Lesson 33: Psalms 1-2; 8; 19-33; 40; 46

August 8-14
 Psalms 1-2; 8; 19-33; 40; 46
"Th Lord is My Shepherd"

Materials: red washable paint or mud, soap & water, whiteboard and marker, scriptures, soap blocks, plastic knives, and a drop cloth or plastic table cloth, temple recommend or photo
Opening Song: "The Lord is my shepherd" (Hymns, 108)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Using a paint brush, brush family members' hands with red washable paint or mud on their hands. Have children take turns at the sink washing the paint off their hands. This may be a good time to review proper hand-washing skills with your kids. (Here is a link for a good optional video.)

Lesson:

For the next few weeks, we will be reading the Book of Psalms, Psalms is an interesting book because it is a collection of poems and songs that were inspired of God. A lot of them sound like prayers. You might notice as we start to read Psalms, that this poetry doesn't rhyme, but you might notice that the psalms will repeat certain lines or ideas. 

Read Psalms 24 with your family. Then re-read verse 2-3. What is the hill of the Lord? The hill or mountain of the Lord is a nickname for the temple. In this Psalm, David is telling us that those who wish to be in the Lord's presence or attend the temple have to have 2 things. What are they? (clean hands and a pure heart.)

In this Psalm, David says that we need to have clean hands or be worthy to go to "the hill of the Lord." What does it mean to be worthy to enter the temple? Worthiness has to do with our cleanliness from sin--if we have kept the commandments and obeyed the laws God has asked us to obey. What are some of those commandments? (Write down answers on the white board.) The laws that are directly linked to worthiness to attend the temple have to do with moral cleanliness, the word of wisdom, tithing, and keeping the sabbath day holy. (Underline or star all of the commandments related to the temple interview questions).  Remember that if you have broken any of these commandments you can always repent to become worthy to enter the temple.

Those who wish to enter the temple need to be interviewed by the bishop and stake presidency before going to the temple. What does the bishop give you at your interview, if he finds you are worthy to attend the temple? (If you have a temple recommend, show it to your family. If not, show a photo of a temple recommend). This is called a recommend. Just like when you recommend a favorite movie to a friend, this tells the Lord that you are recommended to Him to receive covenants in His house. 

Having clean hands or being worthy is not the only thing required to have a recommend though. Remember we also need a pure heart. Purity of heart can mean that not only are we clean but we are also prepared to enter the temple. Read Psalms 27: 4. Personal preparation is vital before attending the temple. How can we personally prepare to "dwell in the house of the Lord?"  (Write down answers of the whiteboard). The bishop will also ask in our temple recommend interview about our testimonies of Heavenly Father, the Holy Ghost, the Savior, the Book of Mormon, and the prophet. 

Activity: soap carving 

Using block soap (like ivory soap) and plastic knives, have your family carve a soap heart or another carving. This can get messy, so maybe do on a drop cloth or outside. 

Even if you are not preparing to enter the temple right now, it is always important to remember what the Lord expects of us so we can set clear goals for ourselves. "One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." That is a beautiful righteous desire that we can all share with David. As we mind our worthiness and prepare to enter the temple, we will come closer to Christ. "Seek ye my face, my heart said, Thy face, Lord, will I seek" (Psalms 27:8). Bear your testimony. 

Closing Song: "If the Savior stood beside me" (Additional Songs For Children, Gospel Music App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: White Chocolate truffles recipe here

Lesson 32: Job 1-3; 12-14; 19; 21-24; 38-40; 42

August 1-7
Job 1-3; 12-14; 19; 21-24; 38-40; 42
"Yet I Will Trust in Him"

Materials: video (clip provided, photo (printed), document cards (printed), scissors, glue, scriptures 
Opening Song: "Abide with me tis' eventide" (Hymns, 165)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Watch the video "Get back up again" 

In the video clip, Poppy has bad things happen to her, even though she is trying to do the right thing by venturing out into the unknown to save her friends. The truth is, bad things do happen to good people. Just because we are righteous and follow Christ, doesn't mean we'll have an easy carefree life. They key is to be positive like Poppy and keep our faith in Christ through our trials. 

