2012 - FHE For A Year by Janis Peterson

Contributors Janis Peterson Fran Baity Cori Nielson Sophia Crane Melanie Edwards Margaret Hammond Kristen Black DeAyn Greevers Petra Pointer Karen Wimpey Luna Fisher Sara Visser Tracy Wagner Miriam Slaugh Ruth Stark Michelle Aldrich Lara Goold â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.thegoldenseven.blogspot.com *We used this website to bring in some last minute lessons needed. Go check out all the other great lessons she has also.*

Agency is the Gift to Choose For Ourselves (Pt. 1: Each Choice has a Consequence) January Week 1 Opening Song: “Dare to Do Right” (Children’s Songbook, p. 158) Object Lesson: Show the family a stick that has the word “choice” written on one end and the word

“consequences” written on the other end. Explain that a consequence is what naturally happens because of a choice we make. For example, if we choose to practice playing a musical instrument, we will get better at it, and if we choose to touch fire, we will be burned. Pick up the stick and show the children that every time you pick up a stick, you get both the choice and the consequence of that choice.

Some consequences come quickly after you make a choice. Sometimes you may not recognize a consequence until long after you make the choice. But eventually there is always a consequence. The consequence of a right choice is a blessing from Heavenly Father. You have made important choices in the past and received blessings. When you lived in heaven, you made a choice to follow Heavenly Father’s plan. The consequence of making that right choice was the blessing of coming to earth and obtaining a body. Now that you are on earth, Heavenly Father wants you to continue to make right choices so that you can receive more blessings and be happy. Satan does not want you to be happy, and he knows that wrong choices will bring consequences of unhappiness. But Heavenly Father loves you and wants to help you make good choices. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to show you how to make right choices. The Savior came to live on the earth to set an example for you to follow. When you follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and obey Heavenly Father’s commandments, there are happy consequences.

Scripture Activity--Agency Actions: Out of the scriptures listed below, select two examples who

chose to follow Jesus, and two examples who chose to follow Satan. After reading and discussing each scripture, invite two family members to each hold one end of the "choice and consequences" stick. Ask one child to explain the choices made by those in the scripture, and the other child to explain the consequences of those choices.

Scriptures:

Moses 4:1-4 Alma 53:16-21 Daniel 3 1 Nephi 3:28-31

Mosiah 17:1-4, 18:1-3 Luke 22:47-48 Genesis 4:1-15

Additional stories about consequences can be found here: http://lds.org/friend/1989/05/consequences?lang=eng&query=consequence (“Consequences,” May 1989 Friend) http://lds.org/friend/1991/11/family-meeting?lang=eng&query=consequence (“Family Meeting,” Nov. 1991 Friend) http://lds.org/friend/2011/07/even-though-everyone-else-is-doing-it?lang=eng&query=consequence (“Even Though Everyone Else is Doing It,” July, 2011) http://lds.org/friend/1997/01/agency-and-choosing-the-right?lang=eng&query=consequence (“Agency and Choosing the Right,” January, 1997)

Jesus Satan Moses 4:1-4

Mosiah 17:1-4, 18:1-3

Alma 53:16-21

Luke 22:47-48

Daniel 3

Genesis 4:1-15

1 Nephi 3:28-31

Agency is the Gift to Choose For Ourselves (Pt. 2: Choosing the Right will Make me Happy) January Week 2 Opening Song: Choose the Right Way, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Songbook, pg. 160. Object Lesson: Sit on a chair with a coin in your hand. Divide the family into two teams. Turn to the first team and say, "Heads or Tails?" Then flip the coin. If they got it correct, they advance one step. If not, they go back one step. Turn to the other team and ask the same question. Repeat the game until they reach a designated finish line. Then ask both groups if they liked playing that game. Why or why not? No one likes playing games where someone tells you what to do and there is little to no risk involved. So it is with our lives. We learn more when we experience things for ourselves. Having our agency truly is a blessing, but with agency comes accountability.

Hold up your hands and show your family how you can move your fingers. Explain that you can choose how your hands will move. Help your family understand that although you can choose to move your own hands and fingers, you cannot make that choice for anyone else. Have your family hold their hands up. Ask them to do something with their hands (open and close fingers, spread fingers wide, touch the thumb and pointer fingers, and so forth). Do several things. Praise them for being obedient. Tell them that just as they chose to be obedient with their hands, they can also choose to be obedient with their bodies and minds.

For Younger Children: Choices Slap Game - For each player write the words Happy (with a smiley face) and Sad (with a frowny face) on 3x5 index cards. Put a Happy and a Sad card in front of each person. When you read examples of actions, each person slaps the correct card in front of them. Sample Sentences: I go to Primary every Sunday. I poke my friend instead of folding my arms. I say, “excuse” me. I keep my eyes open when the prayer is said. I yell in the chapel. I whisper to my sister during the sacrament. I push a friend away from the drinking fountain. I walk quietly going to my classroom. I wait for my turn to have a treat. I laugh when another child falls down. I raise my hand in class before talking. I make noises during class. I sing with my best voice. I help the teacher with an activity. I hit my brother when he makes me mad. I say “please” when I need help. I listen quietly when my teacher tells a story. I help my mom at home. I don’t make my bed. I remember to feed the dog every day. Explain that Jesus is happy when we make the right choices, and he is sad when we make the wrong choices. For Older Children: Explain that Heavenly Father’s commandments are written in the scriptures, that He tells us not only the commandments, but also the consequences of keeping or not keeping them. Often a commandment and its consequences are found side by side or within a few verses of each other. If possible, divide the family into four groups. Give each group a piece of paper folded down the center. On the top, left-hand side of the paper, print Commandments. On the top, right-hand side, print Consequences. Allow each group time to find the commandments and their consequences from one of these scripture references: D&C 89; D&C 59; D&C 88:118–126; D&C 42:18–31. Give each group time to report its findings. Tell the family that it is important not only to understand a commandment, but to understand the consequences of keeping or not keeping that commandment.

