Treasures

Treasures

By The Richardson Family

September 2002

Cast: The Johnson Family--Dad, Mom, Kenni (17 years old, daughter), Ky (8 years old, daughter), Dave (18 years old, son), Jerry (14 years old, son)

Prelude Music: Overview of songs from play, then music gets darker, feeling the pressure, “debt choking out life”

Setting: Wealthy businessman (Insurance?), higher society, driving along in expensive car. He is talking to himself, discouraged, in debt. “What can I do?” AS he considers the situation, he says to himself, “Ah, a family counsel. But first, I better talk this over with my wife.”

(or could be discussion with friend, reviewing comments on finances from HPGL last Sunday—can be shown under spotlight preaching)

Setting: Living Room, Family Council
Dad: “I need to talk with you about finances.”
Kenni: “I’m glad you brought this subject up. I need a new school dress and a formal dress for the Prom, shoes, and may I rent that stretch limo again?”
Dad: “No, we’re in trouble.’ (shocked faces of children) “We’re maxed-out on the credit cards, we have a second mortgage on the home, we have four cars, two of which are brand new. Mom and I have been working too many hours. We have been blessed in the past, but are now about to go under. What can we do? We need your help.” (kids still have look of unbelief)
Ky: “My Primary teacher told us that the prophet said no debt.”
Everyone: “Well, duh…”
Dave: “Yeah, we used to have a lot of fun as a family, but now, it seems that Mom and Dad are always busy and there is no time for fun.”
Dad: “You’re right, son. But, now, what are we going to do to get out of debt?”
Mom: “I’m tired and want to stay home with the family. We want you to start thinking about making some changes.”
Dad: “Yeah, let’s make some changes…” (starts humming)
Kenni: “Oh, no! Dad is going to start singing. That’s worse than a lecture.” (kids groan)
Dad: (starts singing, “Let’s Make a Change..”
Let’s make a change, Our lives rearrange, Take control of them, This world’s too strange.
(Mom joins in, then children start singing)
We’re so in debt, There’s no safety net, Must to it now, so, Our goals are met.
Everyone: (shout) “Let’s do it now!”
Dad: “Now that we are all in agreement, let’s talk about some of the ideas of how we can get out of debt as a family. I suggest we sell one of our cars.”
Kenni: But, Dad, how will I get to…”
(family starts chanting, “Let’s Make a Change.”)
Dave: “Hey, I’ll give you a ride in my car…our car.”
(family chanting a little louder)
Mom: “What about a garage sale?”
Dave: “In this neighborhood? They’ll kick us out.”
(family a little louder)
Dave: “OK, I’ll donate some old clothes for the cause.”
Mom: “I can start to use some of our Years Supply to supplement our meals.”
Jerry and Ky: “Oh, no, beans. Yuck!”
(family chanting louder)
Jerry and Ky—“Beans, yummie”
Dave: “Maybe I could get a job to help out. But what would the running coach say when I quit the team?”
(family chanting loudly)
Dave: “You are right—and maybe some of that money I earn could go to my mission fund.”
Dad: “Thanks for your input. If we work together, we can resolve this problem.:
(all sing harmony, both verses of , “Let’s Make a Change.”)
Everyone: (shout) “Let’s do it now!”

Setting: Dave and Kenni at the kitchen table
Kenni: “I don’t know. I just don’t think this family thing is going to work. Besides, what will the kids at school say about my clothes?”
Dave: “I’ve been thinking that it’s almost time for my mission. I’m not very prepared. Maybe I can turn some things around in my life, too.”
Kenni: “But I hate being laughed at.”
Dave: “Me too. I guess I better get used to it. Out in the mission field, they are going to laugh at me…and throw rocks at me.”
Kenni: (laughs) “Yeh, well, you deserve that.”
Dave: “So, what do you say, Sis? Let’s try to help Mom and Dad. They’ve really been working hard, lately. There’s been some tension, too.”
Kenni: “Well…OK. But I’ll do it under protest. One giggle from my girlfriends and I’ll…well, I’ll just die.’

