Lesson 31: D&C 84

 July 26- August 1
Doctrine and Covenants 84
"The Power of Godliness"

Materials: Whiteboard and marker, priesthood words worksheet, tape
Opening Song: "The Priesthood is Restored" (Children's Songbook, 89)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Write the word "priesthood" on the whiteboard. Ask your family, what is the first thing that comes into your head when you think of the word "priesthood?" Have each family member write one thing on the board that comes to mind when they the of the priesthood. 

Lesson: 

We often think of the priesthood by identifying it with the men who bear it. We think of our dads, grandfathers, bishops, and apostles. Although  righteous men may hold the priesthood they are not the priesthood. What is the priesthood? Have a family member read the following quote from Gospel Topics. 

"The word priesthood has two meanings. First, priesthood is the power and authority of God. It has always existed and will continue to exist without end (see Alma 13:7–8; Doctrine and Covenants 84:17–18). Through the priesthood, God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power, He exalts His obedient children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39; see also Doctrine and Covenants 84:35–38).

Second, in mortality, priesthood is the power and authority that God gives to man to act in all things necessary for the salvation of God’s children. The blessings of the priesthood are available to all who receive the gospel (“Priesthood Authority,” Handbook 2, Administering the Church)."

Activity: Priesthood words

(Before FHE, print the sheet below and cut out the words.) To learn more about the priesthood, we are going to add to or expound on some of the words we wrote on our board at the beginning of FHE. Have family members take turns choosing a word and taping it to the whiteboard next to the word, "priesthood." When they do, read or have a family member read the passage below that corresponds with the word.

Melchizedek- Read D&C 84:19.

Ordinances- Read D&C 84:20-22

Aaronic- Read D&C 84: 26-27

Power- Priesthood power is the power by which God blesses his children. It is available to every worthy man and woman in the church. We utilize priesthood power when we fulfill responsibilities in our callings and homes. 

Restored- The priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery while Joseph was translating The Book of Mormon. Since then, the priesthood has been passed on to worthy  men until now. In D&C 84 we read how Moses received his priesthood authority. Men who are ordained to the priesthood today can also trace their authority back to Jesus Christ. 

Keys- "The keys of the priesthood are the right to preside and direct the affairs of the Church within a jurisdiction. Jesus Christ holds all the keys of the priesthood pertaining to His Church. He has conferred upon each of His Apostles all the keys that pertain to the kingdom of God on earth. The senior living Apostle, the President of the Church, is the only person on earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys (Gospel Topics)." The President of the Church can delegate keys to others who have priesthood authority. Who holds priesthood keys in our ward and stake?

Temple- Read D&C 84: 5 The temple is an essential part of the priesthood. In the temple, worthy women and men are endowed with priesthood power and make sacred covenants and ordinances necessary to be able to dwell in God's presence in the celestial kingdom.  

Authority- Priesthood authority can only be given to men through ordination. Those who have priesthood authority may perform priesthood duties of their quorums and lesser quorums. These duties are done under the direction of the president who holds the priesthood keys for that quorum. 

The Doctrine and Covenants makes clear eternal life can only come through being true and faithful to priesthood covenants and ordinances. What priesthood ordinances have you participated in? Verse 20 of section 84 says that the power of godliness is seen in priesthood ordinances. How have you felt the "power of godliness" as you have participated in the sacrament or when you were baptized? How would these ordinances make us more "godly?" When you are older, you get to enter the temple to receive your endowment. This endowment is a gift of priesthood power and it is another ordinance that is necessary to eternal life along with eternal marriage. These are also blessings made possible to us through the priesthood.

Bear your testimony of the priesthood. 

Closing Song: "The Priesthood of Our Lord" (Hymns, 320)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Lemon Crinkle Cookies recipe here

Lesson 30: D&C 81-83

 July 19-25
Doctrine and Covenants 81-83
"Where much is given much is required"

Materials: talent strips, bowl, talent show*
Opening Song: "Have I done any good" (Hymns, 223)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: *Have each family member display, perform, or discuss a talent in a family talent show. 

Lesson:

Read D&C 82: 18-19. What are talents? Talents are skills that we have been blessed with. Some talents we are born with; they are part of our personality. Other talents are things we have to practice and develop. Talents can be physical things like playing the piano, drawing, or developing in sports, but talents can also be characteristics like being friendly, being organized, or even being faithful. 