“Bananas and Monkeys,” story by President Spencer W. Kimball: I am reminded of an article I read some years ago about a group of men who had gone to the jungles to capture monkeys. They tried a number of different things to catch the monkeys, including nets. But finding that the nets could injure such small creatures, they finally cam upon an ingenious solution. They built a large number of small boxes, and in the top of each they bored a hole just large enough for a monkey to get his hand into. They then set these boxes out under the trees and in each one they put a nut that the monkeys were particularly fond of. When the men left, the monkeys began to come down from the trees and examine the boxes. Finding that there were nuts to be had, they reached into the boxes to get them. But when a monkey would try to withdraw his hand with the nut, he could not get his hand out of the box because his little fist, with the nut inside, was now too large. At about this time, the men would come out of the underbrush and converge on the monkeys. And the men coming, they would shriek and scramble about with the thought of escaping; but as easy as it would have been, they would not let go of the nut so that they could withdraw their hands from the boxes and thus escape. The men captured them easily. And so it often seems to be with people, having such a firm grasp on things of the world -- that which is telestial -that no amount of urging and no degree of emergency can persuade them to let go in favor of that which is celestial. Satan gets them in his grip easily. If we insist on spending all our time and resources building up for ourselves in worldly kingdom, that is exactly what we will inherit. In spite of our delight in defining ourselves as modern, and our tendency to think we possess a sophistication that no people in the past ever had -- in spite of these things, we are, on the whole, an idolatrous people -- a condition most repugnant to the Lord. . . . It may seem a little difficult at first, but when a person begins to catch a vision of the true work when he begins to see something of eternity in its true perspective, the blessings begin to far outweigh true perspective, the blessings begin to far outweigh the cost of leaving "the world" behind. Herein lies the only true happiness, and therefore we invite and welcome all men, everywhere, to join in this work. For those who are determined to serve the Lord at all costs, this is the way to eternal life. All else is but a means to that end. - President Spencer W. Kimball, "The False Gods We Worship," Ensign, June 1976, First Presidency Message, pages 56.

Additional stories about agency can be found here: http://lds.org/friend/1997/01/path-to-follow?lang=eng (“Path to Follow,” Friend, January 1997) http://lds.org/friend/1999/03/do-as-im-doing?lang=eng (“Do As I’m Doing” Friend, March 1999) http://lds.org/friend/1995/07/a-rose-for-mama?lang=eng (“A Rose for Mama” Friend, July 1995)

Treat: Smiling Face Cookies. Decorate a sugar cookie with yellow frosting and create a smile with contrasting frosting or candies.

In the Premortal life, I chose to follow God’s plan January Week 3 Opening Song: I lived in Heaven (Children’s Songbook pg. 4) Discuss where your family lives by using the following questions as a guide—Do we live in the city? The country? A suburb? Do we live on an island or in the middle of a desert? Can we see mountains or an ocean from our home? Who lives with us? Are you the only child in your family, or do you have many brothers and sisters? Do your parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles live with you? Did you know that before you came to earth to live, you lived in heaven with Heavenly Father? Sing the words again to “I Lived in Heaven.” Have prepared wordstrips that say, Where? Who? What? • Where did we live a long time ago? (In heaven; see D&C 93:29, first sentence; Abraham 3:22–23.) • Who lived there with us? (Everyone) •

What was Heavenly Father’s plan for us? Explain that Heavenly Father wanted us to be able to receive a physical body, to learn to choose between right and wrong, and have the opportunity to become like him.

Heavenly Father told us during the Council in Heaven about a great plan of happiness. He said that an earth would be created; a Savior would be provided; and we would be given agency, or the freedom to choose between good and evil. Some of the premortal beings did not want to follow this plan, and there was a War in Heaven. However, we chose to support Heavenly Father’s plan, so we were given bodies and sent to many different places on earth to learn about the Savior and to keep the commandments. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, if we choose the right, we will one day be able to return to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again. (For Younger Children): • Read Chapter 1 out of “Old Testament Scripture Stories.” (If you do not have this book, the pages can be printed, or video streamed, here: http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-5,00.html) •

Explain that our life on earth is like a school. We are here to learn and be tested. If we make right choices, we will pass the tests and be able to return to Heavenly Father. Read and discuss the following quotation: “My brothers and sisters, we’re away from home. We’re off to school. Our lessons will not be easy. The way we react to them, the way we conquer and accomplish and live will determine our rewards, and they will be permanent and eternal” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 28).

(For Older Children): • Tell your family that Heavenly Father loves us and has given us a perfect plan. Jesus Christ is the central figure in the plan, and if we follow Him, we can return to live with our Father in Heaven. Discuss the Premortal life phase of our existence. Have your family read the scriptures below, then act out what happened during that phase of our plan. Emphasize that we made the choice to follow God’s plan before we came to earth. D&C 138:56; Moses 4:2; Abraham 3:22–23 (action: raising hands and whispering “Hurrah!”)

•

Recite together Doctrine and Covenants 138:56, substituting the words they and their with we and our. We lived with Heavenly Father and were given responsibilities. Display pictures of people in the scriptures who were given responsibilities in the premortal life to help accomplish Heavenly Father’s work (examples: Jesus; Mary, mother of Jesus; Adam and Eve; John the Baptist; Joseph Smith,) and discuss. Ask each member of the family to discuss a responsibility that they might have in the future (examples: missionary, father or mother, Primary teacher, bishop). Discuss what they can do now to prepare for that responsibility and whatever other responsibilities may come to them. Testify of the importance of preparing now for responsibilities we have been given.

