Christmas Symbols

I have heard this story many times and found it on Christ Centered Christmas today. Check out their site for lots of other great ideas!

Late one Christmas Eve I sank into my easy chair. Admiring the tree with it’s decorations, I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing… The kids were in bed the gifts were all wrapped: the milk and cookies were in their place for Santa. It wasn’t long before the tiny twinkling tree lights lulled me into a deep sleep.

I don’t know how long I slept, but all of a sudden I opened my eyes and there stood Santa Claus himself next to my Christmas Tree.

He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot just as the poem described him. But he was not the “jolly old elf” of Christmas legend. The man who stood before me looked sad and disappointed with tears in his eyes.

I had to ask, “Santa, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“It’s the children” Santa replied sadly.

“but the children love you.” I said.

“Oh I know they love me and the gifts I bring them,” Santa said. “But the children of today seem to have somehow missed out on the true spirit of Christmas. It’s not their fault. It just that the adults, many of them not having been taught themselves, have forgotten to teach the children.”

“Teach them what?” I asked.

Santa’s kind old face became soft and gentle. His eyes began to shine with something more than tears. He spoke softly. “Teach the children the true meaning of Christmas. Teach them that the parts of Christmas we can see, hear, and touch are much more than meets the eye. Teach them the symbolism behind the customs and traditions of Christmas we now observe. Teach them what it is that they truly represent.”

Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a tiny Christmas tree and set it on the fireplace mantle. “teach them about the Christmas tree. Green is the second color of Christmas. The stately evergreen with its unchanging color represents the hope of eternal life in Jesus. Its needles point heaven ward as a reminder that man’s thoughts should turn heaven ward as well.”

--sing “I lived in Heaven”

Santa reached into his bag again and pulled out a shiny star and placed it at the top of the small tree. “The star was the heavenly sign of promise. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of that promise on the night that Jesus Christ was born. Teach the children that God always fulfills His promises and that the wise will still seek Him.”

--Sing, “Stars were Gleaming”

“Red,” said Santa “is the first color of Christmas.” He pulled forth a red ornament for the tiny tree. “Red is deep, intense, vivid. It is the color of the life giving blood that flows through our veins. It is the symbol of God’s greatest gift. Teach the children that Christ gave His life and shed his blood for them that they might have eternal life. When they see the color red it should remind them of that most wonderful gift.”

--Sing “Did Jesus really live again”

Santa found a bell in his pack and placed it on the tree. “Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of the bell, it continues to ring today for all to be guided to the fold. Teach the children to follow the true Shepherd who gave h is life for the sheep.”

--Sing “Christmas Bells”

Santa placed a candle on the mantle and lit it. The soft glow from its one tiny flame brightened the room. “The glow of the candle represents how man can show his thanks for the gift of God’s Son that Christmas Eve long ago. Teach the children to follow in Christ’s footsteps. . . to go about doing good. Teach them to let their lights shine before men that all may see it and glorify God. This is what is symbolized when the twinkling lights shine on the tree like hundreds of bright, shining candles, each of them representing one of God’s precious children, their light shining for all to see.

--Sing “I am trying to be like Jesus”

Again, Santa reached into his bag and this time he brought forth a tiny red and white striped candy cane. As he hung it on the tree, He spoke softly, “The candy cane is a stick of hard red and white candy. White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus. The shape J to represent the precious name of Jesus who came to earth as our Savior. It also represents the crook of the Good Shepherd, which he uses to reach down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs that, like sheep, have gone astray. The original candy cane had three small red stripes which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed and a large red stripe that represents the shedding of blood of Jesus so that we can have eternal life. Teach these things to the children”

--Sing “The Shepherds Carol”

Santa brought out a beautiful wreath made of fresh fragrant greenery and tied with a bright red bow. “The bow reminds us that the bond of perfection which is love. The wreath embodies all the good things about Christmas for those with eyes to see and hearts to understand. It contains the colors red and green and the heaven turned needles of the evergreen. The bow tells the story of good will towards all and its color reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice. Even the wreath’s very shape is symbolic, representing eternity and the eternal nature of Christ’s love. It is a circle without beginning and without end. These are the things you must teach the children.”