D&C 82:18 talked about how we should be improving our talents. How can we improve our talent? Have a family member tell a brief version of Christ's parable of the talents. Just like Jesus talked about in his parable of the talents. We need to use our talent and be actively trying to better ourselves to improve our talents. Hidden talents are a waste. 

Verse 18 also mentions that we should be gaining other talents. This means we should be learning new things. Heavenly Father values knowledge and he loves it when His children want to learn. Learning entirely new skills is an important part of developing our talents. 

Why is all this important? Why does Heavenly Father care so much about our talents? D&C 82 says that talents should be "cast into the Lord's storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church--Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God." We develop our talents not only to enrich our own lives, but also to bless those around us and build the kingdom of God. 

Heavenly Father is aware of our strengths and talents. Through the direction of the Holy Ghost, he can enable Bishops and other church leadership to call members to positions in the church where they can use and develop their talents. Our talents can bless those around us in our families, wards, and communities. 

Activity: Talent strips. 

Cut out the strips below and put into a bowl. Have each family member take turns picking a talent and answering the following question: How could the this talent be used to build the Kingdom of God in the latter days:

- playing an instrument 

- playing basketball

- drawing

- being positive

- being polite

- being a good listener

- telling stories

Story: Elisha always loved to dance. She had "twinkle toes" ever since she was a tiny girl. Every year she worked on her talent by going to dance classes. As Elisha got older, she was able to experience all different kinds of dance. She tried ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, broadway, cheerleading, waltz, tango, mambo, swing, cha-cha, and so many other kinds-- and she loved them all. She felt so free as she moved across the dance floor and she loved the happy feeling she got when she was dancing to fun music. As she grew up, Elisha made a lot of different dance teams and worked with a lot of interesting people. She was proud of herself when she was chosen for the Touring Team for Brigham Young University's Ballroom Dance Company. She could now dance for people all across the world! Before her first tour, her team held a special prayer where they asked Heavenly Father to bless all the spectators as they danced. They wanted their audience to like their performance and to want to know more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through her college years, Elisha performed in Thailand, Vietnam, China, Scotland, England, and across the United States. Every time Elisha went on tour she felt honored because she knew she wasn't just dancing, she was bearing her testimony through her example and her talent. 

Elisha in Blackpool, England; used with permission.

(If you have children or youth this would be a good opportunity to pull out the goal books and review with them how they are doing on their goals.)

Bear your testimony about how developing your talents can help others come unto Christ.

Closing Song: "I want to be a missionary now" (Children's Songbook, 168)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars recipe here

Lesson 29: D&C 77-80

July 12-18
Doctrine and Covenants 77-80
"I will lead you along"

Materials: quotation cards, card stock, scrapbook paper (cut to bookmark size), white paper, craft supplies. 
Opening Song: "The Lord is my light" (Hymns, 89)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Show the following video about the thankful leper. 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2010-11-41-chapter-37-the-ten-lepers?lang=eng

How many sick people did Jesus heal in the video? How many remembered to say thank you? Why do you think gratitude is important?

Lesson:

Read D&C 78: 17-19. The Lord is comforting us in these verses telling us he will lead us and to be cheerful even when times are difficult. He also emphasizes being thankful. Do you "receive all things with thankfulness"? Are you grateful? Do you receive trials with thankfulness? What about commandments?

Gratitude is important to our Heavenly Father. It shows humility and love when we say thank you. Many different verses in the scriptures talk about be grateful or thanksgiving. It is an important step to becoming more Christ like. When was the last time you said thank you to the important people in your life that help you? What can you do to show your gratitude towards them? How can we show gratitude towards Heavenly Father?

Activity: Quotation bookmarks.

Before FHE, print out the cards below on thick paper like card stock. Cut them out and place them down on a table or the floor. Have your family take turns reading each quotation about gratitude. When they are done reading, they need to say one thing they are grateful for and no one should repeat what has already been said. When everyone is done, have them choose one of the cards. Using scrapbook paper each person will create a bookmark. 

