Lesson 47: 1-3 John; Jude

December 2-8
1-3 John; Jude
"God is Love"

Materials: bicycle video (link below), handout, scriptures, scorpion video (link below)
Opening Song: "Choose the Right Way" verse 2 (Children's Songbook, 160)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 

Attention Activity:
Watch "The Shiny Bicycle" video found on churchofjesuschrist.org.. What mistake did the boy make? What did he have to do to make it right? The boy in this video had to confess to his parents in order to make things better. Then he had to do hard work and fix up his bike to make it all shiny again. When we make mistakes, we have to confess them to our Heavenly Father. With the help of Jesus Christ, we can repent and our mistakes will be like they never happened. 

Lesson:
Today, we are going to talk about repentance. What does it mean to repent? Show the handout below. 

(**For young children have them hold up the appropriate number of fingers for every step of repentance.)  
The first thing you have to do to repent is have faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is the first principle of the gospel. Belief in Christ and His atonement enables you to start the repentance process. 

Second, your must realize you did something wrong. Paul describes this as godly sorrow. "For godly sorrow worth repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." ( 2 Corinthians 7:10)This mean you have to feel bad for what you did not because your being punished or because you go caught. You have to feel sorry because you know in your heart that you did something wrong. Steps to repentance. Paul also says, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive [or lie] to ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8)

The third thing we do when we repent is confess our sins--saying sorry. Who should we sorry to? We need to say sorry for anyone we hurt or disrespected when we made our wrong choice. We also need to say sorry to our Heavenly Father in our prayers. We have to beg for our forgiveness. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) If the sin is very serious, sometimes we also need to confess our sins our bishop so he can help us through the repentance process.

We must also stop making the same wrong choice again. Sometimes this is easy because it was a one time mistake. Other times, it is much harder when we have developed a bad habit. What are some examples of bad habits you might have a hard time stopping after you've confessed? (back talking, swearing, substance abuse, pornography, gossip) Read the JST of 1 John 3:6-9 below. 
"6 Whosoever abideth in him ^asinneth not: ^bwhosoever continueth in sin hath not seen him, neither ^cknown him.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that continueth in sin is of the devil; for the devil ^csinnethfrom the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the ^ddevil.
9 Whosoever is ^aborn of God ^bdoth not continue in sin; for the Spirit of God remaineth in him: and he cannot continue in sin, because he is born of God, having received that holy Spirit of promise."

We must try our very best not to continue to make the same wrong choice again. If you do slip up and make the same wrong choice, remember that the Lord knows your heart, he knows your sincerity. He will always forgive those who are willing to come unto Him. 

The other thing we have to do when we make a mistake is to try and correct it. If you were to steal a candy bar from the store, you have to go back and pay for it to make restitution. If you hit your brother, giving a hug to try and make them feel better would show that you are trying to make it right. It is important to note that some sins like murder and adultery cannot be made right. This is why these sins are so serious. 

The last thing we must do is to try to live a righteous life. We should NOT live by the mantra "it's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission" or "have fun today and repent tomorrow." We need to consciously try to be choosing the right and seeking good. 

Remember the video at the beginning of the lesson? Did the boy in the video go through all the steps of repentance? The boy realized he did something wrong when the paint would not stick to the bike; he confessed to his parents; and he made it right by cleaning the bike to make it look shiny again. 

Have your family watch the following video "The Sting of the Scorpion" (found on churchofjesuschrist.org)

Bear your testimony of repentance and the joy and peace the repentance process has brought to you in your life. 

Closing Song: "Help me, Dear Father" both verses (Children's Songbook,  99)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment:
Chunky Monkey Bits recipe here (Peanut butter could be substituted with cookie butter or caramel)

Lesson 46: 1 & 2 Peter

November 25- December 1
1 and 2 Peter
"Rejoice with Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory" 

Materials: Picture of Christ, pencils and paper, coloring page, scriptures. 
Opening Song: "I'm trying to be like Jesus" (Children's Songbook, 78)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:4 "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious ^apromises: that by these ye might be ^bpartakers of the ^cdivine^dnature..."

