Lesson 2: Joseph Smith History 1: 1-26

 January 4-10
Joseph Smith History 1: 1-26
"I saw a pillar of light" 

Materials: picture of Joseph Smith, first vision video, print outs cut and taped to the wall (see below)
Opening Song: "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" (Hymnal, 26)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Show a picture of Joseph Smith like the one below. Who is this? Ask a young family member to tell about Joseph Smith. 

Lesson:

Joseph Smith was the first of the latter-day prophets. Through the guidance of the Lord, he restored Christ's church. This week we will be learning about Joseph Smith's first vision. 

Activity: 

Have the print outs below cut out into 5 pieces of paper. Tape each paper face down around the room. Watch a video of the first vision. Before the video starts ask your family, "What gospel truths do we learn from the first vision?" 

"Ask of God: Joseph Smith's First Vision" (6:36)

or "Joseph Smith's First Vision" (4:15)

After the video, ask family members to come up and chose a paper. Read the gospel truths and discuss how the first vision demonstrates each of these gospel principles. There are discussion points listed below. If your family has thought of any others ask them to share.

Satan is Real- Joseph Smith felt Satan's influence in the sacred grove. Satan does not want us to pray. Satan not only tempts us, but is also responsible for feelings of darkness and despair. Have you ever noticed Satan trying to influence you?

Prayer Works- Joseph prayed vocally in the sacred grove. Why is praying out load important? Joseph's vision is a testament that God does answer our prayers. What is a time when he has answered your prayers?

Answers lie in scripture- Read James 1:5 together.  How did studying the sciprtures help Joseph? Studying the scriptures not only increases our knowledge but can also answer specific questions about things happening in our own lives. When has reading the scriptures provided you with an answer you needed?

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are 2 separate beings- Not only did Heavenly Father and Jesus have bodies of flesh and bone just like you and me, but they were two separate people. This was and still isn't a widely known truth. Most christians think of them as 1 person. But Heavenly Father introduces the Savior to Joseph Smith and then Jesus speaks. Why is this knowledge so important?

God called Joseph Smith to restore His church- Joseph Smith was a young, relatively poor boy from upstate New York. Why do you think Joseph was called as the Lord's chosen prophet of the restoration? As a teenage boy, Joseph was old enough to understand the gravity and importance of the Truth. But he was not so set in his own ways and ideas that he was still meek and teachable. As the years went on and Joseph gained more recognition, he always stayed humble and grounded to gospel principles. As we learn more about Joseph this year try to make a list in your journal about Joseph's attributes. 

Bear your testimony of the first vision and encourage your family to pray to gain their own testimony of the First Vision. 

Closing Song: "Praise to the Man" (Hymnal, 27)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: S'mores popcorn balls recipe here

Lesson 1: D&C 1

December 28- January 1
D&C 1
"Hearken, O Ye People"

Materials: Alarm sound (below), printouts below
Opening Song: "Hark all ye nations" (Hymnal, 264)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: D&C 1:38

Attention Activity:

Play a brief segment of an alarm going off like the one of the smoke alarm below (link). What does this alarm do? What other warnings do we have that tell us of future danger? (slippery floor signs, storm warnings, tornado sirens, road sign warnings, etc.) Does the Lord warn us about approaching danger? How? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czyGmRXJ184

Lesson:

This year we will be studying the Doctrine and Covenants. Doctrine and Covenants are recorded prophesies given by the Lord in the modern days to his servants. As we study the D&C, we will learn more about church history including the role of Jospeh Smith Jr. in the restoration of Christ's church. We will also learn more about the fulness of the gospel and key doctrines for the exaltation of man. 

The first section or chapter of the Doctrine and Covenants was not written first chronologically. The Lord gave section 1 as an introduction to the D&C and told Joseph Smith that it should be placed at the beginning. "It identifies the book’s themes and purposes and helps readers prepare to read... It is a 'voice of warning' for all 'the inhabitants of the earth,' teaching them to repent and establish God’s 'everlasting covenant' (verses 4, 8, 22)." (Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families, "D&C1"). 

Read D&C1:1 What does it mean to "hearken?" Have a family member read the quote below. 