Cut the scrapbook paper to bookmark size (about 2.5"x 7"). Paste the quotation card on top of the patterned side of the paper. On the backside trace and cut white paper (if not already white) and write or draw something you are thankful for. (If you have a laminator, they are great for this.) 

Keep your bookmark in a place you will see often to remind you to express grattitude to those around you and to Heavenly Father in your prayers. You may even try saying a prayer of thanksgiving where you just thank Heavenly Father for all the blessings your have been given. 

Bear your testimony on gratitude. 

Closing Song: "Count your many blessings" (Hymns, 241)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Humble Pie recipe here

Lesson 28: D&C 76

 July 5-11
Doctrine and Covenants 76
"Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory"

Materials: art supplies, paper, video 
Opening Song: "I am a child of God"
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Pass out paper and art supplies. Have your family draw or describe the most beautiful place they can imagine. 

Lesson: 

We just described the most beautiful place we can imagine. The scriptures tell us that the glory and beauty of the celestial kingdom is beyond comprehension. The scriptures describe it as a place where the streets are paved in pure gold, the gates are made of a transcendent pearl, and God's throne is said to shine like a bright fire (see D&C 137:4). Read D&C 76:11. What kind of blessings are waiting for us in the celestial kingdom? The Lord has offered us not just a cottage or even a house, but mansions and dominions. But, we have to be worthy. Our Heavenly Father wants us to receive eternal life in the celestial kingdom, but we have to ready for it. So how? How do we qualify for the celestial kingdom? What can we do to be worthy of those amazing blessings?

Activity: I am a child of God lyric study

Everyone knows the song, "I am a child of God." Did you know that the song teaches us what we can do to live with Heavenly Father in the celestial kingdom?  I am going to play that shows the lyrics for the song. As you watch, think about what the song says we can do to be able to got to celestial kingdom. Video link here. 

The song talks about our journey on mortality. This life is a sort of test that helps us learn how to become more like Jesus. We are given the gospel and things like our home and our parents to help us learn to become more Christlike. Later, the song talks about promises blessings that are in store for us--the blessings of eternal life. It says that we have to learn his will and endure in order to receive these blessings.

So who gets eternal life? What kind of people receive celestial glory? Read D&C 76: 51-53. Celestial people accept Christ as their Savior; they are baptized and confirmed and continuously repent. Being sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise means that the Holy Ghost ratifies our ordinances and covenants with the Lord according to our worthiness. As members of the church, we must strive to keep the covenants we've made in order to receive the blessings associated with that promise. 

Have a family member read the following quote from Elder Cornish, 

"Let me be direct and clear. The answers to the questions “Am I good enough?” and “Will I make it?” are “Yes! You are going to be good enough” and “Yes, you are going to make it as long as you keep repenting and do not rationalize or rebel.” The God of heaven is not a heartless referee looking for any excuse to throw us out of the game. He is our perfectly loving Father, who yearns more than anything else to have all of His children come back home and live with Him as families forever. He truly gave His Only Begotten Son that we might not perish but have everlasting life!¹ Please believe, and please take hope and comfort from, this eternal truth. Our Heavenly Father intends for us to make it! That is His work and His glory." ("Am I Good Enough? Will I Make It?" October 2016, General Conference) 

Activity: Temple Recommend Questions. A good way to tell if you are on the track (or as church leaders call it, "the covenant path") is by answering the temple questions. If you are worthy to hold a temple recommend, that is a good indication that you are on the path to the celestial kingdom. 

Use this link to read the temple questions to your family. Have them hold up a thumbs up for yes and a thumbs down for no. 

Bear your testimony of the plan of salvation and eternal life. 

Closing Song: "Teach me to walk in the light" (verses 1-2) (Children's Songbook, 177)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: heaven and earth cake recipe here

Lesson 27: D&C 71-75

 June 28- July 4
Doctrine and Covenants 71-75
"No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper"

*This lesson is about bishops. Branch presidents have similar duties, but are not all the same. For example, branch presidents don't have to be called as high priests. If you live in a branch and not a ward, you may want point out that there are differences and make adjustments to the lesson where necessary. 

