Lesson 41: 1 & 2 Thessalonians

October 21-27
1 & 2 Thessalonians
"Be Not Soon Shaken in Mind, or Be Troubled"

Materials: gratitude quotes cut out and put in a bowl (see below), Poster Board, Printout (See below) 
Opening Song: "Count your many blessings" (Hymnal, 254)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 1 These. 5:18 In every thing give ^athanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

Attention Activity:
Last week we talked about how to have joy in the journey. Remember Elder Uchdorf said, "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. Today we are going to talk about gratitude. 

Lesson:
Ask a member of your family to retell the story of the grateful leper. The story can be found in Luke 17: 11-19. How many people were healed? How many said thank you? Why do you think it's important to say thank you? When should we say thank you?

Print and cut out the quotes on gratitude below and put them into a bowl. Have each family member take a turn reading a quote from the bowl. 

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude...My sincere prayer is that we may, in our individual lives, reflect that marvelous virtue: an attitude of gratitude." (Thomas S. Monson, "An Attitude of Gratitude," April 1992). 

"Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love...To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven" (Thomas S. Monosn, "The Divine Gift of Gratitude," October 2010). 

"A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It helps us develop such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love and well-being. Said the Lord, 'And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more' (D&C 78:19)" (President James E. Faust, "Grateful Heart").

"We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It doesmean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges. This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. It is a gratitude that heals the heart and expands the mind" (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Grateful in Any Circumstances").

"How much better it would be if all could be more aware of God’s providence and love and express that gratitude to him. Ammon taught, 'Let us give thanks to (God), for he doth work righteousness forever.' Our degree of gratitude is a measure of our love for him" (Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Thanks Be to God").

"Gratitude requires awareness and effort, not only to feel it but to express it. Frequently we are oblivious to the Lord’s hand. We murmur, complain, resist, criticize; so often we are not grateful" (Sister Bonnie D. Parkin, "Gratitude: A Path to Happiness").

“Gratitude is of the very essence of worship. … When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives" (President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley" [1997], 250).

"You could have an experience with the gift of the Holy Ghost today. You could begin a private prayer with thanks. You could start to count your blessings, and then pause for a moment. If you exercise faith, and with the gift of the Holy Ghost, you will find that memories of other blessings will flood into your mind. If you begin to express gratitude for each of them, your prayer may take a little longer than usual. Remembrance will come. And so will gratitude" (President Henry B. Eyring, "Remembrance and Gratitude").

"We can choose to be grateful, no matter what" (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Grateful in Any Circumstances ").

"Be grateful. There are two little words in the English language that perhaps mean more than all others. They are “thank you.” Comparable words are found in every other language, such as gracias, merci, danke, obrigado, domo. The habit of saying thank you is the mark of an educated man or woman...Walk with gratitude in your hearts, my dear friends. Be thankful for the wonderful blessings which are yours." (Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Prophet's Counsel and Prayer for Youth").

Activity: Gratitude Poster
What holiday is coming up in about one month? Although we should show gratitude everyday, Thanksgiving is a special day set aside to really reflect on our blessings. Show the printout below glued to a poster board and have a family member read it aloud. From now until Thanksgiving day challenge each family member to write one thing they are grateful for each day. On Thanksgiving you can read the poster. 

Optional Activity: Thankful Leper Video (found on youtube)

Closing Song: "Because I have been given much" (Hymnal, 219). 
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: Triple Berry Pie Recipe Here

Pie tips: Use metal or glass bowls for mixing and keep everything as cold as possible. 

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

Lesson 39: Ephesians

**General Conference is Oct.5-6. The Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families has this lesson scheduled for September 30-October 13. You can take choose to do this lesson at any point during those two weeks. I will probably do a family game night or activity for our FHE the other week. 

September 30- October 13
Ephesians
"For the Perfecting of the Saints"

Materials: Household Items to represent the armor of God (see below), video "The Armour of God" on churchofjesuschrist.org, Armor of God paper dolls. 
Opening Song: "Scripture Power" verse 2 (found on Sacred Music app or churchofjesuschrist.org)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Attention Activity: Remind your family of the "war against evil" activity from a few weeks ago. Today we will continue talking about the armor we war in the war against evil. 

Lesson: 
Read Ephesians 6: 10-13.  What are we fighting? (powers, rulers of darkness, spiritual wickedness) In verse 11 it talks about putting on the whole armor of God. So lets talk about what that would look like. 

Armor of God Activity:
Invite someone to be your soldier. While you dress them with each piece of armor, describe how that piece can help protect us spiritually.