Setting: Mom and Dad in the bedroom, getting ready to go to sleep
Mom: “I saw a house on the east side of town. It is a lot smaller and in a quiet neighborhood. Maybe we could sell this big home and…”
Dad: “But this is our dream home.”
Mom: “Yes, and you are dreaming if you think we can stay here and get out of debt. We’re way in over our heads in this neighborhood.”
Dad: “What about the Ward? What about our friends? What are they going to say? The people in the other Ward, well, you know it’s the poorer side of town.”
Mom: “I’ve been thinking about that. Maybe what others think is not so important.”
Dad: “I know you’re right. I guess I’m just a little worried. We really are going to be making a lot of changes. And it’s happening so fast.”

Setting: Family at the dinner table
Jerry: “Macaroni and Cheese, again? I thought you were kidding when you said we were going to use our Year’s Supply.’
Mom: “Just wait until you see what you are taking in your lunch to school, tomorrow.”
Kenni: “Lunches? But I always go out with my friends to that little café. What will they say?”
Mom: “I’m sorry, but…”
Kenni: “It was bad enough, today, when Snootie Suzie said out loud, (light on the side stage—Suzie pointing finger and saying in a belittling tone) ‘Aren’t those the same shoes you wore last Tuesday? Oh, how quaint.’ I was so embarrassed.”
Mom: “This is going to be tough.”
Kenni: “Yeah, but it really wasn’t so bad when I started thinking about it. I didn’t like hanging around her, anyway. She’s so…superficial. Maybe I’ll sit at the lunch table with those girls from the other Ward that we might move into.”
Mom: “Thanks, Kenni.” (gives approving look)
Jerry: “Hey, Mom. This Macaroni stuff is not so bad. And that blue meat from the can looks cool. I didn’t know you could cook like this!”

Setting; Yard sale day. In Ky’s room
Kenni: “You can’t take that doll down to the yard sale. She’s your favorite. Besides, she is part of a collection."
Ky: “Yeah, but if I do, maybe Mom won’t have to work so much.”

Setting: In Jerry’s room
Dave: “You really don’t have to sell your CTR ring, do you? Santa must have paid $100 for it last year. It has a real diamond in it.”
Jerry: “It’s OK. I found my old CTR ring, the one that I paid $1.00 for. It really does fit better, anyway.”

Setting: Construction year office
Brother Jones: “Sure, I have a job for you, Dave, cleaning the construction yard. It’s hard work…weeds, garbage, scrap metal. You know, I’ve been watching you in sports over at the high school. You are the best on every team. How are you going to find time to work and do sports?”
Dave: “Well, maybe I’m going to have to give up sports. You know that I’m getting ready for my mission…less than a year away.”
Brother Jones: “Isn’t that rich Dad of yours taking care of you? I think it’s cruel of him to force you to work right now. It is your senior year. Besides, I just know you can set a new state record in the 400-meter run.”
Dave: “Thank you Brother Jones, but I want to work. I didn’t want to quit sports, but who knows, I may be a faster runner after I lift some of those heavy rocks.” (both laugh)
Brother Jones: “Hey, maybe you can influence that son of mine to join you in doing some of this work.”

Setting: Living room, family council
Dad: “Congratulations! We earned $235 at our garage sale. I have to admit that I’m a little surprised that the neighbors didn’t make a fuss about it.”
Jerry: “I saw some of them come over. I think they girls were mostly interested in Kenni’s clothes.”
Mom: “I am happy to report that we are down 43% on our food bill.”
Ky: “I liked that blue meat. Can we have some more of it for supper?”
Kenni: “May I say something? I have to admit that I was afraid of what my friends were going to say when I didn’t wear a new outfit to school every week. Oh, I heard a few whispers, but they didn’t make fun of me…except Snootie Suzie. I guess that I’m starting to realize that’s not the group of girls I want to hang around. You know those girls from the other Ward who I was telling you about? They’re pretty cool. They invited me to visit their Young Women’s class. I told them I might be moving and would be in their class permanantly.”
Dave: “Dad, here is $50. I just cashed my first paycheck and put half in my mission fund. This is for the family fund.”
Dad and Mom: (surprised) “Thanks, son!” (hugs)
Dad: “I’m really proud of the sacrifices you kids are making. This isn’t easy. I would ask you to do one more thing…please study your scriptures on the topic of ‘treasures.’ I have been looking at that topic, lately, in my personal study time. It is humbling that there are so many things I didn’t understand about that topic. I know I haven’t taken enough time for personal and family scripture study. We have a Fast Sunday coming up. Maybe we could fast for our family finances and then we can report on what we have found in the scriptures.”
All: “Sounds good/sure/all right.”
Dave: “This sounds a little like Seminary, but this might be kinda’ fun with the family.”

