Friend March 2022 “Overcoming Your Challenges”President Dallin H. Oaks discusses the challenges he faced growing up, such as having his father die when he was seven, or being bullied and made fun of by other kids because he couldn’t spell or do math very well. Heavenly Father and Dallin’s family helped him and things got better. President Oaks wants the children to know that Heavenly Father will help them and to not give up. (Coloring page “I Can Overcome Challenges”)
Friend March 2017 “What if I feel Like I Don’t Measure Up” Elder Holland got discouraged during college and wondered if he should just give up, but his wife encouraged him not to to give up.
Friend February 2024 While Elder Holland was serving his mission in Great Britain, his parents were called on a mission to serve there too!
Friend April 2016 “Your Future Home” President Eyring remembers reading scriptures in school, and he remembers what his favorite scripture was and why.
Friend July 2018 “Taking Care of Each Other” When President Eyring’s great grandfather was crossing the plains, he got sick. Someone was sent to help him. He fell in love with one of the women and married her. Also, link includes “Getting to Know President Henry B. Eyring.”
Dieter F. Uchdorf
Friend July 2021 “A Dream for Dieter” When he was a boy, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf loved airplanes and wanted to be a pilot someday. But Dieter’s family were refugees and poor so sometimes he felt like his dream was impossible. He worked hard and had faith and was able to attain his dream of being a pilot.
Friend July 2017 “Don’t Stop Seeking” President Uchdorf tells about two missionaries who knocked on every door in an apartment building. Nobody was interested until the last door. The last door was the family of Pres. Uchdorf’s future wife. He says we should persevere and not stop seeking to get close to the Lord.
Friend April 2022 “Harriet Meets the Missionaries” Harriet’s father died and she missed him so much and wondered if she would ever see him again. Then the missionaries came and they told them about the plan of salvation and about being with our families again after death. Harriet and her family joined the church and Harriet grew up and married Dieter F. Uchdorf.
Friend March 2020 “Meet the Apostles” Some info about the life of Dieter F. Uchdorf.
Friend June 2017 “Why are Fathers so Important?” Elder Christopherson’s father set an example of honesty and service and Elder Christopherson wanted to be just,like his father.
Friend December 2017 “How Can Repenting Make Me Feel Happy?” When Elder Renlund was young, he lit a firecracker in a church building and felt terrible about it. His bishop helped him repent and feel happy again.
Friend April 1986 Try to figure out what the riddle is about (missionaries). Read the rebus clues. From the list choose the word that best describes the picture and draw a line from it to the picture.
Friend February 2020 “More Important than Basketball” Game: Play this game to practice sharing the gospel! Cut out the squares and crumple them into balls. Set a bowl at the end of a table or desk. Then take turns shooting the balls into the bowl. When a ball lands in the bowl, open the paper and read the question. Practice answering it as if you were talking to someone who wants to learn more about the Church.
Friend July 1986 Game: Children practice teaching and giving talks.
Sharing the Gospel Now
Friend July 2019 “Coloring Page: Jesus Wants Me to Share the Gospel”
Missionaries Share the Gospel All Around the World
Friend July 2021 “Draw the Town” Missionaries share the gospel all around the world. These missionaries are walking around town looking for people to teach. Pick a town below, then draw it in! Add some people for them to teach too.
Friend June 2019 “Find It” Maria and Daniel are from the Philippines. Their grandmother tells them about the missionary who baptized her. Find nine things below that Maria and Daniel might use on a mission someday.
Friend April 2020 “Learning about the Restoration “The missionaries are teaching this family about how the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored. Find the items below that represent parts of the Restoration.
Just for Fun
Friend Jan 1981 Find words that are often associated with missionary work.
Ensign January 2016 “The Kindness Challenge” When Jesus visited the people in the Americas, He taught them to love each other and to be kind. What can you do to follow Jesus and love others? Here are some ideas. Check off each challenge as you go.
Friend October 2015 Jesus showed love and kindness to everyone around Him. Take this quiz and think about how you can follow His example.
New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) After Jesus Christ learned that John the Baptist had been beheaded, He traveled with His Apostles to a solitary place. They were followed by a multitude. Even though He was suffering, the Savior had compassion on the crowd and taught and fed the people—5,000 men plus women and children. This lesson can help you be more compassionate and selfless like Jesus Christ.
