September 6-12
Doctrine and Covenants 98-101
"Be Still and Know that I am God"
Materials: pictures from scripture stories (1/family member), MormonAds, lyrics to "Press Forward Saints"
Opening Song: "Come Come Ye Saints" (Hymns, 30)
Opening Prayer:
Attention Activity: Show the MormonAd below. When it comes time for a chick to come out of it's egg, no one helps it. It pecks its way at a hard barrier again and again until finally, it cracks. Doing this helps the chick to build strong muscles, muscles they will need to peck for food and to protect itself. It grows stronger because of the barrier placed before it.
Lesson:
Adversity is a big word meaning afflictions, trials, hardships, and obstacles and can come in many forms. Some afflictions are caused by our own choices, some come because of the choices of others, and some are just part of life and circumstance. Can you think of a time in your life you faced adversity? What are some examples?
In the 1830s the saints faced many trials. The members in Missouri had to live in a community where other people did not like them. They were often bullied and even physically hurt at times because of their beliefs. Violence against the church seemed to become more frequent and more dangerous. In 1833, the church's printing press was destroyed and Joseph Smith sought a revelation from the Lord to console the saints. Read D&C 98: 1-3. "All things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good." What does that mean? Afflictions are good. But they are hard; they are miserable; they make us sad. How are they good for us?
Trials have many purposes. Sometimes we needed to be prompted to repent, or to turn to the Lord. Sometimes they are a reminder of our blessings. And sometimes--sometimes because of our trials we grow and become more Christlike
Activity: The scriptures teach us adversity is for our good.
Directions: using a Gospel Art Book or pictures printed from the internet, print off pictures of scripture stories exemplify the principal that trials can bring blessings. (i.e. Joseph, Daniel, Nephi, Abinadi, Ammon, Joseph Smith) Have each family member pick a picture and briefly tell the scripture story. Ask the following questions: what did the person/people do to overcome the trial they were in? What blessings came to the person or the people around them as a result of their trials?
Example:
Captain Moroni- Moroni was captain of the Nephite armies in the book of Alma. He faced adversity when descenders from the Nephites joined the Lamanite armies and waged war against his people. Some Nephites tried to establish a king in the land. Moroni knew he needed to remind the people of their testimonies in order to rally the people. He took of his cloak, wrote on it, and fastened it to a pole. The banner copied and displayed across the land to remind the Nephites of their faith. They rallied against the Lamanites and fought them off again and again.
Moroni took action. He saw a problem rising amongst his people and proactivlely did something about it. He used his testimony as a lightning rod to rally his people, to help others overcome the adversity around him. Lives were saved and testimonies of the Nephites were strengthened because Moroni had the courage to bear his.
The early saints faced many different kinds of obstacles. The Missouri period in particular was challenging as they faced persecution and violence. Their faith and perseverance helped them to endure through the most challenging of circumstances. The hymn "Press Forward Saints" is brilliant at identifying the tools we can use to overcome adversity. Show the lyrics below. What are the actions described in the song that will help us overcome obstacles?
Bear your testimony of how trials have helped you to become a better person. Try to share a personal experience and how its helped you grow personally or strengthened your testimony.
Closing Song: "Press Forward Saints" (Hymns, 81)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Perfect Pavlova Recipe here