Materials: art supplies (Construction paper, sticker, coloring utensils, scissors, etc.)
Opening Song: "Called to Serve" (Hymns, 249)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Give the following clues and have your family try to guess who this person is:

- He serves the Lord
- He is a common judge
- He coordinates the work of salvation and exaltation, including caring for those in need
- He oversees records, finances, and the use of the meetinghouse
-He is the presiding High Priest in the ward
- He is the president of the Aaronic Priesthood
- He is the father of our ward 

Who is he? He's the bishop. All bishops share these responsibilities. Who the Bishop of our ward?

Lesson:

In D&C 72, the Lord called a new bishop to serve the church. His name was Newel K. Whitney. D&C 72 also talks about some of the duties that bishops have many of which related to members living the law of consecration. 

Today, bishops still have many of the same duties mentioned in D&c 72 like receiving funds for the church (tithing) and utilizing the elders to report the needs of the church members through the ministering program. 

Bishop ______ is the bishop for our ward. Do you know the Church as a whole also has a bishop? He's called the presiding bishop and he helps President Nelson to allocate tithing and church funds for building church buildings and temples. He also works with the general Young Mens presidency because, he's the head of the Aaronic Priesthood. Use the link below to show your family a picture of the presiding bishopric. 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/leaders/presiding-bishopric?lang=eng

Bishops work really hard and sacrifice a lot of their time to help the members of their wards. What is one thing you think we can do to help the bishop? What's one thing you like about our bishop? How can you show the bishop your care?

Activity: Cards to the Bishop

We can show our appreciation for our Bishop by writing him a card. Using art supplies like construction paper, sticker, markers, etc., have your family members write cards to the bishop. Then choose a time where you can go deliver the cards with a treat to take to the bishop.

Bear your testimony of the priesthood and how it's leaders have blessed your life. 

Closing Song: "Our Bishop" (Children's Songbook, 135)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Bake your favorite cookies  and take half to your bishop. Here's a yummy recipe for sprinkle cookies. 

Lesson 26: D&C 67-70

 June 21-27
Doctrine and Covenants 67-70
"Worth... the riches of the whole earth"

Materials: coloring pages printed, house pictures printed, scripture verses printed a pasted to house pictures, coloring utensils
Opening Song: "Isreal, Isreal, God is calling" (Hymns, 7)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Below are links to several coloring pages that go with today's lesson. Print at least one each and have family members color them. 

Parents teaching the gospel (verse 25) :  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2009/03/coloring-page?lang=eng

Baptism (verse 27): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/magazine/fr09may17_color.jpg

Prayer (verse 28): https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/friend-may-2017/2017-05-37-coloring-page-eng.pdf

Keeping the Sabbath day Holy (verse 29): https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/liahona-april-2016/2016-04-37-the-sabbath-is-a-special-day-eng.pdf

Work hard; don't be lazy (verse 30): https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/friend-september-2016/2016-09-36-i-can-help-my-family-eng.pdf

Don't be greedy (verse 31): https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/friend-august-2016/2016-08-36-coloring-page-eng.pdf

Lesson: For our opening song today we sang the words, "come to Zion." What is Zion? Where is Zion? Zion refers to any place where righteous people live. Sometimes in the scriptures, Zion is a specific place or city. Other times, Zion is wherever the children of God gather together. 

We can "come to Zion" in a physical sense by attending our church meetings and activities and by attending the temple. We can also "come to Zion" spiritually through doing things that will make us more Christlike. In D&C 68, the Lord gives important counsel for "the inhabitants of Zion." In other words, he gives the members of the church important advice on becoming a Zion people. 

Activity:

(Before FHE, print 6 copies of the house image below and the list of verses from D&C 68. Glue one of the verses on to a copy of the house. Tape the houses around your home in different rooms.)

25 And again, inasmuch as ^aparents have children in Zion, or in any of her ^bstakes which are organized, that ^cteach them not to understand the ^ddoctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when ^eeight years old, the ^fsin be upon the heads of the parents.

27 And their children shall be ^abaptized for the ^bremission of their sins when ^ceight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands.

28 And they shall also ^ateach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.

29 And the inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the ^aSabbathday to keep it holy.

30 And the inhabitants of Zion also shall remember their ^alabors, inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness; for the ^bidler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord.

31 Now, I, the Lord, am not well ^apleased with the inhabitants of Zion, for there are ^bidlers among them; and their ^cchildren are also growing up in ^dwickedness; they also ^eseek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their eyes are full of ^fgreediness.