Activity:

Use your home to take your family on a “journey” through the plan. One room could be designated as the “premortal world,” another room could represent “earth life,” a third room could represent the “spirit world,” and the last room could represent the “celestial kingdom,” which might be where treats are located at the lesson’s end! You could talk about how we go through the doors of birth, death, and resurrection. Death could be explained as part of the plan—going from one room to the next. It might be useful to point out before anyone moves from room to room that someone had to plan and build the house we are all in. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are the architects and builders of the plan of salvation (see also Christine Wright, “Walking Through the Plan of Salvation, ”Ensign, Aug. 1999, 72). Story from the friend about the premortal existence: http://lds.org/friend/1994/09/my-peace-i-giveunto-you?lang=eng&query=premortal+existence (“My Peace I give Unto You, Sept. 1994.) (For More ideas, see “Teaching Children the Plan of Salvation,” http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0& sourceId=8635759235d0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1)

Jesus Christ created the earth as a place where I can learn to choose the right. January Week 4 In order to continue progressing spiritually, it was necessary for us to come to earth. While here, we have a veil placed upon us, which is like a blindfold on our minds. We cannot remember living in Heaven with our Heavenly Father. We are here on earth to learn to have the faith to choose the right.

For Younger Children:

Supplies: scissors glue cotton balls crayons white paper pencil leaves, grass, seeds Print numbers from:

http://lds.about.com/library/bl/fhe/blcreation. htm

Explain that the creation of the Earth is recorded in Genesis and place the Number One in front of you. Read and discuss Genesis 1:1-5. Allow children to color one half of the Number One with a black crayon to represent darkness. Place the Number Two in front of you. Read and discuss Genesis 1:6-8. Have children color the Number Two blue. Next have them glue cotton onto clouds to make them fluffy. Glue clouds onto the Number Two. Place the Number Three in front of you. Read and discuss Genesis 1:9-13. Have children color the Number Three green. Next have them glue plants, grass, leaves, and small seeds (mustard, celery, poppy) onto it. Place the Number Four in front of you. Read and discuss Genesis 1:14-19. Have children color half of the Number Four sky blue and the other half black. Color the moon yellow. Have them glue the sun, stars, and moon onto the Number Four. Place the Number Five in front of you. Read and discuss Genesis 1:20-23. Have children color the top half of the Number Five sky blue and the bottom half dark blue. Glue fish and birds in appropriate spots.

Place the Number Six in front of you. Read and discuss Genesis 1:24-31 Have children color the Number Six green. Glue animals on. Have children draw Adam and Eve on seperate paper. Glue them on the top of the Number Six. Place the Number Seven in front of you. Read and discuss Genesis 2:1-3. Have children color the Number Seven any color they desire and glue Sabbath pictures onto it. Display numbers anyway you like and have children review the story of the Creation several times during throughout the week. One way to easily display the numbers is to punch a hole in the top of each number and suspend them from a coat hanger using ribbon or yarn.

For Older Children: Download and print the following handout, which compares and contrasts Nephi to his brothers, Laman and Lemuel. All 3 of them were sent to earth; all of them had free agency; however, Nephi chose the right, while Laman and Lemuel chose the wrong. Just like Laman and Lemuel, we each can make our own choices while on the earth, but we must take the consequences for those choices. http://www.mormonshare.com/sites/default/files/Agency%20Handout%20(Laman,%20Lemuel,%20&%20Ne phi%20Examples).pdf

Free to Choose 2 Nephi 2: 27-28 1 Nephi; Chapter 3: Lehi’s sons return to Jerusalem to obtain the plates of brass—Laban refuses to give the plates up—Nephi exhorts and encourages his brethren—Laban steals their property and attempts to slay them—Laman and Lemuel smite Nephi and Sam and are reproved by an angel. About 600–592 B.C. Chapter 4: Nephi slays Laban at the Lord’s command and then secures the plates of brass by stratagem—Zoram chooses to join Lehi’s family in the wilderness. About 600–592 B.C.

Agency Laman & Lemuel’s Choice

Nephi’s Choice

Leads to captivity, death, and misery.

Leads to liberty, eternal life, and joy.

↓ 1 Nephi 3:1-5 Describe their faith:_________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

↓ Describe his faith:__________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

↓

Describe their relationship with their father: ___________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

Describe his relationship with his father: _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

↓

What did they rely on to make 1 Nephi 3:31 decisions?: _______________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

What did he rely on to make decisions?: _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

↓

How did they live their life?: _________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

How did he live his life?: _____________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

1 Nephi 3:7

1 Nephi 4:6

February - Week 1: Noah was blessed for choosing the right Scripture: Moses 8:27 - Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord; for Noah was a just man â&#x20AC;Ś and he walked with God. Genesis 7:5 And Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him. Song: Follow the Prophet and Choose the right Lesson: Friend, June 1994 "Noah was a righteous man who lived amid great wickedness. Almost all the people on the earth spent their time doing evil things, and they would not listen when Noah taught them the gospel. Noah warned the people that if they did not repent, a mighty flood would come upon the earth and destroy them. But they paid no attention to his words, and Noah's heart ached with sorrow because he knew that their evil ways would lead to their destruction. For one hundred twenty years Noah tried to convince the people to repent. At that time many men who lived on the earth were so tall and powerful that they were called giants. They and others tried to kill Noah, but the Lord was with him and protected him. Finally the people were so wicked that the Lord told Noah: "The end of all flesh is come before me, for the earth is filled with violence, and behold I will destroy all flesh from off the earth." He commanded Noah and his family to build a huge wooden ark and to gather into it animals, birds, and insects of every kind, both male and female. "Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation." The people laughed and mocked Noah's family building the ark, and they jeered at the sight of the animals being guided into it. Though Noahgrieved at seeing how wicked the people had become, he knew that he was doing the right thing in obeying the Lord's commandment. The laughter soon faded as the sky grew dark and the low rumblings of thunder could be heard. Drops of rain began to fall, and then a great storm arose that continued for many days. Water covered the whole earth, even the highest mountains; there was nothing visible but water as far as the eye could see. Every living thing "that creepeth upon the earth" was destroyed except for Noah's family and the animals they had gathered. As the rain poured and the waves crashed around them, the Lord protected them in the safety of the ark. After forty days and forty nights, the rain finally stopped. After another one hundred fifty days, the waters began to dry up. After many more days,Noah and his family were able to leave with the animals and settle upon the land. Noah built an altar to give thanks unto the Lord for protecting his family."