Setting: Family at the dinner table
Dad: “So, what happened today?”
Kenni: “I took a Biology test and got an A on it. My new friend is sure smart. She helped me study for the test.”
Dave: “I hauled rocks for two hours after school. My aching back! I’m first for the bath, tonight.”
Mom: “Take it easy on the hot water. Our heating bill is down significantly.”
Dave: “Oh, I’m going to take a long one. A friend said I’ll be taking plenty of cold showers when I’m on my mission.”
Mom: “Oh, Ky tell Dad what happened to the Bishop.”
Ky: “I was selling lemonade out front. The Bishop drove by and came back for a glass of lemonade. He bought two glasses from the 5-cent pitcher. Afterward, he said it was sure good. Then he asked me why one pitcher had a sign for 5-cents and the other had a sign for 25-cents. I knew I could trust the Bishop, so I told him that the cat got up on the table and started drinking out of one of the pitchers of lemonade. I told him I wanted to sell that pitcher fast before the neighborhood found out about the cat. So, I charged just 5-cents a glass. The Bishop left kinda’ fast. Oh, here is $2.27 that I earned. It is for the family debt.”

Setting: Mom and Dad in bedroom, getting ready to go to sleep
Dad: “Honey, I’ve been doing some thinking.”
Mom: “Oh, no. About what?”
Dad: “I’ve really had some messed-up priorities over the last few years. I’ve thought of all the things I believed in, but many of them were on my less-important list. What was becoming most important to me was being successful. Somewhere, I got the idea that in order to be a leader in the Church, I had to have a big home for youth firesides, big cars to give people rides to meetings, and lots of money to give to the poor. I guess I picked up that concept by looking at some of our leaders—Bishops and Stake Presidents, and even General Authorities. They are successful in the business world and seem to have the big homes, nice cars, and plenty of money. I guess I am starting to realize those things are not essential to serve in the Church. It’s funny, but we have never had a fireside in our home, we can’t find time to take others to church meetings, and we’re so far in debt that we could never help the poor. Ironic, huh?!”
Mom: “Wow! You’re right. I suppose I thought I would be called as the Relief Society President when our lives were in order. We met the temporal requirements, but the rest of the things were sure in chaos.”
Dad: “I’m glad we’re doing what we are doing. We have a way to go, but it feels good. I can hardly wait to have you back in the home…full time. There is a definite difference when you are away.”
Mom: “Yes, I miss being with the children during the day. I like this new adventure. I have to admit, it has added some life to our marriage. I hate to confess this, but I think I was losing some interest with all of the other things going on.”
Dad: “Remember when we were dating and when we first married? We didn’t have anything but each other and our dreams. Somehow, we let the earthly wishes get control of our eternal desires.”
Mom: “Yes, but it feels good to be changing perspective. We really only need each other and our great kids. I love you! (hugs)
(song, dancing in the bedroom, holding hands, looking into each other’s eyes, romantic, organ accompaniment, lower register/serious, piano accompaniment, higher register/happier)
D: Oh, I love you, too. (serious)
M: Times like this are few. (romantically)
D: You’re not being serious. (serious)
M: For you, I’m a little delirious.
D: Really, my hearts’ all a flutter.
M: You’ve been eating peanut butter.
M: Please don’t squeeze too tight, you lug.
(dance, hug, change role of serious/romantic)
M: You’re right, I should behave. (serious)
D: In my dreams, this picture I’ll save. (romantic)
M: This deep love, I feel, such a yearning.
D: Oh, quiet, I think I have heart burning.
M: With all my being, for you I care.
D: I’m trying not in amazement to stare.
M: Let’s hug, oh so near.
D: Remember our age, my dear.
(dance, hold hands, look into each other’s eyes…now a duet
Why do we let these feelings wait.
Feelings of eternity are great.
Let’s repent and do our best.
To keep alive our celestial quest.
We’re in love with all our heart.
This world just can’t pull us apart.
Earthly things cause so much madness.
Things of forever bring such gladness.
Dad: “I love you!”
Mom: “I love you, too.”

