Jan 5 2022

The First Vision

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Camilla

The First Vision

Videos

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”

Latter Day Kids “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” Lesson ideas

Images

Illustrated Story

New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

“The First Vision” (March 2008 Friend)

Book of Mormon Stories: Chapter One

Friend October 2017 “Jesus Visited Joseph”

Friend April 2020 “Jesus Christ’s Church Is Restored!”

Friend November 2019 “James Taught the Gospel”

Friend November 2023 “James Says “Ask of God”

Friend April 2020 “Hello from the Sacred Grove” Photos of the sacred grove and the recreated home of the Smith family. Also tells the story about Joseph.

Flannel Board Figures

Cutout Figures: “Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (March 2008 Friend)

Friend February 2001 “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”

Shadow Box/ Diorama Figures

Friend January 2001 “The First Vision”

Friend January 2025 “First Vision Diorama”

For younger children: Go on a walk somewhere peaceful, just like Joseph Smith went to a grove of trees to pray. Tell your little ones the story of the First Vision as you walk.

Illustrations

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

Friend January 2025 “Cover”

Paintings

Gospel Art Picture: “First Vision”

Gospel Art Picture: “The First Vision”

Lesson Ideas

“Joseph Smith … had questions.”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”

It might be interesting to your children to explore some of the questions Joseph Smith had that led to the Restoration of the Savior’s gospel. Help them find some examples in Joseph Smith—History 1:10, 29, 68. How are we blessed today because God answered Joseph Smith’s questions?

Which Church to Join?

Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,” (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

Ask a child to leave the room for a moment. Show the two containers to the rest of the class without letting them see inside. Divide the class into two groups and give each a container. Tell the children in each group that when the child who left the room returns, they are to try to persuade him or her to choose their container. Invite the child to return to the room and choose one of the containers. Ask the child who chose the container questions such as the following:

Why did you choose that container?
How did you feel when others were trying to tell you what to do?

Explain that when Joseph Smith was fourteen years old, he was confused about a choice he needed to make. He was trying to decide which church he should join. Other people tried to help him choose a church, but he only became more confused. He felt that he needed more information to make a wise decision: he wanted to know which church was true. Joseph’s situation was similar to that of the child who had to choose between the two containers. Everyone wanted him to choose their church, but he did not know which church was the right choice.

Why was Joseph confused about which church he should join? (JS—H 1:5–10.)

New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

God can answer my questions through the scriptures.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

Consider showing your children a variety of books, (like an encyclopedia or a cookbook), and help them think of questions these books could answer. Then show them a copy of the scriptures. What questions can these books answer? Then you could read together Joseph Smith—History 1:10–11 to find out what questions Joseph Smith had and what answers he found in the scriptures.

Your children might be able to find words in verse 12 that describe how reading James 1:5 affected Joseph. Then you could share experiences with each other in which a passage of scripture had a powerful influence on you.

Friend November 2019 “James Taught the Gospel” James, the brother of Jesus, taught the gospel and helped lead the church when he grew up. One of his teachings in James 1:5. says that if we have questions, we can ask God. Many years after James wrote this scripture, a boy named Joseph Smith read it. He prayed to know which church to join. Joseph’s prayer was answered! When I have questions, I can ask God, like James taught. (Memorize James 1:5 as a family. Talk about how this verse led Joseph Smith to receive the First Vision.)

Friend November 2023 “James Says “Ask of God”

New Era April 2009 “Line upon Line: James 1:5–6”

New Era January 2017 “Line upon Line: James 1:5–6”

Come Follow Me Kid Hop from one scripture line to another and read it out loud and then discuss what it means. For memorizing the scripture have them do it again and say the phrases, and maybe a little faster each time.

Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

To start a discussion about how we communicate with Heavenly Father, perhaps you and your children could ask each other questions using various communication methods, like a text message, a phone call, or a handwritten note.

How do we ask questions to Heavenly Father? How do we show Him that we love and honor Him in our prayers? Read together Joseph Smith—History 1:16–19 and discuss how Heavenly Father answered Joseph Smith’s prayer. You and your children could then share experiences when you asked God for help and received an answer.

New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

Read with the children Joseph Smith—History 1:10–14. Invite the children to find things Joseph Smith did to receive answers to his questions. How can we follow Joseph’s example when we have questions?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

Help the children repeat the phrase “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). How do we ask God questions? How does He answer us? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

Friend November 2023 “I Can Ask God”

Little LDS Ideas “Answers to Prayers from Heavenly Father Come in Many Ways” Includes lesson ideas

Friend January 2025 “Coloring Page: Heavenly Father Hears and Answers My Prayers”

Come Follow Me Kid “We can all receive, if not a heavenly vision, at least a clearer vision, illuminated by heavenly light.” (CFM manual) Cut apart the puzzle pieces and hide them in a dark room. Give each child a flashlight to find the hidden pieces in the dark room. Explain that Heavenly Father will always give us a clearer vision to find answers to our questions when we pray in faith.

Share your testimony that God answers prayers, and testify that the children can pray to Him when they have questions.

Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

Young children might enjoy standing with outstretched arms pretending to be trees in the Sacred Grove while you tell them about the First Vision. Ask the children to sway as if being blown by the wind while you talk about Joseph praying. Then ask them to stand very still and quiet when you tell them Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to Joseph.

Gospel Art Picture: “The First Vision”

Older children might enjoy using one or more of the pictures in this outline to tell you what they know about the First Vision. Encourage them to refer to Joseph Smith—History 1:14–17 and to share their thoughts and feelings about Joseph’s experience (see also “Chapter 2: Joseph Smith’s First Vision,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 9–12, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library).

“Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend)

Ensign January 2021 “How can I Know for Myself” What can we learn from Joseph’s example? How can we “know for ourselves” what is true? He read the scriptures. He asked God in prayer. Sometimes we have to wait for answers. He put effort into finding answers to his questions.

Friend June 2015

“Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend) Read the article by President Eyring and then do the crossword puzzle.

Sing together “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13). Youtube video

Heavenly Father and Jesus can speak to us through the Holy Ghost

Friend January 2025 “Just Like Joseph” Lhensay learns in primary that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She asked her mom how she could see them like Joseph did. Her mom explained that most of us won’t see Heavenly Father and Jesus like Joseph Smith did. But They can still speak to us through thoughts and feelings from the Holy Ghost. Then you can know They are always with you. Lhensay remembered the warm feeling she had when learned about the First Vision. That was the Holy Ghost, sending her a message from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! They had spoken to her, just like they had to Joseph Smith!

