Lesson 40: D&C 109-110

 September 27- October 3
Doctrine and Covenants 109-110
"It is thy house, a place of holiness"

Materials: Temple puzzle, temple document, video link, small photo of a temple for each family member, scriptures
Opening Song: "I love to see the temple" (Children's Songbook, )
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Show a picture of a temple that has special significance for you. Explain why that temple is so important to you. If possible, you could pass out a card or small photo with an image of the temple for each family member to keep in their room.

Lesson:

March 27, 1836 is one of the most significant dates in history. On this date, hundreds of saints gathered together in the newly completed Kirtland Temple to dedicate it to the Lord. Many wonderful and awe inspiring things happened that day. Eliza R. Snow described, "no mortal language can describe the heavenly manifestations of that memorable day. Angels appeared to some, while a sense of the divine was realized by all present, and each heart was filled with 'joy inexpressible and full of glory." 

The dedicatory prayer, which was offered by the prophet Joseph Smith, was recorded as Section 109 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In the prayer, Joseph communicated that the Kirtland temple was to be the Lord's house and it contains many truths about the blessings we can receive was we attend the temple. 

The Kirtland temple was not like the temples today in every way. The Lord had not yet revealed work for the dead. Still, the Kirtland temple offered a place for Christ to come and a place for the saints to receive blessings. 

Activity: Temple Puzzle

Directions: Print the puzzle and document below and cut out the pieces. Glue the activity from the document onto the back of the puzzle piece with the corresponding number. Place all the pieces into a bag. Have family members take turns choosing a piece out of the bag. As your family chooses pieces do the activities on the back. 

* "Sacred Temple Clothing" video from churchofjesuschrist.org

Just one week after the dedication of the Kirtland temple, on April 3, 1836, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received a vision in the the temple. They saw Jesus Christ inside the temple and He spoke to them. The Lord told them He accepted the temple as His house and promised additional blessings would be poured out upon them. Read D&C 110: 9. Then the prophets Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared and bestowed priesthood keys upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. 

During the vision with Christ, he explained that this temple was "just the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people." As of August 2021, there are 150 operating temples, 9 more are undergoing renovations, 8 are under construction, and 34 have been announced. 201 temples will dot the earth in every corner of the globe. More importantly, millions of people have received temple ordinances enabling them for eternal life.

Bear your testimony of the temple. 

As we close family home evening, we will sing "The Spirit of God." This was sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication and at every temple dedication since. As we sing, listen to the words and try to find phrases that help you to appreciate temples.     

Closing Song: "The Spirit of God" (Hymns, 2)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: pumpkin muffins recipe here

Lesson 39: D&C 106-108

 September 20-26
Doctrine and Covenants 106-108 
"To have the heavens opened"

Materials: paper, art supplies, whiteboard and marker, paper strips on priesthood duties prepared, a bag, apostle match game 
Opening Song: "Follow the Prophet" last verse (Children's Songbook, 110)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Give each family member a piece of paper and art supplies. Have them draw a picture of President Nelson.

President Nelson by Caytie Jensen

image used with permission

 

Lesson:

In 1835, the Lord called 12 men to be the first apostles in the latter-days. These men needed further instruction and direction and so, Joseph received further revelations about the priesthood. Truths are often revealed to us a little bit at a time or "line upon line, precept on precept." The duties, purposes, and other aspects pertaining to the priesthood were revealed little by little throughout early church history. D&C 106-108 contain revealed more about priesthood authority and ordinances.

Activity: Sort Game

Directions: Print the lines below and cut out into strips. Place the strips in a bag. On a whiteboard, label 4 sections: "the First Presidency", "the 12 Apostles", "The Seventy", and "Bishops". Split your family into 2 teams. Each team will take turns choosing a strip from the bag and placing it on the correct office of the priesthood. Give the team 30 seconds to decide. If the team is correct, that team gets 1 point. If they get it wrong, the other team gets 30 seconds to steal. 