Show the children a basket and some bread as you tell the story in Matthew 14:13–21. Explain that even though Jesus had tried to find a place to be alone, the people wanted to be near Him. Share the rest of the story with the children, and ask them to listen for what Jesus did to show kindness and love for the people.
Ask the children to share ways in which someone has been kind to them. Then help them think of things they can do this week to be kind to others. For every answer they give, draw a loaf of bread or a fish on the board. Tell the children that when they do these things, they are following the example Jesus set when He fed the five thousand people who were hungry.
We can follow the example of Jesus Christ by showing compassion and serving others even while we are experiencing our own difficulties.Note that a “desert place” ( verse 13) is a solitary place, and “victuals” ( verse 15) means “food.”
I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
Friend July 2023 “Magnolia’s Amazing Dad” Some kids in Primary weren’t kind to Magnolia. They told her that her family wasn’t a good family because her Dad wasn’t a member of the church, but he went to church with them, and he did scripture study and prayer with the family. It made her want to cry because her father was an amazing dad. Magnolia talked to her parents and said. “Jesus taught us to be kind to everyone. Saying mean things doesn’t seem like following Jesus.” “You’re right,” said Dad. “Maybe when you feel like saying something mean, you can remember how you felt when others were unkind to you. Then you can say something kind instead.”
Read Matthew 7:12, and paraphrase it in simple words that the children can understand. Help the children think of several ways to complete a sentence like the following: “I like it when others_______ for me.” After each sentence, invite them to repeat with you, “So I should______ for others.”
The below video isn’t produced by the church, but it has some examples of the golden rule. Watching it without the volume on and discussing each picture might be a good way to show some examples.
Sing with the children a song that you feel reinforces Matthew 7:12, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61). Make up simple actions to accompany the song. Ask the children what they learn about how we should treat others from the Savior’s example.
Invite the children to list kind things their parents or other family members do for them. Read Matthew 7:12, and invite the children to name kind things they can do for their families.
Friend June 2019 Story “Each of us has an imaginary bucket inside of us. People fill our buckets when they do nice things for us. And we fill others’ buckets when we’re nice to them. For example, when your mom gives you a hug, she is filling your bucket. When you say something nice to someone, you are filling their bucket.”
Have each child decorate some small bucket, and have class members or family members write kind things about each person to put in their buckets.
Friend November 2023 “More than a Good Practice Day” Ismael saw a woman weeding the whole time he and his dad were playing soccer. He felt strongly that he should go over and tell her she was doing a good job. She seemed unhappy and tired until Ismael told her thank you for taking care of the park, and then she got a big smile and thanked him.
Ensign August 2017 “A Disciples Life” Circle two or three things you could do this week to be kind to others.
Ensign July 2017 “Family Home Evening Ideas” Consider asking family members to come to family home evening prepared to share a time when someone showed kindness to them and how it made them feel. Share one of the stories about kindness. You could then read together the “Looking Inside” and “Looking Outside” lists included with the article, inviting family members to select one or two ideas to work on. Encourage them to share their experiences at a future family home evening. You might want to conclude by singing “A Special Gift Is Kindness” or “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145).
Friend April 2015 “Family Fun Time” Post on wall all the acts of kindness others have done for you.
Friend September 2021 “Kindness Begins with Me” Color in a heart every time you help someone, say something kind, act as a peacemaker, include someone who may feel lonely, or do any other act of kindness.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 24–27” Abraham’s servant was impressed with the remarkable kindness that Rebekah showed to him by offering water not only to him but to his 10 camels as well. Her example can be a reminder for the children to always be kind to others.
Show the picture of Rebekah in this week’s activity page. Point out details in the picture as you summarize the story in Genesis 24:10–21, in which Rebekah showed kindness to the servant of Abraham. Point out that her words and act of kindness were the sign that Rebekah was the one that God wanted to marry Abraham’s son Isaac. Invite the children to pretend to be the servant arriving with his camels or Rebekah getting water for them. Give them phrases to recite from the scriptures, such as “Let me … drink a little water” (verse 17) and “I will draw water for thy camels also” (verse 19). Why is it important for us to be kind to others?