--Sing “Families can be together forever”

“But where does that leave you Santa?” I asked. The tears gone now from his eyes, a smile broke over Santa’s face. “Why, bless you, my dear,” he laughed. “ I, too am only a symbol. I represent the spirit of family fun and the joy of giving and receiving. If the children are taught these other things, there is no danger that I’ll ever be forgotten.”

“I think I’m beginning to understand at last, “ I replied.

“That’s why I came” said Santa, “You’re an adult. If you don’t teach the children these things, then who will?”

I will show faith in Jesus Christ by being baptized and confirmed

2nd Ward Primary FHE idea

Song: “The Fourth Article of Faith” CS,#124

Scripture: 3 Nephi 27:20

Thought: Baptism and the Name of Christ 

(piggy backed off of an idea that I found on another FHE website that I can't remember the name of now)

Tell your family members that there are two pieces of paper hidden in the room that belong to them. Have each family member hunt for the two papers that belong to him. 

*For younger children: make the first-name slips of different colored paper and the last-name slips of one color, or write each child's name in a different color for the first name and in the same color for all of the last names. 

Hide the papers, and help your children find their own by telling them the color or colors they are looking for. 

After all have found their names, explain that they had to search until they found the only paper with their first name, but they could take the first paper they found with their last name. Their first names belong to them individually, but their last name belongs to everyone in the family and shows they are a member of the family. Talk about how important your family name is, how proud you are of your name. If you know any historical or special facts about how your family name came to be, use them. 

Try to develop a feeling of love and pride for your family and family name. Explain that your family stands for certain things. Ask your children what some of these are. You might get answers such as we believe in the gospel, we are honest, or we try to be friendly. Tell your children that what they do reflects back on your family. Each of us have the responsibility to help make our family name respected. 

Point out that just as we were born into our family when we came to earth, we are born into another family when we are baptized. At baptism we become members of Jesus' church or members of his family. We make a covenant with Heavenly Father to take upon us the name of Christ. Let the children tell you what they know. Make sure they realize that Heavenly Father wants each of us to be baptized. Tell them we need to do the right things to be ready for baptism and that we promise Heavenly Father and Jesus to keep the commandments after baptism. This means that we act in the way Jesus would have us act. When we do this we are showing we love Jesus. You might want to tell them about the day you were baptized, or let an older child describe his baptism.

General Authority Message: Robert D. Hales, “Special Witness: Baptism,” Friend, 

Jan 2003, insert

At baptism we make a covenant with our Heavenly Father that we are willing to come into His kingdom and keep His commandments from that time forward, even though we still live in the world.

Entering into the kingdom of God is so important that Jesus was baptized to show us “the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which [we] should enter” (2 Ne. 31:9). “Notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments” (2 Ne. 31:7).

He set the example for all of us to humble ourselves before our Heavenly Father. We are all welcome to come into the waters of baptism. He was baptized to witness to His Father that He would be obedient in keeping His commandments. He was baptized to show us that we should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (see 2 Ne. 31:4–9).

When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Taking upon us His name is one of the most significant experiences we have in life.

Each week in sacrament meeting we promise to remember the atoning sacrifice of our Savior as we renew our baptismal covenant. We promise to do as the Savior did—to be obedient to the Father and always keep His commandments. The blessing we receive in return is to always have His Spirit to be with us.

I feel great gratitude for my baptism and confirmation into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful for the spiritual strength and guidance the gift of the Holy Ghost has given me throughout my life.

