Family Home Evening for Moses 1; Abraham 3

 Read Abraham 3:24-26

24 And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;

25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;

26 And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.

Activity

You will need a 10x4inch piece of paper (colored paper or scrapbook paper could be especially fun)

View the following video to see how to fold an origami, jumping frog. You could make prefolds in the paper to make it easier for younger kids.

Discussion 

After you have folded your frogs, explain to your kids that the scriptures, we opened the lesson with, say that Jesus and other Heavenly Beings created the earth, so that we would have a place to come to and learn to follow all of God's commandments. Earth could be compared to the piece of paper. If you just kept the piece of paper and didn't fold it, it would always just be a piece of paper, it would probably get lost, ruined, and thrown away in a short period of time. When you followed directions and folded it, exactly as you were told, it turned into something even better. Now, you have a little frog to play with, and you have a new pet. We have a beautiful earth to live on, and as we follow Heavenly Father's commandments, we receive more and more blessings.

Christmas Lesson 2021

 Read the following quote from "The Living Christ The Testimony of the Apostles"

“God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”

Activity

Christmas is a time of giving. People give to charities, family members, and friends. Santa Claus brings gifts to good boys and girls. Families give gifts to one another.

The greatest gift the world has ever received is the gift of Heavenly Father's son, Jesus Christ. That is what Christmas is about. We are to show gratitude to Heavenly Father by the way that we treat others, as we follow Jesus's example.

For the activity cut a full sized sheet of paper into quarters. Distribute a quarter sheet to each family member, along with a pen. Write a down a "Gift to Jesus." This gift could be one way that you will try to be more Christlike, this next year. For example, you could make the goal to attend church or the temple more regularly. You could say that you will try to be more of a peacemaker. Choose something that you will work on. Then put it in a box with wrapping paper on the outside or a gift bag, and put it under your Christmas tree or a special place in your home. For younger kids, they could draw a picture of what they want to give Jesus or they could draw a picture for Jesus.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

 Read

Paragraphs 6 & 7 of the "The Family: A  Proclamation to the World"

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

Activity

Look for the principles of “successful marriages and families.” 

Discuss

What can you do to make your family more successful? How will you involve the Savior in your efforts? 

View our video below.

Articles of Faith Game

 We have been learning the Articles of Faith, by repeating them daily for a week, then reviewing all of them on Fridays. Here is a game to test mastery.

Family Home Evening for D&C 137-138

 Before reading Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5. Grab a paper and some crayons, colored pencils, paint, paint sticks, or something else to color with. As you read, pause between descriptions and have your children draw what they think the celestial kingdom might look like based on these verses. 

Discuss: What do you find in these verses that helps you look forward to living there? What are we doing now to prepare to live in the celestial kingdom with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

1 The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell.

2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire;

3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.

4 I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold.

5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;

Now, explain that in D&C 138 Joseph F. Smith (son of Hyrum Smith) described whom he saw in the Spirit world. He listed the following people

1. Father Adam, the Ancient of Days and father of all,

2. Our glorious Mother Eve, with many of her faithful daughters who had lived through the ages and worshiped the true and living God.

3. Abel, the first martyr, was there, and his brother Seth, one of the mighty ones, who was in the express image of his father, Adam.

4. Noah, who gave warning of the flood; Shem, the great high priest

5.  Abraham, the father of the faithful

6. Isaac

7. Jacob

8. Moses

9. Isaiah

10. Ezekiel

11. Daniel

12. Elias, who was with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration;

13. Malachi, the prophet who testified of the coming of Elijah (The Prophet Elijah was to plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to their fathers, foreshadowing the great work to be done in the temples of the Lord The prophets who dwelt among the Nephites

14. The Prophet Joseph Smith

15. Hyrum Smith

16. Brigham Young

17. John Taylor

18. Wilford Woodruff

19. Other choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work, including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein for the redemption of the dead, were also in the spirit world.

Now, talk about some people that you know are in the spirit world. Tell your children a small story about a few of their ancestors that are waiting there.

Here is our version of this lesson.