Directions: Around the home, I have taped the pictures of a house. When I say go, you will go find the pictures; there are six total. 

Once your family has found all the houses, have them read the verse on the back. Then show the the coloring pages from the beginning of the lesson. Have them match their verse to the picture that matches it best. 

We want to be a Zion people--we want to be righteous and live the way Heavenly Father wants us to live. This means we need to be doing things we already know we should be doing like listening to our parents teach gospel principles, keeping our baptismal covenants, praying, keeping the Sabbath day holy, working hard, and avoiding greed and pride. These are simple things that make a big difference. 

Our home can be a Zion home--a place where righteous children of the Lord dwell and learn about the gospel. What things could help our home become a Zion home? What should we avoid doing in our home that will drive away the Spirit? Which thing we talked about today could you work on this week? 

Bear your testimony on becoming a Zion people. You can tape the coloring pictures up around your home to remind your family how they can work on being a Zion people. 

Closing Song: "As Zion's youth in latter-days" (Hymns, 256)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Mixed Berry Oatmeal Crumble Bars see Pinterest page for details

Lesson 25: D&C 64-66

 June 14-20
Doctrine and Covenants 64-66
"The Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind"

Materials: play dough, story from the friend, "Forgiveness" video
Opening Song: "I'll walk with you" (Children's Songbook, 140)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: 

Give each member of your family some play dough. Ask them to make a heart shape with their play dough. When they are through, take one the hearts and rip it in half. Sometimes because of the actions of others, our hearts get broken. We get hurt; we feel let down, offended--even betrayed. This is an unfortunate but inevitable side effect of mortality. So what do we do when are hearts get broken? Do we become angry and bitter? Or do we heal? How can we heel our own broken hearts?

Lesson:

Heeling our hearts after someone has wronged us can only be done through forgiveness. What is forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive someone? Have your family take turns reading D&C 64: 7-10. When we forgive, we let go of any anger or bad feelings. We move forward without further blame or grudges. Forgiveness is a divine attribute. Can you think of an example of forgiveness in the scriptures?

Activity: Story about forgiveness in The Friend. Read here.

In the story, Jaide read a story about Jesus forgiving the soldiers who came to arrest him. Christ is the ultimate example of forgiveness. He forgave those who beat him, spit on him, and nailed him to the cross and asked Heavenly Father to "forgive them for they know not what they do." 

Joseph Smith was another example of forgiveness. He received D&C 64 after one of his friends, Ezra Booth, left the church and started writing bad things about Joseph in the newspaper. Joseph kept moving forward with the restoration. He would even try to continue to teach people after they would beat him. 

How can we be more forgiving of others? Sometimes, we do not always get an apology from the person that hurt us, but we still have to forgive. The atonement of Jesus Christ can help heal the hurt. An important thing to remember about forgiveness is, that the atonement of Christ works for others, the same as it works for us. We may need to remind ourselves that other people can be made clean through the atonement of Christ. If Heavenly Father can promise to "remember their sins no more," certainly we can too. 

This does not mean we need to keep getting hurt. If we are in a situation with someone who continues to hurt us emotionally or physically, we can forgive them and still stop associating with them. Forgiveness is not accepting or excusing bad behavior, but deciding that you will not let anger and bitterness towards that person keep you from having charity towards them. 

Activity: "Forgiveness" video from President Uchtdorf. 

Like Elder Uchtdorf said, we need to stop judging others. We need to let go of bitterness, anger and hate and start forgiving and having charity. Show one of the play dough hearts from the beginning of the lesson. Our hearts can be mended. Sometimes it take time and effort. Sometimes forgiveness is a process--a decision you have to remember to make every day. The end result is a mended heart, a heart full of Christlike love. Bear your testimony of forgiveness. 

Closing Song: "Help Me Dear Father" (Children's Songbook, 99)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Salted caramel recipe here

Lesson 24: D&C 63

 June 7- 13
Doctrine and Covenants 63
"That which cometh from above is sacred"

Materials: campfire (optional), Google slides (link below), coloring pages and utensils, video clip (optional)
Opening Song: "Faith" (Children's Songbook, 96)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Ask a family member about the steps and materials needed to make a campfire. If time and circumstances allow you could make a campfire together before FHE. 