Song: “Baptism”, CS #100

Because I know we are all children of God, I will share the gospel with others

Salt Lake University 2nd Ward FHE idea

Song: “Called to Serve” CS,#174

Scripture: D&C 71:1

Thought: Sydney S. Reynolds, “Sharing Time: Let Your Light Shine,” Friend, Oct 1999, 37

Have a large world map or a globe available. Have your children choose a place where they might someday serve a mission. Ask what they might need to learn about their mission locales? What preparations might they need to make to serve a mission anywhere? (learn another language, to cook, to work hard, to talk to people, to be kind, to sew a button and mend a rip, to wash clothes, to lead music, to conduct a meeting, to offer prayers, to tell the Joseph Smith story, to know what we believe [the Articles of Faith], to know the Book of Mormon, to bear testimony). Let each child choose a few things they think will be important and present one to the rest of the family by pantomime, reciting, singing a song, role-playing, etc. (Allow each person a couple of minutes). When the children have finished talk about things we all should be doing every day to be good examples and to share our testimonies and invite friends to Church meetings and activities. The July 2008 Friend has a great resource for this.  Share your feelings about the missionary work we do by example and calling.

General Authority Message: President Hinckley
I am optimistic concerning the work of the Lord. I realize, of course, that we are beset in the world with many tragic problems. I have been in areas where war rages and hate smolders in the hearts of people. I have watched with alarm the crumbling morals of our society. And yet I am optimistic. I have a simple and solemn faith that right will triumph and that truth will prevail. 

When I left for a mission years ago, my good father handed me a card on which were written five words: “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36). I believe in the triumph of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the triumph of the Church and kingdom of God on the earth. The Lord declared that “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached … for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14). Can it possibly be accomplished? I remember an insight that suggested how it can happen. I met a woman in South America who had just joined the Church. Fired by a great love for that which she had found, she had gone about enthusiastically telling others. During a period of only seven months since her baptism, she had referred 300 acquaintances to the missionaries. At one point, 60 had come into the Church.

Yes, this work requires sacrifice, it requires effort, it requires courage to speak out and faith to try. As Paul wrote to Timothy: “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (2 Tim. 1:7–8).

I wish that every member of this Church would put those words where he might see them every morning as he begins his day. They would give us the courage to speak up; they would give us the faith to try; they would strengthen our conviction of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that more miracles would happen over the earth. I know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, that this is Their holy work.

Song: “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission”, CS #169

The Temple is a Blessing for Me and My Family.

Salt Lake University 2nd Ward June Family Home Evening

Song: “Families Can Be Together Forever”, CS #188

Scripture: D&C 124:40

Thought: adapted from The Friend July 2004, 37.

To help children learn about the ordinances and blessings of the temple, cut a picture of a temple into four puzzle pieces. You can easily print off a temple picture picture from ww.LDS.org. Label each piece with the following scripture references and songs:

(1) Baptism for the dead—D&C 127:6–7, “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized” 

(p. 102, second verse),
(2) Confirmation—D&C 20:41, “I Like My Birthdays” (p. 104, third verse),
(3) Endowment—D&C 105:12, “I Love to See the Temple” (p. 95),
(4) Marriage and Sealing—D&C 132:46, “Families Can Be Together Forever” (p. 188).

Using two people, have one stand outside the room while another hides the first puzzle piece. Have the first person come back in and look for the puzzle piece as the family gives clues by singing the suggested song more loudly as the person gets closer to the puzzle piece and more softly as he or she moves farther away. Stick the puzzle piece on the wall. Read the scripture references and discuss the ordinance. For younger children you may want a picture to illustrate the ordinance. Choose more family members to repeat the process.

General Authority Message: Special Witness: Elder Russell M. Nelson Friend, April 2008, 22.

I’m not old enough to go to the temple. What can I learn about it?
A temple is literally the house of the Lord, reserved for ordinances of eternal significance. Those ordinances include baptisms, marriages, endowments, and sealings. The temple is closed on the Sabbath so that people can attend church and be with their families on that hallowed day. We must qualify for admission to the temple. We prepare physically, intellectually, and spiritually. In the temple, all are dressed in spotless white. Obedience to the sacred covenants made in temples qualifies us for eternal life—the greatest gift of God to man.

President Henry B. Eyring, Special Witness of Christ Video segment “I Love to See the Temple”

Song: “I Love to See the Temple”, CS #95

Heavenly Father Planned For Me To Come To A Family.

May Family Home Evening

Song: “Love Is Spoken Here”, CS #191

Scripture: 3 Nephi 22:13

Thought: adapted from Margaret Lifferth, “Sharing Time: My Family Can Be Forever,” Friend, Apr 2005, 13.