Helmet of Salvation (bike helmet, football helmet, hat, etc): Just as a helmet protects our heads, our minds need to be protected from Satan. How can we protect our minds from Satan (watch good media, listen to good music, speak kindly, no profanity, no pornography, getting an education)

Shield of Fatih (Paper plate, round lid, etc.) Our faith in Christ and His Atonement is our shield against Satan. Having faith in Christ can protect us from temptation and lead us back to him after we have made wrong choices. 

Girdle of Truth (belt): Knowing the truth always gives you power over the adversary and can protect us from Satan's lies and tricks. 

Breastplate of Righteousness (vest): Breastplates are worn to protect the heart and other vital organs. We must love God and all his children. Choosing the Right and living righteously will protect our heart, our feelings and we will be happy. 

Shoes shod with Preparation of the Gospel of Peace (shoes, boots): We must always be spiritually prepared through things like reading our scriptures and studying the words of the apostles and prophets. 

Sword of the Spirit (toy sword, paper towel tube, foil sword, etc) The Spirit or the Holy Ghost is our weapon against Satan. If we live worthy, the Holy Ghost, a member of the godhead will help us to combat Satan and lead us from temptation. 

Watch the video "The Armor of God" found on churchofjesuschrist.org 

What can we do to help each other put on the armour of God? Share a story of a time in  your life when you were able to use your testimony of the gospel to resist temptation. Bear your testimony of the armor of god and what that means to you.

Activity: Armor of God Paper Dolls
Print and cut out one per family member. If you have a laminator, you could laminate the pieces and attach with bits of velcro. This is a great activity for the church bag!

Closing Song: "We Are All Enlisted" (Hymnal, 250)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: Peach Cobbler Recipe Here

Lesson 38: Galations

September 23-29
Galations
"Walk in the Spirit"

Materials: Fruits cut outs (see below), 
Opening Song: "Teach me to Walk in the light"
Opening Prayer:
Scripture:

Attention Activity: 
Go on a short walk as a family. As you walk explain that in order to live a spiritual life, Paul tells us we need to "walk in the spirit" or being led by the Spirit. 

Lesson:
Paul explained in the book of Galations that as we "walk by the spirit" we will receive the "fruit of the spirit." The fruits of the spirit are the positive results we receive by living a spiritual life.

Read Galations 5:22-23.  Before FHE, cut out the fruits from the handout below. Have a member of your family choose a fruit. Define it and think of an example that quality. 

Paul says that if we live righteously, we should have love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith, goodness, meekness, and temperance. Exemplifying these attributes helps bring the spirit into our home. What are some things we can do to work on these different attributes? 

President Eyring said in last general conference. "You will find some of your greatest joys in your efforts to make your home a place of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a place that is permeated with love, the pure love of Christ." If were try to exemplify the fruits of the spirit, we will be able to make a place where the spirit of the Lord dwells.

Closing Song: "Let the Holy Spirit Guide"
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment:

Pistachio Fruit Salad

1.5 boxes of pistachio Jello Pudding mix
1 full-sized can pineapple tidbits
1 can fruit cocktail
1 can mandarine oranges
8 oz. cool whip 
3/4 bag of mini marshmallows

 Mix ingredients together and chill 20 min. before serving. 

Lesson 37: 2 Corinthians 8-13

September 16-22
2 Corinthians 8-13 
"God Loveth a Cheerful Giver"

Materials: Whiteboard and dry erase markers or large sheet of paper; CTR shield picture, nerf guns or paper balls and pillows (see below)
Opening Song: "We Are All Enlisted" (Hymnal, 250)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure ^ahardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Attention Activity:
Ask your family members to name some famous wars. (Revolutionary War, World Wars I & II, Civil War, etc.) Wars and conflict are an unfortunate part of existence. There has been wars on Earth ever since recorded history and there was even a war in heaven in the preexistence. As long as there has been evil, there has been a fight against it. 
  Lesson:

We are at war. This war isn't a war against another country, race, or religion. It is a war against wickedness. On a whiteboard or large sheet of paper make two columns. Label one "weapons" and the other "war against." Have a family member read 2 Corinthians 10:3-7. As they read list the words in the verses to describe the weapons of the righteous and what they are against. Like below:
Weapons
mighty
not carnal--spiritual 

War Against
strongholds of Satan
imaginations 
everything that exalt itself--prideful
against the knowledge of God
disobedient thoughts
disobedience

What are some of the strongholds of Satan? (pride, impurity, disobedience, doubt, lies, attacking the family, attacking religion, twisting good things into bad things) How can we combat them? What are some weapons that we can use against these?

