'Principles Of A True Fast' Handout

I am teaching Relief Society tomorrow and decided to make a handout for all the sisters. Since it's the first Sunday, I can pick what topic to teach

I thought about something patriotic, but that just didn't feel right. Then I thought about temples or prayer, but I still didn't feel like that is what I needed to teach the sisters about.

I prayed and decided to read some Ensign articles to see if I had any inspiration.

I decided to take a look at last year's July Ensign. I read an article that talked about fasting and I knew that that is what I needed to talk about.

I have truly enjoyed reading all the scriptures, and talks about Fasting. It has helped me realize that I need to be better at fasting. I am excited for fast Sunday tomorrow and a little nervous to teach. :)

One talk that I really loved and got alot of material from was

 "Fasting With Power" by Elder Shayne M Bowen. 

In his talk Elder Bowen discusses 5 principles of True Fasting. As I read his talk I realized I was denying myself and my family blessings by not always having a proper fast. I decided to make a handout for all the sisters in my ward to keep in their scriptures or somewhere in their home to help remind them what a True Fast really is. 

There are 2 sides to my handout: the front side has the 5 principles listed and the back side is ways to incorporate the principles into your fast.

Click Here to Print my Fasting Handout

I thought that some of you may want to use these for your own Relief Society, YW, Primary lessons, or for yourself. :)
I was also going to give each sister a small little notebook to use as 'Fasting Journals'. When I was searching for ideas this is actually the article of read that inspired me to teach on Fasting:

Fasting Journal

Renee Harding, North Carolina, USA

Fasting used to be difficult for me—until I began keeping a fasting journal. Now, before I begin each fast, I write down a specific purpose for my fast. For example, I might write, “Because I am so nervous about my new calling as Beehive adviser, I am fasting and praying that the Lord will bless me to be calm, confident, and composed tomorrow when I teach my first lesson.”

Throughout my fast, I jot down relevant things that transpire; thoughts, feelings, and impressions that come into my mind and heart; and scriptural references that especially pertain to the purpose of my fast.

As I share my desires with Heavenly Father, He often blesses me in ways I had not imagined. What might otherwise seem to be random events in my life are clearly linked when I write them down and see how they all contribute to my growth and development. Since 1996, when I first began keeping a fasting journal, I have seen how Heavenly Father has blessed my life. I testify of the incredible spiritual power of fasting and praying and consider fasting an opportunity for “rejoicing and prayer” (D&C 59:14)

I loved the idea of a Fasting Journal. And wouldn't that be so cute to give to each sister? You could get some plain notebooks and cover them with some cute scrapbook paper. Attach it with the above handout and give one to each sister or Young Woman.I never was able to find any small notebooks cheap enough to use, but I'll make one for myself and try to post a picture. :)
I hope you enjoy my little handout! And I hope all of you have a wonderful Fast Sunday.