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)

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)

Christmas

I love all the fun things about this time of year, but wanted to make sure that I teach my kids what it's really all about. I found some meaningful ideas that are helpful for teaching about the Savior's birth and the meaning of this special time of year. Most of it is from the Primary 1 Lesson 46 about the Birth of Jesus, but I added a few things to it. Hopefully, you can use at least some part of this lesson to help teach your kids about the Birth of the Savior.

Adapted from “Lesson 46: The Birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas),” Primary 1: I Am a Child of God, 151

PURPOSE

To help each child feel gratitude for the birth of Jesus Christ.

PREPARATION

1. Make a small manger (small paper-mache box from the craft store works well) and cut strips of yellow foam into small pieces of “hay”. You will also need a small baby Jesus to put into the manger. Print and cut the following ideas into small cards to use as ideas for earning hay for the manger:

Read or listen to a scripture story.	Write a thank-you note to a family member or a friend.	Draw a Christmas picture of your family.	List the good things that have happened to you during the year in your journal.
Share a smile with as many people as you can.	Read a story to someone younger than you are.	Tell a friend why you like him or her.	Clean your room without being asked.
Memorize a scripture and recite it for someone.	Thank Heavenly Father for your blessings.	Say something nice about a person you know.	Write a letter of thanks to the bishop.
Write a Christmas letter to a missionary.	Say “Merry Christmas” to a neighbor.	Help a family member with a task.	Ask your mom or dad how you can be of help.
Make a gift to give as a surprise.	Do something nice for someone you don’t know very well.	Help a friend who needs you.	Leave love notes where your mother and/or father will find them.
Put out crumbs for the birds.	Help make your house tidy.	Draw a picture and give it away.	Write your feelings about Jesus in your journal.
Sing Christmas songs as you work.	Make a list of ways you can try to be like Jesus during the coming year.	Talk with someone who seems lonely.

2. Materials needed:

a. A Bible. Prayerfully study Matthew 2:1–12 and Luke 1:26–35; 2:1–20.

b. A small nativity scene. I found a printable paper one online at www.scrapbookscrapbook.com, click on the photo to link to the page. If a nativity scene is not available, use picture 1-75, The Birth of Jesus (Gospel Art Picture Kit 200; 62116).

c. Crayons

d. GAK Pictures: 1-75, The Birth of Jesus (Gospel Art Picture Kit 200; 62116); picture 1-76, No Room at the Inn (62115); picture 1-77, The Announcement of Christ’s Birth to the Shepherds (Gospel Art Picture Kit 202; 62117); picture 1-78, The Wise Men (Gospel Art Picture Kit 203; 62120).

e. “The Nativity Song,” music with coordinating pictures printed and cut-out.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Invite a child to give the opening prayer.

Attention Activity

Have a child stand by you as you tell the details you know about his or her birth. Repeat for each child or person in your family.

We celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth at Christmastime

Explain that since this is the Christmas season, we are celebrating the birth of someone we all love.

• Whose birth are we celebrating?

Story

Tell the story of the angel’s visit to Mary, as found in Luke 1:26–35. Explain that the angel told Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God, Jesus.

• What was the name of Jesus’ mother? (See Luke 1:27.)

• Who was the father of Jesus? (Heavenly Father. See Luke 1:35.)

Explain that Joseph was not Jesus’ father. He was a good man chosen to take care of Jesus. The angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him about the important baby Mary would have. The angel told Joseph that Mary should be his wife.

Story

Show picture 1-76, No Room at the Inn, and tell about the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, as found in Luke 2:1–7. Read Luke 2:7 aloud, explaining any words that may be unfamiliar to the children.

Activity

Have the children sit or kneel on the floor in front of the nativity scene. Show picture 1-75, The Birth of Jesus, and have each child tell about one thing he or she sees in the picture.

• Why didn’t Mary and Joseph sleep in the inn? (See Luke 2:7.)

• Where was Jesus born? (In a stable.)

• What kind of a bed did Mary have for baby Jesus? (See Luke 2:7.)

Song

Help the children sing or say the words to “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Songbook, p. 42).

A baby in a manger (rock arms as if cradling a baby),

A loving mother near (reach out arms),

A star shines in the heavens (point with awe to the sky),

The Son of God is here (clap hands for joy)!

Story

Show picture 1-77, The Announcement of Christ’s Birth to the Shepherds, and tell about the visit of the shepherds, as described in Luke 2:8–20.