President Nelson said in last April General Conference, "The very first word in the Doctrine and Covenants is hearken.¹² It means “to listen with the intent to obey.”¹³ To hearken means to “hear Him”—to hear  what the Savior says and then to heed  His counsel. In those two words—“Hear Him”—God gives us the pattern for success, happiness, and joy in this life. We are to hear the words of the Lord, hearken to them, and heed  what He has told us!" ("Hear Him," April 2020). 

Have a family member read D&C 1: 4-6. How does the Lord warn us? Who does he use to give us warnings? President Nelson and other prophets and apostles have been called to warn us of coming dangers in our time. What examples have you seen of this? 

Activity:

Print out or have on hand the pages below. With your family, read through the topics from last year's General Conference addresses. Use the topics to determine what message God wants us to "hearken" unto at this time. What are some warnings or advice the servants of the Lord could be giving us? For example, in the talk , "There was bread," Bishop Waddell admonishes the need for temporal preparedness, saying that we need to have necessities in store and savings ready. 

What are some specific topics the President Nelson has spoken about in the past year? Why do you think these topics are important for us? Read D&C 1:38. This is a reminder to us that President Nelson is Christ's mouthpiece on the earth today. He knows exactly what our Heavenly Father wants us to hear. If we hearken unto his counsel, he will not lead us astray. 

Read D&C 1:37. Another way that the Lord warns us is through the scriptures just like the D&C.  God wants us to study the scriptures. As we study the D&C this year we will be able to learn more about the Lord's church past and present. 

Bear your testimony of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

Closing Song: "Come, Ye Children of the Lord" (Hymnal, 58)
Closing Prayer: 

Refreshment: homemade caramel recipe here 

Lesson 50: Christmas

 December 21-27
Christmas
"He shall come into the world to redeem His people"

*Every family has their own Christmas traditions this time of year. So, instead of giving a word for word lesson, I'm encouraging you to celebrate the birth of our Savior in your own unique way. Page 199 of the CFM Manual gives some amazing examples of Christ- centered family activities. Below I will also link to some other helpful things you might like to share with your family. 

"Teach The Children"-- A story where Santa teaches how all the symbols of Christmas are centered in Christ.

"Luke II"-- This is an older nativity video produced by the church. I grew up on this one and I love it.

Santa and the Christ Child  by Nicholas Bakewell-- Children's book where Santa visits the nativity 

Lesson 49: Moroni 10

 December 14-20
Moroni 10
"Come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him"

Materials: 6 wrapped boxes or gift bags prepared with papers inside (see below), a Christmas tree
Opening Song: "The Seventh Article of Faith" (Children's Songbook, 126b)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Point to your family Christmas tree. What things are found under the tree? Gifts are a tradition of Christmas. We give gifts at Christmas to our loved ones to help us remember how the wisemen brought gifts to the Christ child. Gifts also remind us how Jesus is the ultimate gift from a loving Heavenly Father. His sacrifice enables us all to receive eternal life. Gifts at Christmas can also remind us of all the things Heavenly Father has blessed us with. What are some "gifts" Heavenly Father has given you? 

Lesson:

Moroni also talks about gifts in the very last chapter of The Book of Mormon. He talks to us about spiritual gifts or spiritual attributes we receive from Heavenly Father. 

Activity: "Gifts" of the Spirit

Instructions: Before FHE, print the 6 numbered selections below and the list of spiritual gifts. Place each into a gift box or bag and wrap. Number the outside of each box to correspond to the number on the paper inside. Family members will take turns unwrapping the boxes in numerical order and reading the paper inside. 

1- Read the list of spiritual gifts below taken from "Gospel Topics" on churchofjesuschrist.org. As you read, have your family members ask themselves if they have any of these spiritual gifts. 

