Diamonds in the Rough

With the 2014 mutual theme being, "Come Unto Christ and be Perfected in Him..." I have had overwhelming email requests and comments on this particular post. Most of you are requesting a copy of the talk. Just so you know... I have made a request for the talk that was used, but not sure if she still has a copy. This particular New Beginnings was held a few years ago, back in 2010. I will let you know if and when it becomes available.

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Original 2010 post:

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This year our ward's New Beginnings theme was, "Diamonds in the rough: Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him" .
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INVITATION
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Invitations were hand delivered in a simple black envelope, tied with black ribbon. Each name was written in metallic silver on the front of the envelope.

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Needed Supplies: simple printout of invitation on white copy paper, black card stock, black envelopes, clear rhinestone stickers, double-sided tape or glue stick, and a silver metallic Sharpie.

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Other ideas:

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Square Bracket Cards

You can purchase them here

I saw these cute Square Bracket Cards and thought they might be a bit more "girlie" than the straight edge we used on our invites.

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AMBIANCE/DECOR
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The Relief Society room was transformed into our Young Women's Diamond Boutique

Décor included: black and white table coverings and drapes, black tulle, topiaries, lighting, large acrylic crystals, and a simple vase filled with faux beautiful soft pink roses (which were given to our new and incoming Beehives during the program).

The Young Women Medallion was displayed on a black velvet neck display. And the new Personal Progress booklet, Strength of Youth pamphlet and Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth, each received a "bling, bling makeover", using clear rhinestone stickers. the YW values were also displayed.

My daughter's dress form was transformed into our daughter of a king, complete with a few of the large acrylic crystals around the neck and a sparkly "Diamonds in the Rough" sash, which I made using a piece of black scrap material and felt letters stickers I found at a local fabric store (simple, yet adorable!).

Along with the bling was a large piece of coal, a simple rock we found at the lake recently, spray painted black.
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

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I do not have an exact program outline. But our program included Personal Progress updates, Spotlights on our newest Beehives, a couple musical numbers, and talks from our Young Women's President (Amy) and our Bishop. They each tied in the theme nicely. Amy started out her talk with the cutest object lesson... "How to make a diamond".

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OBJECT LESSON IDEAS

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1) I recall Amy standing in front of the group in a darling apron. Holding a recipe card. She took a piece of coal (could be a simple rock painted black) and placed it in a frying pan. She asked the young women how long it would take her to turn that piece of coal into a diamond. I believe this is when she pulled out the blow torch. She didn't use it of course. Just a visual aid. :) After some discussion, she bridged over to what it takes to be perfected in Him.

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2) Another idea would be to use a tarnished piece of silver and polish it while explaining how our Savior helps refine us - in the end the silver will shine.

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photo credit here, from The Creek Line House

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3) Diamonds, an object lesson.

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RESOURCES FOR TALK PREPARATION

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The process to create diamonds is completely natural. The diamonds start out as a simple piece of coal, until a molten rock heats pure carbon under tremendous pressure. This causes the diamond crystals to be formed. Volcanic activity will, over time, push the diamonds to the earth’s surface, where they can be found buried in the earth. The diamonds still have to get cleaned and polished before they shine.
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The  Lord's Pattern for Peace, Elder Christoffel Golden Jr., Ensign April 2008

"Then, as I looked at his almost transparent countenance, I recalled many of the small and great deeds he had done. It was in the small deeds that I discovered the greater joy. Through his renewed life of submission and service, this noble servant of the Lord had received the approval of heaven. He was no longer a rough diamond but rather a refined, polished shaft.

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Opposition in Order to Strengthen Us, Eldred G. Smith, General Conference October 1973

"We all have our trials of life to strengthen us. Each thinks he has the hardest or most severe trials. It may be that they are the most difficult only because they are the hardest or most difficult for you. The diamond is enhanced and made more valuable with polishing. Steel is made harder and more valuable through tempering. So also opposition builds the character of man."

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James E Faust uses the story of a man's search for diamonds to teach a few different lessons:

Happiness and Our Search For Happiness, James E. Faust, Liahona October 2000

"How many times do we look for our happiness at a distance in space or time rather than right now, in our own homes, with our own families and friends?"

The Truth Shall Make You Free, James E. Faust, Liahona September 1998

“Where can truth be found?”

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How Diamonds are Formed, National Geographic

As I watched this I was intrigued with the idea that once a diamond is formed beneath the earth's surface, it still needs to be transported. Just as we need our Savior.

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MUSICAL NUMBER SUGGESTIONS

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Brie sang her first solo in public. She and one of our beehives sang "Daughter of a King", by Jenny Phillips. They each sang a verse on their own and sang the chorus together. Brie was so nervous, but she did wonderful.

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TAKE-A-WAY/GIFTS
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After the program, the Young Women were directed to the back of the room. There they found two tables which were set-up with supplies for each of them to make their own "Be Strong and of Good Courage" tiles - because that was the mutual theme for 2010. (supplies: 4x4 tiles, prepared vinyl lettering, and Pampered Chef scrapers)
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REFRESHMENTS
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We served up Chocolate Mousse Parfaits with Brownies and Caramel Sauce, Amy's creation.

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TAKE AWAY IDEAS

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Each of the young women were given a small bag, tied with a black ribbon, holding a ring pop inside as they were leaving.

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(1) Small Black Velvet Drawstring Pouches, purchase here ($2.93 for a pack of 12)

(2) Clear treat bags, found at your local craft stores

(3) Black Organza Bags,purchase here ($1.50 for a pack of 10)

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Here are a few other ideas...

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Ring Pop Popsicles

idea found here, from Make It Cozee

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 Edible Sugar Diamonds

Multiple colors and shapes. Great to top cupcakes or cookies with!

You can purchase them here, at Fancy Flours

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Gem Candy Molds

Have a candy making activity beforehand.

Candy molds found here

photo from Make It Love It

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MUTUAL or F.H.E. ACTIVITY IDEAS

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Rock Hounding, Family Home Evening Resource Book