Lesson:

This week, we will be talking about a man named Job, the trials and challenges he faces, and how he was able to endure his suffering. The book of Job is written like a story with poetic language, but it was revealed to Joseph Smith in liberty jail that Job was a real person. In the book, Heavenly Father and Satan are talking and they disagree on why Job is so righteous. Satan thinks Job is only righteous because he is blessed. God allows Satan to afflict Job with many trials to test his faithfulness. Job looses his wealth, his children, and his health. However, Job stays faithful through it all. 

Job does wonder why all these bad things have happened to him. Others remark that he must have done something bad to have been punished with all his challenges, but Job knows he has always stayed faithful. The Lord finally appears to Job and talks with him. The Lord explains to Job that mortals have a limited perspective when it comes to the creation and His overarching plan. God then blesses Job with double the amount of wealth he had before, he has more children, and his health is restored. When he finally dies, he dies happy and blessed. 

Activity: Lessons from Job puzzle

Before FHE: print the picture and document below (Best if you scale up to 126%). Cut out cards. Arrange the cards onto the back of the photo to fit, paste, and cut photo into 20 pieces . Paste the cards to the back of the photo pieces. 

Directions: Place cards with word side up onto a table. Family members will take turns picking and reading a card and slowly building the picture on the back puzzle-style. 

Read the following quote from Elder Richard G. Scott ("Trust in the Lord" General Conference, Oct. 1995). 

"Your trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than your confidence in your own personal feelings and experience.
To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal good even though you cannot understand how He can possibly do it. We are like infants in our understanding of eternal matters and their impact on us here in mortality. Yet at times we act as if we knew it all. When you pass through trials for His purposes, as you trust Him, exercise faith in Him, He will help you. That support will generally come step by step, a portion at a time. While you are passing through each phase, the pain and difficulty that comes from being enlarged will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at your first petition, you could not grow.”

Bear your testimony on how adversity has helped you to become better and strengthened your faith. 

Closing Song: "I know that my Redeemer lives" (Hymns, 136)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Biscoff cookie bars recipe here

Lesson 31: Esther

July 25-31
Esther
"Thou Art Come... for Such a Time as This"

Materials: Esther video (link provided),  CTR shield page printed, coloring utensils, scriptures
Opening Song: "Dare to do Right" (Children's Songbook, 158)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Print and have your family color the CTR shield. While they are coloring, ask, "What does CTR stand for?"; "What does it mean to choose the right?" "Why do you think the CTR symbol is a shield?" 

Lesson:

This week, we will be talking about on e of the greatest stories of the Old Testament- the story of Esther. Esther is a shining example of choosing the right, even if it means losing your life. 

Watch the video "God's story: Esther" from youtube (4:37)

How did Esther choose the right? Esther is a great example of bravery, faith, and daring to do the right thing regardless of the consequences. She could have died going to the king without permission, but she knew it was the right thing to do. She also knew she needed help. Read Esther 4:16. What did she ask the Jews to do to help her before she went before the King on their behalf? How would fasting help Esther?

Sometimes it's difficult to choose the right. It might mean not being able to do something that seems fun, or it might mean losing a friend. Closing the right is not always easy, in fact a lot of the time it is the harder choice to make. Making wrong choices often seems funner, easier, and it more immediate, but wrong choices lead to consequences that are harmful, difficult, and long lasting. As you make daily choices, try to think about your end goal--returning to Heavenly Father. Are the choices your making bringing you to Christ? Are they making you the best version of yourself?

How was Esther like Jesus Christ? Jesus was brave like Esther. He dared to do the right thing even though it cost him his own life. He died to save His people, including me and you. Bear your testimony on how the motto "Choose the Right" has helped you. 

Activity: The Friend Activity Page. 

Closing Song: "Choose the Right" (Hymns, 239)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: "Garlic cheese bomb" pull-apart loaf recipe here

Lesson 30: Ezra 1; 3-7; Nehemiah 2; 4-6; 8

July 18-24
Ezra 1; 3-7; Nehemiah 2; 4-6; 8
"I Am Doing a Great Work"

Materials: The Friend activity pages printed, pens/pencils, video (link provided)
Opening Song: "I love to see the temple" (Children's Songbook, 95)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Print out the one or both of the following activity pages from The Friend and have each family member complete. 

