Lesson 40: Philippians; Colossians

October 14-20 
Philippians; Colossians 
"I Can Do All Things through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me" 

Materials: Scriptures, Peace Sign Picture, Game, "Counting My Blessings" video (link below)
Opening Song: "I Will Follow God's Plan" (Children's Songbook, 164)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Philippians 4:13 

Attention Activity:
Share the following story or a similar story from your own life. 
     Katie was a young mom with a baby boy at home and was struggling to finish her last year of college. Her husband worked hard but didn't make a lot of money. He wanted to be a doctor and was trying to get into medical school. Katie was sad because she had to go to school instead of stay home with her baby and she was tired of not being able to do all of the things she wanted because she didn't have the time or the money. 
     One day, Katie was talking with her mom and said, "When my husband gets into med school and I can stay home with the baby life will be so much better." 
     Katie's mom looked at her with a smile on her face and said, "Katie, you can't live your life waiting to be happy next year or the year after that. Choose to be happy now." 
     A few days later Katie's mom gave her a pretty sign to hang in her house that said, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain."

Lesson:
Sometimes, we get caught up in thoughts like "I'll have so much more fun when I'm 16 and can date and drive." or "I can't wait till I'm an adult and out of my parents' house" or "I can't wait til get married and have kids." Whether anticipating our next birthday, next promotion, or next phase in our lives, we should be grateful and find the joy in the phase of our lives we are in right now. President Monson said, "There is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today... Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows." ("Finding Joy in the Journey", Oct. 2008)

Paul's epistle to the Philippians talks about finding joy and rejoicing. Read Phl. 4: 11. Here Paul is explaining that it is important to "be content" in all circumstances or phases of our lives. Why do you think this is so important? Read Phl. 4: 4. So what is one way we can find joy in our life? Read Phl 4:7. Show a peace sign. like the one here. The "peace of God" can help us during some of our hardest challenges in life and guard our hearts and minds. Read Phl 4:13. Where can we find the strength to get through our toughest trials? Jesus not only atoned for our sins but also for our afflictions, infirmities, weaknesses, and imperfections. This means that through the grace of God we can receive His strength to help us overcome our toughest obstacles and get through the hardest phases of our lives. 

President Nelson said, "When the focus of our lives is on … Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him” (“Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 82).

The last key to finding joy in life is simple and powerful. Elder Uchtdorf stated, "There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. We can be grateful!" “Grateful in Any Circumstances,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 70–77. Gratitude is one way we can acknowledge our blessings and the all of the joys we have around us. Being grateful is synonymous with being happy. 

Video: "Counting My Blessings" from White Christmas 

Game: Choose a card or board game to play with your family. Explain that although it's nice to have a winner, it's playing the game that is so much fun. It's the journey that is the best part. (The Game of Life would be particularly appropriate if you have it.) 


Closing Song: "Count Your Blessings" (Hymnal, 241)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: Pumpkin Scone Recipe Here