2- Read Moroni 10: 8 Where do spiritual gifts come from? What do they do? How do spiritual gifts help us? "Spiritual gifts are blessings or abilities given by God to His children through the power of the Holy Ghost. Gifts of the Spirit are given to bless and benefit those who love the Lord and seek to keep His commandments" ("Spiritual Gifts" Gospel Topics, churchofjesuschrist.org)

Dallin H. Oaks said, "Spiritual gifts come to those who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. As the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, the gifts of the Spirit “are obtained through that medium” [the Holy Ghost] and “cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost. … The world in general can know nothing about them.”("Spiritual Gifts", speech at Women's Conference, March 1986)

3- How could we deny our spiritual gifts? "There are many ways a person might “deny … the gifts of God” (Moroni 10:8). Some people deny that these gifts even exist. Others might deny that they have spiritual gifts but recognize them in other people. Still others deny their gifts by simply neglecting them or failing to develop them" (CFM Manual, 195).

4- Elder John C. Pingree Jr. said, “So how do we come to know our gifts? We can reference our patriarchal blessing, ask those who know us best, and personally identify what we are naturally good at and enjoy. Most importantly, we can ask God (see James 1:5; Doctrine and Covenants 112:10). He knows our gifts, since He gave them to us” (“I Have a Work for Thee,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 33).

5. Read D&C 46:8-9 Each faithful member of the Church has at least one spiritual gift, and the Lord encourages His children to “seek … earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given.” We should not use our spiritual gifts for selfish or prideful reasons. Our gifts should be used to help us come closer to Christ and help others come unto Christ. 

6. Elder Bruce R. McConkie affirmed, "Where spiritual things are concerned, as pertaining to all of the gifts of the Spirit, with reference to the receipt of revelation, the gaining of testimonies, and the seeing of visions, in all matters that pertain to godliness and holiness and which are brought to pass as a result of personal righteousness in all these things men and women stand in a position of absolute equality before the Lord. He is no respecter of persons nor of sexes, and he blesses those men and those women who seek him and serve him and keep his commandments.” (Ensign, Jan. 1979, p. 61.)

Spiritual gifts are another wondrous blessing given to us by our Heavenly Father. Each of us is blessed with at least one of these gifts. These gifts are precious tools that help us come unto Christ. Moroni wanted us to recognize these gifts in ourselves so we can "come unto Christ and be perfected in Him." (Moroni 10:32)

Closing Song: "Away in a Manger" (Hymnal, 206) 
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Frosted Eggnog Cookies recipe here

Lesson 48: Moroni 7-9

 December 7-13
Moroni 7-9
"May Christ lift thee up" 

Materials: video clip, printout, flashlight, scriptures
Opening Song: "Choose the Right"
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Moroni 7: 16

Attention Activity:

Show the following clip from Pinocchio. 

In order to become a "real boy," Pinocchio has to prove that he is brave, truthful, and unselfish. He must learn to choose between right and wrong. He will be able to do this with the help of his conscience. What is a conscience? (from the video: still small voice, knowledge of right and wrong, counselor in moments of temptation, guide along the straight and narrow path)

Obviously we don't all have a Jiminy Cricket acting as our conscience, but we all have that little voice inside us that tells us right from wrong.

Lesson:

Activity: Hand out the print out below to a family member face down with a flash light. Tell them to read the words without turning the paper over. 

Read Moroni 7:16. The Spirit of Christ is another term for the light of Christ. So what is the light of Christ? "The light of Christ is just what the words imply: enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ" (Bible Dictionary, "light of Christ"). 

Marion G. Romney said that the "light of Christ is associated with what we often call conscience. Everyone who is born into mortality receives the Light of Christ."

The light of Christ enables us to make good decisions and it prepares us to receive the Holy Ghost after we are baptized. 

President Harold B. Lee said, “Every one of you born into this world enjoys the blessing of this Light that shall never cease to strive with you until you are led to that further light from the gift of the Holy Ghost that may be received only upon condition of repentance and baptism into the Kingdom of God.”

Read Moroni 7:18. Moroni tells us that we need to use the light of Christ, our conscience, to make good judgements. We have been counseled not to "judge others" but we often need to make good judgements about situations we are in with others and how we associate with people. We should never try to make final judgements about other people, but we should make good decisions for ourselves with the help of the light of Christ. 

Read Moroni 2:19. The light of Christ can lead us to good things, including covenants like baptisms and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. If we hold to these good things, Moroni says we will be "children of Christ"--meaning we will be saved in the celestial kingdom. 