• Why were the shepherds afraid? (See Luke 2:9.)

• What did the angel tell the shepherds? (See Luke 2:10–12.)

• What did the shepherds do after they visited baby Jesus? (See Luke 2:17, 20.)

Story

Show picture 1-78, The Wise Men, and tell about the visit of the wise men, as described in Matthew 2:1–12.

Activity

Have the children stand and pretend to ride camels around the room, following the star that will lead them to baby Jesus.

After several trips around the room, have the children get off their camels and come back to the nativity scene. Explain that by the time the wise men found baby Jesus, Joseph had found a better place for the family to stay and they were no longer in the stable. Remind the children that the wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Have each child tell if his or her pretend gift is gold, frankincense, or myrrh and then present it to the baby Jesus.

Song

Help the children sing or say the words to “The Nativity Song”.(Avon Allen Compton and Pat Kelsey Graham, Friend, Dec 1980, 13) You can use the music or just say the words while holding up the corresponding picture for each verse:

1. This is the season beloved of the year.
Sing a rhyme; Christmastime soon will be here.
Tell the true story of Jesus’ birth,
When, as a baby, Christ came to the earth.

2. These are the new stars shining so bright,
Lighting the world on that first Christmas night.
This is the angel proclaiming the birth,
Singing, “Hosanna!” and “Peace on the earth!”

3. This is the stable—shelter so bare;
Cattle and oxen first welcomed Christ there.
This is the manger—sweet hay for a bed—
Waiting for Jesus to cradle His head.

4. These are the shepherds, humble and mild,
Hast’ning to worship the newborn Christ Child.
These are the wise men who followed the star,
With frankincense, gold, and myrrh brought from afar.

5. See the sweet mother, Mary so fair,
And Joseph, guiding the donkey with care.
See the dear Baby of Bethlehem,
Little Lord Jesus, the Savior of men.

Our gift to Jesus is to be like him

Explain that each Christmas as we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, we can give gifts to him. We can’t give gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh like the wise men did, but we can give another type of gift. We give a gift to Jesus when we try to be like him. We are being like Jesus when we are kind to our family and friends.

Activity

Help each child make or decorate a manger. Tell the children to put their manger somewhere in their homes where it will remind them to do kind deeds for others as gifts to Jesus. Challenge the children to do at least one kind deed each day until Christmas. Each time they do a good deed, they can put one piece of “hay” into the manger. When the manger is full of “hay,” they can put baby Jesus inside.

Help the children think of kind deeds they can do. Remind them that when they do kind deeds, they are giving a wonderful gift to Jesus. You can print the cards above for ideas of kind deeds.

Testimony

Explain that the birth of Jesus Christ was one of the most important things that has ever happened on the earth. Express your love for Jesus and your desire to be like him, not only at Christmastime but all year long.

Countdown to Christmas Cont....

Ok, how cute is this?! My friend Shellie shared her Christmas Advent (you can use this in conjunction with the Christmas Chain idea.) Thanks for sharing Shellie!

There are three parts to each day – a scripture, song and activity. Some of them are a stretch, but I have fond memories of them as a child. Have fun counting down the days!

December 1st “A” is for angel – Luke 1:30-31, “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing,” and be and angel – do a secret deed.

December 2nd “B” is for bells – Luke 2:13-14, “I Heard the Bells,” and ring the bells – sing songs or add bells to your tree.

December 3rd “C” is for candle – Matthew 5:14-16, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Eat by candle light.

December 4th “D” is for drum - D&C 25:12, “The Little Drummer Boy.” Decide what to give Him (pa rum-pa-pum-pum).

December 5th “E” is for evergreen – Psalm 100:4, “O Christmas Tree.” Put up your evergreen tree.

December 6th F is for friendly beasts – Luke 1:26-38, 46, 47 “Away in a Manger” -2nd Verse. Feed the friendly beasts – make a bird feeder with peanut butter and seeds and hang in a tree.

December 7th G is for gingerbread- Luke 19:29-38, “Up on the Housetop.” Make a gingerbread house.

December 8th H is for hug – 1 Nephi 11:8-23, “Because I Have Been Given Much.” Give a hug and make cookies for a friend/neighbor.

December 9th I is for inn – Luke 2:1, 3-7, “O, Come all Ye Faithful.” Help someone in need.