Lesson:

The Lord finally revealed the site for New Jerusalem in Missouri and many were called to go to Missouri to prepare. One such person was a man named Ezra Booth. For FHE tonight we are going to talk a little bit about Ezra Booth's story. 

(Follow the link below for a slides about Ezra Booth.)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Y2BZPyuA8CSu6C3fEj8eIx6KGlVIhvNQ3c6ODuwzJGE/edit?usp=sharing

When Samuel the Lamanite visited the Nephites, he prophesied of many signs and wonders in the heavens that would proclaim Jesus's birth. Yet, when these signs were seen, many Nephites were wicked and did not believe them. Some even sought to kill the faithful. Others believed for a time but then forgot about the signs and became wicked before Christ's death. 

President Kimball used to say, "Faith precedes the miracle." What does that mean? We know as latter-day saints that miracles do happen, and more often than we think. We often see small miracles through the Lord's tender mercies and, sometimes, we get to experience or hear about "big" miracles, like someone being healed or saved from a deadly situation. Even though miracles abound, and all miracles are blessings of God, they become quite meaningless to those of little or no faith. Miracles are like spiritual kindling. 

Fires can be started with kindling. It burns fast and hot, but it also doesn't last long. More robust fuel like firewood is needed to keep a fire going for a long period of time. Kindling can also be added to a fire to make it stronger, but it alone is not enough. Signs and miracles are the same with our testimonies. They can be a good start but the sturdy logs of faith are needed to keep a lasting fire of testimony. 

Activity: "Faith Precedes the Miracle" coloring

Show the coloring page below. Remind your family that Alma 34 teaches that our faith can grow like seed into beautiful testimonies just like these flowers. Have your family color their page. 

Optional activity: "There can be miracles, if you believe" (video from The Prince of Egypt)

Bear your testimony about faith. If you have witnessed a miracle, share it with your family and how your faith and testimony grew. 

Closing Song: "True to the Faith" (Hymns, 254)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Campfire Banana Boats

Lesson 23: D&C 60-62

 May 31- June 6
Doctrine and Covenants 60-62
"All flesh is mine hand"

Materials: testimony starters worksheet, pens, quote strips (print the numbered quotes below and pass out), scriptures, coloring pages, and coloring supplies
Opening Song: "Testimony" (Children's Songbook, 137)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Before FHE, print out the worksheet below and have each member of your family fill one out at the start of FHE. Collect them when your done you will use them later. 

Lesson:

Read D&C 62: 3. Today we are going to talk about testimonies. In D&C 62:3, it says that angels listen to and rejoice when we bear testimony. What is a testimony? 

In 2004, President Ballard gave a talk in conference about testimonies called, "Pure Testimony". Let's see how President Ballard defined testimonies. (Have someone read quote #1) 

#1 "A testimony is a witness or confirmation of eternal truth impressed upon individual hearts and souls through the Holy Ghost..."

So a testimony is a statement about what you believe to be true. We have opportunities to listen to testimony meeting once a month when we gather for fast and testimony meeting. So what kinds of things should we say when we bear our testimonies? (Have someone read quote #2) 

#2"Testify God is our Father and Jesus is the Christ. The plan of salvation is centered on the Savior’s Atonement. Joseph Smith restored the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Book of Mormon is evidence that our testimony is true."

So when we bear our testimonies, we need to tell others what we believe about the gospel. We should focus our testimonies on simple gospel truths. (Have someone read quote #3). 

#3 "We often hear some members, and especially children, bear their testimonies, listing things for which they are thankful: their love of family, the Church, their teachers, their friends. For them, the gospel is something that they are grateful for because it makes them feel happy and secure. This is a good beginning, but testimonies need to be much more. They need to be anchored very early to the first principles of the gospel...My experience throughout the Church leads me to worry that too many of our members’ testimonies linger on “I am thankful” and “I love,” and too few are able to say with humble but sincere clarity, “I know.”"