Find that Temple! Answers: 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-f, 5-e, 6-d

Temples around the World (top part) Answers: 1-a, 2-h, 3-e, 4-f, 5-b, 6-c, 7-d, 8-g

Today we are going to talk about temples. Here are some fun facts about temples:

• 166 operating temples
• 41 temples under construction
• 7 temples under renovation
• 68 temples are announced and being planned
• Total: 282 Temples in 74 countries (As of Jun. 27, 2022)

Lesson:

Around 586 BCE, the Babylonian army led by Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem. They burned the temple, carried of the sacred objects within, and led the Israelites away captive. Decades later, around 530 BCE, the Israelites returned to Jerusalem and sought to rebuild their lives. They also desired to rebuild the temple: "and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord" (Ezra 3: 8). Why do you think the Israelites made rebuilding the temple a priority?

Read Ezra 3: 10-13. How did the Israelites react to laying the foundation of the temple? After some setbacks, the building of the temple had stopped for a while. Then, a man named Zerubbabel started the work on the temple again after being urged by 2 prophets named Zechariah and Haggai who we'll read more about later this year. Read Ezra 6:16. How did the Israelites feel about the completion and dedication of the temple? 

As we've read these passages today we've talked about how the Israelites praised God, offered thanks, and had joy while they worked to complete the House of the Lord. Today, we continue this tradition. Before each temple is dedicated, the youth in that area lead a celebration in a performance called, "The Cultural Celebration." Watch "The Late Hawaii Temple Youth Cultural Celebration" video from churchofjesuschrist.org. 

Activity:

Go onto temple.churchofjesuschrist.org/list. Have family members call out places and countries around the world and see what the temple looks like in that location. As you look at the pictures of the temple ask family members the following discussion questions:

•  What feeling do you get on the temple grounds or inside the temple?
• How does the temple bring you joy? 
• Why do you go to the temple?
• How can we show our gratitude for the temple and its blessings?

Bear your testimony of the temple and the joy it brings you. 

Closing Song: "Families Can Be Together Forever" (Children's Songbook, 188)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Lemon Cookies recipe here

Lesson 29: 2 Kings 17-25

 July 11-17
2 Kings 17-25
"He trusted in the Lord God of Israel"

Materials: whiteboard and marker, video clip (link provided), scriptures, paper, and crayons
Opening Song: "Search, Ponder, and Pray" (Children's Songbook, 109)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Play a round of hangman with your family on a whiteboard or piece of paper with the phrase, "Feast upon the words of Christ." What does it mean to "feast upon the words of Christ?"

Lesson:

The Israelites in the Southern Kingdom had not been righteous. The king, Manasseh, had led the people to practice idolatry once again. After the death of Manasseh and his son, Josiah became the King over the southern Kingdom of Judah. 

Have family watch "King Josiah" video from churchofjesuschrist.org (1:36)

Read 2 Kings 22:10-11. What book did the servants find? Why did King Josiah rent his clothes?

The scriptures are a powerful tool God gave us. Reading the scriptures can turn our hearts to the Lord. How do the scriptures bless us?

King Josiah wanted all his people to hear the scriptures. Read 2 Kings 23: 2-3. How did king Josiah's people respond to the scriptures? Josiah made a covenant with God similar to the covenant we make at baptism: "to walk after the Lord, and keep his commandments." The people followed Josiah's need and made the same covenant. They wanted to be better. They removed all of the idols from the temple and held the sacred passover meal as a way of showing that they would follow the words of the scriptures.

We try to read the scriptures every day. How do we show we are following God's word in the scriptures?

Activity: Share favorite Scripture story. Using art supplies and paper have family members draw or write about their favorite scripture story. How has the story helped them to keep the commandments?

Read the following quote from Elder Robert D. Hales. Bear your testimony of the scriptures and how they have turned your hear to the Lord. 