Noah and his family were blessed because Noah decided to choose the right. WE can choose the right like Noah by obeying Heavenly Father, too.

Snack: Make a rainbow cake or cupcakes. Or layer fruits into cups in rainbow order with some whipped cream to make a parfait

Activity: Play animal charades, Make animal memory cards or Build animals out of marshmallows and toothpicks.

Flannel Board figures Friend, Nov

200

February Week 2: Jesus' disciples were blessed by choosing the right. May 2001 Friend: Sharing Time: Obedience brings blessings July 2011 Friend: The Blessing Cantaloupe

Song: Scripture:

I Feel My Savior’s Love, Children’s Songbook, pg 74 Matthew 16:13-20 New Testament Scripture Stories: Chapter 32: Peter Testifies of Christ

Story: The Blessing Cantaloupe

BY HEATHER M. SMITH (Based on a true story)

Dad dumped some compost onto the soil. “What are you doing, Dad?” Caleb asked. “I’m getting the soil prepared for our garden.” “Why do we need a garden?” Caleb asked. “Can’t we just buy food at the store?” “Yes, but the prophets have counseled us to plant a garden, and I want to obey,” Dad said. Dad and Caleb worked to prepare the soil. Finally, the garden was ready to plant. On Saturday the whole family planted seeds in their garden. There were beans, corn, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumbers, and pumpkins. Every morning, Caleb walked around the garden looking for weeds. Before picking each weed he asked Dad to make sure it wasn’t a seedling. Then one day, Dad announced that the first plant had popped up. Caleb ran out to the garden. When he saw the tiny leaves peeking out of the ground, he couldn’t hide his disappointment. “What’s the matter, Caleb?” Dad asked. “I guess I just thought it would be bigger.” “Don’t worry. It will grow,” Dad said. Dad was right. Every day the plant grew a little bigger. Then more plants popped up. Soon the whole garden was filled with plants.

One morning Caleb noticed a plant growing right next to the yellow squash. It looked different than the squash plant. “Hey, Dad, what’s this plant over here?” Dad came over. “I don’t know. It doesn’t look like a squash. We’ll just have to wait and find out.” Whenever Caleb was in the garden, he checked on the mystery plant. Before long, he noticed a green ball on the vine. Excitedly, he showed Dad. “Looks like it might be some kind of melon,” Dad said. “That’s strange. We didn’t plant any melons.” Each week the ball got bigger and bigger, and soon it started to turn a tan color. “I think that’s a cantaloupe, Caleb,” Dad said one day. “It must have grown from some seeds that were in the compost.” Caleb could hardly wait for the melon to grow. He loved cantaloupe. Soon the garden was producing food for the family. Caleb enjoyed helping with the harvest. Mom bottled many of the fruits and vegetables, and they gave extras to neighbors. “Caleb, would you go pick a yellow squash for dinner tonight?” Mom asked one evening. “Sure, Mom!” Caleb ran to the garden. As he gently moved the cantaloupe so he could pick the biggest yellow squash, the cantaloupe fell off the vine. Caleb went to find Dad. “Dad, I didn’t mean to, but the cantaloupe broke off the vine when I moved it,” Caleb said. “That’s OK,” Dad said. “That probably means it’s ready to be picked.” Caleb grinned. “Really? You mean it’s done?” Dad laughed. “Let’s taste it and find out!” Caleb brought the cantaloupe into the kitchen, and Dad cut off two slices. “I guess this cantaloupe is one way Heavenly Father is blessing us for following the prophet,” Dad said. Caleb looked at the colorful pile of produce on the counter that was waiting to be bottled. “Heavenly Father has blessed us a lot!” he said. They both smiled as they took their first bite of cantaloupe. It was delicious!

Activity:

Cut at least thirty footsteps out of paper. Mark one side of half of them with the letters c,h,o,o,s,e,t,h,e,r,i,g,h,t. Make certain that the lettering doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t show through the paper. Mark the remaining footsteps with stars, hearts, or some other design. Before Family Home Evening begins, place the footsteps letter-side down in order on the floor, making a path to an object in the room. Place the remaining footsteps on the floor in paths leading from the C footstep to other objects. Stand near the C footstep. Tell the children that some of the footsteps lead to an object that you want to get to (a picture of the Savior). Have them guess which way they think you need to go. Now turn all the footsteps over and have them point out the way they need to go to get to your destination. Explain that following the right path, will guide us through our lives.

