Lesson 45: Daniel 1-6

October 31- November 6
Daniel 1-6
"There is no other God that can deliver"

Materials: For the Strength of Youth *(if possible, have 1 pamphlet per family member to keep in the scriptures a future reference), video (link below), paper, coloring supplies,  
Opening Song: "I want to live the gospel" (Children's Songbook, 148)
Opening Prayer: 

Attention Activity: Watch "Daniel and His Friends" Old Testament Story video from the church website. 

Lesson:

In the book of Daniel, we will read stories about Daniel and his friends: Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-nego. Daniel was a young man when Israel was taken captive by the Babylonians. Daniel was a man of great faith who showed time and time again that nothing would stop him from keeping the commandments. How did Daniel keep God's commandments in the video? 

At that time, jews were commanded to only eat and drink certain types of foods and drinks. Daniel and his friends did not want to break this commandment. The Lord blessed Daniel with added strength because he was willing to keep His commandments even though it was hard. Daniel practiced having high standards. 

What are personal standards? Standards are rules of behavior we set for ourselves that reflect our faith in God. For example, we do not take the Lord's name in vain by saying popular phrases like, "Oh my ___." Personal standards can be broken down into a number of different areas. The Church has a pamphlet called The For Strength of Youth that describes standards the Lord wants us to have. The pamphlet is geared towards the youth of the church, but it can be helpful for all members. 

(If possible, give all family members a copy of the For Strength of Youth  pamphlet and have them look at it.)

Activity: Pass out paper and coloring supplies. Have each family member pick a section in the For Strength of Youth and have them read it. Each family member will then use the paper and crayons to make a poster or draw a picture depicting what his or her section discussed. Take turns sharing everyones picture with others. 

This week, as we read Daniel, look for times Daniel keeps his high standards. For example, think back to the video. What were some of Daniel's personal standards you saw in the video (Daniel ate drank water and ate food that was good for him, instead of the wine and meat the King was offering. Daniel chose good friends who held high standards like he did. Daniel practiced faith in the Lord as he kept the commandments.) 

Bear your testimony on how your personal standards have blessed your life. 

Closing Song: "I will be valiant" (Children's Songbook, 162)
Closing Prayer: 
Refreshment: Brown sugar maple cookies recipe here

Lesson 44: Ezekiel 1-3; 33-34; 36-37; 47

October 24--30 
Ezekiel 1-3; 33-34; 36-37; 47
"A new spirit will I put within you"

Materials: a bag, scriptures, two sticks painted different colors and labeled "Bible" and "Book of Mormon", scripture story pictures, paper, crayons,  
Opening Song: "Scripture Power" (Additional Songs for Children, Gospel Music App)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Before FHE put a set of scriptures into a bag. Ask family member to come up and reach into the bag. Tell them to describe what they are feeling to the rest of the family. Have them keep giving clues until the family guesses it is the scriptures. 

Lesson: 

Before FHE, gather two sticks and paint them different colors. Label one "the Bible," and the other "Book of Mormon." Have your family take turns looking at the sticks and reading the labels. 

Why do you think the stick are labeled "The Bible" and "The Book of Mormon." Read Ezekiel 37:16-17. The children of Judah mainly wrote and assembled the Bible, and the children of  Joseph wrote and assembled The Book of Mormon. Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon are important works of scripture. 

What do you think it means when it says, "they shall become one in thine hand"? The Bible and The Book of Mormon are meant to be read and studied together. We are meant to learn from both and revere them both as God's word. What blessings have you had from studying the Bible and The Book of Mormon together?

Read Ezekiel 37: 21-22. The scriptures play an important part of the gathering of Israel in the latter-days. How can the scriptures help gather Israel? If someone in you family has served a mission, ask them how The Book of Mormon helped people to come unto Christ. 

The Gathering of Israel means that all will hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and make covenants and ordinances with Heavenly Father. The Lord says, "I will save them out of tall their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God" (Ezk. 37: 23). 

Activity: Before FHE gather pictures of scripture stories or paper and crayons. Ask your family to find or draw a picture of their favorite scripture story fro the Bible or The Book of Mormon. How does that story help you feel closer to the savior?