Our testimonies should be rooted in what the Holy Ghost has taught us in our hearts. We should use phrases like "I believe" and "I know" and "the Spirit has taught me." The Holy Ghost is an important part of our testimonies. He can prompt us to offer our testimonies, and guide us to know what to say. As we listen to the spirit, our testimonies will grow and we will be able to help others feel the spirit through our testimony. (Have someone read quote #4)

#4 "The lesson, I believe, is clear: having a testimony alone is not enough. In fact, when we are truly converted, we cannot be restrained from testifying. And as it was with Apostles and faithful members of old, so is it also our privilege, our duty, and our solemn obligation to “declare the things which [we] know to be true”

Activity: Practice Testimony Meeting

Now that we know how to bear a testimony let's try it here as a family. Re-pass out the worksheets from the beginning of the lesson. Explain that you can use what you said on this paper to help you know what to say as you bear your testimony. (Give an example from someone's paper). 

Have your family take turns bearing their testimonies. Help younger children use their papers to bear a short testimony. 

Optional Activity: Testimony coloring

Your testimony should be your most prized possession. You should treasure your testimony and try to grow it by learning more about the gospel and sharing it with others. Remember we can and should share our testimonies in more places than fast and testimony meeting. We can share our testimonies in our church classes, here at Family Home Evening, you can write your testimony in your journal, and even share it with our friends and neighbors. Bear your testimony if you haven't already. 

Closing Song: "The Church of Jesus-Christ" (Children's Songbook, 77)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Bear your Testimony S'more Crispy Treats

• 1 stick butter
• 1 bag marshmallows (10 ounces bag)
• 6 cups graham cereal
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 2 cups chocolate chips

   

  Melt butter and marshmallows on medium low heat. Take off heat.  Pour in cereal and mix well. Then incorporate mini marshmallows and chocolate chips and mix well. Spread onto greased 9x13 pan. Cut and serve. 

 

Lesson 22: D&C 58-59

 May 24-30
Doctrine and Covenants 58-59
"Anxiously engaged in a good cause"

Materials: Letter Cards (below), scriptures, bowl
Opening Song: "Reverently Quietly" (Children's Songbook, 26)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Ask a child to show your family what sitting reverently looks like. Remind everyone that sitting reverently is more than just sitting still and quiet--it's trying to feel the spirit. Have another family show what it looks like to walk reverently. Explain to younger children that we walk reverently at church to and from classes and on the temple grounds. How can we be reverent during our classes in church?

Lesson: 

Being reverent is an important part of our Sabbath day worship. What is the Sabbath? When Jesus created the world he stopped and rested on the seventh day. He showed us by example that we need to set aside one day out of every week to rest and to glorify God. One of the 10 commandments is to keep the Sabbath day holy. The early saints were reminded to keep the sabbath day holy in Section 59 of the D&C. Read D&C 59: 9-12. 

Activity: How to "Keep the Sabbath Day Holy!" Before FHE. Print the cards below. On the back of each card in any order write the letters "K e e p t h e S a b b a t h D a y H o l y !" Tape the cards to a whiteboard or wall to display for your family to see with the letters facing up. Have your family take turns picking cards and discuss how your family can do each thing to keep the sabbath day holy. After each card has been read, fold them and place them into a bowl.

Activity: Sabbath Day Charades

Using the sabbath day cards in the bowl, have your family play a game of charades to act out the ways to keep the sabbath day holy. 

Today we've talked about a lot of ways to keep the sabbath day holy. It's also important to note that many families choose different ways to honor the sabbath day. Some families might stay in their church clothes all day, while others come home from church and change to comfortable clothes to rest in. Some families may choose to not watch television, while others might watch a wholesome movie together. It's important not to judge others for the way they choose to keep the sabbath day holy. The activities we talked about on the cards earlier are ways the prophets and other church leaders have encouraged us to honor the sabbath day. 

Why do you think keeping the sabbath day holy is so important? Our Heavenly Father gives us so many blessings; he gave us His only begotten Son. Devoting one day a week to worshipping our Heavenly Father is not much to ask. Having a day at home to rest and meditate is also healthy for us. Bear your testimony of keeping the sabbath day holy. 

Closing Song: "Remember the Sabbath Day" (Children's Songbook, 155)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Sabbath day Sundaes! Grab your favorite ice cream fixin's for a sundae treat!