Week 3: Nephi was blessed for choosing the right. May 2001 Friend: Sharing Time: Obedience brings blessings April 2001 Friend :Trying to Be Like Jesus Christ

Song: Nephi’s Courage, Children’s Songbook, pg 120 Scripture:

John 13:33-35

Stories: Trying to Be Like Jesus Christ My Friend By Korbie Fowers, age 6 Fiddlers Creek Ward Layton Utah Holmes Creek Stake

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34). At the beginning of the school year, I met a wonderful student. She has a big heart and is always willing to share anything of hers with other students. At first, most of them didn’t know how nice she was. Because she has some mental disabilities, sometimes she would do things that made them uncomfortable. One day the music teacher asked my friend to perform some of the actions for the song we were practicing. When she started to dance, some of the other students began to laugh. I know that most people don’t like being laughed at, so I didn’t laugh at her. I thought about what Jesus would want me to do, and I kept quiet and enjoyed her cute dance. In the mornings, while we are waiting to go into the school, my friend comes to see me first thing and gives me a big hug. We sit together at lunch as often as we can, and she always has a bright smile that makes me happy to be her friend. Sometimes I see her playing alone at recess, and I make an extra effort to play with her. It makes me sad when I can’t find a friend to play with, and I want my friend to be happy. In my Primary class and in family home evening, I have learned that Jesus wants each of us to love one another, as He loves us. John 13:34 is my favorite scripture, and I have read it twice in Primary this year. It helps me to remember to be like Jesus. Trying to be like Him gives me a special feeling in my heart that makes me feel good.

Helping Mom By Adrian Glover, age 6, with his mom Kokomo Ward Lafayette Indiana Stake Live together in love (D&C 42:45). Mom had had a really busy day, and lots of things had gone wrong for her. We were eating supper when the phone rang. Some neighbors were coming over, and my toys were all over the family room. One of the neighbors used a walker, so she might have tripped on a toy. I hurried and cleaned up really fast so that when they came in, it was looking nice. I felt happy that I had helped, and I help my mom more now. Recess Cartoon By Shala Seely, age 8 Rapid City First Ward Rapid City South Dakota Stake Learn of me, and listen to my words … , and you shall have peace in me (D&C 19:23). Last winter when it was too cold to go out to recess, our class went into the third grade classroom to watch a video. I was excited until I found out that the video was a cartoon that our family doesn’t watch. The characters call each other mean names and use bad language. I went to the teacher and told her that I didn’t want to watch the video. She said I could color quietly at the back of the room, instead. Then I whispered to my best friend, and she agreed to play ticktacktoe with me until recess was over. I felt good that I followed Jesus Christ by not watching that video.

Activity:

Tell your family that you have hidden some letters (p, e, a, c, e) in the room. If they follow your instructions, they will be able to find the letters quickly. Give one child directions to find the first letter, such as “go to the right side of the room, the first row of chairs, the third chair from the left, and look under the seat.” Continue until all five letters have been found. Put the letters on the floor and spell out the word peace. Ask your family how they were able to find all the letters. Tell them that when we are obedient and follow the directions of the prophet, we will find peace. Have your family think of one thing they can do to obey the prophet that begins with each letter in the word peace (pray, pay tithing, eat healthy foods, exercise, be a good example, encourage others, attend Primary, choose the right, be cheerful, etc.). Explain that Heavenly Father wants us to be obedient to His commandments. Learning to be obedient and following the prophet will bring great blessings of peace and happiness into our lives.

P E A C E

February Week 4: Church members today are blessed for choosing the right. The Friend: Mar 1997 : Sharing Time: My Choices have Consequences "My Gospel Standards," Faith in God for Girls, (2003) The Friend: March 1994, The Lollipop Tree by Jane McBride Choate

Song:

Keep the Commandments, Hymn 303 or Children’s Songbook, pg 146

Scriptures:

The following scriptures and topics are some of the ways we have been asked to ‘Choose the Right’. You can pick as many or few as you want to use. A suggestion is to play a matching activity and divide up the scriptures among family members. Taking turns sharing the scripture and choosing which topic goes with that scripture. Then briefly talk about the blessings of obedience to that topic. (Cut out strips are at the bottom of the lesson) Remember Jesus Christ. 3 Ne. 18:7 Love one another. John 13:34–35 Honour your father and mother. Ex. 20:12 Pray. Alma 37:37 Pay an honest tithing. Mal. 3:10 Forgive others. D&C 82:1 Be baptized. 3 Ne. 11:33 Be obedient. Mosiah 5:8–9 Keep the commandments. Mosiah 2:41 Keep the Word of Wisdom. D&C 89:18–21 Study the scriptures. John 5:39 Keep the Sabbath day holy. D&C 59:9–13

Story: Lollipop Tree BY JANE MCBRIDE CHOATE Joey Berger liked lollipops. He liked red ones, yellow ones, orange ones, green ones, and purple ones. He was only allowed one very small one each day after school. His older brothers, Nick and David, groaned when it was his turn to choose a treat for family home evening, because he always asked for lollipops. They called him the Lollipop Kid, but Joey didn’t mind. Now he had a problem. Even sucking on his favorite cherry-flavored lollipop didn’t help. He bit off part and chewed it as he wondered what he could do to help Brother Sawyer feel better. Joey had been four years old when the Sawyers moved next door to his family three years ago. His mother had asked him to visit the new neighbors with her when she took them a plate of cookies. They’d found Brother Sawyer sitting on the porch swing, sucking on a red lollipop. Right then, Joey had known that he and Brother Sawyer were going to be friends. Brother Sawyer, who wore bib overalls like Joey’s Grandpa Berger did, invited Joey to visit him after school each day, They would settle down on the swing and read a story together. At first, Brother Sawyer had read the stories and Joey listened. Then, when Joey had learned to read and Brother Sawyer’s eyes had begun to fail, Joey read while his friend listened. They always sucked on lollipops as they read. Brother Sawyer joked that he was the only person he knew who ate more lollipops than Joey did. Then, about a year ago, Sister Sawyer had died and things changed. For a long time Brother Sawyer didn’t invite Joey to join him on the porch. Gradually, though, he started to feel better, and he and Joey once again spent many happy hours together. But yesterday Brother Sawyer’s eyes were sad, and he told Joey that it would soon be a year since his wife had died. “Do you still miss her?” Joey had asked. “I’ll always miss her,” Brother Sawyer replied softly. “We would’ve celebrated our sixtieth anniversary this year.” Joey wanted to do something for his friend. “Mom, can I take some of the cookies you baked to Brother Sawyer?” “That’s a good idea, Joey.” She placed some of the still-warm cookies on a plate. “Invite him to dinner tonight too. He’s probably lonely.” Brother Sawyer wasn’t on the porch swing when Joey arrived. Carefully balancing the plate of cookies in one hand, he rang the doorbell. After several minutes, Brother Sawyer answered the door. His eyes were red, as though he’d been crying. “These are for you,” Joey said, handing him the cookies.