I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.

Joseph Smith—History 1:21–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

Read together Joseph’s testimony in Joseph Smith—History 1:25. Ask the children to look for words and phrases that show Joseph’s faith. How can we remain faithful to God and our testimonies when other people disagree with us?

How can we handle disagreements without becoming contentious like the people described in this verse?

For the Strength of Youth January 2025 “The Impossible Paper” I can cut a hole in a regular piece of paper big enough to step through. Don’t believe me? Think it’s impossible? I promise, it’s no trick.

There may be times your beliefs are challenged by others, or you come across confusing questions. When this happens, think about the “impossible” paper. Decide to trust God and to turn to Him and other good sources for answers.

Friend November 2019 “Jesus is Real” Everyone at Ismay’s table at school were excitedly talking about Christmas and their favorite traditions such as going to a church service. Suddenly Charlotte spoke up and said, “Jesus isn’t even real.” Ismay was sad to hear this and she quietly bore her testimony to Charlotte that Jesus was real, and that she felt it in her heart. She was glad she had spoken up and planted a seed about Jesus.

What We Learn from the First Vision

Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,” (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

For the Strength of Youth January 2025 “Looking for Jesus Christ”

When Heavenly Father appeared to Joseph Smith, the first thing He said was “Joseph” (see Joseph Smith History 1:17). Not “you’ve made a lot of mistakes,” or “I don’t have time for you.” It seems like the first thing Heavenly Father did in restoring the gospel was to make sure Joseph knew that his Father in Heaven knew him and loved him.

The second thing He did was to introduce Jesus Christ. “This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith History 1:17). Among all the doctrine, eternal truths, principles, and organization to be restored, two things God wanted Joseph (and us) to know upfront were:

God knows you personally and loves you.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and we need to listen to what He has to say.

Come Follow Me Kid

Name Treat – Point out that in Joseph Smith – History 1:17, Joseph Smith tells us that Heavenly Father said his (Joseph’s) name. Does Heavenly Father know each of our names? (Yes!) Does He love us? (Yes!) Does He want us to talk to Him through prayer? (Yes!) (Make a treat with each child’s name, or let them decorate a treat with their name.

Review Activities

Friend January 2018

Media Library “The Desires of My Heart” & “The First Vision” (April 2009 Friend)
A quiz with questions about the First Vision from Joseph Smith—History

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

To review the account of the First Vision, write summaries of each verse from Joseph Smith—History 1:14–19 on separate slips of paper. Place the papers in a container, and invite the children to choose them one by one and place them on the board in the correct order.

Songs

Joseph Smith’s First Prayer/ Oh, How Lovely was the Morning

Joseph Smith’s First Prayer: Music & Video – Friend January 2017

[Verse 1]
Oh, how lovely was the morning!
Radiant beamed the sun above
Bees were humming, sweet birds singing
Music ringing thru the grove
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love

[Verse 2]
Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing—
‘Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer—
When the pow’rs of sin assailing
Filled his soul with deep despair;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care

[Verse 3]
Suddenly a light descended
Brighter far than noonday sun
And a shining, glorious pillar
O’er him fell, around him shone
While appeared two heav’nly beings
God the Father and the Son
While appeared two heav’nly beings
God the Father and the Son

[Verse 4]
“Joseph, this is my Beloved;
Hear him!” Oh, how sweet the word!
Joseph’s humble prayer was answered
And he listened to the Lord
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
For he saw the living God;
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
For he saw the living God

The First Vision

Friend April 2020 “The First Vision” Music and Video

1. Joseph had a question about the way to go, So faithfully he studied to help his knowledge grow. A scripture struck his heart, inviting him to pray, And Joseph knew that he could ask for God to show him the way.
2. Seeking peaceful quiet, he chose a grove of trees And prayed with all his power for God to hear his plea. The Father and the Son descended from above To answer Joseph’s question and restore the gospel with love.
3. From that wondrous vision, more revelations flowed. The Lord restored the gospel so everyone can know: The heavens are not closed; the Savior speaks today. He calls a prophet in our time to guide our steps in His way.
Chorus: He prayed in faith and heaven answered. The Father and the Son knew his name. I kneel to pray. I know God loves me And hears my prayers the same.

This is My Beloved Son

Verse 3:
Joseph saw two glorious beings
Shining brighter than the sun.
God again presented Jesus:
“This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

On a Golden Springtime

Music: “On a Golden Springtime” (Children’s Songbook, 88)

Third Verse: On a golden springtime, in a forest glade, The Father and the Son appeared as Joseph knelt and prayed. Awake, awake, O nations all! Receive the gospel light! The gospel true is here for you. Receive its glorious light!

The Sacred Grove

Music: “The Sacred Grove” (Children’s Songbook, 87)

The Sacred Grove was green and fresh, The morning sun shone bright around, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer Upon that sacred ground.

The Father and the Son appeared. They spoke to him as with one voice. Their message answered all his fears, Their message answered all his fears And made his heart rejoice.

My Own Sacred Grove

Friend January 2025 “My Own Sacred Grove” I Can Play It

Joseph Smith went to a grove full of trees; Seeking Gods wisdom, he fell to his knees. As he pled with the heavens, the sky filled with light, And the Father appeared with His Son, Jesus Christ, Standing above in the air Coming to answer his prayer.

Chorus: I will find my own sacred grove. Away from all of the noise in the world. I will turn to prayer, For I know He’s there I will find my own sacred grove.

So many choices with so much at stake. Life’s full of pathways, but which should I take? If I lift up in prayer in the name of the Son, Through the pow’r of the Holy Ghost answers will come. Heavenly Father is there, Ready to answer my prayer.

Historical Sites of the First Vision

Friend April 2020 “Hello from the Sacred Grove” Photos of the sacred grove and the recreated home of the Smith family. Also tells the story about Joseph.

Jan 5 2022

Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5

Featured

Jesus Christ Created the Earth Under the Direction of Heavenly Father.
- Gratitude for the Earth
I Was Created in God’s Image.
The Sabbath Day is Holy.
Additional Resources

Jesus Christ Created the Earth Under the Direction of Heavenly Father.

Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; Abraham 4:1–25

Friend November 1996 “For Little Friends: Window Picture” (Print the picture of the earth and the picture of Jesus back to back.) Show the picture of the earth and ask who created it. Have the children hold it up to a light or window to check their answer or find the answer. Explain that the earth was created by Jesus under the direction of Heavenly Father. Question: Why did Heavenly Father want the earth created? (See Abraham 3:24-26 – For us to gain a body and be tried and tested to see if we would learn to exercise control over our bodies and keep the commandments.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5”

Help the children think of times when they made something by following another person’s directions. For example, maybe they have made a recipe with a parent or sibling guiding them. Write Who created the earth? on the board, and invite the children to find the answer in Moses 2:1. Testify that Jesus Christ created the earth under the direction of Heavenly Father.

The Pearl of Great Price Student Manual

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that to “create … does not mean to create out of nothing; it means to organize, the same as a man would organize materials and build a ship.”¹ The Hebrew word for “create” means to shape, fashion, organize, and form (see Genesis 1:1; Abraham 3:24).
“The Earth, After It Was Formed, Was Empty and Desolate”The Prophet Joseph Smith indicated that the translation “without form, and void” (see Genesis 1:2 and Moses 2:2) should read “empty and desolate” (see Abraham 4:2;

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Your children might also look at pictures of things Jesus created (see “The Creation of the Earth” in Old Testament Stories, 8–12). Then you and your children could talk about how you feel about Jesus Christ after reading about the Creation.

Old Testament Stories “The Creation of the Earth” Images and Video

Creation Lesson for Little Ones – Teaching the creation story using flannel figures.

President Russell M. Nelson explained that “the physical Creation itself was staged through ordered periods of time,” not calendar days. Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that a day in the Creation accounts “is a specified time period; it is an age, an eon, a division of eternity; it is the time between two identifiable events. And each day, of whatever length, has the duration needed for its purposes. …

How will you make learning about the Creation fun for your children? You could take them on a search outside for the kinds of things that were made during each period of Creation.

Or:

Each person [could] take a turn acting out a day or part of the Creation. The rest of the family members guess the day or the part of Creation that was chosen. (Liahona January 2022 “God’s Plan Is for You: Come, Follow Me Family Fun” )
Assign each child verses in Moses 2 related to one of the days of creation, and ask him or her to draw a picture of the things Heavenly Father and Jesus created on that day. Ask the children to hold their pictures and stand in the order of the days of Creation, and then invite each child to teach the rest of the children what happened on the day they were assigned. What do we learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ from the story of the Creation? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” )
You [could ]show pictures of things created in each period and invite family members to put the pictures in order after reading one of the accounts of the Creation together. What do these creations teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5”)

Friend March 2002 “For Little Friends” Place the correct picture and label on the chart according to which “day” it took place in the creation (one square will get two pictures). Check your answers in Genesis 1:1-27, and move pieces to their correct position as needed (Visuals: Black and white game board. Note: Color cardstock can be used for the game boards.)

Consider singing a song together about our beautiful world, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Maybe your children could add to the song other things God has created that help them feel His love.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5”

Share your testimony that Jesus Christ made these things because He and Heavenly Father love us.

For additional teaching resources see Creation

Gratitude for the Earth

One way to approach the Creation story is to invite your family to find how many times in Genesis 1 or Moses 2 God calls the things that he made “good.” What does this suggest about how we should treat God’s creations—including ourselves? What do we learn from the way these events are worded in Abraham 4?

Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Thankful Memory Game

Activity: Now play a game! The first person says, “I am thankful for …” and then says something Heavenly Father and Jesus created. The next person repeats it and then adds something new. Keep going around in a circle as long as you can.

Liahona January 2022 “God’s Plan Is for You: Come, Follow Me Family Fun”

Stewards over the Earth: Moses 2:28 explains that humankind was given dominion over all living things. President Russell M. Nelson said, “We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations” (“The Creation,” Liahona, July 2000, 104).

Discussion: In what ways do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ take care of us? How can we follow Their examples as we take care of the living things around us? In what ways can our actions show our gratitude for God’s creations? (Submitted by Mitzi Schoneman)

Friend February 2018 “Caring for the Earth”

See more ideas at Taking Care of the Earth

Additional Creation Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” While there’s a lot we don’t know about exactly how the world was created, ponder what you learn about the Creation from what God has revealed in Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; and Abraham 4:1–25. What do you notice in these accounts that is similar? What do you notice that is different?

Lesson 3: The Creation,” Primary 6: Old Testament Pg 9–12
Primary 1 Manual This manual breaks up each day of the creation into lessons for little ones.
Seminary Old Testament Student Manual “Lesson 10: Moses 2 (Genesis 1; Abraham 4)”
Behold Your Little Ones: Nursery Manual “Jesus Christ Created the World for Me”

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Creation” Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “The Creation” Lesson ideas

I Was Created in God’s Image.

Genesis 1:26–27; Moses 2:26–27; Abraham 4:26–27

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Your children can develop a sense of reverence and respect for their own and others’ bodies as they learn that we were all created in God’s image. To help them understand what this means, you could let your children look at their image in a mirror or picture while you read Moses 2:26–27 to them.
You could also show them how baby animals are often in the “likeness” of their parents (see the picture in this outline, for example). This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to you to know that you are created in your Heavenly Father’s image.

You and your children might enjoy drawing a human body and cutting the drawings into puzzles. As your children put their puzzles together, they could talk about ways they can show Heavenly Father that they are thankful for their bodies. (or invite the children to choose a part of the body and write next to it why they are thankful for it.) Express your gratitude for your body, and testify that we were created in God’s image.

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; braham 4–5”

Help the children repeat “I, God, created man in mine own image” several times (Moses 2:27).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

[Using the picture below, invite the children] to point to His eyes, mouth, and other parts of His body. Then invite them to stand and point to those same parts of their own bodies. Read from Doctrine and Covenants 130:22: “The Father has a body of flesh and bones … ; the Son also.” Testify that our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s bodies.

Friend November 2020 “Like Him”

LessonPix “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” Song idea. Print the pictures, cut them apart into cards, and then use them to sing the song. To make the song more interesting, have the children mix up the pictures on the top two rows and/or the bottom two rows and then have them do the actions and sing the words in their mixed up order.

Head Shoulders Knees & Toes

Visual support to sing Head Shoulders Knees & Toes.

By kpochter at LessonPix.com

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” The world will give children many false messages about their bodies. The doctrine in Moses 2:26–27 is powerful motivation to respect and care for our bodies.

Read together Moses 2:26–27. What do these verses teach us about our bodies? Show the video “God’s Greatest Creation” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or play the game “Your Body Is a Temple” (Friend, Aug. 2019, 24–25). You could also read together related quotations from President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Your Body: A Magnificent Gift to Cherish” (New Era, Aug. 2019, 2–7) that will help the children feel gratitude to Heavenly Father for their bodies.