We can strengthen our family in the gospel in our homes. The family will move from room to room for brief activities. Help the child or children to lead or teach at a station as much as possible.

In the living room 

Older Children: Lead children on a scripture chase Include the following scriptures: D&C 19:38 (praying), D&C 1:37 (reading scriptures), John 14:15 (keeping the commandments), Ex. 20:12 (honoring parents), D&C 119 (paying tithing), and D&C 59:9 (attending meetings).

Younger Children: Conduct a similar activity—instead of using scriptures, ask the children to identify the principles as shown in pictures from the GAK.

In the kitchen have the children make a simple sack puppet (see TNGC,176–77). Show pictures of various foods and substances. Have the children open the puppet’s mouth if the food or substance shown is good for them and close the puppet’s mouth if it is not.

In the bedroom review with the children how to pray with the second verse of “I Pray in Faith” (p. 14) or by discussing the Lord’s Prayer (see Matt. 6:9–13). Help the children make cutouts of the sun and moon to remind them to pray morning and night.

General Authority Message: Special Witness: Pres. Ezra Taft Benson Friend, May 2001, inside front cover
The family unit is forever, and you should do everything in your power to strengthen that unit. In your own family, encourage family home evenings and be an active participant. Encourage family prayer and be on your knees with your family in that sacred circle. Do your part to develop real family unity and solidarity. …

Your most important friendships should be with your own brothers and sisters and with your father and mother. Love your family. Be loyal to them. Have a genuine concern for your brothers and sisters.

Remember, the family is one of God’s greatest fortresses against the evils of our day. Help keep your family strong and close and worthy of our Father in Heaven’s blessings. As you do, you will receive faith and strength which will bless your lives forever.

Next, … participate in a program of daily reading and pondering of the scriptures. …
Of the four great standard works of the Church … I would particularly urge you to read again and again the Book of Mormon and ponder and apply its teachings. The Book of Mormon was referred to by the Prophet Joseph Smith as “the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion” (History of the Church, vol. 4, page 461).

Young [people], the Book of Mormon will change your life. It will fortify you against the evils of our day. It will bring a spirituality into your life that no other book will. It will be the most important book you will read in preparation for a mission and for life.

Song: “Seek the Lord Early”, CS #108

Sugardoodle.net

My son Ethan has the Worlds BEST Sunbeams Teacher! I'm not kidding.

On her blog I found a really cool website that offers all sorts of ideas for Activity days, Relief Society, Primary, nursery....and others.

SugarDoodle.net

Check it out.

I Will Follow The Prophet

University 2nd Ward Primary April FHE idea

Song: “Follow The Prophet” (CS #110 verse 9)

Scripture: Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. (D&C 21:4-5)

Thought: What is a prophet? A prophet is a man called by God to be his representative on earth. When a prophet speaks for God, it is as if God were speaking. A prophet is also a special witness for Christ, testifying of His divinity and teaching His gospel. A prophet teaches truth and interprets the word of God. He calls the unrighteous to repentance. He receives revelations and directions from the Lord for our benefit. He may see into the future and foretell coming events so that the world may be warned.

A prophet may come from various stations in life. He may be young or old, highly educated or unschooled. He may be a farmer, a lawyer, or a teacher. Ancient prophets wore tunics and carried staffs. Modern prophets wear suits and carry briefcases. What, then, identifies a true prophet? A true prophet is always chosen by God and called through proper priesthood authority.

Latter-day Saints sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as prophets. However, when we speak of “the prophet of the Church,” we mean the President of the Church, who is President of the high priesthood.

Through the Ages the Lord has called prophets to lead mankind: Who am I?

He has taught us to remember the one who neeeds help and pattern our lives after the life of Jesus Christ. 

He taught that those who keep the word of wisdom will receive health, wisdom, and knowledge. 

He taught the people that if they loved and served one another, they would prosper in the land and be blessed.

He taught the people that if they were baptized and kept their covenants, the Lord would pour out His Spirit upon them to teach and guide them.

The first prophet, he taught his children to pray and promised that if they did, they would be guided by the spirit of inspiration. 