“Thank you, Joey.” Brother Sawyer set the plate on a small table by the swing without taking a cookie. “Would you like to have supper with us tonight?” Brother Sawyer shook his head. “I wouldn’t be very good company right now.” Joey took the wrinkled hand in his own. “I think you’re good company.” A smile touched Brother Sawyer’s eyes briefly. “You’re a good friend, Joey. But sometimes a person needs to be alone.” “You’re thinking about Sister Sawyer,” Joey said. The old man nodded. “I wish it was the right season to plant flowers. Martha always loved flowers. She said they reminded her of a rainbow.” “I’ll help you plant lots of flowers in the spring,” Brother Sawyer patted Joey’s hand. “Thank you.” He pointed to a small tree in the front yard. “Do you remember when we planted that tree?” Joey nodded. He’d helped Brother and Sister Sawyer plant it shortly before she’d died. “I promised Martha that I’d take care of it. It looks forlorn now.” Joey stared at the tree, its branches stripped of leaves. He didn’t know what forlorn meant, but he supposed it meant sad. Like Brother Sawyer, Joey thought. Joey stayed a little longer, but nothing he did cheered up his friend. Finally he trudged home, more discouraged than ever. But what could he do? Joey thought and thought. “That’s it!” He rushed to his room and grabbed his piggy bank, Turning it upside down, he shook it until all the coins tumbled onto his bed. Two dollars and thirty-seven cents. That wasn’t enough, but it was a start. He took the stairs two at a time and ran into the kitchen, where his mother was paying bills, “Mom, do you have any chores I can do to earn some money?” His mother looked thoughtful. “I might. What do you need the money for—or is it a secret?” “It’s a secret, but I can tell you.” Quickly he explained his plan to his mother. “That’s a wonderful idea!” He did jobs for his parents all the rest of the week. By Saturday he had seven dollars and thirtyseven cents. That should be enough, he decided, His father took him to the grocery store, where

he bought five sacks of lollipops. At home he looked at them, thinking about how much he’d enjoy eating them. But he had a much better plan … That evening his whole family helped him decorate the little tree outside Brother Sawyer’s house, tying lollipops to the branches with pieces of yarn. When they were finished, lollipops “blossomed” from every branch. “Do you think Brother Sawyer will like it?” he asked his mother. “I’m sure he will,” she answered. She kissed Joey’s cheek. “I’m very proud of you.” The next morning, he woke early, eager to see the tree in daylight. Drawing back the curtains, he looked out the window. Lollipops splashed brightly against the pale blue sky. Pulling on his clothes, he ran next door. He smiled when he found Brother Sawyer sitting on the porch. “Look what happened to our tree,” Brother Sawyer said with a little catch in his voice. “It’s blooming lollipops! Martha would have loved it.” Joey didn’t know what to say, so he threw his arms around his friend and hugged him tightly. “You’re a fine friend, Joey,” Brother Sawyer said, tears in his eyes, “Come on, let’s go have a lollipop.” Joey looked at the tree, but Brother Sawyer shook his head, “Lollipops from that tree are too special to eat. I have some red ones in the kitchen.” Joey slipped his hand inside his friend’s and followed him inside.

Activity:

Play charades using “My Gospel Standards.” Role-play a situation in which your family might use a standard. After each role play, discuss what the consequences of keeping or not keeping that standard might be.

My Gospel Standards

I will follow Heavenly Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan for me. I will remember my baptismal covenant and listen to the Holy Ghost. I will choose the right. I know I can repent when I make a mistake. I will be honest with Heavenly Father, others, and myself. I will use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reverently. I will not swear or use crude words. I will do those things on the Sabbath that will help me feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I will honor my parents and do my part to strengthen my family. I will keep my mind and body sacred and pure, and I will not partake of things that are harmful to me. I will dress modestly to show respect for Heavenly Father and myself. I will only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father. I will only listen to music that is pleasing to Heavenly Father. I will seek good friends and treat others kindly. I will live now to be worthy to go to the temple and do my part to have an eternal family.

Remember Jesus Christ. 3 Ne. 18:7 Love One Another. John 13:34â&#x20AC;&#x201C;35 Honour your Father and Mother. Ex. 20:12

Pray. Alma 37:37 Pay an honest tithing. Mal. 3:10 Forgive others. D&C 82:1 Be baptized.

3 Ne. 11:33 Be obedient. Mosiah 5:8â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 Keep the Commandments. Mosiah 2:41 Keep the Word of Wisdom.