Lesson 38: D&C 102-105

 September 13-19
Doctrine and Covenants 102-105
"After much tribulation... cometh the blessing"

Materials: 6 pieces of camping gear, scriptures below printed out and taped to camping gear, 
Opening Song: "We are all enlisted" (Hymns, 250)
Opening Prayer: 

Attention Activity: Choose a spot in your neighborhood to "travel to" on a walk with your family.  As you start walking have each family member take turns choosing fun and different to go down the street (backwards, grapevine, skipping, slow motion running, dancing, etc.) Just before you get to your destination announce that you think everyone should turn back and go home. Walk home with your family without answering any questions why you didn't make it the whole way. 

When you get back from your walk, ask your family if they had fun on the journey. Did they enjoy themselves? Explain that often the purpose of a journey is not in getting to the destination, but in the experience you have along the way.

Lesson:

Last week, we talked about trials--that our trials can be good for us  because they can help us to overcome adversity and become more Christlike. Blessings from Heavenly Father come after trials too. 

In 1834, many members in Jackson County had been violently driven from their homes. This saddened fellow members in Kirkland and so, 200 Ohio saints put a group of men together to march to Missouri in hopes of restoring the homes to the Missouri saints. They called the endeavor the Camp of Israel or Zion's Camp. When they were approaching Jackson County, Joseph had a prompting to stop the company and return to Kirkland. Many of them were confused and saw the mission as a failure. Others however, realized that their faith had grown through the experience of Zion's camp. They were able to recognize the blessings of the Lord that had come through a great trial. 

Activity: ZION'S CAMPING

Directions: Before FHE, gather together 6 different pieces of camping equipment (i.e. tent, sleeping bag, lantern, canteen, backpack, bug spray, camp chair,  etc.) Print the scriptures below. And tape 1 scripture to each piece of camping gear. Have family members choose an item and read the scripture on it. As you go through each scripture, read the discussion points and questions listed below to help your family learn more about Zion's Camp.

#1: D&C 103: 12 For after ^amuch tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing. 13 Behold, this is the blessing which I have promised after your tribulations, and the tribulations of your brethren—your redemption, and the redemption of your brethren, even their restoration to the land of Zion, to be established, no more to be thrown down.

#2 D&C 104:33  And, inasmuch as they are faithful, I will multiply blessings upon them and their ^aseed after them, even a multiplicity of blessings.

#3 D&C 105: 3 But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not ^aimpart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them; 4 And are not ^aunited according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom; 5 And ^aZion cannot be built up ^bunless it is by the ^cprinciples of the ^dlaw of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself.

#4 D&C 105: 14 For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfill—I will ^afight your battles.

#5 D&C 105:18 But inasmuch as there are those who have hearkened unto my words, I have prepared a blessing and an ^aendowment for them, if they continue faithful.

#6 D&C 105:19 19 I have heard their prayers, and will accept their offering; and it is expedient in me that they should be brought thus far for a ^atrial of their ^bfaith.

Discussions Points and Questions:

#1 D&C 103: 12 Heavenly Father gives us blessings after tribulations and trials. That's why we are here on earth, to be tried. If we are faithful in our trials, the Lord has promised us blessings in eternity. What blessings have you received because of a hardship in your life?

#2 D&C 104:33 Heavenly Father wants to give us a lot of blessings. The season of Thanksgiving is not to far away now. What can we do to show more gratitude? What blessings are you thankful for?

#3 D&C 105:3-5 The city of Zion has still not been built in Jackson County. Here the Lord makes it clear that in order for that to happen, we need to live the principles of the celestial kingdom. What can we do to better live celestial principles?

#4 D&C 105: 14 The saints in Zion's Camp were marching to Missouri kind of looking for a fight. The Lord says he will fight our battles and destroy His enemies. He wants us to fight against Satan by joining the Lord's battalion in the gathering of Israel "to gather together for the redemption of my people" (v.16) It is through missionary and temple work that we can fight for Zion. 

#5 D&C 105:18 At this time the Kirtland temple was not yet complete. The Lord promised and still promises that those who heed his words will be given a blessing and an endowment. How has your life been blessed because of the temple?

#6 D&C 105: 19 Zion's Camp did not make it to their destination, but the Lord wanted them to still do the journey. He called it a "trial of faith." What's an example from your own life when your learned from the experience more than the outcome?