He warned the people that if they did not repent, they would be destroyed in flood. 

General Authority Message: 
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

Give heed unto the Prophet’s Words, General Conference April 2008

Throughout history, a loving Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the head of the Church, have blessed us with prophets who counsel and warn about future dangers. In Doctrine and Covenants, section 21, speaking specifically of the prophet, the Lord declares:
“Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;
“For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.”

Song: “We Thank Thee O God, For a Prophet” (Hymns #19)

Resurrection Eggs

This is way late, but I found this link on a friend's blog--great way to celebrate Easter: http://www.christysclipart.com/res_eggs.html

April 2008 Conference Packet

This was sent to me by Ruth (Thank you!), you can print it under the "iPaper" menu:

Read this doc on Scribd: April 2008 Conference Packet

Word of Wisdom F.H.E.

Sorry, I've been meaning to contribute for some time now....

I have a 2 year old and a 3 year old, so we have to keep F.H.E. short, sweet, involved, and very interesting. Sometimes I succeed. This Family home evening went over well.

Preparation: Find about 6 clip art pictures of 5 food groups, exercising, strong healthy people, someone sleeping, etc... Find about 6 clip art pictures of cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, sick people, coffee, tea, etc.... Color the good things brightly and leave the others black and white.
Have a poster, chalk or white board with the words Good and Bad(I used sad and happy faces because my kids don't read) written at the top with a line down the middle to separate them.
Make three word strips:
1. Allow your body enough rest (front) D&C 88:124 (back) write the scripture out.
2. Don't take harmful substances into your body (front) D&C 89:7-9 (back) write the scripture out.
3. Be Careful of what you eat or put into your body (front) Deuteronomy 14:3 (back) write the scripture out.

Opening song: My Heavenly Father Loves Me, Children's Songbook #228

Prayer

Lesson: Read the scriptures on the words strips and then the explanations on the front. If you have children who read, let them read the wordstrips.
For those of you who have older children reference the talk Boyd K. Packer, “‘Ye Are the Temple of God’,” Ensign, Nov 2000.

Activity: Have all the clip art pictures(see preparations) in an envelope. Let the kids pull them out and place them on the side of the board they think they go on. Talk about why the thing is good or bad.

Prayer

Treat: Eat something healthy and yummy

Go to bed early!

Jesus Christ is My Savior

University 2nd Ward Primary March Family Home Evening Idea

Song: “ To Think About Jesus” (CS #71)

Scripture: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not parish but
have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Thought: Jesus Christ is My Savior (adapted from The Friend, March 2005, 20)

Review the third article of faith with the children. Help them understand the words atonement and laws and ordinances. Explain
that we remember the Atonement of Jesus Christ when we take the sacrament each week. The sacrament is an ordinance. Show
GAK 225 (The Last Supper). Help the children identify the people in the picture, and reinforce the role of the Apostles. Tell the story of the Last Supper from Matt. 26:17–30.

Show GAK 315 (Christ Appears to the Nephites). Read or tell the account of Jesus giving the sacrament to the Nephites (see 3 Ne. 18). Repeat with the children the last line from verse 7 “And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you”.

Show GAK 604 or some sacrament bread and water trays. Teach that when we take the sacrament, we promise
to “always remember” Jesus. One way to remember Jesus during the sacrament is to think about the stories
we know about Him.

Have the children sit in a circle. Choose several pictures from the GAK that depict stories from the life of Jesus. Put them facedown in a pile. Let the children take turns picking one of the pictures. The child can either tell the story or help him or her role-play the story. Playing some primary music quietly in the background can help invite the spirit during this activity.

General Authority Message: Ezra Taft Benson,
Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Redeemer, Friend, May 1992, inside front cover

He shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things (Mosiah 3:8).

The first principle of our religion is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Only He can provide the hope and strength we need to rise above our human failings. Jesus Christ was and is the Lord God Omnipotent. He is the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh. He was the all-powerful creator of the heavens and the earth. He is the source of light and life to all things. His word is the law by which the universe is governed.