We are a little like Pinocchio, we have been sent to earth to be tested. We also have to prove that we are truthful and unselfish and learn to choose between right and wrong. As we make good choices based on the knowledge given to use throughout the light of Christ we are led down the straight and narrow path. If we prove faithful, like Pinocchio we are blessed to become "children of Christ"--or in other words, eternal life. 

Optional Activity: Play "Give a Little Whistle" 

Closing Song: "Choose the Right Way" 
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Glaze Doughnut popcorn recipe here

Lesson 47: Moroni 1-6

 November 30- December 6
Moroni 1-6
"To keep them in the right way"

Materials: pictures below, construction paper, tape, scriptures
Opening Song: "The priesthood is restored" (Children's Songbook, 89)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Play a round of the game "telephone"  with your family. Sometimes as things get passed on, the true meaning of what was said gets lost in translation. 

Lesson:

When Christ was on the earth, He established His church. He performed (and taught His disciples to perform) priesthood ordinances like the sacrament, ordinations and baptisms. A lot of Christian churches still practice many of these ordinances, but the correct way to perform these ordinances got lost over time until the church was restored by Joseph Smith. "In Moroni 2–6, Moroni provided important details about certain priesthood ordinances that can help clear up some of that confusion" (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families, 187). 

Activity: 

Before the lesson print out the following pictures from churchofjesuschrist.org * Tape the pictures around the room covered by a piece of construction paper. On each construction paper write the scriptures from Moroni below to correspond with each picture. Family Members will take turns selecting a photo and reading the scriptures. 

Priesthood ordination (Moroni 3).
Is there anyone in your family preparing fro priesthood ordination? What can we learn about priesthood ordination from these verses? We know because of Moroni and other prophets that the priesthood can't be learned from a class. It has to be given to a worthy member of the church by another member of the priesthood with the proper authority. Maybe a member of the priesthood in your family could share how they felt when they were ordained with the laying on of hands. 

The sacrament (Moroni 4: 2-3; 5: 2; 6:6).
Although other religions have different versions of the sacrament. Our church has unique blessings on the bread and water that help remind us of the covenants we made at baptism. The ordinance of the sacrament is a weekly reminder for us. What are some of covenants described in the prayers given by Moroni?

Baptism (Moroni 6:1–3).
Moroni makes it clear that a person has to prepare and make the choice to be baptized. This means that they are held accountable and have truly repented. Moroni goes on in chapter 8 to clarify that babies and little children do not need to repent or be baptized until they are old enough to be held accountable for their choices. What could someone who is preparing for baptism learn from these verses. 

Confirmation (Moroni 2:2; 6:4).
Members of the church are confirmed by the laying of of hands after baptism and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This spiritual conformation means that a person is "cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost." The Holy Ghost will then be a constant companion to you if you live righteously and try to heed its promptings. 

Gospel topics states, "Ordinances and covenants help us remember who we are. They remind us of our duty to God. The Lord has provided them to help us come unto Him and receive eternal life. When we honor them, He strengthens us spiritually." Our oridnances and covenants are the stepping stones on our way to the Celestial Kingdom. The priesthood enables us to receive these ordinances so that we can return to our Heavenly Father. 

Bare your testimony of how the ordinances that you have received have blessed your life. 

Closing Song: "The Spirit of God" (Hymnal, 2)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Banana Cheesecake Bars recipe here

* The images on this lesson are taken from this website . They are posted under the disclaimer that they are used from personal, non-commercial use. 

Lesson 46: Ether 12-15

 November 23-29
Ether 12-15
"By faith all things are fulfilled" 

Materials: weights. objects of varying weight
Opening Song: "Lord, I would follow thee" (Hymnal, 220)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Ether 12: 27

Attention Activity:

Set out a series of objects ranging from light to heavy (if you have weights, use them). Have family members come up and pick up the different objects. Which items are heavier? Lighter? Why do people use weights? People use weights to make their muscles and bodies stronger. When people lift weights they break down the fibers in their muscles. When the muscles recuperate, they are stronger and are able to handle more weight the next time they are used. Exercising our muscles is good for our bodies.  