D&C 89:18–21 Study the Scriptures. John 5:39 Keep the Sabbath Day Holy. D&C 59:9–13

March week 1: God speaks through living prophets Scripture:

D&C 21:5 For his aword ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. Song:

Stand for the Right

Lesson: There are many ways that Heavenly Father can talk to you. He can speak to you through the Holy Ghost. He can speak to you through the scriptures. One very important way that Heavenly Father talks to His children is through His living prophets. When the prophet speaks, he tells us things that Heavenly Father wants us to know. In the Book of Mormon the people of King Noah were very wicked. Heavenly Father sent His prophet Abinadi to preach to them. King Noah's wicked priests were angry and tried to kill him. But Abinadi said, "Touch me not, â&#x20AC;Ś for I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to deliver" (Mosiah 13:3). Alma, one of the priests, believed Abinadi's words and learned the way to obtain God's promised blessings. In the Bible we read of God's promises to the children of Israel. Through Moses, His prophet, the Lord delivered them from Egypt. Moses taught the children of Israel the way to obtain God's promises and blessings. There was not a prophet on the earth when Joseph Smith prayed to find out which church to join. He became God's prophet and restored the true Church of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith taught the people what they needed to do to obtain God's promises and blessings. Game: Play "Prophet May I?" Have family members stand together on one side of the room. Have one member stand on the opposite side. This family member gives instructions to each of the other family members individually such as: "Michael take three hops steps forward" Michael needs to say "prophet may I?" before he can take his hops forward. If he does say it then he can take his hops. If he forgets to say it he needs to go back to the beginning. Each family member is given instructions to move forward. Each needs to say "prophet may I?" before they follow their instructions or else they need to go back to the beginning. The player that makes it to the one giving the instructions wins.

March Week 2: The First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles are prophets. Scripture: Article of faith 6: We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. Lesson: Apostles and prophets who lived long ago led the Church and taught people about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Today prophets and apostles also lead Jesus Christ's Church. The Church today is organized the same way Jesus organized His Church when He was on the earth. The prophet is the President of the Church and teaches what Heavenly Father and Jesus want us to do. Apostles and other Church leaders help him lead the Church.

Activity: Friend June 2011 Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the sixth article of faith, then find the words in the word search.

1. The p __ __ __ __ __ __ is the only person on earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church. 2. There are a __ __ __ __ __ __ __ on earth today who are special witnesses of Jesus Christ. They serve in the Quorum of the Twelve and the First Presidency. 3. Bishops are p __ __ __ __ __ __ over their wards. This means they take care of ward members and help and lead them to Christ. 4. E __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ is another word for patriarchs. A patriarch is called to give blessings to members of the Church. 5. People who instruct others about gospel principles are t __ __ __ __ __ __ __ . 6. When Jesus Christ was on the earth, He organized the p __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ .

B U

E V

March week 3 God's prophets and apostles speak to us in general conference Scripture:

Mosiah 2:6 And they pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto them; Lesson: If you knew that Jesus Christ was coming to speak to you, would you take time out from your playing to go and listen to Him? Each April and October, the prophet and other General Authorities speak to us in special meetings called general conference. They tell us the things the Savior would tell us if He were here. Their words are like the scriptures and will guide us in our lives. Today President Thomas S. Monson tells us what God wants us to know and do. When we listen to general conference, it is as if God Himself is speaking to us. We can learn the way to obtain God's promised blessings when we listen to our prophet. Our prophet loves us just as the Savior loves us. If we do the things he teaches, we can be happier in this life. We can learn how to live again with Father in Heaven and the Savior, Jesus Christ. It is wonderful to know that through our prophet, the Savior is speaking to each of us! Activity: Assign family members the scripture references below. Have each member find a principle of the gospel that King Benjamin taught his people. Have a blank piece of paper titled Gospel Principles Taught by King Benjamin. Assign someone to be scribe. Have family members read their scripture to find the gospel principle. Record their findings on the paper. (Cut out strips below to pass out to family) Note: this activity might be difficult for children who cannot read. Those children can participate by thinking of things they can do to follow the prophet (example: say my prayers). Mosiah 2:17 (serve others) Mosiah 2:19 (thank God) Mosiah 2:22 (keep His commandments) Mosiah 3:8,11 (Jesus Christ will be born and will atone for the sins of the world) Mosiah 3:19 (be meek, humble, patient, full of love, submissive) Mosiah 4:10 (repent) Mosiah 4:13 (live peaceably) Mosiah 4:14-15 (parents provide for and teach their children) Mosiah 4:30 (watch your thoughts and deeds, continue in faith)

Mosiah 2:17 Mosiah 2:19 Mosiah 2:22 Mosiah 3:8,11 Mosiah 3:19 Mosiah 4:10 Mosiah 4:13 Mosiah 4:14-15 Mosiah 4:30

Gospel Principles Taught by King Benjamin

March Week 4: I am blessed when I choose to follow the prophet Scripture:

Mosiah5:4 And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king has spoken unto us that has brought us to this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice with such exceedingly great joy.

Song:

Follow the Prophet

Lesson: “Blessed for following the prophet” Friend, May 2003 Prophets are sent to protect and guide the children of Heavenly Father. There has always been safety in following the prophet. In the days of Joseph Smith, many learned this important truth. On April 6, 1830, the day The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally organized, at

least 30 people were in attendance. One of them was an 11-year-old boy named David Lewis. As the events of that day unfolded, David became convinced of the truthfulness of the gospel.

He approached the Prophet Joseph Smith and asked to be baptized. Joseph was happy for him but felt that it was important for him to get permission from his parents first.

Following the Prophet’s counsel, David went home to discuss his feelings with his parents. They gave him permission, and he was baptized 29 days later, on his 12th birthday.

Soon after his baptism, clouds outside darkened. Thunder and lightning cracked through the sky.

Joseph suggested that David might want to stay overnight and wait out the storm. David replied that he had promised his mother that he would return that night. Joseph told David that it was important to keep the promise to his mother and that if he left right away, the Lord would protect him.

David followed the counsel of the Prophet and hurried off into the downpour. He hadn’t gone far

before he became confused, and he realized that he was lost. Remembering the Prophet’s words that

he would return home in safety, David knelt under a tree and prayed for the promised protection and guidance.