From Dad

Hi Family--Mother loaned me her copy of the play, "Treasures." I am in the process of re-typing. I kinda' like the themes and musical posibilities. Please take a look at the attached section. More can be added...Mom is Relief Society President, Dad takes the kids out to throw rocks in the nearby river, etc. We don't have to follow this theme at all, but at least it is something we can consider. How are your songs coming?I love you!
Dad

peculiar people

The investigator could sing a song called 'Peculiar People' where he talks about all the funny things about mormons (like who blesses cupcakes to nourish and strengthen their bodies? Only a peculiar people). It could mostly be a really funny- up beat song. And maybe one of the kids in the family could realize later in the play that they aren't very different from their friends (just goes with the crowd). This child could be maybe 14 and could later sing a reprise of peculiar people asking if he/she wants to be peculiar? Or why we have to be peculiar? Then how they want to be peculiar.

More basics

So, some more basic ideas. I think it could be named 'Light my way' or something like that, and talk about how Christ can bring peace to lots of different people all in different stages with different problems. It could center on a family that is doing pretty well in the gospel. I think the mom should struggle with wanting to do what is right but with so many problems, not knowing what she should do first (so many demands on her time, too). She should have a strong testimony and want to help others. One of the kids could be Becky (see previous blog). I think the oldest should be a son who is falling in love and getting ready to get married (adding a love story to the play).
As for other characters, there could be an investigator (maybe a neighbor the family has shared the gospel with) who will have to give up everything if he/she joins the church, and could maybe have a song asking 'can I give all?'
There could be a member struggling with a sin (maybe a good friend of one of the family's kids).
There could be someone struggling with a loss.
There of course should be grandparents!

The similar strand would be that everyone needs the help of the Savior and they will all learn to turn to Him and feel His peace and influence in their lives. I think it would be great to hit on topics like missionary work, service, tolerance, emergency prep, etc.

Dad's note

While Kyla was visiting here in Mesa, we had a couple of conversations about putting together a family play. With all of the talent in our family, it should be a simple project. After watching, "Saturday's Warriors/White Star," I felt that we could do a better job. I went through my files and looked for a play I started about five years ago, but I can't find it. Do any of you still have a copy? If you would send it to me, I would be happy to retype the suggestion. Kyla had some good suggestions of centering the play on a neighborhood with a variety of people. I suggest we have a ditch where the grandpa can warn his grandchildren with a song, "Don't go near the water, It's something you'll regret, Don't go near the water, You'll end up getting wet!" (D&C 61:14-19). Anyway, feel free to add to this e-mail. I think it would be fun to put together a play! We could take it on the road to Cleveland, Mesa, and Gilbert (maybe even Philadelphia). I love you!

Dad

Becky

So I thought that we could write our ideas down on the blog for a while. I think one of the characters should be a daugter (in the main family) named Becky. Becky will be obsessed with all things mormon and even run a blog titled future relief society presidents (hence the title of this blog). She will always wear LDS themed clothes (CTR ring, shade shirts, ModB). She will take or have taken classes in table decorating, sculpting, bread making, sewing, cake decorating, scrapbooking, quilting, jello making in the 21st century, etc. She will know all the famous mormons and talk about them throughout the play (Reads Twilight for the 10th time). She is planning on being married by 20 and having 8 kids, a dog, and a trampoline. She always had "projects" (people she is working on). She will listen to all famous LDS singers (Osmonds, Jets, Mo-Tab, etc). She will be the major comic relief in the play.