Elder Rasband spoke about our was against evil in last general conference. He compared the prophet like a watchmen warning people of coming attacks and he said a Christ-centered home is like a fortress. "Our homes are fortresses against the evils of the world. In our homes we come unto Christ by learning to follow His commandments, by studying the scriptures and praying together, and by helping one another stay on the covenant path...But remember, our homes are only as powerful as the spiritual strength of each one of us within the walls." ("Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection" April 2019). 

What were some things Elder Rasband mentioned that will help make our home  a spiritual fortress? Show a picture of the CTR shield found on churchofjesuschrist.org. Choosing the Right is a shield and a protection to us against Satan. As we make good choices and keep our covenants we will be spiritually prepared to resist evil. 

Activity: Nerf War
Using nerf guns, have a mock battle to dramatize our "warfare against wickedness." You can also use wadded up paper balls, small pillows, etc. in lieu of nerf guns.  

Closing Song: "Battle Hymn of the Republic" (Hymnal, 60)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: Camo Cupcakes recipe here

Lesson 36: 1 Corinthians 1-7

September 9-15
2 Corinthians 1-7
"Be Ye Reconciled to God"

Materials: picture of uncut diamond, piece of diamond jewelry (or a picture), pieces of paper and pencils, video (link below)
Opening Song: "I'm trying to be like Jesus" (Children's Songbook, 78)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Mosiah 24: 14

Attention Activity:
Show a picture of an uncut diamond. Explain that in order for the diamond to go from looking like a rock to looking beautiful in a piece of jewelry it must first go through a difficult process. The diamond has to be refined, cut, polished, and cleaned before it can be place in a jewelry setting. This setting is meant to showcase the diamonds brilliance, beauty, clarity and purity. 

Show are picture of a cut diamond, or if you have one, show a piece of diamond jewelry. We are all diamonds of a divine nature. We have excellent potential. But we are uncut diamonds. We need to be refined. This means we are to be tested, tried, and polished in order to achieve our full potential. Only after we have been refined through challenges and adversity can we be polished enough to be ready for our eternal setting. 

Lesson:
In Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians, he wrote to them about the purposes and blessings of tribulations. Everyone in life faces challenges, trials, hard things they have to endure. This is also called adversity. Sometimes we face challenges because we've sinned. Sometimes we have to face a hard situation because someone else has sinned. Other times, we face a trial that's just a natural part of life. Trials could be anything from a test you are worried about taking, to dealing with bullies, to overcoming a bad habit like lying. Or they could be things like dealing with an illness or when a loved one dies.

Paul was no novice when it came to overcome difficult challenges. What are some challenges we've read that Paul had to overcome? (being rebuked by Christ, not being accepted by the Jews, being bitten by a snake, being falsely accused, being cast into prison)

Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. In verse 6, Paul is saying that our suffering is bringing about our salvation. Our challenges are blessings because as we overcome our challenges we grow into stronger better people.

Read verse 5 again. Christ is the ultimate example of overcoming adversity. What were some trials Christ had to face during his life? How did he overcome them? Read Matthew 11:28-30. Christ wants us to depend on him when we have challenges. Read Mosiah 24:14. How can Christ ease our burdens? (Through the Holy Ghost comforting us, through others comforting us and helping us, through inspiration, divine intervention, repentance.)

Pass out a piece of paper and a pencil to everyone. Have each member write down the answer to this question: What is a trial you are facing now or might be facing soon? Have your family members share what they wrote. How can we overcome those challenges?

Think of a trial your family has faced in the past that you have gotten through together. How did you overcome that challenge?

Show the video "God Will Lift Us Up" from churchofjesuschrist.org 

Even though our trials and tribulations can be hard. It is always important to keep an eternal perspective. Helping other people with their trials can also bring us joy and make it easier to bear our own. Remember we are like the diamonds being refined for our celestial home. Bear your testimony of how trials and tribulations can be a blessing.

Optional video: "Spiritual Whirlwinds" by Elder Anderson 


Closing Song: "If the Savior stood beside me" (Additional Songs for Children)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment:
Blueberry Scones Recipe here

Lesson 35: 1 Corinthians 14-16

September 2-8
1 Corinthians 14-16
"God is Not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace" 

Materials: makeup pencil, washcloth, picture of the temple, picture of temple baptismal font
Opening Song: "Baptism" (Children's Songbook, )
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 1 Peter 4: 6 For for this cause was the gospelpreached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Attention Activity: 
With a makeup pencil, draw a frowny face on the cheek of a family member and set a wet washcloth in from of them. Tell them, "If you're able to clean off the frowny face with the washcloth, you'll get a piece of candy. But you can not touch the washcloth." Does this task seem impossible? How can you possibly use the washcloth to clean your face if you can't touch it? Draw a smiley face on you. Then, ask another family member to pick up the washcloth and help you clean it off. Did the mark come off? Did I touch the washcloth?