Lesson:

Before we exercise, our bodies are weak. This is also like what happens to us here on earth. We each have our weaknesses. Some of us might be lazy, or have tempers. Others might have trouble following rules or saying sorry. None of us are perfect. Think about your own weaknesses. What are some areas that you struggle? 

Read Ether 12: 23-24. What did Moroni think was his weakness? Moroni didn't think that he was a good writer and he feared that people would mock his words. The Lord answered Moroni saying that the fools that mock Moroni's writing will not be able to take advantage of his weakness because Moroni is meek. What does is mean to be meek? ("Godfearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering. The meek are willing to follow gospel teachings. " from churchofjesuschrist.org, Guide to the Scriptures, "meek, meekness")

Read Ether 12:27. Why does God give us our weaknesses? The Lord says He gives us our weaknesses so that we may become humble. If we are humble and have faith in Him, He can help us become strong by overcoming our weaknesses. Just like when we exercise, we start out weak. We make mistakes. The weights are like the atonement. As we use the weights, or repent, we become stronger and are more prepared to face upcoming challenges and obstacles. This can only happen though if we first show humility by admitting that we need to change and second, showing faith by believing in the grace of God. 

Activity: "Grace" Exercises

Do the following exercises with your family to exemplify how weak things can be made strong.

G- Giant leap x5
R- Run in place for 30 sec.
A- Arm Circles x 15
C- Crunches x 20
E- Elbow to knees x 20

Closing song: "I stand all amazed" (Hymnal, 193)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Healthy frozen peanut butter banana bites recipe 

Lesson 45: Ether 6-11

 November 16-22
Ether 6-11
"That evil may be done away"

Materials: picture of a venomous snake, snake print out, scissors, piece of paper, tape or glue
Opening Song: "Choose the Right" (Hymnal, 239)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Ether 8: 23 Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get ^apower and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of ^bdestruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.

Attention Activity:

Show a picture of a venomous snake like the one below. Would you want to pet this snake? How about give it a big hug and a kiss? Why not? You wouldn't want to go near this snake because you know it is dangerous. It can bite you and cause you to get sick or even die. We stay away from it because we know that it can hurt us. This is kind of like our relationship with Satan. We need to understand how he can hurt us, so we know to stay far away from him. 

Lesson:

We've been reading about the Jaredites. The Jaredites came across the ocean in their barges and settled in the Americas a long time before Lehi and his family. Omer was a king of the Jaredites and his son, Jared, was wicked. He imprisoned his father the king and fought with his family members over the kingdom and lost. Jared's daughter was angry that her father lost the kingdom. She wanted power and control of the kingdom. Jared's daughter had heard of secret wicked plans to get kingdoms and glory. 

She had Jared send for Akish and the beautiful women danced for him. Akish asked for Jared's daughter to be his wife. Before she said yes, she told Akish she would marry him if he would kill her father and bring her his head. After she danced, Akish did ask for he hand in marriage from Jared. He said he would give his permission if Akish promised to kill Omer. There was a lot of evil plotting and secret combinations going on. Akish was a very bad man and had his followers make secret oaths and they committed many atrocities. 

Why do you think we need to know such horrible stories? Why would Mormon and Moroni choose to include stories like this in the scriptures? Just like we need to understand the danger of a venomous snake, we need to understand how Satan operates in order to avoid him. 

Activity: Secret Combinations snake

Print out the picture below and cut the numbers into strips. Have your family take turns reading the numbers. Tape or glue the number strips onto a blank sheet of paper to see the completed picture of the snake. (These points on secret combinations are taken from The Book of Mormon Student Manual [see Helaman 6:20 section] and churchofjesuschrist.org)

Secret combinations have been around since the dawn of history, starting with Cain. They brought about the destruction of many civilizations including the Jaredites and the Nephites. We still have secret combinations today. What would be some examples of modern secret combinations? (gangs, drug cartels, organized crime, corrupt politicians, trafficking networks, and terrorist groups) 

Hopefully, we know enough to stay away from these kinds of wicked societies but Satan has ways of getting us to try to go against what we know to be right. One thing parents often say to their children is "if your trying to be sneaky about doing something, you probably shouldn't be doing it." Wickedness often thrives on secrecy, but there is always someone who knows all your secrets and that is Heavenly Father. There is no hiding your actions from him. 

