3. Activity:
Read 3 Nephi 14:24-27 together with your family. Have them draw a picture of the two houses
described in those verses and what would happen to them in a great storm.
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Book of Mormon, [Salt
Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 295.)
Discuss how doing what the Lord asks of us, and doing our best at it, grants us blessings (we will
not be washed away by the storms of life).
h3. Refreshment
*Jenny's Real Cool Cookies*
* 1/2 cup canned milk
* 1 cube margarine
* 1 1/2 cups sugar
* 3 cups quick oats
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1 cup coconut
* 2 tablespoons cocoa
In a saucepan mix canned milk, margarine, and sugar. Bring to a boil and let boil for 3 minutes. In
large bowl mix oats, vanilla, coconut, and cocoa. Pour cooked sugar mixture over oatmeal and mix
well until all oatmeal is well covered. Drop by teaspoons onto waxed paper and let cool.
(Karla C. Erickson, Kids in the Kitchen, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980], p. 31.)
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