Even though He was God’s Son, Jesus was subjected to all the difficulties of mortality, such as “temptations, … hunger, thirst, and fatigue” (Mosiah 3:7). He suffered the pains of all men in Gethsemane. “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; “Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit” (D&C 19:16, 18).

He submitted Himself to humiliation and insults from His enemies without complaint or retaliation. Finally, He endured flogging and the brutal shame of the cross. Only then did He voluntarily submit to death. “No man taketh [my life] from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:18). Because He overcame death, all mankind will be resurrected.

I humbly testify that He is the same loving, compassionate Lord today as when He walked the dusty roads of Palestine. He is close to His servants on this earth. He cares about and loves each of us. He lives today as our Lord, our Master, our Savior, our Redeemer, and our God. God bless us all to accept Him, worship Him, and follow Him.

Song: “I Think When I Read that Sweet Story” (CS #56)

The Scriptures Testify of Jesus Christ

Here's the University 2nd ward Primary February Family Home Evening Note: Some of the pictures I put on the blog aren't the pictures from the lesson manual packet.

Song: “ Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” (CS #57)

Scripture: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31)

Thought: (adapted from Primary Manual 1, Lesson 41)

Display picture 1-70, The Last Supper. Let the children tell what they know about the picture. Show the Bible and have the children repeat its name. Open the Bible to Luke 22. Explain that Jesus taught in the Bible that we should take the sacrament to remember him. Jesus took bread and blessed it and gave it to his disciples (helpers). He took a cup and had them drink. Read verses 19 & 20 Point out in verse 19 where Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of me.” that these are the words of Jesus.

Display picture 1-44, Jesus Teaching in the Western Hemisphere, and remind the children of what is happening in the picture. Show the Book of Mormon and have the children repeat its name. Open the Book of Mormon to 3 Nephi 18: 19-21. Explain that Jesus taught the people many things. Point out the part of verse 21 where Jesus said, “Pray in your families.”

Display picture 1-3, Jesus the Christ. Show the Doctrine and Covenants and have the children repeat its name. Open the Doctrine and Covenants to section 59: 5 & the first sentence of 6. Explain that one of the things Jesus taught was that we should love everyone. Point out the part of verse 6 where Jesus said, “Love thy neighbor.”

Display picture 1-18, John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus. Let the children tell about the picture. Emphasize that Jesus was baptized and that he wants everyone to be baptized. Show the Pearl of Great Price and have the children repeat its name. Open the Pearl of Great Price to Moses 7:11 and tell how Jesus taught a man named Enoch to go to the people and baptize them. Point out the part of verse 11 where Jesus said, “Baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, … and of the Holy Ghost.”



General Authority Message: Joseph B. Wirthlin,
“We Believe in Christ,” Friend, March 1998, inside front cover.

We believe the first principle of the gospel is “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (A of F 1:4). “No [one] cometh unto the Father, but by [Him]” (John 14:6).
We base our belief and conviction of the divine nature and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ on the holy scriptures and on continuing revelation to latter-day prophets.
“We believe the Bible to be the word of God” (A of F 1:8). We delight in the knowledge of the Lord that we find recorded in the Old and New Testaments. We read and study the Bible, we teach and preach from it, and we strive to live according to the eternal truths it contains. We love this collection of holy writ.
“We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God” (A of F 1:8). God brought forth the Book of Mormon as a second witness to the Bible’s testimony of the Savior.
Jesus commanded us to pattern our lives after His. Though we may fall short, our hearts are committed to striving earnestly to be obedient. We try always to go the extra mile, to fast, to pray for our enemies, to care for the poor, and to do our acts of charity in private. We try to follow the example He gave in the parable of the Good Samaritan. We avoid profanity. We avoid finding fault. We keep the Sabbath day holy.
We love our neighbors. We strive to treat others as we would want to be treated. We strive to show concern for others and courtesy in all that we do.
Can any one doubt that we follow a religion based on the life and teachings of the Savior? Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind, our Mediator with the Father, and our perfect example. As President Hinckley testified, “He lives! He lives, the living Son of the living God.”