Friend August 2019 “Your Body is a Temple” Activity comparing how the body is like a temple.

For the Strength of Youth “Your Body: A Priceless Gift”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are Creators. They can transform us into the beautiful creations we were meant to be. That’s part of what it means to be created in God’s image, after His likeness (see Genesis 1:26). We have the potential to become like Him: exalted, glorified, celestial beings.

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Body” and Resources for Teaching Children “Body”

The Sabbath Day is Holy.

Genesis 2:2–3; Moses 3:2–3; Abraham 5:2–3

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

As you read Moses 3:2–3, ask your children to listen for what God did on the seventh day.

Help your children find or draw pictures of things they can do on Sunday to make it a holy day and different from other days. Share with each other why it is important to you to keep the Sabbath day holy.

Or,

Give the children a few minutes to write a list of as many things as they can think of that they can do to make the Sabbath a holy day. Invite the children to share their lists, and encourage them to add to their lists as others share suggestions they didn’t think of. Suggest that the children take the lists home with them and refer to them when they need ideas of good things to do on the Sabbath.
Or do the below sorting activity:

Teaching Children the Gospel “Sabbath Day: Lesson Item 4” Sort the activity ideas onto days of the week or Sunday

Children may have to explain to their friends why they treat Sunday different from other days. Help your children role-play explaining to a friend why they choose to do things on Sunday that honor Heavenly Father and Jesus. Suggest that they use Genesis 2:2–3 in their explanations. How does keeping the Sabbath day holy show our love and respect for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Friend October 2015 “The Sabbath is a Delight”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” Children who develop a habit of keeping the Sabbath day holy when they are young are more likely to keep this commandment when life becomes busier and more demanding.

A few days before class, invite one of the children and his or her parents to come prepared to share things they do in their family to keep the Sabbath day holy. Invite the other children to share what their families do.

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Sabbath Day” and Resources for Teaching Children “Sabbath Day”

Nursery Manual “Lesson 8: Sunday Is a Day to Remember Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ”

Additional Resources

Scripture Helps Old Testament

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Jan 3 2022

Pioneers

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Camilla

Pioneers: Lesson Ideas

Pioneer: Stories

Pioneer: Activities & Games

Pioneer: Songs

Pioneer: Refreshment Ideas

Pioneer: Clipart

Jan 3 2022

Church History: Songs

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Camilla

Joseph Smith

Praise to the Man

Joseph Smith’s First Vision

Joseph Smith’s First Prayer/ Oh, How Lovely was the Morning

Joseph Smith’s First Prayer: Music & Video – Friend January 2017

The First Vision

Friend April 2020 “The First Vision” Music and Video

1. Joseph had a question about the way to go, So faithfully he studied to help his knowledge grow. A scripture struck his heart, inviting him to pray, And Joseph knew that he could ask for God to show him the way.
2. Seeking peaceful quiet, he chose a grove of trees And prayed with all his power for God to hear his plea. The Father and the Son descended from above To answer Joseph’s question and restore the gospel with love.
3. From that wondrous vision, more revelations flowed. The Lord restored the gospel so everyone can know: The heavens are not closed; the Savior speaks today. He calls a prophet in our time to guide our steps in His way.
Chorus: He prayed in faith and heaven answered. The Father and the Son knew his name. I kneel to pray. I know God loves me And hears my prayers the same.

This is My Beloved Son

Verse 3:
Joseph saw two glorious beings
Shining brighter than the sun.
God again presented Jesus:
“This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

On a Golden Springtime

Music: “On a Golden Springtime” (Children’s Songbook, 88)

The Sacred Grove

Music: “The Sacred Grove” (Children’s Songbook, 87)

The Sacred Grove was green and fresh, The morning sun shone bright around, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer Upon that sacred ground.

The Father and the Son appeared. They spoke to him as with one voice. Their message answered all his fears, Their message answered all his fears And made his heart rejoice.

My Own Sacred Grove

Friend January 2025 “My Own Sacred Grove” I Can Play It

Chorus: I will find my own sacred grove. Away from all of the noise in the world. I will turn to prayer, For I know He’s there I will find my own sacred grove.

Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon

The Golden Plates

Music: “The Golden Plates” (Children’s Songbook, 86)

The golden plates lay hidden Deep in the mountainside, Until God found one faithful, In whom he could confide.
A record made by Nephi, Written in days of old; Now, in the Book of Mormon, The story is retold.

An Angel Came to Joseph Smith

Sing or say the words to “An Angel Came to Joseph Smith”(Children’s Songbook, p. 86)

An angel came to Joseph Smith, And from the ground he took A sacred record hidden there, A precious, holy book.
It tells of people long ago, Led by the Lord’s own hand, Who left their homes and crossed the sea To reach a favored land.
The Nephites and the Lamanites, And all who came to dwell, Had peace when they obeyed the Lord, The sacred records tell.
And now I’ll read the sacred book, And then I’ll understand That Heav’nly Father loves us all In each and ev’ry land.

An Angel From on High

See also “An Angel from on High,” Hymns, no. 13.

1. An angel from on high The long, long silence broke; Descending from the sky, These gracious words he spoke: Lo! in Cumorah’s lonely hill A sacred record lies concealed. Lo! in Cumorah’s lonely hill A sacred record lies concealed.

2.Sealed by Moroni’s hand, It has for ages lain To wait the Lord’s command, From dust to speak again. It shall again to light come forth To usher in Christ’s reign on earth. It shall again to light come forth To usher in Christ’s reign on earth.

3.It speaks of Joseph’s seed And makes the remnant known Of nations long since dead, Who once had dwelt alone. The fulness of the gospel, too, Its pages will reveal to view. The fulness of the gospel, too, Its pages will reveal to view.

Restoration

Jesus’ Church has been Restored

Jesus’ Church has been Restored: Friend May 2017 – Music & Video

Jesus blessed the children when He walked in Galilee, He brought a young girl back to life. He blessed the blind to see. But some forgot! His Church was lost with its authority. Now priesthood pow’r is back on earth to bless a child like me.

Heav’nly Father and His Son came to the Sacred Grove. They brought the Church to earth again so all could feel Their love. Moroni and Elijah came—and Peter, James, and John—With precious keys and blessings that for centuries were gone.