Tell a story about how the Savior showed kindness to someone. Invite some of the children to share their own experiences of showing kindness.
Friend November 2019 “Being an Example” Activity Included: Draw a line to match the pictures of Jesus with ways you can be kind too.
Suggest several scenarios in which a child can show kindness, such as playing with friends or meeting someone new at school. Ask the children what they could do to be kind in these scenarios.
Friend July 2019 “A New Friend at Lunch” Austin sat with his friends at lunch, and they told jokes and shared cookies. Everyone was happy, except for a boy sitting alone. He was crying and sad. Austin comes up with a plan to help him. He invites the boy to sit with him and his friends, and then everyone is happy.
Friend July 2019
Friend July 2019
Friend July 2019
Friend May 2019 “The Red Cupcake” Sam couldn’t wait to have one of Ryan’s birthday cupcakes. But when he finally got to the front of the line to get his cupcake, it was the last one, and Jenny was still behind him. She looked sad, so Sam told the teacher that Jenny could have his cupcake. Jenny suggested that they share it, and they were both happy. Friend May 2019 “Family Fun Night”Cupcake refreshment idea.
Sing with the children a song about kindness, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” or “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 145, 78–79). Invite the children to listen for the word “kindness” (or a similar word) and stand when they hear it. How can we show kindness to others? This week’s activity page could help with this discussion.
Elimelech and his family go to Moab because of famine—His sons marry—The father and sons die—Ruth, the Moabitess, her husband having died, remains constant to Naomi—They come to Bethlehem.
The nearest relative declines, and Boaz takes Ruth to wife—Ruth bears Obed, through whom came David the king.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” When Ruth’s husband died, she could have stayed in her home country, but she chose to go with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, and care for her. Consider how Ruth’s Christlike example could inspire the children you teach to be kind to those around them.
Invite the children to represent Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, or other characters as you tell their story from the book of Ruth (see also “Ruth and Naomi” in Old Testament Stories). Invite the children to raise their hands every time they hear an act of kindness in the story. How do we feel when people are kind to us? How do we feel when we are kind to others?
Sing together a song about being kind, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). Help the children think of ways they can be kind to their family and friends. If they need help, show them pictures of people showing kindness. For every idea mentioned, let the children draw a heart on the board.
After Ruth became a widow, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, instead of returning to her people, “for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
Ruth supported Naomi by staying with her. Try this activity to learn about supporting family:
Choose a family member and stand back-to-back. Place any object (a small ball or a book) between each other’s backs.
Working as a team, see how many steps you can take together without letting the object fall.
Take turns as a family until everyone has had a chance to work as a team to help each other.
Discussion: How did Ruth and Naomi help each other? Ruth believed in Heavenly Father and had faith, so she stayed with Naomi. How was she blessed? How can we support each other and trust the Lord when we have difficulties?
Story: Read about Ruth in the scripture story on page 8. She worked hard and gathered grain to take care of her husband’s mother. God blessed her for serving others.
Activity: Cut out pieces of paper in the shape of grain kernels. Use a stick or long piece of paper as a stem. Glue or tape your kernels to the stem to make a stalk of grain. Whenever you serve someone, pull off a kernel. Keep going until the stem is bare!
Lesson 26: Ruth and Naomi,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 114–16 To help the children have the desire to follow the example of righteous people and to be good examples themselves.
Friend July 2018 “Ruth was a Loyal Friend” Link includes story and goal card ideas to learn how to be a good friend like Ruth.
King Benjamin taught that when we come unto Christ and receive a remission of our sins, we are “filled with the love of God” (Mosiah 4:12). This leads us to be loving and kind toward others. You and your children could search Mosiah 4:13–16, 26 (or a song like “I’ll Walk with You,” Children’s Songbook, 140–41) and find phrases that describe how we can serve others. They could then act out these things or draw pictures of them and guess each other’s phrases.
Draw a small heart on the board. Invite the children to share ways they can be kind to others. Each time they share, erase the heart and draw a bigger one. Testify that our love for others grows as we are kind to them. Give the children paper hearts, and invite them to draw on the hearts ways they can show love and be kind.
Help the children come up with actions to do as they sing a song about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” or “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 61, 136).