Closing Song: "Scripture Power" (Additional Songs for Children, Gospel Library App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Soft Pretzel Bites recipe here

Lesson 28: 2 Kings 2-7

 July 4-10
2 Kings 2-7
"There is a Prophet in Israel"

Materials: maze pages (printed), blank papers labeled with scriptures (see below), Bibles, Picture labels printed and cut out, coloring utensils, 
Opening Song: "Tell me the stories of Jesus"(Children's Songbook, 57)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Print and hand out the maze from the link below and have each family member complete. 

Elisha Maze

Lesson:

In the Northern Kingdom of Israel, after Elijah is taken up to heaven, Elisha becomes the next prophet. Elisha performs many miracles as a prophet. What are miracles? Elder Donald A. Hallstrom of the seventy taught that miracles are "'a beneficial event brought about through divine power that mortals do not understand' gives an expanded perspective into matters more eternal in nature. This definition also allows us to contemplate the vital role of faith in the receipt of a miracle" ("Has the Day of Miracles Ceased?" General Conference 2017). 

Activity: Miracles draw and sort

Directions: Before FHE, label pieces of paper with the scriptures below--one scripture per page. Give each family member a labeled paper and set out drawing supplies. Ask your family to read the scripture passage and illustrate the miracle described on their paper. 

• 2 Kings 2: 19-22
• 2 Kings 4: 14-17
• 2 Kings 4: 32-35
• 2 Kings 4: 38-41
• 2 Kings 4: 42-44
•  2 Kings 6 :4-7

After your family is done drawing, have them line up the proper caption to each picture, using the captions below. 

• Elisha heals the waters of Jericho. 
• Elisha makes a lost axe float to the top of the water.
• 20 loaves of barley bread and corn are enough to feed a hundred men with left-overs.
• Elisha raises a boy from the dead.
• An old woman out of child bearing years conceives and bares a son.
• A widows oil vessels are filled to pay off her husband's debts and prevents her sons from being put in bondage.
• Elisha heals food in a pot poisoned by a blight on the crops.

Read Elder Hallstrom's definition of a miracle again. With this in mind, what miracles--big or small--have we seen in our lives? Miracles don't have to be huge, like parting the Red Sea, or raising someone from the dead. They can be something simple, yet helpful in a way that only divine help could have accomplished. Why are their so many stories about miracles in the scriptures? Why do you think it's important the we talk about miracles? 

Elder Hallstrom also went on in his talk to quote Elder Bednar saying, "Similarly, Elder David A. Bednar once asked a young man who had requested a priesthood blessing, “If it is the will of our Heavenly Father that you are transferred by death in your youth to the spirit world to continue your ministry, do you have the faith to submit to His will and not be healed?”⁸ Do we have the faith “not [to] be healed” from our earthly afflictions so we might be healed eternally?"

"Miracles turn our hearts to the Lord and teach us spiritual lessons" (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families 2022, pg. 122). Miracles cannot be a foundation for our testimonies, The Book of Mormon, teaches us that, but miracles can strengthen our faith. What's more, as we look for miracles in our lives, especially the small ones, we are able to remember the Lord and show gratitude for all He has done for us. 

Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "I am a child of God" (Children's Songbook, 2)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Miracle whip chocolate cake recipe here

Lesson 27: 1 Kings 17-19

June 27- July 3
1 Kings 17-19
"If the Lord be good, follow Him"

Materials: a ball, whiteboard and maker, video, activity pages (printed), coloring utensils
Opening Song: "Faith" (Children's Songbook, 96)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Play catch with your family for several minutes. Playing games like catch is fun because we can all share one toy and have fun with it. We take turns catching and passing it to each other. Why is sharing important? Are we supposed to share with others? How?

Lesson:

Sometimes it is difficult to share things that are important to us. Whether it is a new toy or a treat, sometimes sharing can be hard, but it is always worth it. It teaches us to be selfless and to treat others the way Heavenly Father would want us to. Today, we are going to talk about a woman who shared all that she had when it was very hard for her. 

Have your family watch "Elijah and the Widow of Zarapheth" from the churchofjesuschrist.org (youtube link below) *It may be fun to have some bread or rolls during the clip. There is recipe below. 

On a whiteboard or piece of paper, write the words "Widow of Zarapheth". Ask family members to describe the widow. What qualities did she have? (faithful, caring, obedient, trusting, hopeful, a good mother, etc.)