Temples all around the world, Apostles, revelation: These all are part of God’s great gift—the gospel’s restoration. The sacrament I take each week, baptism, confirmation: I’m thankful for God’s gift to me—the gospel’s restoration.

Now gospel truths are back once more, For Jesus’ Church has been restored.

The Priesthood is Restored

Pioneer Songs

I’m a Pioneer Too

Friend July 2020 “I’m a Pioneer Too” Song and Sing-Along Music Video

From England to Samoa, From Kenya to Peru, Brave pioneers in every land Helped spread the gospel true.
Some pioneers pulled handcarts; Some sailed across the sea. On plains and shores and mountains, they Blazed paths for you and me.
They listened to the prophets, Built towns and temples too. Their faith was strong in Jesus Christ. Their courage saw them through.
Chorus: The Lord has trails for me to blaze And work for me to do. Each time I bravely walk with faith, I’m a pioneer too!

When I Hear of Pioneer Children

Friend July 2016 “When I Hear of Pioneer Children”

When I hear of pioneer children,
Of trials and courage and faith,
I want to be willing as they were
To look to the Lord for my strength.
I’ll follow the prophets as they did,
For I want to build Zion too!
I’ll try to have faith to do hard things
When that’s what He needs me to do.
When I hear of pioneer children,
I want to be strong for my day.
I’ll try to keep all the commandments
And be a true Latter-day Saint.
I’ll stand as a shining example
That others who follow will see,
I’ll be like those pioneer children;
The Lord is depending on me.

Come, Come Ye Saints

Friend July 2017 “Come, Come Ye Saints” Simplified sheet music and music video

Pioneer Song Review Games

Pioneer Choosing Activity

Since it was Pioneer Day this week, I decided to have the children sing pioneer songs for music time. I started out with a choosing activity. I used the crickets and seagull idea from Sugar Doodle. I covered the outside of a metal bowl with green tissue paper to make it look like a green hill. I printed off some crickets and a seagull from clip art on Microsoft Word. I used double sided tape and taped a strong magnet to the back of each cricket. I also wrote the name of a pioneer song on the back of each cricket. I put the crickets on the bowl. I taped one end of a string to the back of the seagull. I taped the other end to a dowel rod. On the back of the seagull’s beak I attached a paper clip.

In Primary I told the story of the crickets and the seagulls. After that I had a child “fly” the seagull to the crickets and pick one up with the beak. We sang what song was on the back. I chose the following songs to put on the back of the crickets:

Pioneer Children Sang as They Walked

For this song I had the senior primary children get up and move over one seat every time they sang the word “walked”. This only works if you have all the children sitting in an even number of rows and in one section with no aisles. The children in the front row will move to the left, the children in the second row will move to the right, and so forth. When a child comes to the end of their row, they will go to the row in front of them. If they are already on the front row, they will move to the back row.

The children loved this activity. The teachers even wanted to participate, which was good because they helped any children that were unsure of what to do. (I had pages of a flip chart made by Jolly Jen posted on the board just incase someone didn’t know the words.)

For junior primary have them slowly walk randomly around the room as they sing the first two lines. Then have them stop and do the following actions: rub their hands together for washing in the stream, hammering action for work, jumping rope for play, making a tent with finger tips pressed together for camped, making a book with open palms together for read, and making praying hands for the word prayed. Then have them start walking again as they sing the last line, but this time have them walk back to their seats. On the last walk word have them sit down.

The Handcart Song

For the handcart song, I used the hand cart racing activity -July Friend 1981 Funstuff. Since we aren’t supposed to use competition in Primary, I had the teachers do this activity. The kids thought that was funny. I tied the two strings to two empty chairs in the front row. I had the words/flip-chart made by Laurie Lee posted on the board. I told the teachers they could begin racing when we started singing the second half of the song. (The children knew the second half of the song better than the first, so they were able to watch the race and sing at the same time.)

It is really hard to get those pictures to move along the string, so it was funny watching the teachers try all kinds of ways to make them

To Be a Pioneer

For this song I used the pictures found on page 3 of the July 2010 Friend (flip-chart). I posted them on a display board. You could put the do’s and don’ts on different sides. I had a child wear a bonnet to represent a pioneer. She did the actions to the first part of the song such as: pretending to push a handcart, waving goodbye, walking. Then when it came to the part “to be a pioneer” she pointed to herself.

I told the childen they could develop the characteristics of a pioneer such as courage, faith, and working for a cause that is right. I used a boy with a missionary tag to be a modern pioneer. He pointed to himself when we came to the ending part “to be a pioneer”

Friend July 2019 “To Be a Pioneer” Simplified playing version and music video.

Fun to Do

We also did Sugardoodle pioneer actions to the song Fun to Do. I had them start off with bouncing on their chair to represent riding in a wagon (Riding in wagon is fun to do). Then I asked if they could think of any other actions pioneers did. I gave them some suggestions. They came up with “getting warm by the fire is fun to do”. They put their hands out like feeling the warmth and then rubbed their hands together. They also wanted to do milking a cow.

Jan 3 2022

Doctrine & Covenants Table of Contents

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Camilla

Come Follow Me Lessons

The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Restoration Proclamation

Doctrine and Covenants 1

Reading Chart

An Overview of the Doctrine and Covenants: How it Came to Be and What it Contains

Joseph Smith History 1:1-26

Joseph Smith’s Childhood

The First Vision

Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65

The Angel Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith Learns about the Gold Plates

Elijah and the Sealing Keys

Joseph Marries Emma

Martin Harris Visits Professor Anthon

Doctrine and Covenants 3–5

Joseph Begins to Translate the Gold Plates

Martin Harris and the Lost 116 Pages

Doctrine and Covenants 6-9

Oliver Cowdery and Joseph work on Translation

Oliver Cowdery Tries to Translate

Doctrine and Covenants 10-11

Joseph and Oliver wonder if they should Retranslate the Lost 116 Pages

Hyrum Smith asks Joseph to Seek the Lord’s Will on His Behalf

Doctrine & Covenants 12-13 and Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75

Joseph Knight wanted to know how he could help in the work of the Lord. The Lord’s answer is D&C 12.

John the Baptist restores the Aaronic Priesthood.

Joseph and Oliver are Baptized

Doctrine and Covenants 14-17

The Whitmer Family: Miracle of the Plowed Field, Joseph and Oliver Stays with them while Translating, and a Revelation for the Whitmer Family

The Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses

Doctrine and Covenants 18

Doctrine and Covenants 19

Printing of the Book of Mormon

Doctrine and Covenants 20-22

Restoration of the Church

Doctrine and Covenants 23-26

People disrupt baptisms and break dam and make trouble for the church and Joseph

Revelation for Emma, including selecting hymns for the saints to sing

Doctrine and Covenants 27-28

An angel tells Joseph not to buy wine from their enemies for the sacrament.