Friend April 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Mosiah 4:26 together and help your little ones say, “I can help those in need.” This would be a great time to do a family service project. For example, young children could decorate paper bags and help fill them with snacks or other items to comfort people who seem sad or lonely.
Friend April 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Kindness Challenge: Do a family kindness challenge! Set out a small jar. Throughout the week, put a small object in the jar every time you do something kind. Can you fill it to the top?
I Will Be Blessed as I Act in Faith and Show Kindness to Others.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 24–27” Abraham’s servant showed faith by trusting God’s guidance to find a wife for Isaac. Rebekah showed kindness in the way she treated Abraham’s servant. How can you help the children you teach follow the examples of Abraham’s servant and Rebekah?
Read Genesis 24:1–28 together, and help the children identify examples of faith and kindness (see, for example, verses 12–14 and 17–20). How were Abraham’s servant and Rebekah blessed by showing faith and kindness? Write on the board We can show faith by … and We can show kindness by … , and invite the children to suggest ways to complete these sentences.
On strips of paper, write things Abraham’s servant said or did and things Rebekah said or did in Genesis 24:1–28. Invite the children to each select a strip of paper and work together to guess who said or did these things (they can refer to the scriptures if they need help). What does this story teach us about kindness? What does it teach us about faith? Other examples of kindness and faith are found in Genesis 24:29–33, 58–61.
Invite the children to think of an act of kindness they have seen. Invite them to write it down and share it with the class or their families at home. How do we feel when someone is kind to us?
Story: Rebekah helped Abraham’s servant by bringing water for his 10 camels (see Genesis 24:10–20). Abraham’s servant was thankful for her kindness.
Song: “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79)
Activity: You can serve like Rebekah! Draw 10 camels (see page 12 to learn how). Hang them up where your family can see them. Each time you do something kind for someone else, color in a camel.
Friend February 2022 “Draw a Camel” Use this page to do the activity on page 7. One camel can drink 30 gallons (114 liters) of water in just a few minutes! How much water do you think Rebekah brought for the 10 camels to drink?
Show pictures of something sweet and something sour. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father asks us to use our tongues to say sweet (or kind) things and not sour (or unkind) things (see James 3:10). Help them think of examples of nice things we can say to others. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)
Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.
James 3 includes many images that could inspire memorable object lessons to help your family remember to speak kindly. For example, you could build a fire together and talk about how a small, unkind word can cause a big problem (see verses 5–6). Or you could serve something sour in something that is usually used for sweet food—such as lemon juice in a honey jar. This could lead to a discussion about using sweet and uplifting words (see verses 9–14).
Give each child a simple drawing of a person speaking. Invite the children to hold it up when you say something nice that we can do with our words (such as telling the truth, giving compliments, and offering to help someone) and put it down when you say something that we shouldn’t do with our tongues (such as telling lies, calling other people names, and refusing to obey a parent).(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)
TOOTHPASTE WORDS: The words we speak have the power to hurt or bless others. Get a small tube of toothpaste. Let family members take turns squeezing some of it out onto a plate until it’s empty. Challenge them to get the toothpaste back into the tube. Help them see that once it’s been squeezed out, you can’t put it back in. Similarly, words are hard to take back. Once we speak hurtful words to or about someone, we can’t take them back. Are the words we’re saying words that would hurt or lift others? How can we be better at blessing others with our words?
Is there someone in the ward, perhaps one of the children you teach, who has worked with horses or knows something about boats? You could invite him or her to provide insights about James’s teachings in James 3:3–4 about using kind words. Or provide some of your own insights. What do we learn about controlling our tongues from these examples?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)
“Bugs and Brothers.” In this Friend story, Lacey learns that she doesn’t have to be angry at her brother Zach.
“The Right Reply.” Emily wants to write a mean reply when her friend sends her a mean email, but then she thinks of what Jesus would do and responds kindly. (From the Friend.)
Make a list of kind, positive things you could say to those around you. Post this list where you can see it every day as a reminder.
Look for examples in the scriptures of how the Savior spoke to those around Him. How did His words teach, lift, and help others? Write in your journal the impressions you receive about how you can follow the Savior’s example.