Attention Activity:
Show a picture of Jesus Christ like the one below. Throughout this year, we have learned a lot about Christ. What are some words we could use to describe Christ? These are all Christlike attributes. 


Lesson:
Jesus is not only our Savior, He is our elder brother. We are all Heavenly Father's children. This means that we have a divine nature. As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we come from divine royal parentage. Read 2 Peter 1: 4. 

The scriptures tell us that if we are faithful, we will be joint heirs with Jesus Christ inheriting all that Heavenly Father has. Our inheritance will not come easy however. In order to receive all of the blessings Heavenly Father has in store for us, we have to become perfect. Or in other words, we have to become like Jesus Christ. 

Ask one of your family members to enact their favorite dance move or action (rolling hands, the disco point, the floss etc.) As I read the next set of scriptures, I want you to do your dance move every time I read christlike attribute. Read 2 Peter 1: 5-7. So Peter lists diligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance (self control), patience, godliness (reverence), brotherly kindness, and charity. How are you doing on this list? Are you patient? Kind? Do you practice reverence and self control? 

Peter also said that all these characteristics "add" to one another. That means as you have practice your brotherly kindness, you'll also develop your charity. Elder Hales taught, "The attributes of the Savior... are interwoven characteristics, added one to another, which develop in us in interactive ways. In other words, we cannot obtain one Christlike characteristic with also obtaining and influencing others. As one characteristic becomes strong, so do many more" ("Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord, Jesus Christ" April 2017). 

A few minutes ago we sang, "I'm trying to be like Jesus." The purpose of our time here on Earth is to become like Jesus. Perfection seems like an impossible task at times. In the Book of Mormon, Moroni invites us to "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him." (Moroni 10:32) This means if we try to be like Christ, He will help us through His grace, become perfect. 

As we strive to be more Christlike, we will develop our divine nature. The Family Proclamation to the World affirms that our time on earth is to“gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.”

Give each family member a peace of paper and pencil. Have them write down one the attributes that Peter listed to work on developing this week. 

Activity: Coloring Page "Jesus Says, Come Follow Me" 

Closing Song: "I am a child of God" (Hymnal, 301)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment:
White Chocolate Raspberry Bars

1 box yellow cake mix
1/3 c. oil
2 eggs
Seedless raspberry jam
1 bag white chocolate chips

Combine cake mix, oil, and eggs. Press 1/2 of mixture into bottom of 9x13 pan. Spread jam over crust and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Press sections of remaining cake mixture in hand and set on top till covered. Bake at 350 for 28 minutes. (mom's oven cook at 340 for 23 minutes)

Lesson 45: James

November 18-24
James
"Be Ye Doers of the Word, and Not Hearers Only"

Materials: Oobleck (corn starch and water; prepared in advance; see below), video of Joseph Smith's first vision (link below), 
Opening Song: "Faith" (Children's Songbook, )
Opening Prayer:
Scriptures: James 1:5-6 If any of ye lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and unbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..."

Attention Activity:
****BEFORE THIS LESSON: Make Oobleck. 2 parts cornstarch, 1 part water, and food coloring. Make enough for each family member. I estimated about 1 cup of corn starch and a 1/2 cup water per person. I would do this activity on the kitchen or a surface that can get messy. For a good tutorial on how to make oobleck click here.

Have each family member play with the oobleck. Ask them what it feels like. When the oobleck is being worked by your hands it's a solid but if it's not being worked it goes into a liquid state. 

Playing with the oobleck can help you to think about faith. We have faith and as we work on it our faith can become stronger. But if we do nothing, our faith can slip away. This is like oobleck, you have to really work at your faith to help to keep it strong, just like you have to work the oobleck to keep it solid. Have your family wash their hands.