Family Home Evening for D&C 133-134

 Read D&C 134:1-2

1 We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society.

2 We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.

Watch and Discuss:

To help your family understand the importance of government, watch the video below, and pause to discuss when prompted to do so.

FHE for D&C 129-132

 Read or Summarize 

D&C 130:2, 18-19 and 132:13, 19

2 And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.

18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

13 And everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God.

19 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.

Activity

Today, you are going to "pack" for the celestial kingdom. Use these verses to find things that you can take with you when you die, and add in your own. For example, you could use a school book and scriptures to represent "knowledge gained in this life." You could use a family picture or other objects to represent other things that you can take with you. You may want to throw in some objects like video games, computers, or phones. Explain that though these things can be good, in moderation, they don't come with you, when you die. This could lead to a discussion on prioritizing things of celestial importance vs earthly entertainment.

Click the Picture below to see how we did this.

FHE for D&C 125-128

Read or Summarize D&C 128:18

18 I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times.

Activity

Make a paper chain to represent your family. Start with your children and move up, writing each family member's name on a link. If temple work has not been done for a ancestor, you could explain that that link is not yet welded to the rest of the family, and that break in the chain unwelds all of the ancestors after them to your family chain. If this happens, plan a time that you can go to the temple to do the work for this chain link. You can discover family members on familysearch.org. If your chain is short, now might be a good time to start looking for family members and growing your chain.

Watch

Click on the picture below to view a video about the blessings of family history. 

Here is our video of this lesson

FHE for D&C 124

 Activity:

• You will need to write the phrases, highlighted in blue, on slips of paper

• A picture of Jesus Christ

• Tape

As you read D&C 124:13-21, when you come across the words in blue, have the children tape the corresponding strip next to the picture of Christ.

13 Let him, therefore, hearken to your counsel, and I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings; let him be faithful and true in all things from henceforth, and he shall be great in mine eyes;

14 But let him remember that his stewardship will I require at his hands.

15 And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord.

16 Again, let my servant John C. Bennett help you in your labor in sending my word to the kings and people of the earth, and stand by you, even you my servant Joseph Smith, in the hour of affliction; and his reward shall not fail if he receive counsel.

17 And for his love he shall be great, for he shall be mine if he do this, saith the Lord. I have seen the work which he hath done, which I accept if he continue, and will crown him with blessings and great glory.

18 And again, I say unto you that it is my will that my servant Lyman Wight should continue in preaching for Zion, in the spirit of meekness, confessing me before the world; and I will bear him up as on eagles’ wings; and he shall beget glory and honor to himself and unto my name.

19 That when he shall finish his work I may receive him unto myself, even as I did my servant David Patten, who is with me at this time, and also my servant Edward Partridge, and also my aged servant Joseph Smith, Sen., who sitteth with Abraham at his right hand, and blessed and holy is he, for he is mine.

20 And again, verily I say unto you, my servant George Miller is without guile; he may be trusted because of the integrity of his heart; and for the love which he has to my testimony I, the Lord, love him.

21 I therefore say unto you, I seal upon his head the office of a bishopric, like unto my servant Edward Partridge, that he may receive the consecrations of mine house, that he may administer blessings upon the heads of the poor of my people, saith the Lord. Let no man despise my servant George, for he shall honor me.

After you have completed reading, repeat the qualities, placed around the Savior. Help them understand words that they might not be familiar with. According to these verses, how does the Lord feel about people who develop these qualities?

Challenge:

Hold up the strip that says, "integrity of his heart." Explain that “Integrity means thinking and doing what is right at all times, no matter what the consequences” (For the Strength of Youth, 19). You could also share examples of a child demonstrating integrity from your own experience or from the Friend or Liahona magazines. Challenge the children to set a goal to act with more integrity this week. If you notice them acting with integrity, recognize them for their efforts. 

Click the picture below to see how we did this lesson, and to hear the Stanford Boys', maternal grandmother tell a story of integrity, from her childhood.

FHE for D&C 121-123

 This set of scriptures is one of my favorite set of scriptures to go to, when I am having a rough time.