The Lord asked the widow to demonstrate remarkable faith. She was commanded to feed the prophet. This was not only hard for her but life-threatening for her and for her son as they had enough food for one last meal. The widow obeyed regardless and gave her last bit of food to Elijah, acting on faith on Elijah's words. Elijah told her if she fed him, her meal and oil would not run out "until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth" (1 Kings 17: 14). 

Sometimes we are asked to share what we have with others. Sometimes we are asked by God to make sacrifices. What are some things we are asked to share and/or sacrifice? (sharing toys with family, sharing time, sharing talents, tithing, fast-offerings, etc.) The Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual for this week says, "An invitation to sacrifice is an opportunity to exercise my faith." How are our sacrifices a way to show our faith and devotion to Heavenly Father?

What are some things we can to share with those around us and help those in need? What are some ways we can increase our faith through service?

Show the quote below from President Monson and bare your testimony on how service has built your faith.

Activity: Print copies of Elijah and the Widow Activity Page link here.

Closing Song: "The Holy Ghost" (Children's Songbook, 105)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Olive Oil Bread Rolls recipe here

Lesson 26: 2 Samuel 5-7; 11-12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11

 June 20-26
2 Samuel 5-7; 11-12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11
"Thy Kingdom Shall Be Established For Ever"

Materials: video (link below), Coloring page and utensils.
Opening Song: "Keep the Commandments" (Children's Songbook, 146)
Opening Prayer:

**Special Note: This lesson deals with maters pertaining to immorality including fornication, adultery, and pornography. These are the matters discussed in the manual for this week. I feel it is important to teach children about morality from an early age, and I feel that the manual also highlights that this week. Please feel free to adopt this lesson to your individual family needs. 

Attention Activity: Use the object lesson #1. The Driver's License and the Dream Car which can be found at this link.

Lesson:

After David slew Goliath, the King and his sons died in battle. The Lord chose David to be King of the Israelites. David was a good King. He listened to the Lord and his people respected him. 

One day, David saw a beautiful woman bathing, named Bathsheba. David was convinced he had to be with her, but she was already married to a man called Uriah. David sent for her, slept with her, and she became pregnant. As King, David had control over his armies. So David concocted a plan. He sent Uriah into battle to the front lines where Uriah would die fighting against Israel's enemies. After Uriah died, David called Bathsheba to the palace and married her. 

The Lord was angry with David. He sent a prophet, Nathan to counsel David to repent. David felt bad for what he had done. He had committed horrible sins and spent the rest of his days asking the Lord for forgiveness. 

This is one of the saddest stories in the scriptures. It highlights the fact that everyone, even people with strong testimonies can succumb to temptation and make mistakes. But it is also an amazing story that teaches us about godly sorrow and repentance. 

We don't know the particulars, but we do know that David stared at Bathsheba as she was "washing herself". David was viewing a kind of pornography. What is pornography?

Activity: Have family watch the video "What should I do when I see Pornography?" from churchofjesuschrist.org (5:45)

At the end of the video it gives some steps we can do when we encounter pornography. The steps were: 1. Call it what it is 2. Turn it off and turn away 3. Talk to a trusted adult about it 4. Pray to Heavenly Father and ask him for help. (You may want to talk to your family about scenarios they may encounter or have encountered and discuss a plan of action of what they can do in each scenario.) 

David also committed the sin of breaking the law of chastity. The law of chastity is God's law that no one should have sexual relations outside of marriage. David had sexual relations with Bathsheba when they were not married. It is important to note that although this is a serious sin, you can always make things right again through repentance. 

David's last sin is the most troubling. David broke the commandment, "thou shalt not kill" by knowingly sending Uriah to die in battle. Hopefully, none of us will commit such serious sins, but if we do, what should we do? What can we learn from King David?

"David’s downfall was not determined by one fatal mistake but rather a series of increasingly unwise and selfish decisions. It is important to remember that at any time during this devastating progression, David could have chosen to humble himself and seek repentance. Tragically, however, David admitted his guilt only after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan (see 2 Samuel 12:13). And while the Lord offers forgiveness to those who fully repent, He does not necessarily remove the negative consequences of sinful behavior. As President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught, “It is better to prepare and prevent than it is to repair and repent" ("What We Can Learn from King David's Fall," Frank Judd Jr. Ensign Oct. 2018). 