Hiram Page claims to receive revelations for the church

Oliver Cowdery’s mission to the Lamanites

Doctrine and Covenants 29

The Gathering of God’s People and Second Coming Revelation

Doctrine and Covenants: Easter

Some scriptures in the D&C about the death, resurrection, and atonement of Jesus Christ

Doctrine and Covenants 30-36

First Missionaries

Doctrine and Covenants 37-40

The Saints are Commanded to Gather to Kirtland, Ohio

James Covel covenants to obey the commandments but doesn’t keep his promise.

Doctrine and Covenants 41-44

Early Days in Kirtland

The First Bishop: Edward Partridge

Law of Consecration

Doctrine and Covenants 45

Revelation about Second Coming

Doctrine and Covenants 46-48

Gifts of the Spirit

Church Historian Called

Doctrine and Covenants 49-50

Leman Copley and the Shakers

False Spirits Manifest in Strange Behavior

Doctrine and Covenants 51-57

Leman Copley breaks his covenant to allow the Coleman saints to settle on his land

Doctrine and Covenants 58-59

Saints begin to settle in Missouri, including the Coleman saints

Doctrine and Covenants 60-62

Joseph and the missionaries travel to and from Missouri.

The Missouri River is dangerous traveling on.

Some of the missionaries are chastised for not sharing the gospel.

Doctrine and Covenants 63

Ezra Booth converted by a healing and then falls away from church.

Preparations to move to Zion

Warnings to dissenters

Doctrine and Covenants 64-66

Building Zion Difficulties

William E. McLellin receives answers to his questions through a revelation

Doctrine and Covenants 67-70

The Latter-day Revelations Are Published (the Doctrine of Covenants)

Doctrine and Covenants 71-75

Ezra Booth publishes letters trying to discredit the church. Joseph and Sydney go on a mission to teach the truth.

Newel K. Whitney is called to serve as bishop in Kirtland.

Joseph Smith is commanded by the Lord to work on inspired revisions to the Bible.

Doctrine and Covenants 76

Vision of the Three Degrees of Glory

Doctrine and Covenants 77-80

Joseph receives answers to questions about the Book of Revelations

Organizing the United Firm (United Order)

Doctrine and Covenants 81-83

Frederick G. Williams called to be a counselor to the Prophet Joseph Smith

Instructions reiterated to establish a firm—known as the United Firm

Doctrine and Covenants 84

Revelation about the Priesthood

Doctrine and Covenants 85-87

85 Letter to William W. Phelps about those who had not obeyed commandment to consecrate their properties

86 Revelation about the meaning of the Second Coming wheat and tares parable.

87 Civil War Prophecy

Doctrine and Covenants 88

School of the Prophets

The Lord wants the Saints to build a temple, a “house of God.”

Doctrine and Covenants 89-92

Word of Wisdom

Establishment of First Presidency

Revelation about Apocrypha

Doctrine and Covenants 93

Revelation about Jesus Christ and Premortal Life

Doctrine and Covenants 94-97

The Saints are Commanded to Build the Kirtland Temple

Doctrine and Covenants 98-101

The Saints Are Expelled from Jackson County, Missouri

Doctrine and Covenants 102-105

Zion’s Camp

Doctrine and Covenants 106-108

Priesthood Organization

Doctrine and Covenants 109-110

Dedication of the Kirtland Temple

Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah appear to Joseph and Oliver in Kirtland Temple

Doctrine and Covenants 11-114

Financial difficulties and apostasy in the church

Doctrine and Covenants 115-120

Name of the Church

Tithing

Adam-ondi-Ahman

Doctrine and Covenants 121-123

More Mobs in Missouri

Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail

The Saints leave Missouri

Doctrine and Covenants 124

Nauvoo

Saints Commanded to Build the Nauvoo Temple

Doctrine and Covenants 125-128

Baptisms for the Dead

Doctrine and Covenants 129-132

Revelation about Eternal Marriage

Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

Appendix to Book of Commandments

Doctrine and Covenants 135-136

Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Brigham Young is the new leader of the church

The Saints leave Nauvoo and establish Winter Quarters.

Doctrine and Covenants 137-138

Joseph Smith’s vision of brother Alvin in Celestial Kingdom.

Salvation for the dead

Joseph F. Smith’s vision about the Spirit World

The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2

Articles of Faith

End of the practice of plural marriage

Blessings of the priesthood made available to people of all races.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Christmas: The Living Christ

Jan 2 2022

Covenants & Promises: Stories

Posted on January 2, 2022 by Camilla

Friend February 2026 “My Baptism” Henry tells about his baptism and the covenant he made with Heavenly Father. After his baptism the Bishop asked him to stand on a chair and look at a picture of Jesus Christ that was hanging on the wall. Henry could also see a reflection of himself in the glass of the picture’s frame. It taught him that Jesus will always be with him when he needs Him.

Friend February 1987 Lesson ideas about covenants and promises, and the story about the promise of pythias to return to prison and save his friend who had volunteered to take his place. Trustworthy

Friend April 2021 “Trouble at the Creek” Brian doesn’t keep his promise to his mom to stay away from the creek after the storm. He crosses it on a fallen log and gets his foot stuck.

Friend May 2020 “Ali’s Head Start” Ali learns that when she is baptized she will be covenanting (promising) to bear one another’s burdens, (or in other words, she will be promising to help those who are going through a hard time). Ali decides to get a head start on her covenants when she sees children without hair as she walked through the hospital to go visit a friend. She decides to donate some of her long hair so those children can have wigs.

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Friend May 2017 “Cracking the Code” Darren and Byron crack the code to notes left in their beds that represent the words “Covenant Keepers.” At FHE they learn ways they have been covenant keepers.

Friend March 1988 “Keeping the Covenants…” Stories about children keeping their baptismal covenants.

Friend May 2017 ” Conference Notes” Sister Jones told the story of five-year-old Lizzie and her big brother, Kevin. Kevin’s dad asked him if he would promise not to tease Lizzie for one day. Kevin agreed. He kept his promise! Then his mom asked him to try not teasing Lizzie for two days. He kept his promise again! Sister Jones said that when we keep our promises, we are learning to make and keep sacred covenants.