Your thoughts affect your words. Do you have unkind thoughts about someone? Every time you have an unkind thought about someone, think of something positive about the person instead. You’ll be more likely to speak kindly, and you might even find a new friend!
How do you and your friends talk about others? Set an example of using kind words. For example, if your friends start gossiping about someone, find a kind way to stand up for that person or change the subject. You could even ask your friends to join you in your goal to speak kindly about others.
TOOTHPASTE WORDS: The words we speak have the power to hurt or bless others. Get a small tube of toothpaste. Let family members take turns squeezing some of it out onto a plate until it’s empty. Challenge them to get the toothpaste back into the tube. Help them see that once it’s been squeezed out, you can’t put it back in. Similarly, words are hard to take back. Once we speak hurtful words to or about someone, we can’t take them back. Are the words we’re saying words that would hurt or lift others? How can we be better at blessing others with our words?
Friend May 2019 “For Parents of Little Ones” Teaching little ones to use kind words.
Read Proverbs 15:1 to the children, and explain any words or phrases that might be unfamiliar to them. Share a few examples of situations in which a child might feel angry (such as an argument with a brother or sister). Help them think of “soft answers,” or kind words, they could use instead of angry words. Help them practice saying these things softly or in a calm voice.
Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.
Friend January 2018 “Lucas and the Bully” Lucas stood up to a bully, but the words he used hurt the bullies feelings. Lucas apologizes and invites the bully to play and they become friends
Friend April 2023 “The Big, Bad, Rotten Text” Zach got mad at his older sister and sent a mean text to her on his mom’s phone, but he sent it to the wrong Rachel. The person who received it helped him realize that it was important to use his words to say kind things, not to hurt others.
Friend September 2022 “Jack Uses Kind Words” Throughout the day Jack uses kind words like please and thank you. (Read the story to the children, then read each of the kind words on the list and have them repeat them. Next read each sentence in the story again and have the children tell you which word was the kind word.)
Friend May 2019 “Choosing Kind Words” Selene called Adriana a mean name when she missed the ball. Adriana told Selene that it hurt her feelings and asked her not to say that. Selene apologized. (Also a lesson idea about kind words children can use and when to use them. Have children tell which ones Adriana and Selene used.)
Activity Time: Match the good words with the picture. How can you use good words?
Sing a song about kindness, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). What does the song teach us about being kind?
To help the children understand what it means to be “slow to anger” (Proverbs 15:18), tell a personal story about when you (or someone you know) felt angry but chose to be kind. Let the children share their own experiences too. Help the children think of things they can do instead of becoming angry. For example, they could think about Jesus, ask Heavenly Father to help them, sing a Primary song to themselves, or, if possible, just walk away.
Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.
Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA
Practice: How do our words affect the spirit in our home? Perhaps family members could practice giving “a soft answer” to “grievous words” and try to use what they learn in their interactions with each other. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022
Response: You can’t make anyone do anything. But when you speak kindly, others might follow your example. Words are powerful. Especially when you use your words for good. Mean words can be hurtful, but kind words can be helpful, healing, and inspiring.
Friend February 2023 “Soccer Riddle” Alessio invited his new neighbor, Sara, to play soccer with his friends! Use the clues to help Sara learn all their names.
Friend June 2021 “Be Kind” President Oaks tells us to be kind and not tease, reject, bully, and reject those who are different from them.
Ways to show kindness to someone new or from a different country.
Friend August 2017 “Happy to Help” A girl born in a refugee camp but now lives in Utah helps translate for new kids at Primary. Some ideas for helping new kids include: “If you don’t speak their language, find someone who can translate. Learn how to say hello in their language. In Kirundi, say “Amakuru.” In Swahili, say “Jambo!” Invite them to come play with you.”
Friend September 2020 “Friends By Mail” A family came up with some kindness tips: “If there’s a new kid at school, offer to show them around and introduce them to your other friends. Share things about yourself so they get to know you, and ask questions about them.”
Love, Kindness, and Looking for the Good
Friend September 2016 “Family Night Fun” Musical chairs but when someone gets out have everyone say one nice thing about them. Look for the good.
Draw a small heart on the board. Invite the children to share ways they can be kind to others. Each time they share, erase the heart and draw a bigger one. Testify that our love for others grows as we are kind to them. Give the children paper hearts, and invite them to draw on the hearts ways they can show love and be kind.