President Nelson has said, "The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a tangible sign to the world that the Lord has commenced gathering Israel and fulfilling covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" ("The Book of Mormon, the Gathering of Israel, and the Second Coming, Ensign, July 2014). 

Bear your testimony of the scriptures and how reading the Bible and The Book of Mormon have helped you come unto Christ. 

Closing Song: "The Eighth Article of Faith" (Children's Songbook, 127)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Zucchini chocolate chip cookies recipe here

Lesson 43: Jeremiah 30-33; 36; Lamentations 1; 3

October 17-23
Jeremiah 30-33; 36; Lamentations 1; 3
"I will turn their mourning into joy"

Materials: video clips, quotes, gathering of Israel maze
Opening Song: "The Tenth Article of Faith" (Children's Songbook, 128b)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Watch "Home Alone: Kevin's night wish" from Youtube (2:57)

Kevin broke the rules and didn't listen to his mom. He wished to be seperated from his family. Kevin's wish to "live alone" comes true the next day. He wakes up to find his house empty, his family gone. But after a few days home alone, Kevin begins to miss his family. 

Watch, "Home Alone- Kevin just wants his family for Christmas" from Youtube (:51) 

Lesson: 

During the time of Jeremiah, The Israelites were scattered, just like Kevin was separated from his family in Home Alone. They had rebelled; they thought living a life of "ease" without the covenants and commandments would make them happy. But eventually, they came to see that they messed up. They wanted to be gathered again. 

Jeremiah assures the Israelites, the Lord will bring Israel out of captivity and gather them. "He that scattered Israel, will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock" (Jer. 31:10). He tells them they will one day be allowed back into their homeland and they will also receive a new and everlasting covenant. Have a family member read Jer. 31:31, 33. 

The new and everlasting covenant is the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It begins with faith in Christ and culiminates in enduring to the end after making sacred covenants and receiving ordinances in the holy temple. "It is new every time it is revealed anew following a period of apostasy. It is everlasting in the sense that it is God's covenant and has been enjoyed in every gospel dispensation were people have been willing to receive it" (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families 2022, page 189). 

The gathering of Israel is taking place today. Share the following quote from President Nelson. 

What are some things that we can do to help gather Israel? (serve a mission, share the gospel with friends, bare your testimony, perform baptisms for the dead, attend the temple, teach your children the gospel, teach primary/sunday school, become an ordinance worker, do family history work, fellowship inactive members, etc.)

Share the quote below. 

Activity: Gathering of Israel maze 

Watch "Home alone- Kevin and mom "hug scene" from YouTube (2:21)

Just like the McAllisters at the end of Home Alone, Israel will one day be gathered all together again. Bear your testimony of the gathering of Israel. How have you helped gather Israel? How has that blessed your life?

Closing Song: "Israel, Israel, God is Calling" (Hymns, 7)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Pumpkin caramel cookies recipe here

Lesson 42: Jeremiah 1-3; 7; 16-18; 20

October 10-16
Jeremiah 1-3; 7; 16-18; 20
"Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee"

Materials: video, quote papers printed, paper and pencils
Opening Song: "I lived in heaven" (Children's Songbook, 4)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Watch the video "Jeremiah the Prophet" from the church website. 

Lesson:

Jeremiah was a prophet in the years before Jerusalem was destroyed and Israel was taken captive by the Babylonians, during the reign of the kings Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. When Jeremiah was first called to be a prophet, he was a young man and he did not feel capable of such an important work. (Display the two papers below.) The Lord told him, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." 

(Hold up the first have of the quote again.) God knew each of us before we were born. Before we came to earth, we knew Heavenly Father and He explained His plan for us. Our opening song today spoke was about our time in the pre-existence. 

I lived in heaven a long time ago, it is true.
Lived there and loved there with people I know; so did you.
Then, Heavenly Father presented a beautiful plan, 
All about earth and eternal salvation for man. 

We also sing another song all the time that mentions the Heavenly Father's plan for us. 

I am a child of God,
and He has sent me here, 
has given me an earthly home, 
with parents kind and dear. 