Optional Activity:  Coloring Page

Bear your testimony of repentance and overcoming sin. 

Closing Song: "More Holiness Give Me" (Hymns, 131)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Lemon Buddies recipe here

Lesson 25: 1 Samuel 8-10; 13; 15-18

 June 13-19
1 Samuel 8-10; 13; 15-18
"The Battle is the Lord's"

Materials: David and Goliath video (link below), pencils, rubber bands, erasers, an exact-knife, plastic bottle caps, tape, a pen, mini marshmallows. 
Opening Song: "I will be valiant" (Children's Songbook, 162)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Have your family make diy slingshots using everyday supplies like. Follow the link below for a good tutorial. (Supplies: 2 pencils, 4 rubber bands, an easer, an exact-knife, a plastic bottle cap)

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

Lesson: 

Have family member tell the story of David and Goliath or you can watch the video clip linked below from the church website. 

"David and Goliath" video  (2:36)

Goliath was a big big--a giant, at least 7 feet tall, and he was a good fighter. He tried to intimidate David by taunting him. How did David show bravery and courage? How did David show his faith?  Read 1 Samuel 17: 45-47. What can we learn from the story of David and Goliath?

When speaking in General Conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley said the following about David and Goliath: "I would like to bring it down into your own lives. There are Goliaths all around you, hulking giants with evil intent to destroy you. These are not nine-foot-tall men, but they are men and institutions that control attractive but evil things that may challenge and weaken and destroy you" ("Overpowering the Goliaths in Our Lives", General Conference April 1983).

Activity: Modern Day Goliaths slingshot shoot.

Directions: Print the picture a Goliath below. Ask family members, "What are some modern day Goliaths or challenges we face today like President Hinckley alluded to?" Write their answers on ugly Goliath' face. Then, tape the paper up on a wall. Have family use slingshots and mini marshmallows to "destroy" modern-day Goliaths. 

So we know what some of our Goliath's can be. What can act as our slingshots? What are our weapons we can use to fight our challenges today? 

Have a family member read the following quote from President Hinckley: "But you need not fear if you have the slingshot of truth in your hands. You have been counseled and taught and advised. You have the stones of virtue and honor and integrity to use against these enemies who would like to conquer you. Insofar as you are concerned, you can hit them “between the eyes,” to use a figurative expression. You can triumph over them by disciplining yourselves to avoid them. You can say to the whole lot of them as David said to Goliath, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”

We live in a fallen world and constantly we are taunted just like David was to be afraid, to give into temptation, to waver in our testimonies. Daily we face the evil giants of todays world who call evil good and good evil. But, with the help of the Lord, we can overcome any challenge, we can face any foe. We can come out of the battles for our morals and standards victorious. 

Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "We are All Enlisted" (Hymns, 250)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Chocolate Marshmallow Chubbies recipe here

Lesson 24; Ruth; Samuel 1-3

 June 6-12
Ruth; 1 Samuel 1-3
"My Heart Rejoiceth in the Lord"

Materials: videos, paper, pencils, crayons, "Here am I" song (link below)
Opening Song: "Follow the Prophet" verse 6 (Children's Songbook, 110)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Play a few rounds of "telephone" with your family. 

Lesson:

Sometimes, it's hard to hear important messages. Sometimes we don't listen because we let the hum drum of the world is too loud in our ears, and sometimes we ignore important messages. When the Lord chooses to speak to us, either through His prophet or through the Holy Ghost, we should listen. 

Have your family watch the following videos: 

"Hannah" (1:15)

"Samuel the Prophet" (2:12)

Whose voice was Samuel hearing? Samuel was a prophet and even from a young age, he heard the voice of the Lord guiding him and instructing him on how to lead the Israelites. How does the Lord guide you?

We may not hear Jesus Christ speaking to us physically, but we can feel inspiration and guidance from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit can speak to us just like Jehovah spoke to Samuel. How does the Holy Ghost communicate with us? What are some ways that you feel the Spirit?