December 10th J is for Joy – 3 Nephi 1:13, “Joy to the World.” Make a joyful noise – go caroling.

December 11th K is for kings – Psalms 24:9-10, “We Three Kings” Set up a nativity adding kings.

December 12th L is for lamb – Isaiah 40:11. “While Shepherds Watched.” Add lambs to the nativity.

December 13th M is for manger. Luke 2:12 and read the definition of “manger” in the dictionary.“Away in a Manger.” Add the manger and Mary and Joseph to the nativity.

December 14th N is for names. Isaiah 7:14. “Tell me the stories of Jesus.” Names, names, names – address cards while listening to or watching the nutcracker.

December 15th O is for ornaments. Matthew 6:19-21. “Deck the Halls.” Decorate or make ornaments.

December 16th P is for presents. Matthew 7:11. “12 Days of Christmas.” Wrap or give presents.

December 17th Q is for quiet. Luke 2:19. “Silent Night.” Be quiet! Enjoy a puzzle, book or game at home.

December 18th R is for rod. Luke 2:8-18, 20. “Far, Far Away.” Make hot chocolate and stir it with a candy cane rod.

December 19th S is for Santa. Helaman 14:3. “Here Comes Santa Claus.” Visit Santa.

December 20th T is for twinkling stars. Helaman 14:5-6. “The First Noel.” See the lights or go to the planetarium.

December 21st U and W is for unto us. Isaiah 9:6. “Angels We Have Heard On High.” Unto us a child is born. Go to the visitor center on temple square or watch a live nativity.

December 22nd V is for visit. Matthew 2:1 -14. “With Wondering Awe.” Visit neighbors bearing gifts.

December 23rd X is for extra visitors. 1 Nephi 11:20-24. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Have extra people over to visit (play games, dinner, or for FHE).

December 24th Y and Z - 3 Nephi 1:19 and John 3:17. Sing or read “The Night before Christmas.” Yawn and get some ZZZ's

Countdown to Christmas Chain

Make a Christmas chain out of construction paper to countdown the days to Christmas. Find scriptures about the Savior to write on each chain link. Each day, cut a link down and read the scripture.

Obedience

I think that this lesson goes without saying. We need it and variations of it routinely through out our lives. As a parent I am always trying to teach my children principles not just "do this now", "do that now". I hope that this lesson teaches a principle. It also has many resources. I like to gather more than I need so that I can adjust to how things are going that night and what my kids are responding to.

Obedience
Adapted from the Primary 1: I am a Child of God manual for FHE

Purpose
To strengthen each child’s desire to obey heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and to obey his or her parents.

Scripture
John 14:15

Attention Activity
Ask your children to do several actions, such as stand up, turn around reach up high, touch their toes, and sit down. Remember to say thank you for doing as you asked. Explain that they were being obedient. They obeyed your instructions.

Lesson
Show a picture of your children when they were babies.
who does this picture show?

Talk about how each of us came to earth as a baby. Remind the children that because babies are so small and helpless, they need someone older and bigger to take care of them.
Who took care of you when you were a baby?
Who takes care of you now?

Explain that you love them very much and want them to be safe and happy.
Talk about rules of things that your children are not to do, things that might hurt them or make them unhappy. (example: playing in the street, touching the stove fighting with family members or friends)

Talk about things that your children can safely and happily do. (example: playing with toys, friends, and family, being kind to others.)
Why are these things ok?
Why should we obey Mom and/or Dad?

When we obey our parents, we can feel happy. Our parents are also happy when we obey.

Story Ben Obeys
Friend Magazine October 2006
Song “Quickly I’ll Obey”
Children’s Songbook p. 197

Our Heavenly Father and Jesus want us to obey our parents. Show a Picture of the Sermon on the Mount (GAK 212). Explain that when Jesus was on the earth, he taught the people what Heavenly Father wanted them to do. These teachings are called commandments. Hold up the scriptures. Tell the children that the commandments are written in the scriptures.

Talk about some of commandments the children can obey. Utilize Beatitude Flip Book, pictures, or other objects to emphasize the concepts. (example: Love our families, Pray to Heavenly Father, Attend Church meetings, Be kind to others)

Scripture Story Shadrach Meshach and Abed-nego as found in Daniel 3.
(GAK 116, Living Scripture Video: Daniel)

Testimony of obeying our parents and Heavenly Father’s commandments brings happiness.