Song: “I Think When I Read that Sweet Story” (CS #56)

Emergency Preparedness

I got this idea from a talk today:

Teach your child to memorize his full name, home phone number, address, parents' full names, Grandma's phone number, etc.

Family Scripture Study

How do you study the scriptures with your family? I got this idea from one of my meetings:

Have your child repeat a verse back to you, one small phrase at a time. Our family scripture reading consists of just 10 verses (I know, we're wimps! But hey, we're consistent, so that should count for something, right?). Randy and I take turns reading a verse at a time. We let Andrew repeat back two of the verses and then we'll usually paraphrase what we just read. We're usually done in about 5 minutes, which is usually all Andrew will sit for.

One more thing, in this month's Friend, there's a reading program to finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. There's two versions (one for the older kids & adults where you read the entire book and one for the younger kids where you read selected chapters). We decided to do the "younger ages" version. Again, I know we are wimps, but it helps because it's easier to paraphrase.

I would love to hear what you do with your family....

The Plan of Salvation

The Univeristy of Utah 2nd ward Primary is putting out a monthly fhe idea that goes along with the monthly theme. I will be posting an extended version on the blog since it is easier to attach scriptures, stories, activities, and visual aids... isn't that why we all use the computer and blog! Have fun and let the other moms know that this reasource is available to them.

Objective: To teach our Hevenly Father's Plan and of our Divine Destiny

Song: “ I lived in Heaven” (CS #4)

Scripture: Pslam 82:6 Moses 1:39

Thought: Margaret Lifferth, “The Plan of Happiness,” Friend, Jan 2005


Many people want to know where they came from, why they are here, and where they are going. Heavenly Father's plan of happiness answers these questions.
Before we were born, we all lived together in heaven with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We learned and grew as much as we could. But eventually Heavenly Father gathered all His children in a council and told us that to become like Him, we must leave heaven for a time. He would create an earth for us, He would give us the freedom to choose between good and evil, and He would show us the way to know what is good. He would provide a Savior so that when we sinned, we could repent and still return to Him.
We came to earth to gain a body and walk by faith. We can't remember our home in heaven, but we can choose the right by following the example of Jesus, obeying our parents, and living My Gospel Standards.

After we die, we will all live again because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He overcame death through the Resurrection, and everyone will be resurrected. He also overcame sin, and those who have faith, repent, are baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and keep the commandments will return to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They will have the gift of eternal life, which is what the plan of happiness is all about.

Ideas for presenting The Plan of Salvation:

One of my favorite ideas is the room to room aproach: You can use your home or another building to take those you teach 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).

For more ideas: Teaching Our Children the Plan of Salvation

 

General Authority Message: Richard G. Scott, “Heavenly Father’s Plan,” Friend, Jun 2003,7.
One of the most [thrilling] moments of your life—when you were filled with anticipation, excitement, and gratitude—you are not able to remember. That experience occurred in the premortal life when you were informed that finally your time had come to leave the spirit world to dwell on earth with a mortal body. …
… You had been reserved to come when the fulness of the gospel is on earth. You arrived when His Church and the priesthood authority to perform the sacred temple ordinances are in place. You anticipated being born into a home where parents would be expected to love, nurture, strengthen, and teach you truths. You knew that in time you would have the opportunity to form your own eternal family as husband or wife, father or mother. Oh, how you must have rejoiced with that prospect. …
… Eve and Adam formed the first family. God declared, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave [cling] unto his wife” (Moses 3:24). They had children who also formed families. “And Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God” (Moses 5:16). The pattern of families essential to Father’s plan of happiness was established, and our need to continually “call upon God” emphasized. You are in the midst of living that plan. …
Throughout your life on earth, seek diligently to fulfill the fundamental purposes of this life through the ideal family. While you may not have yet reached that ideal, do all you can through obedience and faith in the Lord to consistently draw as close to it as you are able. …
Put first things first. Do the best you can while on earth to have an ideal family. To help you do that, ponder and apply the principles in the proclamation on the family. I testify that the Lord lives. He loves you. As you live worthily and honestly seek His help, He will guide and strengthen you to know His will and to be able to do it.

Song: “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (CS #164)