Another way we can hear God's voice is when we listen to prophets like Samuel. Samuel was given instructions by the Lord for the church in his day. Who leads the church today?

Watch the following video from President Nelson. "#HearHim: President Nelson Invites Us to Hear the Voice of the Lord" (2:35)

So far we've been talking about how we can hear the voice of the Lord speaking to us. But after we hear him, what are we supposed to do when He calls out to us? How did Samuel respond to the voice of the Lord? Read 1 Samuel 3:4. Samuel answered the Lord. He didn't just hear Him, he was listening to Him. He hearkened. President Nelson said to hearken "means to listen with the intent to obey" ("Hear Him" April 2020, General Conference). We can't just hear Him and then tune Him out, ignore Him, or procrastinate--we have to act. 

Activity: "Here Am I" song journal prompt

Give each family member a piece of paper and pencil or crayons. Explain that you will play a song and while they listen you want them to answer 2 questions on their paper: How will I hear the Lord better in my life? & How will I respond to the Lord's will for me? Your family can draw write their responses on their paper. 

"Here Am I"

As we seek to hear the voice of the Lord, we will understand His counsel for us personally. We can answer the Lord's will by being accepting, willing, and ready to act in whatever He wants us to do. We want to be the kind of disciple that will hear the Lord and answer by saying, "Here am I." Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "If I Listen With My Heart" (Additional Songs for Children, Gospel Music App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Brown Sugar Peach Cake recipe here

Lesson 23: Judges 2-4; 6-8; 13-16

 May 30- June 5
Judges 2-4; 6-8; 13-16
"The Lord Requires Up a Deliverer"

Materials: video, printouts (below), scissors, pen, tape or glue
Opening Song: "Redeemer of Israel" (Hymns, 6)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Have your family do some basic exercises like jumping jacks, arm circles, sit ups, push ups etc. Why do people exercise? We should exercise to improve our physical health and strength. 

Lesson:

In the book of Judges, we read about a man blessed by God to have great physical strength. His name was Samson. Read Judges 13: 5. God blessed Samson with strength so he could help fight the Philistines, the enemy of the Israelites at the time. Samson's strength was legendary. No chains could hold him and he could lift heavy loads, but it came with a catch. Samson had to keep a covenant he made with God--he lived as a Nazarite. He could not cut his hair, could not drink any alcohol, or eat unclean meat.

 

Samson's strength helped to fight against the Philistines in many battles. The Philistines saw Samson as a threat and devised a way to defeat him. 

Watch "Samson and Delilah" from youtube. 

What did the Philistines do to defeat Samson? Delilah badgered Samson endlessly, saying that if Samson truly loved her, he would tell her the secret to his strength. After he was captured, Samson was taken to prison. The Philistines then tied him up between two pillars while they partied and worshipped idols. Have your family take turns reading Judges 16: 28-31. 

Samson's strength came from him keeping his covenants as a Nazarite. When he broke that covenant, his strength was taken from him. He later, prayed pleading with the Lord to remember him and restore his strength for one final time. The Lord answered Samson's prayers. 

Samson's story reminds us that there is strength and blessings given to us when we keep our covenants with God. Samson had physical strength, but we can have spiritual strength as we keep our covenants. 

Activity:

Directions: Before FHE print out the two pages below. Cut out the dumbbells. Ask your family: How can we be spiritually stronger? What are some spiritual exercises we can do? As your family comes up with spiritual exercises (i.e. reading scriptures, saying prayers, etc.) Tape or glue the dumbbells to bodybuilder picture. 

Keeping our covenants makes us stronger. As we keep our covenants, the Lord blesses us with strength to overcome our challenges. As we do spiritual exercises like reading our scriptures and having daily prayer, our spiritual strength is increased and we are then better able to withstand temptation and have the spiritual strength the combat Satan. 

Bear your testimony of your covenants. 