Lesson 37: Doctrine and Covenants 98-101

 September 6-12
Doctrine and Covenants 98-101
"Be Still and Know that I am God"

Materials: pictures from scripture stories (1/family member), MormonAds, lyrics to "Press Forward Saints" 
Opening Song: "Come Come Ye Saints" (Hymns, 30)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Show the MormonAd below. When it comes time for a chick to come out of it's egg, no one helps it. It pecks its way at a hard barrier again and again until finally, it cracks. Doing this helps the chick to build strong muscles, muscles they will need to peck for food and to protect itself. It grows stronger because of the barrier placed before it. 

Lesson:

Adversity is a big word meaning afflictions, trials, hardships, and obstacles and can come in many forms. Some afflictions are caused by our own choices, some come because of the choices of others, and some are just part of life and circumstance. Can you think of a time in your life you faced adversity? What are some examples?

In the 1830s the saints faced many trials. The members in Missouri had to live in a community where other people did not like them. They were often bullied and even physically hurt at times because of their beliefs. Violence against the church seemed to become more frequent and more dangerous. In 1833, the church's printing press was destroyed and Joseph Smith sought a revelation from the Lord to console the saints. Read D&C 98: 1-3. "All things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good." What does that mean? Afflictions are good. But they are hard; they are miserable; they make us sad. How are they good for us?

Trials have many purposes. Sometimes we needed to be prompted to repent, or to turn to the Lord. Sometimes they are a reminder of our blessings. And sometimes--sometimes because of our trials we grow and become more Christlike

Activity: The scriptures teach us adversity is for our good. 

Directions: using a Gospel Art Book or pictures printed from the internet, print off pictures of scripture stories exemplify the principal that trials can bring blessings.  (i.e. Joseph, Daniel, Nephi, Abinadi, Ammon, Joseph Smith) Have each family member pick a picture and briefly tell the scripture story. Ask the following questions: what did the person/people do to overcome the trial they were in? What blessings came to the person or the people around them as a result of their trials?

Example:

Captain Moroni- Moroni was captain of the Nephite armies in the book of Alma. He faced adversity when descenders from the Nephites joined the Lamanite armies and waged war against his people. Some Nephites tried to establish a king in the land. Moroni knew he needed to remind the people of their testimonies in order to rally the people. He took of his cloak, wrote on it, and fastened it to a pole. The banner copied and displayed across the land to remind the Nephites of their faith. They rallied against the Lamanites and fought them off again and again. 

Moroni took action. He saw a problem rising amongst his people and proactivlely did something about it. He used his testimony as a lightning rod to rally his people, to help others overcome the adversity around him. Lives were saved and testimonies of the Nephites were strengthened because Moroni had the courage to bear his. 

The early saints faced many different kinds of obstacles. The Missouri period in particular was challenging as they faced persecution and violence. Their faith and perseverance helped them to endure through the most challenging of circumstances. The hymn "Press Forward Saints" is brilliant at identifying the tools we can use to overcome adversity. Show the lyrics below. What are the actions described in the song that will help us overcome obstacles?

1. 1. Press forward, Saints, with steadfast faith in Christ,

   With hope’s bright flame alight in heart and mind,

   With love of God and love of all mankind.

2. [Chorus]

   Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

3. 2. Press forward, feasting on the word of Christ.

   Receive his name, rejoicing in his might.

   Come unto God; find everlasting light.

4. 3. Press on, enduring in the ways of Christ.

   His love proclaim thru days of mortal strife.

   Thus saith our God: “Ye have eternal life!

Bear your testimony of how trials have helped you to become a better person. Try to share a personal experience and how its helped you grow personally or strengthened your testimony. 

Closing Song: "Press Forward Saints" (Hymns, 81)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Perfect Pavlova Recipe here 

Lesson 36: D&C 94-97

 August 30- September 5
Doctrine and Covenants 94-97
"For the Salvation of Zion"

Materials: scriptures
Opening Song: "Do as I'm doing" (Children's Songbook, 276)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Play a few rounds of "mother may I" with your family. 

