Lesson 5: D&C 6-9

 January 25-31
D&C 6-9
"This is the spirit of revelation"

Materials: Slips of letter papers printed and cut with letters written on the back; 1 flashlight and 3 other objects that give off light; scripture slips printed, cut out and taped to objects. 
Opening Song: "Lead Kindly Light" (Hymnal, 72)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Hold up a flashlight. What is this? Why do we need it? What enables it to work? Light has many meanings in the church like the light of Christ. Today we are going to talk about light in reference to knowledge from the Lord. What is it called when you receive knowledge from the Lord? It's called personal revelation. 

Lesson:

Read the following excerpt from the Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families 2021 Manual: "In spring 1829 Oliver Cowdery traveled to Harmony and volunteered to be Joseph Smith’s scribe as he translated the Book of Mormon. Oliver now had a close view of the revelatory process of translation. The experience thrilled him, and he wondered if he could also be blessed with a gift to translate. The Lord allowed him to attempt to translate, but receiving revelation was new for Oliver, and his attempt did not go well. He still had a lot to learn, and Doctrine and Covenants 6, 8, and 9 show that the Lord was willing to teach him" (page 19).

While on earth it is necessary for us to receive personal revelation just like Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. We need personal revelation to receive a witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, gain our own testimonies of the gospel, and to receive guidance in our callings and personal decisions. 

Share a time when you received a personal revelation. What did you do before receiving it to prepare you? How did know you had received a personal revelation? 

Before you can receive any revelation from God you have to be ready. This means you have to be prepared and be worthy. Before Joseph Smith received the first vision, he had already searched the scriptures and designed a place and time to pray. He humbled himself and asked God his question with an earnest heart. Heavenly Father gave Oliver Cowdery counsel to do something similar. 

Activity: Before revelation letters- Print and cut out each of the strips below and write the first letter on the back. Have each family member take turns choosing and reading each slip. 

K- Keep the Commandments. We have to be worthy to receive personal revelation by keeping the commandments. If you feel like you're having a hard time receiving answers, ask yourself if their is anything you need to repent for? (D&C 6:6)

Z- Seek for the cause of Zion. We should be seeking for revelation to help aid in God's kingdom. (D&C 6:6)

W- Seek for Wisdom. We should ask for revelation out of a need for added knowledge and not for material gain or riches. (D&C 6:6)

F- Faith. We need to have faith in Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ in order to receive personal revelation. (D&C 8:1)

H-Honest Heart. We need to be sincere when we ask God for answers. (D&C 8:1)

B- Believing. We have to truly believe that revelation will come--that you will receive guidance.  (D&C 8:1)

P- Ponder. We have to ponder everything we have studied, felt, and heard. When the Lord does reveal things to us we have to study it out in our minds. (D&C 9:7-8)

Now that we know what we have to have before we receive revelation the next thing to do would be to ask of God. How do we ask God something? We can pray. We can also study out the topic using the scriptures and other gospel resources. Once we have done those things, the Lord will give us personal revelation through the Holy Ghost. But how can we recognize that revelation?

Activity: The Light of Revelation- Before FHE, have prepared 4 objects that give light like flashlights, candles, lightbulbs, lamps, etc. Print and cut the 4 strips below and tape each to one of the items you've gathered. Have each family member take turns picking an item and reading about how one might receive revelation. 

6:15 Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy ^amind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been ^benlightened by the ^cSpirit of truth;

6:23 Did I not speak ^apeace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater ^bwitness can you have than from God?

8:2 Yea, behold, I will ^atell you in your mind and in your ^bheart, by the ^cHoly Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

8:8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must ^astudy it out in your ^bmind; then you must ^cask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your ^dbosom shall ^eburn within you; therefore, you shall ^ffeel that it is right.
9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a ^astupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is ^bsacred save it be given you from me.

Heavenly Father will give you personal revelation through the power of the Holy Ghost by enlightening your mind, bringing peace to your mind, dwelling in your heart, and by giving you a warm feeling in your heart when you ask if you are right. Often, knowing how to identify the Spirit speaking to you is half the battle. Have you ever had any of these happen to you? Ask you family member to share experiences how they received revelation. 

Russel M. Nelson chose personal revelation as one of his topics during his first General Conference as president of the church. He said, "I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that “if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal...My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. Let this Easter Sunday be a defining moment in your life. Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly." ("Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives," April 2018). 

Bear your testimony of the truth of President Nelson's words and of personal revelation. 

Closing Song: "The Lord is My Light" (Hymnal, 89)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Andes Mint Fudge recipe here 

Lesson 4: D&C 3-5

 January 18-24 
Doctrine and Covenants 3-5
"My Work Shall Go Forth" 

Materials: coloring page, cards below printed, cut, and pasted together.
Opening Song: "Called to serve" (Hymnal, 249)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Have your family color a picture featuring gardening like the one below. What are the children in this picture doing? They are working hard on a garden, helping good things to grow. 

