President Uchdtdorf's talk, "Lift Where You Stand

Here are ideas from President Uchtdorf's talk, "Lift Where You Stand."

Even though the talk focused on serving in priesthood callings, the message applies very well to serving in the family. The February Friend has ideas for not being the weak link in the family. For a more printer friendly version click here and then click on the picture of the links. Cut out the chain links and have each family member write their name on a link, along with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., and link them together. Encourage being a strong link in the family chain.

You can also use John Bytheway's ideas on the family bicycle. Show the picture of the bicycle built for four with two boys riding on it. Tell about John Bytheway’s description of the family bicycle and how family members need to pedal once their feet reach the pedals—no putting on the breaks! Have younger children draw a picture of themselves on the family bicycle by clicking on coloring page. Help them draw their picture with their feet touching the pedals.

Tell the story about lifting the piano from Pres. Uchtdorf’s talk. Then use a clothes iron as a heavy object and tie a string to it. One person demonstrate that they cannot lift the iron with one string (use a thin string or thread so that it will break when you try to lift it). Then have each family member tie a thread to the iron and everyone lift together. The iron will raise as everyone stands close together and lifts. Everyone’s help is needed to pull the family weight. Sing, “When We’re Helping We’re Happy.”

Additional ideas for older children:

The February 2009 Ensign had a great idea for FHE. (To get to it, scroll down to the bottom of the page after clicking on the link.) A youth gave the lesson and had family members write things they loved about each family member. You can use this form to do the same activity (or use any random black sheet of paper). Then give each person their papers. In a family of 6 family members, each person would get 60 compliments that can lift them. Have family members notice the power of lifting where you stand in the family. For families with all members old enough to ride a bike, see if you can rent a bicycle built for two or more and take turns riding it. You can also memorize Mosiah 2:17 using suggestions from this link. Print out Mosiah 2:17 on an 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper for this activity. Close by singing, “Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?” or “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel.” For music visit: http://www.lds.org/churchmusic/