Baptism Covenants

Friend August 2019 “Ready to Be Baptized” Story with idea on how to remember baptism covenants. Also includes a bookmark with the memory aid acronym for baptismal covenants.

Friend December 2021 “Elder Soares Speaks to Children” Video About keeping baptismal covenants

Jan 2 2022

Articles of Faith

Posted on January 2, 2022 by Camilla

Articles of Faith: Lesson Ideas

Articles of Faith: Activities & Games

Article of Faith: Songs

1st Article of Faith

2nd Article of Faith

3rd Article of Faith

4th Article of Faith

5th Article of Faith

6th Article of Faith

7th Article of Faith

8th Article of Faith

9th Article of Faith

10th Article of Faith

11th Article of Faith

12th Article of Faith

13th Article of Faith

Jan 2 2022

Jesus Christ: Stories

Posted on January 2, 2022 by Camilla

Love for Jesus
The Scriptures Teach Us About Jesus
Jesus is Our Brother and Loves Us
Sharing About Jesus
Jesus Took Upon Him Our Sorrows
Be Perfected in Christ
Jesus is Our Savior

Love for Jesus

Friend May 2021 “A Statue of Jesus” Siblings ask their mom if they can go see the statue of Jesus. They can’t wait to see Jesus someday for real.

The Scriptures Teach Us About Jesus

Friend February 2021 “Feeling Christ’s Love” When Elder Takashi Wada Of the Seventy was young he read the Bible in school and wanted to know more about Jesus. Then he met the missionaries and they gave him a Book of Mormon and her learned more about Jesus. He wanted to be baptized and follow Jesus.

Jesus is Our Brother and Loves Us

Friend July 2021 “River Rock Rescue” When Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the Seventy was a boy he got stuck between two rocks! His knees were pressed against his chest and he couldn’t breathe or move. He was starting to black out when his brother reached down and pulled him out. Jesus is our older brother and he will always there to give us a hand in life.

Friend July 2021 Cover up the questions below and study the picture for one minute. Then have someone ask you the questions to see what you remember without looking! Make up some new questions to play again.

Friend February 2020 “Keep Going, Josie” Josie had been sick and was tired, but she needed to run in the big race with her teammates. She was worried about letting them down. In her first race, others kept passing her and she felt like giving up. But as her teammates passed her they encouraged her to keep going. Their words gave her strength and she was able to finish the race. She realized that Jesus does the same for her. He encourages her to keep going spiritually in life, and is there to help her if she needs it.

Friend October 2016 “A New Picture for May” In Primary class May is sad because she doesn’t know how her family shows love for each other, but her friend adds May’s picture to her family chain with Jesus. May knows Jesus loves her. (We are all brothers and sisters and Jesus is our elder brother.)

Friend April 2021 “I Know a Song about That!” Annie goes to a Catholic School in Ireland. One day, when the teacher was talking about Jesus walking on the water, Annie remembered a song about the story she had learned in Primary. She was invited to share the song with the class.

Jesus Took Upon Him Our Sorrows

Friend December 2021 “Carrying Spotty” Abbie got a new puppy. She helped him feel safe when he was scared. She carried him when he was tired. In Primary, Abbie learned that Jesus suffered for us and took upon him our sorrows. He can carry us through our trials. She realized that Jesus helps her kind of like she helps her puppy. He helped her feel safe when she was afraid of the dark. He helped her feel stronger when she was worried.

Be Perfected in Christ

Friend July 2025 “Not so Perfect” Adeline learned in primary about being perfected in Christ. She makes a check list and is determined to be perfect. The first day went great, but the second day she yelled at her sister for taking all her dolls out. She was so disappointed because she had messed up her plan to be perfect. Her mom explained that we need Christ to be perfected. If things go wrong we can always repent because of Christ’s atonement. Because of Him, our best is good enough. The grace of a loving Savior will make up the difference

Jesus is Our Savior

Friend March 2020 “Jesus’s Helping Hand” Arsen tried and tried to climb the tall hill with the rope at the play area, but he could only make it three-quarters of the way. Just before reaching the top, he would fall and slide down to the bottom of the hill. Then an employee offered her hand from the top of the hill. That experience made him think about how Jesus does the same for us. When we do the best we can but still aren’t reaching our goal, He gives His helping hand to us.

Friend April 1987 “A Parable” A parable relating the atonement to a drowning man.

Jan 1 2022

Moses 1; Abraham 3

Featured

I Lived with Heavenly Father Before I Was Born.
- I lived as a spirit before I was born on earth.
I Am a Child of God.
Heavenly Father Wants Me to Live with Him Again.
I Can Resist Satan’s Temptations.
Heavenly Father has a work for me to do.
Additional Resources
- - Scripture Helps

Moses 1 God reveals Himself to Moses—Moses is transfigured—He is confronted by Satan—Moses sees many inhabited worlds—Worlds without number were created by the Son—God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Abraham 3 Abraham learns about the sun, moon, and stars by means of the Urim and Thummim—The Lord reveals to him the eternal nature of spirits—He learns of pre-earth life, foreordination, the Creation, the choosing of a Redeemer, and the second estate of man.

I Lived with Heavenly Father Before I Was Born.

I lived as a spirit before I was born on earth.

The term intelligences can be used to describe the spirit children of God. It can also describe “the spirit element that existed before we were begotten as spirit children.” Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “Prophets have revealed that we first existed as intelligences and that we were given form, or spirit bodies, by God, thus becoming His spirit children—sons and daughters of heavenly parents.” Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Abraham 3:22–28

Knowing about our premortal life can inspire your children to make choices based on eternal truths. To help them learn about it, you could give them some key words and phrases to find in Abraham 3:22–28, like “before the world was,” “spirits,” “make an earth,” and “prove.” What do these verses teach us about why Heavenly Father sent us to earth?

New Testament Stories “Our Heavenly Father’s Plan”

Friend January 2022 “Before We Came to Earth”

A song like “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65) could reinforce what Abraham 3 teaches. Maybe you could invite your children to draw pictures that go with the words.

Help your children think of situations in which they have to choose whether or not to do what God has asked them to (see Abraham 3:25; see also For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices). Let them practice possible responses to these situations. How can the Savior help us when we make a wrong choice?

Friend January 2012 “Agency Is the Gift to Choose for Ourselves”

Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind”

I Am a Child of God.

Moses 1:1–4, 6, 12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

After you read together God’s message to Moses in Moses 1:4, consider letting your children look at their reflection in a mirror and giving themselves a similar message: “I am a child of God.” Then they could give the same message to each other: “You are a child of God.”