 

Lesson:

The Lord values hard work--he values effort and service. He wants us all serve him and aide him in his work. What is Heavenly Father's work? Read Moses 1:39. He wants all of his children to receive eternal life or exaltation. How can we help him do this?

Joseph Smith's father Joseph Smith Sr. desired to serve God. He wanted to help Heavenly Father in his work any way he could so, a revelation was given to him in February of 1829--Section 4 of the D&C.

Activity: Harvest Cards

Directions print and cut out the cards below. Glue each card with a scripture to the back of one of the picture cards. Place the around the room or on the floor. Have each family member take turns picking a card and leading the discussion questions on the back. 

Our download from Google Docs here. 

D&C 4 is often applied to full time missionaries--it's sort of their credo. However, it really applies to every member of the church. As a member you have been called to take Christ's name upon you and be an example to others. We must use our heart, might, mind, and strength to help us and try to embody the qualities listed in Section 4. 

Ponder which of the Christlike qualities you should work on in order to better qualify you to do His work. Tonight, say a prayer for guidance to work on that attribute and for missionary/teaching opportunities to be presented to you. 

Closing Song: "We'll Bring the World His Truth" (Children's Songbook, 172)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: "Every Minion a Missionary" Twinkies link here

Lesson 3: D&C 2; JSH 1:27-65

 January 11-17

D&C 2; Joseph Smith History 1:27-65

"The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to their Fathers"

Materials: video clips below, picture of Elijah, familysearch family tree
Opening Song: "True to the Faith" (Hymnal, 254)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Have a family member read D&C 2. Then have them read it 3  more times. If I were to tell you to go get something and then I were to tell you that same thing 3 more times, do you think it's important? 

Lesson:

Something very similar happened to Joseph Smith. Three years after the first vision, he was still living on his parents farm in New York. One night he was praying when he was visited by an angel. Does anyone remember the angel's name that came to see Joseph? It was Moroni, the last surviving Nephite who buried the plates that came to Joseph Smith. 

Activity: 

Watch the short clip below from "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" 

What did Moroni tell Joseph about? He told Joseph about the gold plates which would later become the Book of Mormon, but that wasn't all of Moroni's message. Moroni also quoted several scriptures to Joseph Smith including sections of Malachi, Isaiah, and Joel from the Old Testament as well as the Book of Acts from the New Testament. 

Read JSH 1:37. Moroni is quoting Malachi talking about judgment day after the Second Coming. 

Read JSH 1:38 Moroni tells Joseph Smith that the Priesthood will be revealed to him by Elijah. Who is Elijah? Elijah was an Old Testament prophet. The Lord promised in the Bible that Elijah would come to earth again before the second coming of Christ. President Henry B. Eyring said: “It is important to know why the Lord promised to send Elijah. Elijah was a great prophet with great power given him by God. He held the greatest power God gives to His children: he held the sealing power, the power to bind on earth and have it bound in heaven” (“Hearts Bound Together,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 78). Elijah holds the keys to the sealing power, this power can only be accessed in the temple. 

Read JSH 1:39 The promise the Moroni is quoting is the promise of the Abrahamic covenant. To better explain the Abrahamic covenant, watch the following clip from Pres. Nelson which is cited in the Come Follow Me Manual. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/03?lang=eng The blessings of the Abrahamic covenant can be found in the temple. 

The second part of verse 29 talks about turning the hearts of children to their fathers. This means that in the latter days, before the second coming, people on earth will remember their ancestors. Peoples hearts and minds will try to remember and learn about the grandparents and the people that have come before them. 

How is this happening in the world today? With access to the internet, family history work has boomed around the globe. People from all different faiths are learning more about their heritage. There are websites like ancestry.com and familysearch; there is even DNA testing kits like 23 and Me that will tell you where your lineage comes from. Televison shows even feature celebrates finding out about specific ancestors of their family tree. 

All of this is a fullfillment of the prophesy of Malachi that Moroni quoted. Why is this important? It all points back to the sealing power of the temple. As more people learn about their family history, temple work will continue to go forth for the dead. People who have passed away can receive their ordinances vicariously in the temple. 

Activity: Show your family your family tree on familysearch and talk about one of your ancestors. 

Moroni repeated this message to Joseph Smith 4 times. Obviously this was important. He wanted Joseph to understand the importance of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. He also wanted to impress the importance of ancient prophecies about the events leading up to the second coming of Christ. Joseph Smith played a key role in the fulfillment of many ancient prophecies. 

Closing Song: "The Hearts of the Children" (Children's Songbook, 92)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Blizzard Cookies recipe here 

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