  Lesson:
Read James 2:17. What do we mean when we say "faith without works is dead?" Our faith requires action. We have to choose the right, keep the commandments, and act on our faith in Christ. Read James 1:22. So how can we be "doers" and not just "hearers"? What are some things we have to do in order to show our faith in Christ? (give service, act on our promptings from the Holy Ghost, ministering to one another, scriptures, prayers, etc.)

Can you think of any prophets who demonstrated their faith in Christ by taking action? Show the following video about Joseph Smith's first vision here.  What question did Joseph have? Did he have faith? He did he take action on his faith? Read James 1:5-6. Joseph Smith had a lot of faith, but he felt he "lacked wisdom" so he made a plan and used his faith. He believed that if he prayed, the Lord would tell him which church to join. We are reaping the blessing of Joseph's faith and actions as members of the restored Gospel. 

The First Vision, by Del Parson (62470); GAK 403; Primary manual 1-04; Primary manual 2-38; Primary manual 3-10; Primary manual 5-06; Primary manual 6-40; Primary manual 7-40; Joseph Smith—History 1:14–20

This week, I want you to focus on truly living your faith. Think of one thing you can do this week to take action on your faith. Try to follow promptings when they come to you, and show Heavenly Father your faith in him through your actions and choices. 


Closing Song: "The Spirit of God" (Hymnal, 2)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment:

Lesson 44: Hebrews 7-13

November 11-17
Hebrews 7-13
"An High Priest go Good Things to Come"

Materials: "Melchizedek Priesthood Restoration" picture (link below) printed out, Priesthood Puzzle, the border pieces to a small puzzle
Opening Song: "The Fifth Article of Faith" (Children's Songbook, 125)
Opening Prayer:
Scriptures: Article of Faith #5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

Attention Activity:
Give your family a small puzzle to complete, but only give them the border/edge pieces. Can you complete the puzzle? Why not? The edge pieces are important; they are the start of the puzzle. However, you cannot see the whole picture or complete the puzzle with just some of the pieces. This is like how some churches, like the Hebrews, had some of the truths of the gospel, but not all--until Christ came and established his Church. 

Lesson:
Last week, we started talking about the epistle to the Hebrews. The Hebrews had the Aaronic Priesthood or the Levitical Priesthood. When Christ organized his church and called his apostles, he gave them the Melchizedek Priesthood. The Church offered the fullness of the gospel and all of the priesthood ordinances. Hebrews 7 talks about how the Melchizedek Priesthood differs from the Levitical or Aaronic Priesthood. 

Activity: Priesthood Puzzle

Print and cut out the puzzle pieces below. Scotch tape the puzzle to the picture of the "Melchizedek Priesthood Restoration" link here. Have family member take turns taking off the puzzle pieces to reveal the picture underneath. As they take each piece off, read the statements about the Melchizedek Priesthood found in Hebrews 7. 

What are some differences between the Aaronic Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood? What blessings have you received through the Melchizedek Priesthood? 

Even though the Jewish people had the Levitical/Aaronic priesthood, it was only one piece of the puzzle. The Melchizedek Priesthood offers a complete picture. In the latter days, the Melchizedek Priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by Peter, James, and John. (JSH 1:72) Now President Nelson holds the priesthood keys and millions of members are ordained to and receive the blessings of the Melchizedek Priesthood. 

Share how the Melchizedek Priesthood has blessing your life. 

Closing Song: "Love is Spoken Here" (Children's Songbook, 190)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: Cookie Butter Popcorn Recipe Here

Lesson 43: Hebrews 1-6

November 4-10
Hebrews 1-6
Jesus Christ, "The Author of Eternal Salvation"

Materials: Crossword, scriptures, coloring page, family photos
Opening Song: "He Sent His Son" (Children's Songbook, 34)
Opening Prayer:
Scriptures: 2 Nephi 25: 19 For according to the words of the prophets, the ^aMessiahcometh in ^bsix hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the ^cangel of God, his ^dname shall be Jesus Christ, the ^eSon of God.