After the prayer, he started on his way again. He saw a faint light through the trees. It looked like a person with a lantern in the distance. Something in his heart told him to follow it. It led him down a path through the trees. After he followed the light for some time, it suddenly disappeared. What had happened to it? He looked around and saw that he was now in front of his own house! 1

On another occasion, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and a man named Brother Barnard were traveling

to Far West, Missouri. The journey was difficult. The ground was frozen. After crossing a small stream, they found that the axle on their carriage had become bent.

Brother Barnard, a blacksmith, felt that they could not continue traveling with the axle bent so badly. He said that if they tried to straighten it, it would break.

Joseph inspected the axle and suggested that they try to spring it back into shape, anyway. Again, Brother Barnard warned that it would break. Joseph told him that he could straighten it, and it would be fine. He found a pry and, with the help of the brethren, bent the axle back into place. It gave them no further trouble, and the brethren arrived safely in Far West. Brother Barnard turned to Brigham Young and said that he would never say again that a thing could not be done when a prophet said that it could. 2

One day in Nauvoo, the Prophet Joseph Smith was in the yard, playing with his children Joseph and

Frederick. A gentlemen in a carriage drove up to the gate, looking for him. Greeting the Prophet, the

man drove his horse and carriage up to a tie post, but did not tie the horse up. Leaving the lines lying loose, he got out of his carriage and came up the steps of the house.

“Mister,” Joseph said, “I think you would do well to tie your horse; he might get a scare and run away and break your carriage.”

The gentleman, thinking he knew best, responded, “I have driven that horse for some years and never tie him. I am a doctor and cannot afford to tie him up at every place I call.”

Joseph persisted. “You had better tie him all the same. Your horse might get a scare and run away.” The doctor told Joseph not to worry, that there would be no problems with his horse. Entering the house, the men sat down to talk. Within moments, the horse became startled. It bolted down the street, towing behind it the carriage. A wheel struck against a post, and pieces of the carriage were scattered for a block or more.

The doctor rushed to the street and saw the trail left by the frightened horse. He turned to Joseph and said, “I’ll be … if you aren’t a prophet.” 3

Our prophet today may not give us advice on bending carriage axles or tying up horses, but the

instruction he gives us is important for our own situations. We should seek to follow his counsel in all things. By following the prophet, we will be prepared against the dangers that we face today

Activity: Prophet Bingo - Print out a Bingo game board for each family member. Also Print out one extra and cut the squares out. You will use these squares to draw and read to your family members. Family members will cover the square on their game card that you are reading about. There are 5 different game boards so family members don’t have the same thing. If you need more, go the link below and you can print off more. This lesson has Game cards 1-5 from the website. http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1385&Itemid=5

He’s Our Prophet

He married Frances Beverly Johnson on October 7, 1948 in the Salt Lake Temple.

He served as mission president of the Canadian Mission, in Toronto, Ontario, from 1959-1962.

They are the parents of 3 children; Tom, Ann & Clark. They have 8 grandchildren.

Since 1969 he has served on the National Executive Board of Boy Scouts of America and has received many awards including the Bronze Wolf.

He was born on Aug. 21, 1927 to G. Spencer and Gladys Condie Monson in Salt Lake City.

As a boy, his 1st church talk was about the story commemorated by the Seagull Monument.

He was ordained an Apostle at the age of 36.

As a child, he loved his toy train. At Christmas time he gave one of his train cars to a less-fortunate friend in the neighborhood.

As a boy, he loved to read books and to play “kick the can” and “run, sheepy run”.

President Thomas S. Monson is the 16th prophet of our church.

At age 22, he was called as bishop of a ward which had over 1000 members, including 85 widows.

In his youth, he and his family would spend the summer at a cabin in Provo Canyon.

He was instrumental in the construction of a temple in Freiberg, Germany, behind the Iron Curtain, at a time when such a thing was considered impossible.

He attended school in Salt Lake and received a degree in business from the University of Utah and an MBA from BYU.

While in the Navy, he would put a snapdragon bloom in the envelope with his letters to Frances. The bloom would dry in route, but she would find a flower from him in the envelope.

Pres. and Sis. Monson received the Continuum of Caring Humanitarian Award by Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph Villa.

His hobby is raising pigeons and as a boy, he was president of the junior Audobon Club at his school.

He gave 2 of his prized rabbits to a friend so that his friend’s family could have more than hot cereal for Christmas dinner.

He served as a counselor in the First Presidency for 3 prophets, including President Hinckley.

He loves all children.

When he met Frances’ parents, they learned that his great uncle, Elias Monson, had helped convert the Johnson family in Sweden.

He served in the United States Navy near the close of World War II.

He worked at the Deseret News Press and he served on the board of the Printing Industry of America.

He learned to fish and then fly fish on the river

He was a very good basketball player.

He’s Our Prophet

As a boy, he loved to read books and to play “kick the can” and “run, sheepy run”.

He married Frances Beverly Johnson on October 7, 1948 in the Salt Lake Temple.

He worked at the Deseret News Press and he served on the board of the Printing Industry of America.

Pres. and Sis. Monson received the Continuum of Caring Humanitarian Award by Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph Villa.

He learned to fish and then fly fish on the river

Since 1969 he has served on the National Executive Board of Boy Scouts of America and has received many awards including the Bronze Wolf.

He served in the United States Navy near the close of World War II.

As a boy, his 1st church talk was about the story commemorated by the Seagull Monument.

He attended school in Salt Lake and received a degree in business from the University of Utah and an MBA from BYU.

He loves all children.

As a child, he loved his toy train. At Christmas time he gave one of his train cars to a less-fortunate friend in the neighborhood.

He served as a counselor in the First Presidency for 3 prophets, including President Hinckley.

President Thomas S. Monson is the 16th prophet of our church.

They are the parents of 3 children, Tom, Ann & Clark. They have 8 grandchildren.