How does the knowledge that Heavenly Father knew you before you were born make you feel? The knowledge that Heavenly Father knows us personally can help us get through troubling times in our lives. It can give us the confidence to do what He needs us to do. Jeremiah didn't feel like he was qualified enough to be a prophet but the Lord knew Jeremiah was capable. 

(Hold up the second half of the quote and read it again.) In the pre-mortal life, Heavenly Father chose certain people to fulfill certain roles here on earth. This is called foreordination. For example, Jesus was fore-ordained to carry out the atonement. Prophets like Abraham, Joseph Smith, and Jeremiah were also foreordained to fulfill specific duties on the earth according to their faithfulness. 

"The doctrine of foreordination applies to all members of the Church, not just to the Savior and His prophets. Before the creation of the earth, faithful women were given certain responsibilities and faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood duties. As people prove themselves worthy, they will be given opportunities to fulfill the assignments they then received" ("Foreordination," Gospel Topics, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). 

One way to find out what plan Heavenly Father has in store for you personally is to receive your patriarchal blessing. 

Activity: Pass out paper and pencils to your family and have them take the True or False quiz from the website below and then go over the answers. 

Patriarchal Blessing Quiz 

Jeremiah might have felt inadequate in the beginning, but he went on to be a great prophet. He counseled the king, taught the people, and prophesied of the gathering of Israel. Through his, faithfulness, he fulfilled the mission God had given him to do before he was born. Heavenly Father knows each of us personally. He's known us since before man came to earth. He has a unique role and mission for us to fulfill. We probably won't be called to be prophets, but we each have an important work He wants us to do to build His kingdom. 

Bear your testimony of Heavenly Father's plan for you. 

Closing Song: "The Family is of God" ("Additional Songs for children" Gospel Music App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: caramel apple bark recipe here

Lesson 41: Isaiah 58-66

October 3-9
Isaiah 58-66 
"The Redeemer shall come to Zion"

Materials: emoji picture, video, whiteboard and marker
Opening Song: "I pray in faith" (Children's Songbook, 14)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Display the picture below. Give each family member a piece of paper and a pencil and ask them to draw the emoji that they think of when they hear the word, "fasting."

Lesson: 

What is it mean to fast? Fasting is when we choose to give something up for a set period of time, in order to turn our hearts to God. Usually, when we talk about fasting, we talk about giving up food and water for 24 hours. 

When do we fast? Fasting occurs church-wide once a month--usually the first Sunday of the month. We fast as an entire church. Then, in our individual wards, we have a testimony meeting but, we can also fast whenever we feel the need for extra spiritual strength, or to ask Heavenly Father for special need. 

Activity: Watch the video "Wherefore have we fasted?" from the church website.

In the video, the young man describes reading a passage in the book of Isaiah as the catalyst for refocusing his personal fasting. In Isaiah 58, Isaiah emphasizes that there is a proper way to fast. It isn't simply to go hungry and thirsty for the day. Isaiah speaks that true fasting centers on breaking the bonds of wickedness or letting go of selfishness and pride. It's about letting go of the heavy burdens placed upon you for the day and taking care for the poor and needy. 

Have your family take turns reading Isaiah 58: 8-12. Ask them to look for the blessings we get from fasting. On a whiteboard or piece of paper list the blessings. (Personal light: knowledge,  spiritual light; good health; righteousness; glory of the Lord; answered prayers; guidance; personal security; spiritual nourishment; inspiration; helping others; etc.) What blessings in our lives have we seen from fasting? 

When we start a fast, we should start with our morning prayers. We should ask Heavenly Father to help us in our fast to focus our mind and attention on the Spirit. We can also ask for help with something specifically like the health of a loved one, guidance during adversity, or spiritual or mental preparation. We can take the time during the day to reflect and remember the Lord. When it is time for our fast to end we should kneel down and say a prayer to "break" or end the fast. We also give money as a fast-offering each month to the church. This donation helps the poor and needy in our area. 

Bear your testimony on how fasting has helped you or given you comfort. 