Lesson:

In January 1833, the Lord commanded the saint to build a temple in Kirtland; but after almost half year, the saints had not started building the temple. In June, the Lord revealed D&C 95 and told the saints he was disappointed they had not yet obeyed. Read D&C95:3.

Story: Imagine that want to do something fun like play a video game. You ask your  Mom or Dad and they tell you to clean your room. Your room is rather messy: toys, clothes, trash, etc. You really don't want to clean it. You put a few easy toys on your shelf but then you look around the room at the clothes. They aren't all dirty but you throw them in your hamper because you hate folding them. There is some other stuff out too, but by that point, you just want to be done so you kick some of it under your bed and hide the rest under your dresser. The floor looks clean enough now so you tell your Mom its done. Later, Mom finds the mess. She's upset and scolds you for not being obedient and for lying. You get a punishment for your actions.

Why is your mom upset? Did you deserve to have a negative consequence? Does this mean she doesn't love you? 

When your parents or teachers or even your boss scolds you for doing something wrong this is called being "chastened." The Lord also did this to the saints when they failed to show initiatve and start building the Kirtland temple. He also chastens us when we sin and don't repent. Obviously Heavenly Father loves us very much. He want what's best for us. 

Light and Truth by Simon Dewey

Read D&C 95: 1-2. Christ says that by rebuking us when we are bad, he is preparing a way for us to be delivered from temptation and to be forgiven. 

Have a family member read the following quote: "Divine chastening has at least three purposes: (1) to persuade us to repent, (2) to refine and sanctify us, and (3) at times to redirect our course in life to what God knows is a better path" (D. Todd Christofferson, "As Many As I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten" General Conference, April 2011).

Obedience to our Heavenly Father's commandments is like divine fire insurance. We are protected from the Lord's wrath when we listen. "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise" (D&C 82:10) What can you do to be more obedient?

Elder Christofferson also said, "I would like to speak of one particular attitude and practice we need to adopt if we are to meet our Heavenly Father’s high expectations. It is this: willingly to accept and even seek correction. Correction is vital if we would conform our lives “unto a perfect man, [that is,] unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). Paul said of divine correction or chastening, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” (Hebrews 12:6). Though it is often difficult to endure, truly we ought to rejoice that God considers us worth the time and trouble to correct."

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we do as Elder Christofferson suggests and seek correction?

2. What can we do to willingly accept correction from Heavenly Father? 

3. How do we know we are being chastened from the Lord?

Video: Obedience Brings Blessings. 

Blessings come by being obedient. Being chastening also brings blessings because it reminds us  to be obedient. Our Heavenly Father is a parent who wants what is best for his children. Sometimes we must be disciplined in order to learn and grow. He does because He loves us and wants us to become like He is. 

Bear your testimony. 

Closing Song: "I feel my Savior's love" (Children's Songbook, 74) 
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Pineapple upside down cake

Lesson 35: D&C 93

 August 23-29
Doctrine and Covenants 93
"Receive of His fulness"

Materials: card stock picture of christ, flashlight, letter cards, tape, scriptures, glue, activity list printed
Opening Song: "Teach me to walk in the light" (Children's Songbook, 177)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Before FHE print out the picture below on thick paper or card stock. Place the paper face down on the floor and ask your family if they can see the picture on the other side without flipping it over. Using a flashlight, hold the paper off the ground slightly and shine the light through. Can they see the image now? What is it?

Jesus is the light of the world. What does light do? Light dispels the darkness, it also brings truth and knowledge. Just like it's easier to see the picture when we shine the light, we find Truth through the light of Christ.

Lesson:

In 1833, the saints were preparing to build the Kirtland temple. As they were making preparations Joseph Smith received a revelation about the nature of God, his glory, light and truth. This is section 93 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In D&C 93, The Lord teaches how we can come to know Him and obtain a fulness of glory, as well as how to receive truth and light and to bring up their children in truth and light. 

We know what light is and we know what truth is, but what is glory? Glory is defined as magnificence, beauty, and high renown and honor won by achievements (google search). God has glory and he has offered us glory in the worlds to come. 

Activity: Glory Light and Truth 

Directions: Before FHE print out the cards below. Print out the list below and glue each corresponding activity on the back.  Tape the letters up where your family can see them. Have your family members take turns choosing a letter and doing the activity on the back.