Lesson 21: D&C 51-57

 May 17-23
Doctrine and Covenants 51-57
"A faithful, and a wise steward"

Materials: papers (at least 6), art supplies. 
Opening Song: "For the Beauty of the earth" (Hymns, 92)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Go on a walk with your family. While you walk have each person say one thing they love about being outside. 

Lesson:

Remind your family that members of the church in 1831 were living the law of consecration. What is the law of consecration? One of the purposes of the law of consecration is to remind us  all that we have been given comes from the blessings of our Heavenly Father. What are some things the Lord has blessed you with? Even though Heavenly Father gives us many wonderful blessings, we should use those blessings to help the Lord and build his kingdom on the Earth. 

In D&C 51, the Lord outlines specific things he wanted the early saints to do to live the law of consecration. After explaining his expectations the Lord says, "And whoso is found a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life" (v. 18). What does Jesus mean by a just and wise steward? What is a steward?

A steward is someone who supervises and takes care of things. If you are a steward for someone's land, you take care of it for the owner. Heavenly Father wants us to be just and wise stewards over the blessings he has given us. 

Activity: Stewardship drawing. Before FHE gather six pieces of paper (or more depending on the size of your family) and write one of the following phrases on each paper: "the earth"🌎, "our home"🏠, "your body"⛹, "your money"💸, "your children"👪, "your pets/animals"🐕. Hand out the papers to your family members. Tell your family to draw or describe how they could be faithful, just, and wise stewards over the item written on the bottom of their paper. (Example: "the earth" draw a picture of someone recycling). 

When your family has finished with their drawings, have them share what they drew and how they could be a wise steward. 

In the church, we promise to consecrate our time, talents, possessions and even sometimes lives to building the Kingdom of God. A sister might consecrate her time by attending a presidency meeting. A brother might consecrate his talents when he offers to paint the house of an elderly woman. Members consecrate their possessions by giving freely to fast offerings. We all do our best to live the consecution and we should always remember that we are merely stewards over the many blessings that we have been given. Bear your testimony of the law of consecration and how living as a steward has blessed your life. 

Closing Song: "Because I have been given much" (Hymns, 219)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Carrot cake cheesecake recipe here

Lesson 20: D&C 49-50

May 10-16
Doctrine and Covenants 49-50
"That which is of God is light"

Materials: photos below, posters below
Opening Song: "I love to see the temple" 2nd verse (Children's Songbook, 95)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Acitivity: Show the following pictures below. What do all of these photos have in common?

    These photos all represent marriage. Today we are going to talk about marriage and why it is essential in our Heavenly Father's plan.

Lesson:

Ask your children, "Why do you think marriage is so important?". Read D&C 49: 15. Display the poster below: "Marriage is ordained of God." What do you think that means? Marriage, more specifically eternal marriage in the temple, is a sacred ordinance. It is required by all to receive exaltation in the celestial kingdom. No one can be exalted alone. Everyone will need an eternal companion to be sealed to in order to receive all of the blessings we have been promised by our Heavenly Father. 

Read D&C 49: 16. Show the poster below. What do you think it means by, "and they twain shall be one flesh?" Marriage is meant to be an equal partnership. We often hear married people refer to their spouses as "their other half," because together, they create one whole unit. Men and women directly compliment each other to make this work. When we date, we are trying to find a companion who compliments our strengths and weaknesses. Elder Bednar explained, "The natures of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together towards exaltation" ("Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan," Ensign, June 2006). Have a married couple in your family explain how their personalities compliment each other or how they work together as a team. 

Read D&C 49: 17. Show the poster below. What do you think its talking about when it says "and that it might be filled with the measure of man"? One of the biggest reasons that men and women must marry in the eyes of the Lord is to fulfill creation--have children. Having children is a great blessing and responsibility and only couples married for eternity will be able to continue to have children after they are resurrected. Elder Bednar went on to say in the same address, "By devine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best setting for the rearing and nurturing of children." Children were meant by heavenly design to be born into homes with both a mother and father.

Think of a married couple in your life that you think has a strong marriage. What do they do that makes their marriage strong. Why are you blessed to have their example in your life? What can you do to strengthen your marriage or prepare to have a strong marriage? Bear your testimony of eternal marriage and its role in the Plan of Salvation.

Closing Song: "Families can be together forever" both verses (Children's Songbook, 188)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Whoopie pies recipe here