Closing Song: "In fasting we approach thee" (Hymns, 139)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: mini pumpkin bundt cakes

Lesson 40: Isaiah 50-57

September 26- October 2
Isaiah 50-57
"He Hath Borne Our Griefs, and Carried Our Sorrows"

Materials: masks sheet, Isaiah 53 cards
Opening Song: "I Stand all Amazed" (Hymns, 193). 
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Who is your favorite superhero? What can your favorite super hero do? If you had super powers, what would they be? Today we are going to talk about the ultimate hero. 

Lesson:

What does a hero do? What makes him or her heroic? Heroes save people. They don't save people for money or for fame, but because it's right because, they want to help others. You've been saved by a hero. But He didn't wear a mask, or a cape, or even a utility belt. He couldn't fly and He didn't have x-ray vision, but He saved you from death. Who do you think I'm talking about? 

Jesus Christ is the ultimate hero. He saved each one of us from. His atonement overcomes the obstacles of physical death, spiritual death due to sin and trangression; afflictions and infirmities; and weaknesses and imperfections. 

Oh My Father by Simon Dewey

"In one sense, [the atonement] is a series of divine events that commenced in the Garden of Gethsemane, continued on the cross, and culminated with the Savior’s Resurrection from the tomb. It was motivated by an incomprehensible love for each of us. It required a being who was sinless; who had infinite power over the elements—even death; who possessed a boundless capacity to suffer the consequences of all our sins and ailments; and who, in fact, descended beneath it all.¹ This was the mission of Jcsus Christ—this was His Atonement" ("The Atonement of Jesus Christ," Tad R. Callister, General Conference April 2019). 

Activity: Watch "My kingdom is not of this world" video 

Isaiah prophesied a lot about Jesus Christ. In Isaiah 53, we read about the trials Jesus went through in his mortal life, including His suffering at Gethsemane and crucifixion.  

Activity: Hero Masks

(Before FHE, print and cut out the cards and the masks below. Glue one verse to the back of each mask.) Set the masks face up in front of your family. Have your family take turns choosing a hero mask, reading the verse on the back. How does each verse from Isaiah 53 relate to the Savior? 

Bear your testimony of Jesus Christ and His role as the Savior of the world. What do these verses in Isaiah teach your about the Savior?

Closing Song: "Tis' sweet to sing the matchless love" (Hymns, 177)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Pecan Pie cupcakes recipe here

Lesson 44: D&C 124

 October 25-31
Doctrine and Covenants 124
"A House Unto My Name"

Materials: pictures below, paper and art supplies, two plates of cookies, Come Follow Me Manual
Opening Song: "As Sisters in Zion" (Hymns, 309)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Imagine you were going to start building a new city--a beautiful city. What kind of setting what you build your beautiful city in? Show the pictures below. Would you build your city in green hills, in a mountain valley, on the rolling plains, or in a mosquito infested swamp?

                                        

Lesson:

Read the introductory paragraph for this weeks lesson in Come Follow Me: For Individuals and Families. ("As difficult as...)

The saints started to build a new city in Illinois. What was the city called? What does Nauvoo mean? For the next several years, the saints would live in relative peace. Nauvoo fast became a beautiful city where the saints could take refuge. In 1841, Joseph received a new revelation--D&C 124. In it, the saints were once again instructed to build a temple of the Lord. The Lord instructed Joseph to write a proclamation of the gospel to all the earth, He gave instructions to build a boarding house in Nauvoo, and He gave counsel to church leaders. 

The Church was blossoming. In the spring of 1842, the Nauvoo temple was well into construction with the walls being about 3 feet high. The members in Nauvoo all wanted to contribute to the work. The sisters talked about organizing a sewing group to help clothe the workers of the temple and their families. The sisters met on a Thursday in March to go over the particulars of formal a sewing society for Nauvoo. They wrote down their goals and bylaws and asked Joseph Smith to look over them. 

Joseph replied, "Tell the sisters their offering is accepted of the Lord, and he has something better for them than a written constitution. I invite hem all to meet with me and a few brethren... next Thursday afternoon, and I will organize the women under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood." (Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, pg. 12) March 17, 1842 in the upstairs room of the red brick store in Nauvoo, the woman organized The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo under the direction of the prophet, with Emma Smith acting as it's first president. 