G- Read D&C 93:21-22. Those who receive celestial glory are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father will bless them with the same blessings as Jesus.

L- Read D&C 6-7; 16 The John in these verses is John the Baptist. He testified of Jesus's glory meaning he is a witness of the honor and renown of Christ's achievements and majesty. 

O- Read D&C 8-10

R- Read D&C 93: 36

Y- “Search out the truth of the written word; listen for and receive the truth declared by living prophets and teachers; enrich your minds with the best of knowledge and facts. Of those who speak in his name, the Lord requires humility, not ignorance. Intelligence is the glory of God; and no man can be saved in ignorance [see D&C 93:36; 131:6]” (Teachings: Joseph F. Smith, 314, 318–19).

L- Sing "The Lord is my light" (Hymns, 89)

I- Read D&C 1-2. All children are born with the light of Christ. If we learn to use the light of Christ, we will be able to see His face and know who He is.

G- Read D&C 93:37 

H- “Light dispels darkness. When light is present, darkness is vanquished and must depart. More importantly, darkness cannot conquer light unless the light is diminished or departs. When the spiritual light of the Holy Ghost is present, the darkness of Satan departs" (Robert D. Hales, “Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light,” Ensign, May 2002, 70–71).

T- Read D&C 93:40 

T- “I have heard a few parents state that they don’t want to impose the gospel on their children but want them to make up their own minds about what they will believe and follow. They think that in this way they are allowing children to exercise their agency. What they forget is that the intelligent use of agency requires knowledge of the truth, of things as they really are (see D&C 93:24). Without that, young people can hardly be expected to understand and evaluate the alternatives that come before them" (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “Moral Discipline,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 107).

R- Read 93: 26

U- The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker, and is caught up to dwell with Him. But we consider that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 210–11).

T- Read D&C 93:30-32. We all have been given our agency to act for ourselves. We need to use our agency to seek out and receive light and truth in order to receive a fulness of glory. 

H- Tell of a time when you were blessed for telling the truth? How do you think that experience helped you become more Christlike?

So why do you think we need to know about God's glory, intelligence, light, truth and all of the other "stuff" we talk about in the church? Christ tells us, "I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and knowwhat you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness. For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace" (D&C 93:19-20). 

Learning about Christ brings light and truth to our lives. As we strive to become like Christ and use our agency to receive his light, we will be on the path to receive His glory--to have eternal life. Bear your testimony. 

Closing Song: "Oh say what is truth?" (Hymns, 272)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Carrot Cake bars recipe here 

Lesson 34: D&C 89-92

 August 16-22
Doctrine and Covenants 89-92
"A Principle with Promise"

Materials: 2 brown lunch bags, a plate, 4 printed and cut out card sheets, videos
Opening Song: "Keep the Commandments" (Children's Songbook, 146)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: I'm going to read you a list of clues about what we are talking about today. When you think you know what it is, raise your hand.

1. This was designed by Heavenly Father.
2. The Holy Spirit dwells here.
3. The Lord has asked us to respect and care for this.
4. This is one of the main reasons we came to earth.
5. This is one of our greatest blessings.

Today we are going to talk about our bodies. 

Lesson:

Joseph Smith and the other church leaders would often meet together in what was called, ehe School of the Prophets. During these meetings many of the brethren would smoke and chew tobacco and drink alcohol. The elders would spit the tobacco onto the floor and it would leave stains. No matter how hard Emma tried, she could not get the floor clean and got frustrated from the whole situation. 

Under Emma's urging, Joseph took the matter to the Lord and Joseph received section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, commonly referred to now as "The Word of Wisdom." What do you remember about the word of wisdom? 

Activity: Word of wisdom sorting game. 

Directions: Before FHE: print the cards and pictures below. Cut out the pictures and glue them to the corresponding card. Take one bag and glue the trash can picture to it. Take the other and place all the cards in the bag. Set out the plate and both bags.

Have family members take turns reading each card. They either have a scripture passage or a quotation about the Word of Wisdom. Then, that family member needs to decide whether the picture on the front of the card should be put on the plate or into the trash. 