The Red Crystal

You might even find pictures of a variety of people and invite your children to point to each one and say, “This is a child of God.”

Friend August 2024 “We Are All Children of God”

Friend September 2020 “Everyone is Important” We’re all daughters and sons of our heavenly parents—not all the same, but all equally important, needed, valuable, and loved!

Share with each other why you are glad to know you are children of God. How does this knowledge change the way you treat yourselves and others?

Friend May 2021 “A Birthday Crown” Wyatt wonders if he is special because he gets to wear a birthday crown on his birthday. His father tells him he is special because he is a child of God and that everyone else is too. When a girl was afraid to go down the slide, Wyatt remembered that everyone is special to Heavenly Father and he encouraged her and praised her.

You and your children could compare God’s message to Moses in Moses 1:4 with Satan’s message in verse 12. How can you help your children distinguish between God’s messages to them and Satan’s?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

Sing “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3) with the children. Let them color this week’s activity page, and use it to review the truths this song teaches.

Additional Lesson Ideas

Primary 1 (Sunbeams) “Lesson One: I Am a Child of God”

We lived in Heaven: (Click on the below picture. Print the picture, or show it on an electronic device.) Explain that before we were born on earth we lived in heaven with Heavenly Father.

Friend April 2015

We were spirits there. A spirit is what is inside of us that makes us alive. When we were spirits, we didn’t have flesh and bones like our bodies have now, but we looked the same.

(Use these puppets to demonstrate what it means to be a spirit. See here for assembly instructions.)

Show the first picture again and explain that Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, and we are his spirit children

Sing: I Am a Child of God. Tell the children they are going to sing the song “I Am a Child of God.” Explain that God is another name for Heavenly Father. (I like the Red Headed Hostess visual aids for the first verse of this song, but it does cost money. Jolly Jen has a flip chart that would work too, or you could use the below visual s from the Nursery Manual. Also see churchofjesuschrist.org/study for the music)

Who is a child of God? Toss a beanbag or soft object to a child as you say the words “I know a child of God named_____ .” Have the child say his or her own name and give the beanbag back to you. Repeat the activity until everyone has had a turn.

Print and cut out this activity. Show the pictures one at a time and ask the following:

Is a policeman a child of God?
Is a grandmother or grandfather
Is a bishop
Is a soldier
Is a mailman or missionaries
Is a mom or dad
Is someone who doesn’t go to our church
Is someone who lives in a different country or culture

Have the children take turns posting each picture under the title “Child of God.” The title can be written on the board or in a file folder or display board. You can also bring up people they know such as a neighbor.

Help the children understand that everyone is a child of God even though we may be different in age, hair color, what we do, where we live, skin color, or the church we attend, we are all children of God.

We can be like Heavenly Father

(Print and cut out these images pdf.) Use the following questions with the images. They could also be made into a matching game.

What is a baby dog called?
What will that puppy grow up to be?
What is a baby chicken called?
What will that chick grow up to be?

Explain that just as animals grow up to be like their parents, we will grow up to be like our parents.

Friend January 2017 “Kylie’s Parents” Kylie is like her earthly parents, and she is also like her Heavenly Parents. PDF version

Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, so we can grow to be like him. Heavenly Father is loving, good, and kind. When we are loving, good, and kind, we are being like Heavenly Father. We should try to become more like Heavenly Father every day.

Have children tell or act out ways they can be loving, good, or kind.

(The images for the activity “Who is a Child of God?” are from the Friend magazine. Soldier 6/16, Bishop 1/16, etc.The images for the animals are from Pixabay: Free Images)

See also Child of God

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Live with Him Again.

Moses 1:39

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

Show the children pictures of some of Heavenly Father’s many creations. Read Moses 1:30, and explain that Moses asked God about the purpose of these creations. Help the children search in verse 39 to find God’s answer. Teach them that Heavenly Father’s work is to help us gain eternal life, which means becoming like Him and living with Him again.

Latter day Kids Lesson ideas

Invite a parent to come to class and talk about how he or she feels when a child returns home after being away (for example, at school or on a mission), or share feelings you’ve had during these experiences. Use this example to teach the children how much Heavenly Father wants us to return to Him.

Latter Day Kids “This is My Work and My Glory” Lesson ideas

I Can Resist Satan’s Temptations.

Moses 1:12–26

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

Summarize Moses’s experience in Moses 1:12–26 in your own words, or ask one of the children to do so (see also the video “I Am a Son of God” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]). Invite the children to search these verses (verses 13, 15, 18, 20–22, 26) to learn how Moses was able to overcome Satan. (Remember you are a son or daughter of God, listen to the Spirit, think of Jesus, and pray for strength.)

It might be fun for them to act out things they can do to resist temptation (such as praying, walking away, or asking for help). Or bring a box of tools (or pictures of tools), and help them label each tool with a way we can resist temptation (such as praying, singing a hymn, reading the scriptures, or serving others). Let each child pick a tool and talk about a situation when the action written on that tool’s label could help us resist temptation. Read together verses 25–26, and testify that God will help us when we face temptation.

Moses 1:18.

What advice can we share to help each other “judge between” God and Satan? (See also Moroni 7:12–18; Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–24.)

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

Heavenly Father has a work for me to do.

Moses 1:6, 39

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

As you read Moses 1:6 with your children, you might talk to them about the “work” God had for Moses. Consider using the Gospel Art Book, nos. 13–16, or Old Testament Stories, pages 64–84, to help your children see what Moses accomplished with Heavenly Father’s help. What is the work God has for us to do? (see, for example, Doctrine and Covenants 11:20).

The Red Crystal

God’s appointment of certain spirits to fulfill specific missions on earth is called foreordination.

Topics and Questions, “Foreordination,” Gospel Library.

“Foreordination does not guarantee that individuals will receive certain callings or responsibilities. Such opportunities come in this life as a result of the righteous exercise of agency, just as foreordination came as a result of righteousness in the premortal existence. …

“The doctrine of foreordination applies to all members of the Church, not just to the Savior and His prophets. Before the creation of the earth, faithful women were given certain responsibilities and faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood duties. As people prove themselves worthy, they will be given opportunities to fulfill the assignments they then receive.”

Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Read and discuss Abraham 3:23 with the children. What kinds of things might we have been chosen to do on earth? Explain that we are free to choose what we will do in this life, but each of us has been foreordained to do an important work on the earth.