The organization of the Church was divinely designed to include an organization where the women of the Church could "find ample score for every power and capability of doing good with which they are most liberally endowed" (Eliza R. Snow, "Female Relief Society," Deseret News, Apr. 22, 1868, 81.). The prophet Joseph made it clear that the Relief Society was "a restoration of an ancient pattern" of female disciples during Christ's mortal ministry. 

Today, The Relief Society is one of the oldest women's organization in the world with 7 million members in 188 countries. For 179 years, the Relief Society has been providing humanitarian aid, charity, education, and fellowship to people all over the globe. 

Activity: Thank you letter

Using paper and art supplies, have family members write a thank you letter to the ward Relief Society President. Make a large batch of cookies together and divide onto two plates. Deliver the letter in person with one plate of cookies. Ask your Relief Society President who could benefit from a kind gesture in your community and deliver them the second plate of cookies. 

Ask a woman in your family bear their testimony of the Relief Society Organization. 

Closing Song: "Mother, I love you" (Children's Songbook, 207)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Butterscotch Toffee Cookies recipe here

Lesson 43: D&C 121-123

October 18-24
D&C 121-123
"O God, Where art thou"

Materials: pictures below, scriptures, video
Opening Song: "Abide with me tis' eventide" (Hymns, 165)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Show the picture below. 

This is a to scale model of Liberty Jail. On Dec. 1, 1838, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, and Alexander McRae were imprisoned there on false charges. What do you notice about the room from the picture? The room was small--only 14 x 14.5 feet. It also had very shallow ceiling--so low that Joseph and other brethren who were over 6 feet tall, could not stand straight up. Joseph described, “We are kept under a strong guard, night and day, … our food is scant, uniform, and coarse; we have not the privilege of cooking for ourselves, we have been compelled to sleep on the floor with straw, and not blankets sufficient to keep us warm; and when we have a fire, we are obliged to have almost a constant smoke.” (Joseph Smith, “Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 March 1839,” in Times and Seasons, Feb. 1840, 52, josephsmithpapers.org.)

What do you think it would be like to live in those types of conditions?

Lesson:

Joseph and the other men were held in Liberty Jail for over 4 months. During this time, Joseph experience extreme sorrow and depression. Joseph had been imprisoned in terrible conditions for months, without formal charges and without legal aide. 

Things were not better outside the prison however. The governor of Missouri had issued an order saying that members were to be "exterminated or driven from the state, if necessary." Joseph and the other brethren worried about their families being driven from their homes. In fact, when Joseph was suffering in Liberty Jail, Emma was fleeing her home in the dead of winter to find safer shelter to the north in Illinois (Show the picture below). 

                           Of One Heart, Joseph in Liberty Jail by Liz Lemon Swindle                 Of One Heart, Emma on the Ice by Liz Lemon Swindle                               

On March 20, 1839, Joseph wrote down a prayer he had given and the response from the Lord. These writings and other revelations in liberty jail are in the Doctrine and Covenants sections 121-123. Read D&C 121:1-2, 5-6. Joseph was pleading to the Lord for relief from his trials. His heart was being broken and he felt alone. Have you ever felt dismayed? Did you pray to Heavenly Father when you felt alone? Read D&C 121: 7-8. The Lord answers Joseph, speaking peace to Joseph's soul and asking for Jospeh to endure. He points out to Joseph that unlike Job in the Old Testament, Joseph still has friends and loved ones standing by him. Christ assures that all those who endure trials well will be exalted. 

The suffering of the righteous is not a new concept, we have talked about it in Family Home Evening before. Joseph suffered many trials, as did Job, and many other prophets. There is also one person who suffered every pain and anguish and faced countless trials. Who is he? What are some trials that Jesus had to face during His mortal life?

In D&C 122, the Lord gives a big list of some terrible things that could happen to you like being dragged to prison, sentenced to death, thrown into a pit, and having the jaws of hell gape open wide after you. He says that all these things are for our experience and our good. Then he says, "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" (verse 8). 