Section 89 is often interpreted as a big list of do's and don'ts, but it's so much more than that. Firstly, members and non-members alike often get so caught up in what not to consume, that they forget to pay attention to the "do's." Healthy eating and exercising our bodies is not always the priority it should be. Our world is overrun with people who have forgotten or neglected their health--that is not the way God wants us to live. We need to eat a well-balanced diet and embrace habits of exercise in order to truly care for our bodies.

Show this short video from the church website. 

In order to enter the temple and receive ordinances there, members are asked to obey the doctrines in section 89. Paul taught that our bodies are temples. They were divinely designed and, when we are faithful, they house the Holy Ghost. We need to treat our bodies with reverence and respect. Read D&C 89:18-21. When we treat our bodies as God intends, he promises us amazing blessings--health and energy, but also spiritual blessings like added knowledge and spiritual safety. 

Bear your testimony on the Word of Wisdom. 

Optional Activity: Video-- The Word of Wisdom: A Health Code / Now you know

Closing Song: "The Lord gave me a temple" (Children's Songbook, 153)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Fruit and Veggie tray

Lesson 33: D&C 88

 August 9-15
Doctrine and Covenants 88
"Establish... A house of God"

Materials: paper, pencils, scripture, youth goal books (if you have children ages 7-18)
Opening Song: "Search, Ponder, and Pray" (Children's Songbook, 109)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Play a few rounds of hide and seek as a family. Read D&C 88:63. The Lord wants us to draw near to him and seek him. How can we seek Jesus?

Lesson:

Section 88 is a large section in which the Lord gives a lot of direction to the saints. It talks about how God's kingdom is governed by law, invites us to draw near to Him, speaks of the second coming, and gives a lot of counsel on specific things we need to do to "prepare in every needful thing."

One of the main topics of sections 88 is God wants us to seek learning by faith. Gospel instruction and learning is an important part of the of being prepared for the Savior's second coming. Have family members take turns reading D&C 88: 77-78, 118. How can we teach one another? Family Home Evening, family scripture study, and family discussions are all ways that God intends for us to teach one another. These help us learn and grow in our knowledge of the gospel. 

In the last 5 years, the church made several large changes to the way we approach gospel instruction. What have been some of the changes? How has the change to home-centered and church supported gospel instruction blessed our family and blessed you individually? 

Activity: Gospel Study Goal Setting. 

Using paper and pencils, make a list of individual and family gospel study goals. 

Some family ideas are listed below:

• Make a rotation chart for different family members to take turns doing different duties for FHE (lesson instructor, scripture reader, chorister, prayers, etc.)
• Print of and color in a family reading scripture chart for this year. Make plans for what you will study if you finish that week's sections early or late. 
•  Explain how you put together an FHE lesson. Show children materials and resources on the church website that you use to help put together FHE lessons. Have children practice putting together a mini lesson.
• Appoint a family member to read from the Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families  at family scripture study to read the headings and questions that correspond to your nightly reading. 

Using youth program goal books, paper, and pencils. Have family members write an individual study goal for the rest of this year. Here are some ideas:

• Finish the rest of the D&C by the end of the year, following the calendar in Come Follow Me.
• Read my scriptures everyday for 10 minutes before school.
• Read one gospel related non-fiction book by the end of the year.
• Listen to all the April conference talks by October General Conference.
• Prepare and teach one lesson in my quorum/young women's class by the end of the year.
• Learn more about the life and teachings of one of the prophets or apostles, give a FHE lesson on him. 

Gospel learning is an essential part of our earthly journey. It enables us to learn what it means to be Christlike and understand the gospel. Read D&C 88: 119. Our home is the place where we can truly "dive in" and study the gospel, which is why so many recent conference talks have centered on home-centered and church-supported gospel instruction. After reading verse 119, what can we do to improve our home so it's a house of prayer, fasting, faith, learning, glory, order--a house of God?

D&C 88 gives some further advice on what we can do (or stop doing) to make our home a place where we can fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. Have your family scan verses 121-126. What are some things the Lord points out in order to have "a house of God?" Have a family choose one thing from the verses to work on and have them write it next to their study goal. 