Attention Activity:
Show some family photos including pictures of adults when they were children. Talk about how families tend to look alike. Remark on which traits the children received from their parents. Just like we receive physical traits from our parents, Jesus looks a lot like His father, our Father in Heaven. Read Hebrews 1:3. Explain when Paul says Jesus is the "express image of his person" it means that Jesus looks like Heavenly Father. 

Lesson:
Paul wrote his next epistle to the Hebrews. Who were the Hebrews? The Hebrews are also called the Jews or the Isrealites. Paul's epistle was addressed to Hebrew converts to the Church. Jewish people believed in the Messiah. In Paul's epistle, he reemphasizes the Jesus is the Son of God--the Messiah. "Many Jews found it difficult to accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The Epistle to the Hebrews teaches that everything about Jesus testifies of and exemplifies His Father" (Come Follow Me--For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2019, 171).
 

Activity: Hebrews Crossword 
Print and cut out the scripture passages below and place them into a bowl. Then print a copy of the crossword. Have each family members take turns reading each passage that describes Jesus Christ. Explain what each passage means and what it teaches about the Savior. Then use the passage as a clue to fill out the crossword. (For older children, do not print the passages but have them read in their scriptures to find the answers to the crossword.)

Heir of all things (1:2)

Made the worlds (1:2)

Express image of God’s body (1:3)

Upholding all things by the word of his power (1:3)

By himself purged our sins (1:3)

Right hand of the Majesty on high (1:3)

Loved righteousness (1:9)

Anointed with oil of gladness (1:9)

All things are put under him (2:8)

Should taste death for every man (2:9)

Captain of their salvation (2:10)

A merciful and faithful high priest (2:17)

As we read in Hebrews, we will learn more about the Savior and His divinity. Jefferey R. Holland said, "Jesus … came to improve man’s view of God and to plead with them to love their Heavenly Father as He has always and will always love them. … So feeding the hungry, healing the sick, rebuking hypocrisy, pleading for faith—this was Christ showing us the way of the Father” (“The Grandeur of God,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 72).

Optional Activity: "Jesus Christ created the Earth for me" coloring page

Closing Song: "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" (Hymnal, 136)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: Banana Pudding Recipe Click Here

Lesson 42: 1&2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon

October 28- November 3
1 & 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon
"Be Thou An Example of the Believers"

Materials: Crayons and paper 
Opening Song: "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" both verses (Children's Songbook, 60)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4: 12 "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in purity."

Attention Activity:
Sing a few rounds of "Do As I'm Doing" (Children's Songbook, 276) Let each child take a turn as the "doer." When you were at the front of the room, you were leading us and we were following you. This is called being an example. There can be good examples and bad examples. 

Lesson:
Pass out the crayons and paper. Please draw a picture or write down the name of someone who has been a good example to you. Someone you consider a leader; someone you like to follow. Why is this person a good example? Let each family member share who they put as their example and why. 

What were some words that we used to describe the good examples we talked about? Could these be used to describe someone else? Our ultimate example is our elder brother, Jesus Christ. He is the best example because He is perfect and has a perfect love for each of us. In what ways do our examples inspire us to follow the Savior? 

Read 1 Timothy 4:12. How can we be in example in our words and conversation? (speaking kindly, not gossiping, not swearing, encouraging, praying, being positive)  
How can we be an example in charity? (Be kind, give service, show our love, speak our love) 
How can we be an example in spirit? (read our scriptures, go to church, attend the temple, fast, pay tithing) 
How can we be a good example in purity? (obey the law of chastity, keep high dating standards, watch/listen to wholesome media) 

President Monson shared, "My brothers and sisters, our opportunities to shine surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others, whether they be our own family members and friends, our co-workers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers." ("Be An Example and a Light" October 2015). 