We can go through a lot of bad things on earth. We can experience pain, loss, heartache, sickness, and depression--even all at the same time. But no matter what we have experienced, we will never suffer anything like the Savior did in Gethsemane. When we face adversity and trials, we can turn to a loving God who has experienced our pain and sorrow... and worse. We can come unto Him and He will bear us up. 

Activity: Trials: Look to the Light video (9:17)

Bear your testimony of the condescension of the Savior and how it has helped you to turn to Him in times of struggle.

Closing Song: "I stand all amazed" (Hymns, 193)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Apple Cider Whoopie Pies recipe here

Lesson 42: D&C 115-120

 October 11-17
Doctrine and Covenants 115-120
"His sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase"

Materials: bag of candy like Skittles or M&Ms, mason jars, card board, paper, markers, whiteboard and markers
Opening Song: "Because I have been given much" (Hymns, 219)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Give each family member 10 pieces of candy. Tell your children this candy represents your increase or your income--you have more candy now than you did before. Have each person hold up 1 piece of candy. 1 candy in 10 is 10% of your increase. We have been asked to give 10% of our increase to Heavenly Father as tithing. Have your family members give back the one piece of candy. Explain that even though you had to give back 1 piece, you still have 9 to eat and was it was far that you gave it back to me because I gave you the candy in the first place. That is also how tithing works, Heavenly Father has blessed us with all that we have, so giving 10% back to Him is easy because it was already His. 

Lesson:

Up until 1838 only certain members of the church were asked to live the law of consecration to its fullest. Money had always been hard to come by for the early church as many of the saints came from humble origins. D&C 119 was revealed to Joseph Smith revealing a way for all to give back to the Lord according to their circumstances. Read D&C 119:4. 

Have a family member read the following quote from Gospel Topics:

"One of the blessings of membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the privilege of paying tithing. This privilege is a double blessing. By paying tithing, Church members show their gratitude to God for their blessings and their resolve to trust in the Lord rather than in material things. They also help further the work of the Lord in the earth, blessing others of God’s children with the opportunity to learn of Him and grow in the gospel." Our tithing is taken by the bishopric and used to help build and maintain meeting houses and temples, educate church members, help missionaries, and carry on the Lord's work worldwide. 

Tithing is not a new concept, Malachi teaches in the Old Testament to bring tithes to the storehouse and the Lord will "open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).

Read D&C 119: 6. If we don't pay tithing, we won't be a Zion people. We "sanctify the land of Zion" as we let go of one tenth of our earnings and make ourselves more holy.

Using a whiteboard and a marker, write down these different dollar amounts $100, $55, $82.50, $1,450. Ask your family how much tithing they should pay on each amount and write it on the board so they know the basic idea of giving one tenth the the Lord. 

Activity: Tithing jars 

Directions: Use this youtube video below as a guide. Have each family member make a tithing jar out of a mason jar. 

"Tithing Jar" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDuj_ELqLW0  

Malachi and other prophets have testified that blessings will pour out of the windows of heaven as we pay tithing. How has paying tithing blessed your life? Share your testimony of tithing. 

Closing Song: "I want to give the Lord my tenth" (Children's Songbook, 150)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Millionaire Pie recipe here

Lesson 41: D&C 111-114

 October 4-10
Doctrine and Covenants 111-114
"I Will Order All Things For Your Good"

Materials: Hearts printout, 1 strip of paper with each family members name, 
Opening Song: "I'll walk with you" (Children's Songbook, 140)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Show the picture below. Ask your family if you have ever felt upset or angry at someone you love. How did you handle your frustration? How do you think the Lord wants us to handle conflict with our loved ones?

Lesson:

In the summer of 1837, members of the Quorum of the twelve struggled to get along. They disagreed and even questioned Joseph Smith's leadership. The President of the Quorum of the 12 was Thomas B. Marsh. He asked Joseph for help and advice on how to address the disgruntled quorum. Joseph received D&C 112 in answer to President Marsh's questions. 