As we learn more about the gospel as a family, we will grow closer together and have more charity towards one another. Our family will be better equipped to weather trails and hardships that come our way. The same is true for us individually. The more we study about the Savior and His gospel, and apply it to our lives--the more Christlike we will become. Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "Scripture Power" (Additional Songs for Children, Music app)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Healthy cinnamon apple muffins recipe here 

 

Lesson 32: D&C 85-87

 August 2-8
Doctrine and Covenants 85-87
"Stand Ye In Holy Places"

Materials: video clip, room pictures, scriptures
Opening Song: "Love is spoken here" (Children's Songbook, 190)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Show the following clip from Return of the King. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA8wkz0uGLE

In the clip, we see a small army facing insurmountable odds. They are surrounded on all sides by a wicked and cunning army of monsters that wishes to enslave all the free people of their world. Aragorn's speech encourages the men to look past their fear and fight with their brothers. He tells them to "stand." Standing their ground, the small army faces down the enemy with courage and faith. 

Although it is not made up of orcs, we too are facing an army of the wicked. Daily we are berated with temptations, and we see the world growing more desensitized and evil. We have been asked by our Lord and his prophets to put on the armor of God and take a stand against Satan. 

Lesson:

In D&C 87, it discusses some of the calamities that will happen before the second coming. Read 87:5-6. Along with these physical dangers, we also face spiritual dangers in the latter-days. The Lord's counsel when encountering these dangers is found in verse 8. Read D&C 87:8. 

The Lord tells us to "stand in holy places and be not moved." What are examples of holy places? Our temples, meeting houses, and homes are all holy place because they are the places in which we worship God. 
    

Madrid, Spain temple

Have a family member read this quote by Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander:

“Holy places have always been essential to the proper worship of God. For Latter-day Saints, such holy places include venues of historic significance, our homes, sacrament meetings, and temples. Much of what we reverence, and what we teach our children to reverence as holy and sacred, is reflected in these places. The faith and reverence associated with them and the respect we have for what transpires or has transpired in them make them holy. The importance of holy places and sacred space in our worship can hardly be overestimated… These sacred places inspire our faith and give us encouragement to be true to that faith and to move forward, despite the challenges that may cross our path” (“Holy Place, Sacred Space,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 71–72).

Other places that may also be considered holy places are church historical sites, seminary and institute buildings, and any other place where righteous people gather to learn about the savior and worship God. 

One of the most important holy places is our home, because it is where we are everyday. Our home is a place where our prayers are given, scriptures are studying, service is done, friends are ministered to, and where the peace and love of our Savior should abound. Some of us might not currently have a happy home or a holy home. But we can all try a little harder personally to make our homes a more holy place. 

Activity: A Holy Home

Directions: below are several pictures of different rooms in peoples houses. Have each family member take turns choosing a picture. What are things we should do in this room that could make our homes a holy place where we can remember the Savior and strive to be like him? Is there anything we should avoid doing? (Some examples are listed below.)

Living Room- Family Home Evening, family prayer and scripture study, family counsel 

Bedroom- Personal prayer, Scripture study, journal writing, Chasity

Bathroom: Listening to good music or talks during morning routing, avoid quarreling with family members

Kitchen- prayers before meals, gathering, ministering, and service

The scriptures tell us to "stand in holy places and be not moved" and we have discussed what some of those places are and how we can make our homes a more holy place. When the Lord tells us "be not moved" what do you think he is saying? He isn't telling us we can never leave these places, or never travel. The Lord wants us to use the lessons we've learned in our holy places as we go out into the world so that when we are tempted or experience spiritual danger we will not fail. Read Helaman 5:12. 

Being rooted in our holy places--places built upon a firm foundation in Jesus Chris--are essential to overcome the challenges of our mortal experience. Let us all strive to stand in holy places by making our home a place full of love. We can stand in holy places as we attend church meetings and learn more about the gospel from members in our ward. We can also stand in holy places as we strive to live worthily to attend the temple and doing temple and family history work when we can. 

Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "Love at Home"  (Hymns, 294)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Graham cracker houses. Using Graham crackers, icing, and assorted candies. Have your family decorate their "holy place" homes.