What is one way you can be a good example to others? As we try to emulate the Savior and follow his example, we will in turn become a good example to all those who surround us. Being a good example is a great way to build healthy relationships, share the gospel, and better understand our Redeemer. Encourage each family member to set a goal to work on one way they can be an example. Share your testimony of Jesus Christ and how he is the best example for you. 

Activity: Play one of the following example games
Simon Says
Horse or Pig (could be with a basketball and hoop or any ball and bucket)
Add on (on Trampoline: one person starts by doing a trick, the next person does the first trick then adds a new trick, and so on)

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

Refreshment: Recipe Here

Lesson 41: 1 & 2 Thessalonians

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

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

Attention Activity:
Last week we talked about how to have joy in the journey. Remember Elder Uchdorf said, "There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. We can be grateful!" “Grateful in Any Circumstances,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 70–77. Today we are going to talk about gratitude. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Optional Activity: Thankful Leper Video (found on youtube)

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

Refreshment: Triple Berry Pie Recipe Here

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

Lesson 40: Philippians; Colossians

October 14-20 
Philippians; Colossians 
"I Can Do All Things through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me" 

Materials: Scriptures, Peace Sign Picture, Game, "Counting My Blessings" video (link below)
Opening Song: "I Will Follow God's Plan" (Children's Songbook, 164)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Philippians 4:13 

Attention Activity:
Share the following story or a similar story from your own life. 
     Katie was a young mom with a baby boy at home and was struggling to finish her last year of college. Her husband worked hard but didn't make a lot of money. He wanted to be a doctor and was trying to get into medical school. Katie was sad because she had to go to school instead of stay home with her baby and she was tired of not being able to do all of the things she wanted because she didn't have the time or the money. 
     One day, Katie was talking with her mom and said, "When my husband gets into med school and I can stay home with the baby life will be so much better." 
     Katie's mom looked at her with a smile on her face and said, "Katie, you can't live your life waiting to be happy next year or the year after that. Choose to be happy now." 
     A few days later Katie's mom gave her a pretty sign to hang in her house that said, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain."

Lesson:
Sometimes, we get caught up in thoughts like "I'll have so much more fun when I'm 16 and can date and drive." or "I can't wait till I'm an adult and out of my parents' house" or "I can't wait til get married and have kids." Whether anticipating our next birthday, next promotion, or next phase in our lives, we should be grateful and find the joy in the phase of our lives we are in right now. President Monson said, "There is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today... Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows." ("Finding Joy in the Journey", Oct. 2008)

Paul's epistle to the Philippians talks about finding joy and rejoicing. Read Phl. 4: 11. Here Paul is explaining that it is important to "be content" in all circumstances or phases of our lives. Why do you think this is so important? Read Phl. 4: 4. So what is one way we can find joy in our life? Read Phl 4:7. Show a peace sign. like the one here. The "peace of God" can help us during some of our hardest challenges in life and guard our hearts and minds. Read Phl 4:13. Where can we find the strength to get through our toughest trials? Jesus not only atoned for our sins but also for our afflictions, infirmities, weaknesses, and imperfections. This means that through the grace of God we can receive His strength to help us overcome our toughest obstacles and get through the hardest phases of our lives. 

President Nelson said, "When the focus of our lives is on … Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him” (“Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 82).

The last key to finding joy in life is simple and powerful. Elder Uchtdorf stated, "There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. We can be grateful!" “Grateful in Any Circumstances,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 70–77. Gratitude is one way we can acknowledge our blessings and the all of the joys we have around us. Being grateful is synonymous with being happy. 

Video: "Counting My Blessings" from White Christmas 

Game: Choose a card or board game to play with your family. Explain that although it's nice to have a winner, it's playing the game that is so much fun. It's the journey that is the best part. (The Game of Life would be particularly appropriate if you have it.) 


Closing Song: "Count Your Blessings" (Hymnal, 241)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: Pumpkin Scone Recipe Here