Have a family member read D&C 112: 11. What solution did the Lord offer Thomas Marsh? Jesus made it clear that "love abound unto all men" is, in short, the best way to lead others as well as resolve conflict and disunity. 

Activity: Leading with Love Hearts

Directions: Before FHE, print and cutout the heart below, and tape them around your living room. Have family members take turns picking the hearts and doing the activities on the back to discover the lessons the Lord teaches Thomas B. Marsh to overcome conflict and contention.

Christ gave Thomas B. Marsh, and us, some pretty direct things to focus on in Section 112. He also promised some amazing blessings for following through on this counsel. Display the large heart and read the words on it.

Heavenly Father wants us to love all of His children. He wants us to be kind to each other and show humility, soften our hearts, and pray for each other. As we do theses things, we will be able to overcome the trials and contentions we face. The Lord promises that He will lead us "by the hand." Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "Jesus said love everyone" (Children's Songbook, 61)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Cookie Fruit Salad recipe here

Lesson 40: D&C 109-110

 September 27- October 3
Doctrine and Covenants 109-110
"It is thy house, a place of holiness"

Materials: Temple puzzle, temple document, video link, small photo of a temple for each family member, scriptures
Opening Song: "I love to see the temple" (Children's Songbook, )
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Show a picture of a temple that has special significance for you. Explain why that temple is so important to you. If possible, you could pass out a card or small photo with an image of the temple for each family member to keep in their room.

Lesson:

March 27, 1836 is one of the most significant dates in history. On this date, hundreds of saints gathered together in the newly completed Kirtland Temple to dedicate it to the Lord. Many wonderful and awe inspiring things happened that day. Eliza R. Snow described, "no mortal language can describe the heavenly manifestations of that memorable day. Angels appeared to some, while a sense of the divine was realized by all present, and each heart was filled with 'joy inexpressible and full of glory." 

The dedicatory prayer, which was offered by the prophet Joseph Smith, was recorded as Section 109 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In the prayer, Joseph communicated that the Kirtland temple was to be the Lord's house and it contains many truths about the blessings we can receive was we attend the temple. 

The Kirtland temple was not like the temples today in every way. The Lord had not yet revealed work for the dead. Still, the Kirtland temple offered a place for Christ to come and a place for the saints to receive blessings. 

Activity: Temple Puzzle

Directions: Print the puzzle and document below and cut out the pieces. Glue the activity from the document onto the back of the puzzle piece with the corresponding number. Place all the pieces into a bag. Have family members take turns choosing a piece out of the bag. As your family chooses pieces do the activities on the back. 

* "Sacred Temple Clothing" video from churchofjesuschrist.org

Just one week after the dedication of the Kirtland temple, on April 3, 1836, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received a vision in the the temple. They saw Jesus Christ inside the temple and He spoke to them. The Lord told them He accepted the temple as His house and promised additional blessings would be poured out upon them. Read D&C 110: 9. Then the prophets Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared and bestowed priesthood keys upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. 

During the vision with Christ, he explained that this temple was "just the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people." As of August 2021, there are 150 operating temples, 9 more are undergoing renovations, 8 are under construction, and 34 have been announced. 201 temples will dot the earth in every corner of the globe. More importantly, millions of people have received temple ordinances enabling them for eternal life.

Bear your testimony of the temple. 

As we close family home evening, we will sing "The Spirit of God." This was sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication and at every temple dedication since. As we sing, listen to the words and try to find phrases that help you to appreciate temples.     

Closing Song: "The Spirit of God" (Hymns, 2)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: pumpkin muffins recipe here

Lesson 42: Mormon 1-6

 October 26-November 1
Mormon 1-6
"I would that I could persuade all... to repent."

Materials: "Mormon Mustang" video (see below), picture of Mormon profile (below), Copies of For Strength of Youth pamphlet for activity below, paper, coloring utensils
Opening Song: "I will be valiant" (Children's Songbook, 162)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Mormon 5: 24 "Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he shall come our in justice against you"

Attention Activity:

Watch the video "Mormon Mustang" found on churchofjesuschrist.org. Just like their are perameters set to safely fly an airplane like the Mormon Mustang, when we live with high standards, (rules we set for ourselves) we will be able to be spiritually safe. 