Is there anything you've done recently that you've tried to hide to avoid getting into trouble? Is there anything you've done recently that goes against God's commandments? What should you do to make it right?

Closing Song: "Dare to do right" (Children's Songbook, 158)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Snake Breadstick Recipe here

Lesson 44: Ether 1-5

 November 9-15
Ether 1-5
"Rend that Veil of Unbelief"

Materials: questions picture below, brother of Jared video, coloring page 
Opening Song: Faith (Children's Songbook, 96)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Ether 3:5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power , which looks small unto the understanding of men. 

Attention Activity:

Show the picture below. What do all these words have in common? They are all the beginnings of questions. Asking questions help us learn. 

Lesson:

Story: Jessica was reading in class one day out of her library book, when she read a word she had not seen before. Jessica raised her hand and asked her teacher what the word meant. Her teacher told Jessica to look at the rest of the sentence to see if it would give any clues about what the word could mean. Jessica tried this, and it helped a little bit, but she still couldn't fully understand what it meant. Jessica raised her hand again and her teacher brought over a dictionary. She told Jessica to look up the word alphabetically in the book, and it would tell her exactly what the word meant. When Jessica found the word, she finally understood what it meant. A few weeks later the word appeared on a vocabulary quiz. Jessica remembered flipping through the dictionary and scanning the pages for her mystery word. She recalled the definition perfectly and got 100 percent on the quiz. 

Jessica's teacher could have just told her what the word meant but she didn't. She wanted Jessica to find out for herself the answer to her question. Asking questions shows humility, and we better ourselves when we try to find answers to our queries. We learn more by finding the answers ourselves than by just being given the answer. 

For the next few weeks we will be going further back in time during our study of the Book of Mormon. Further back than Nephi or even Moses. The beginning of the Book of Ether takes place just after Noah saves all the animals on the ark. Some of Noah's descendants became wicked and built a tower to reach heaven. God destroyed the tower and the righteous descendants were directed to leave and travel across the sea to the promised land. 

The leader of these righteous people is called in the scriptures, "the brother of Jared." We know from a revelation given to Joseph Smith that his given name was Mahonri Moriancomer. The Jaredite people were directed by the Lord to build barges to travel across the ocean. These boats had to be sealed tight so they would not sink in the mighty waves of the ocean. Show the picture below. 

Mahonri discovered two practical problems while building the boats. If the boats had to be perfectly sealed, they would not be able to breathe, have light, or steer. Mahonri went to the lord and asks these questions. 

Video: Watch this 5 minute animated video depicting Ether 2-3

Mahonri went to the Lord in sincere and humble prayer to get answers to his questions. He was given two answers directly from the Lord. But what was the Lord's answer when the brother of Jared asked about light for the boats? The Lord wanted Mahonri to think out a solution to his problem on his own. By doing so, Mahonri was able to put his faith in the Lord. Mahonri knew the Lord would be able to use his power to make the stones shine. And asking the Lord for his help in this way also showed the Mahonri was humble. 

"What does the brother of Jared's example teach us about how to find answers to our problems and questions? Maybe family members could share experiences when they sought and received answers from the Lord." (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families)  What are some different sources we can go to look for answers to our questions about the gospel? 

The brother of Jared showed great faith in the Lord as he proactively asked for His help. He went to the Lord with a plan in mind. He put in effort and forethought. If we follow his example when we encounter challenges and questions of our own the Lord will bless us with the answers we need. 

Activity: Brother of Jared coloring page 

Closing Song: "Search, ponder, and pray" (Children's Songbook, 109)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Cookie Dough Brownies recipe here 

Lesson 43: Mormon 7-9

November 2-8
Mormon 7-9
"I Speak unto you as if were present"

Materials: pictures of treasure and Book of Mormon below, booklets printed, cut, and folded, scissors, coloring supplies.
Opening Song: "Search, Ponder, and Pray" (Children's Songbook, )
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Mormon 8:14 And I am the same who ^ahideth up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith that no one shall have them ^btoget gain; but the record thereof is of ^cgreat worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless.