This is like the work we do for others in the temple. When you do something for someone else because they are unable to do it for themselves, it is called doing it "by proxy."

Lesson:
Heavenly Father loves all His children. "God is no respecter of persons." He wants us all to return to Him in heaven. But there are many people who didn't learn about the gospel when they were alive or they weren't baptized with the proper authority. Millions of people have lived on the earth have not received the ordinances necessary to enter the celestial kingdom. How do you think they will be able to enter the celestial kingdom if they weren't baptized while alive?

Show a picture of the temple. In the temple, we perform ordinances by proxy on behalf of our ancestors that lived before us. Show a picture of a temple baptismal font like the one in the CFM manual.  The year you turn twelve, if  you are worthy, you can be interviewed by the bishop to receive a special limited use temple recommend allowing you to participate in baptisms for the dead. 

If there is a teenager in your family who has participated, ask him to share his experience on what it was like inside the temple. 

Read 1 Corinthians 15:29. Here, we learn that the members of the ancient Church participated in baptisms for the dead just like we do today. This is an important distinction. When the Church was restored, baptisms for the dead were restored. Now everyone who has ever lived will be able to be baptized if they choose to accept the ordinance.

Show the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzCSrMJhWeQ

*If you have children who you think are ready and able to participate in family history work (11+),  you can also show this video of Elder Bendar's challenge to the youth. 

How are we doing as a family in preparing the names of our ancestors for the temple? If neccesary, show your family members how to use apps like Family Search and Take a Name. Sometimes it is hard to find names that are ready to take to the temple, but you can still help do family history work through indexing. Indexing is when you read pictures of historical documents and input the information into a computer program. For more information on indexing click this link. 

Share your testimony on baptisms for the dead and temple ordinances. Encourage your family to set a goal for  family history work. 

Activity: Family Tree
Have each family member fill out their family tree. 


Closing Song: "When Jesus Christ was Baptized" (Children's Songbook, )

Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: 
Grandma's Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe Here

Lesson 34: 1 Corinthians 8-13

August 26- September 1
1 Corinthians 8-13
"Ye Are  the Body of Christ"

Materials: Picture of Relief Society Seal, Paper Heart, cut out hearts (see below), picture of Christ
Opening Song: "Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth" (Hymnal, 298)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Moroni 7:47  But ^acharity is the pure ^blove of Christ, and it endureth ^cforever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Attention Activity:
Show a picture of the Relief Society Seal. What is the Relief Society? Have a family member read the words at the the top of the seal, "Charity Never Faileth." This is the Relief Society motto, which is a phrase you try to live by. What does it mean? Why would the Relief Society use that as their motto?

Lesson:
The motto, "Charity never faileth" comes from Paul's letter to the Corinthians found in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. In this chapter Paul talks a lot about charity. What is charity? Show a paper heart with the words "Charity= The Pure Love of Christ." The Book of Mormon teaches us that charity is the pure love of Christ. It is the Christlike love we show for others. 

Activity:
Directions: Cut out the hearts below and put tape them around room. Have your family members take turns picking hearts. These are the phrases Paul uses to describe charity in 1 Corinthians 13. As they choose each one, describe what each one means.  Take the heart a put re-tape it around a picture of Christ. 

Suffereth long- charity is long lasting
kind- charity begins with kindness
envieth not- charity means not being jealous of others
vaunteth not itself; is not puffed up- charity is not arrogant 
Doth not behave unseemingly- charitable people are well-behaved and obedient
seeketh not her own- charity is not selfish
thinketh no evil- charitable people try to have clean thoughts
rejoiceth not in iniquity- charitable people try to sin
beareth all things- charity can endure hard things
believeth all things- charitable people are believing
hopeth all things- charitable people have hope
never faileth- charity always makes things better; charity endures 

These phrases Paul used to help us understand charity can also be used to describe Jesus Christ. Can you think of examples of how Jesus exemplified these attributes? Read 1 Corinthians 13:13. How can we abide in charity?

"Charity is three dimensional: it encompasses a love for Christ, love from Christ, and love like Christ. In other words, to experience the pure love of Christ means to feel Christ's love for you, to love Christ purely yourself, and to love others purely as Christ loves them." (John Bytheway 

Bear your testimony of charity. Encourage your family to try to have charity during the week. Ask each family member to share one way they can show charity, the pure love of Jesus Christ. 

Closing Song: "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus" (Children's Songbook, 78)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: Chocolate Kiss Cookies Recipe Here