Lesson:

Show your family the pretend Facebook profile for the prophet Mormon below. Mormon describes himself as being learned (educated), quick to observe, sober (sensible and serious), and large in stature. Elder Holland shared in a BYU devotional that being quick to observe "is vitally important for you and for me in the world in which we do now and will yet live...when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. Both of these fundamental elements—looking and obeying—are essential to being quick to observe. And the prophet Mormon is an impressive example of this gift in action" ("Quick to Observe" Elder David A. Bednar, BYU devotional address, May 10 2005.)

When Mormon was the prophet, were the Nephites being righteous or wicked? Read Mormon 5:2. The Nephites had fallen into incredible wickedness. Unlike times before, they were not turning to Christ when they endured hardships like war. They would not repent or remember God's kindness when he helped them win battles against their enemies. Although they revered Mormon as a military leader, they would not listen to his counsel on matters of repentance. They were a fallen people, ready for destruction. 

Mormon and his family were the only righteous people mentioned during this time in the Book of Mormon. Mormon and his son Moroni tried to live the gospel regardless of the wickedness and sin happening around them. They held high standards for themselves and never wavered from their testimonies or their standards. 

Activity: For the Strength of Youth coloring

Show a For Strength Of Youth pamphlet. This pamphlet was designed to help the youth of the church define their personal standards (or rules to live by) recommended by our prophet. Although it's written for teens, it is a good guide for all members of the church. 

Give each member of your family a section of the For Strength of Youth to read along with a piece of paper and coloring utensils. (You will want to print them out ahead of time or have enough books handy for every family member) After they read, have them draw out the standards described in their section. Have everyone share their section with the family.

Mormon was a good example of the gospel adage "to stand in holy places and be not moved." He did not stray from his principles, kept his covenants, and consistantly prayed for others to unto Christ and repent. Like Mormon, we can keep our standards  high and be light to those around us. We can live righteously in a world that seems to be getting more evil every day. 

Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" (Additional Songs for Children on Gospel Music App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Mini Candy Corn Cheesecakes recipe here

Lesson 41: 3 Nephi 27- 4 Nephi

 October 19-25
3 Nephi 27- 4 Nephi
"There could not be a happier people" 

Materials: a blanket, printout cards, scissors, tape
Opening Song: "The Church of Jesus Christ" (Children's Songbook, 77)
Opening Prayer: 
Scripture: 4 Nephi 1:17

Attention Activity: 

Lay out a large blanket or sheet on the ground and have your family stand on it. Challenge your family to flip over the blanket so that they are standing on the other side of the blanket without stepping off.

Lesson:

After the Savior's visit to the Nephites, the land was blessed with peace. Everyone was righteous and did good things. Unlike times before, this period of peace lasted a long time--nearly 200 years. What do you think it would have been like to live in such a peaceful time?

So what was their secret? How did the Nephites and Lamanites live in peace, harmony, and unity for so long? 

Activity: 4 Nephi cards

Before the lesson print and cut out the cards below. Tape them around the room. Each family member can take a turn choosing a card and reading the scripture. Discuss how the actions in each verse would help to build a happy peaceful society. Some sample discussion questions are below.

• How would personal repentance lead to peace in a community?
• How do contention and arguments take away the spirit?
• Having everything in common means that everyone would equally contribute to society. How would our society be different if we could live this principle?
• Why would more miracles be possible in a righteous society?
• What are some outward blessings of living the gospel described in this verse?
• Why are strong marriages and families an important part of a peaceful people?
• What is the difference between the law of Moses and the law of the gospel?
• How can we have the love of God in our hearts?
• The world tries to find happiness via wickedness. How did the Nephite people prove that living righteously brings happiness?
• What can we do to be more unified as a family? As a community? As a church? 

For 200 hundred years, the Nephites proved that living the gospel of Jesus Christ brings joy and prosperity. Righteousness is freedom. Trying your best to live the teachings of Jesus Christ will bring you a full and happy life.

Closing Song: "I believe in Christ" (Hymnal, 134)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Butterscotch Brownies recipe here