Attention Activity:

Would you rather have a chest full of treasure or a copy of the Book of Mormon. President Nelson asked, "If you were offered diamonds or rubies or the Book of Mormon, which would you choose? Honestly, which is of greater worth to you?" ("The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without it?" General Confernce, Oct. 2017)

Lesson:

Mormon has died in battle after being hunted down by the Lamanites. His son, Moroni is now the soul surviving Nephite and keeper of the ancient records. It will be Moroni's duty to complete the Book of Mormon and deposit it safely until it is recovered over a thousand years later by Joseph Smith. 

"Things may have seemed hopeless, but Moroni found hope in his testimony of the Savior and his knowledge that 'the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on' [Mormon 8:22]. And Moroni knew that a key role in those eternal purposes would be played by the Book of Mormon—the record he was now diligently completing, the record that would one day 'shine forth out of darkness' and bring many people 'to the knowledge of Christ' [Mormon 8:16; 9:36]" (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families, pg. 170).

Activity: Booklet of Mormon Directed coloring

Directions: Before FHE print out the sheet below--one per person. Fold in half vertically (hamburger style) and cut the folded side horizontally half way (to the intersection). Unfold it and the middle horizontal lines should be cut. Then fold the top half down horizontally and then and squeeze the two end of the book together to make pages. Here is a good tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbnaFy9o1gs

Give each family member a booklet and some coloring utensils. Go through each page of the book with your family. Read each page and its corresponding scriptures. Some additional talking points are listed below.

1. The Book of Mormon is a treasure of great worth. Mormon 8:14. What is your favorite scripture or scripture story? 

2. Mormon 8:12;17. Joseph Smith said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth. …” (History of the Church, 4:461.) 

3. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God. "Joseph Smith consistently testified that he translated the Book of Mormon by the “gift and power of God.” His scribes shared that testimony. The angel who brought news of an ancient record on metal plates buried in a hillside and the divine instruments prepared especially for Joseph Smith to translate were all part of what Joseph and his scribes viewed as the miracle of translation" (Book of Mormon Translation, churchofjesuschrist.org).

4. The Book of Mormon was written specifically with the people of the last days in mind. Many prophets have written about our day and Moroni addresses us specifically. 

5. Moroni was shown the condition of the world in our day. Moroni like other prophets before him, has seen the wicked state of the world in the latter-days. We are truly living in the time described by Moroni as we face more natural disasters, civil unrest, pandemics, and a world that discounts religion as a bigoted fantasy. Last week we discussed how keeping high standards can help us stay faithful. 

6. Moroni counsels the people of our day to believe in Christ. In today's world, its becoming more and more rare to believe in God. Atheists and agnostics plague the internet with talk about how "no evidence" for God exists. Moroni describes how the consequences for being unbelieving and abusing his laws are catastrophic and lead to damnation. 

7. Moroni counsels us to believe in modern revelations and miracles. Unlike most other churches, we believe in continuous revelation from heaven. President Nelson leads our church via this revelation. Also, each of us as members of the church have access to heaven through personal revelation. 

8. Moroni counsels us to have faith. Faith is a powerful force. Moroni asserts that the righteous who ask God in faith will receive what they need. Faith as the first principle of the gospel, is the first step to everlasting life. 

The Book of Mormon is a remarkable book. It testifies of Christ and his infinite atonement; it preaches repentance and faith; it prophesizes of the gathering of Israel and the second coming of Jesus Christ. 

How has this year's study of the Book of Mormon blessed your life? What insights have you had this year while studying the Book of Mormon through the Come Follow Me program? As we finish of the Book of Mormon in the next six weeks, let us remember what a blessing the Book of Mormon is and ponder the question that President Nelson asked, "How would your life be different without it?"

Closing Song: "Scripture Power" (Additional Songs for Children on Gospel Music App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Cinnamon Roll Cake 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