Closing Song: "Choose the Right" (Hymns, 239)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment:

Lesson 22: Joshua 1-8; 23-24

May 23-29
Joshua 1-8; 23-24
"Be Strong and of a Good Courage"

Materials: cowardly lion picture, video (link below), coloring utensils, badge of honor coloring page printed
Opening Song: "Faith" (Children's Songbook, 96)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Show the picture below. Explain that this is the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz. In the movie, the lion feels like a bad lion because he is often afraid.  "He does not understand that courage means acting in the face of fear, which he does frequently. The cowardly lion is in fact brave, but he doubts himself. In many scenes in this classic book and film, the Lion shows bravery in the face of danger" ("Cowardly Lion," Wikipedia April 2022). 

Lesson:

In the Old Testament, the Lord tells the prophet Joshua, "Be strong and of good courage" (Joshua 1:6). 

Have you family watch the video "Joshua the Prophet" video from the church website.

The Israelites were led to the promised land, but there were wicked people living there. How did Joshua and the Israelites show courage in the face of this challenge? 

Courage and bravery can often relate to our faith in Jesus Christ. As we put our faith in the Lord, we are able to act in the face of our fear and do what He wants us to do. Having strength can come from the Lord too. Being spiritually strong can help us as we overcome obstacles and face down the walls of Jericho in our own lives.

There are some aspects or challenges in our life that may seem scary or daunting like the walls of Jericho were to the Israelites. What are some things that scare you? How can you have more corsage to overcome these challenges?

Activity: Badge of Courage Coloring

(Before FHE, print the page below and give one to each family member.)

At the end of The Wizard of Oz, the Cowardly Lion is given a medal to remind him of all the times he was courageous while helping Dorothy. Medals of bravery are still given to courageous men and women throughout the world by sovereigns. Color the picture below and write down one thing you will do to show more courage and faith in Jesus Christ. 

As we confront our challenges with our spiritual strength, showing corsage, and exercising faith in the Lord, He will help us to conquer those battles. When the Lord helps us overcome and conquer our trials we can remember how he has helped us and promise to follow him. As Joshua said, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).

Closing Song: "I Will be Valiant" (Children's Songbook, 162)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Apple cheesecake "tacos" recipe here 

Lesson 21: Deuteronomy 6-8; 15; 18; 29-30; 34

May 16-22
Deuteronomy 6-8; 15; 18; 29-30; 34
"Beware Lest Thou Forget the Lord"

Materials: Remember picture (below), Remember cards printed onto cardstock, scissors, paper, and pencils
Opening Song: "Where Love Is" (Children's Songbook, 138)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Show the picture below. Have your family members read some of the ways people around the world say the word "Remember." Remember is a word used a lot in the scriptures and in our covenants. What did we promise to remember when we were baptized?

Lesson: 

At this time, the Israelites were approaching their final destination in the promised land. Moses  felt his life and ministry were coming to a close. He wanted to impress upon his people the importance of remembering all that had happened to the them in Egypt and for the last forty years. 

As they had journeyed in the wilderness, they had to endure many trials. Many of these trials came as a result of not living righteously. Hence, a journey that should have only taken the Israelites a few months, lasted for forty years. The Lord wanted to make sure their hearts were ready to come to the promised land. 

Moses was afraid that when the Israelites finally settled down in Judea, they would get too comfortable, forget the Lord, and harden their hearts. The final teachings of Moses focused on loving the Lord with all your heart and remembering the Lord. 

Activity: Remember Cards

Directions: Before FHE, print onto card stock and cut out the cards below and place them face down in front of your family. Have each family member take turns reading each card. Then, have each family member choose a card. 

Elder Soares said, "There is a strong correlation between the emotion felt and the resulting memory. Thus, the stronger the emotion, the more vivid and influential is the memory. In the Hebrew context, the word remember involves a knowledge that is accompanied by appropriate action. Thus, doing is an essential part of remembering" ("Always Remember Him," Liahona April 2022). 

Give each family member a piece of paper and a pencil. Have them write down what they are doing to remember Jesus. Look back at the card you picked. This week what will you do to remember what is on your card? Please place your card in your room somewhere where you can see it as a reminder of all of the good that the Lord has done for you.

Bear your testimony of the importance of remembering the Lord and keeping your baptismal covenant. 

Closing Song: "If I Listen With My Heart" (Additional Songs for Children, Gospel Music App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Boston Cream Poke Cake recipe here