Watch

 To hear the events of D&C Sections 121-122, told in story form, along with my brief testimony, click on the top picture below. To see the movie made by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, click on the bottom picture (Liberty Jail is from 41:23-43:53)

FHE Lesson for D&C 115-120

 Read

D&C 119

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion,

2 For the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the Presidency of my Church.

3 And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people

Activity

You will need

• Melting chocolate

• Several types of small candies (we used bite-sized Kit-Kats, M&Ms, candy eyes, peanut butter cups, and 2 kinds of candy corn)

What does these verses teach about why we pay tithing? You can teach your children about tithing by giving them 10 pieces of candy (for things like M&M's you could give more). Ask them to give you one tenth of their candy. Point out how Heavenly Father gives us everything, and He only requires us to give Him one tenth. These verses teach us that He does not really "need" your money, because He has created everything, so everything is already His. We pay tithing out of faith and obedience. Tithing money is used to build temples, churches, and it is used to fund other things that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles need to build up the kingdom of Heaven on earth. 

You could have children put their nine tenths on a baking sheet,, covered in parchment paper. Explain that Heavenly Father has promised to give you blessings if you are obedient to the Law of Tithing. Pour melted chocolate over the candy pieces and add more candy to make a candy bark of "extra blessings. See the video below to see how we did this.

Read

D&C 117

4 Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord.

6 For have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the fish of the sea, and the beasts of the mountains? Have I not made the earth? Do I not hold the destinies of all the armies of the nations of the earth?

7 Therefore, will I not make solitary places to bud and to blossom, and to bring forth in abundance? saith the Lord.

8 Is there not room enough on the mountains of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and on the plains of Olaha Shinehah, or the land where Adam dwelt, that you should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect the more weighty matters?

Activity

You will need

• A small cup of water or a loaded squirt gun(we used the mL syringes that come with infant Tylenol)

• A few buckets of water

Your family could compare a “drop” of water with something more “weighty,” such as a bucket of water. Think about the things that could be considered a "drop." These are things that seem big in a moment, but can distract us from the more important things in life. As you think of something that is considered a "drop," allow your child to squirt you with a squirter gun or pour a small amount of water on your head. After each child has had a turn, point out that you are not super wet,, and though a motivation of these little things could add up, some things are a lot more "weighty" or heavy. As you discuss these things, allow your children to pour a bucket of water on your head. 

Discuss

 How do less important things in our lives prevent us from receiving God’s abundant blessings?

View the video below to see demonstrations on both of these activities

FHE for D&C 111-114

 Read D&C 111: 2; 9-11

2 I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality

9 This place you may obtain by hire. And inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city;

10 For there are more treasures than one for you in this city.

11 Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen.

Discuss

Some of the early saints thought that "treasure" meant money. In these verses Heavenly Father is speaking about eternal treasures. What do you think some eternal treasures are?

Activity

Print the pictures below, or cut out some eternal treasures from a church magazine. Create a treasure hunt by hiding them around the house. As your family finds each item, discuss what you can do to show that you value it.

Click Here For the Printable View

Click Here to See How We Did This Activity

Going to church	The Atonement of Jesus Christ	The Ordinance of Baptism and confirmation (receiving the Holy Ghost)
Temples	Scriptures	Family Home Evening
Prayer	Learning	General Conference
Bearimg Testimony	Missionary work	Service

FHE for D&C 109-110

 Read or Summarize D&C 109

You can read it here, Doctrine and Covenants 109

Tell your children that this was the prayer given at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. As you read it, look for things that can help you get excited about spending more time in the temple, as the things said in that prayer applies to temple work today.

For younger children you can ask them how they can help temple work continue, even if they are too young to go into the temple. Some examples might be babysitting while Mom and Dad go to the temple, finding names of deceased relatives that need temple work done, and learning about their ancestors. 

Maybe you could take a trip to a temple and sing "I Love to See the Temple" and "The Spirit of God" as you look at the temple. "The Spirit of God" is sung at every temple dedication. 

Click on the picture below to see what we discovered, as well as a special musical number at the end.