Help the children search Mosiah 4:13–16, 26 and identify phrases that describe how we can serve others. Invite them to act out these things or draw pictures of them, and let the other children guess the phrase. How can we show love and kindness at home, at school, or at church?
Friend April 2016 What does it mean to be kind? Write something for each letter of the alphabet on a poster. Set some family goals and hang up the poster.
Ensign August 2017 “The Burdens of Bullying” Lesson ideas about teaching children how to avoid becoming bullies themselves –including the below object lesson idea.
Cover several cans of food with paper and take turns writing on the cans ways that others hurt us, like ignoring, yelling, hitting, or saying, “I don’t like you.” Then blow up some balloons. Use a marker to write on the balloons ways that others make us happy, like sharing toys or saying, “I like playing with you.” Have two people each hold a basket or box while everyone else gives balloons to one person and cans to the other. Explain how positive behaviors and words make our loads easy to carry, but negative actions and comments can weigh us down. Talk about what you and your family can do to help lighten others’ burdens.
Friend October 2015 Jesus showed love and kindness to everyone around Him. Take this quiz and think about how you can follow His example.
Friend May 2020 “What’s on Your Mind?” Someone wants to know how to stand up for someone who is being bullied. The Friendngives some tips and suggest acting them out.
Friend April 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Mosiah 4:26 together and help your little ones say, “I can help those in need.” This would be a great time to do a family service project. For example, young children could decorate paper bags and help fill them with snacks or other items to comfort people who seem sad or lonely.
Friend April 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Kindness Challenge: Do a family kindness challenge! Set out a small jar. Throughout the week, put a small object in the jar every time you do something kind. Can you fill it to the top?
Even young children can follow the counsel to strengthen others “in all your conversation, in all your prayers, … and in all your doings.”
Draw a person on the board, and ask the children to name some things the person could do to become physically stronger. (You might draw bigger muscles on the person as the children name things.) Read Doctrine and Covenants 108:7, and ask the children to listen for ways we can “strengthen [our] brethren [and sisters].” Explain any words that might be difficult.
Help the children think of people they know who may need strengthening. What could we say to them or do for them? Work together to make cards for these people, or encourage the children to remember them in their personal and family prayers.
How can we strengthen each other in our conversations? in our prayers? in our exhortations, or encouragement? in all our doings? You might choose one of these to work on as a family.
In My Conversation
Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.
In Prayers
Friend March 2020 “Praying for Uncle Dan” At bedtime Isabelle’s family prayed together. They always started by talking about people who might need extra blessings. This time dad asked them to pray for Uncle Dan who had lost his job. Every day they prayed for him, and eventually he started making progress in finding a new job.
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend September 2019 “Praying Like Alma” Joplin got hit by a tornado and Isaac wants to go help, but he’s too young. While learning about Alma’s prayer for his son, Isaac got the idea to pray for the people of Joplin. He said prayers for them everyday.
In My Exhortations
Friend July 2020 “Kind Enough to Speak Up” Charlie’s friend was mean to people and called them names. Charlie talked to his friend about it and he agreed to stop being mean.
Friend February 2018 “Standing up for Church” Easton is surprised when kids in his international school class laugh when a boy says he goes to church. He decides to do his family identity presentation on church so that others would see why it’s important and not silly.
In My Doings
For the Strength of Youth June 2024 “Just Be Kind” Raegan and Rylyn make “Be Kind” signs to help people remember to be kind to others who are different from them, like their down syndrome siblings. They sell the signs and see them in people’s yards. The money they make, they donate to charities. They have made over 5,400 Be Kind signs and raised over $50,000 for charity. They also set a goal to lift kids at school who don’t fit in. (See more images and story at the link.)
Answer: Everything you watch or listen to affects how you think, feel, and act. And that affects the person you become. To become your best self, watch and listen to the best things. We are taught to seek after things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy” (Articles of Faith 1:13). And we can know something is good if it makes us want to do good and “to believe in Christ” (Moroni 7:16). What you watch or listen to matters so much because you matter so much.
If you’re not sure how to talk to your children about online safety, consider asking them questions like these (adapted from “Scams and Safety,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, fbi.gov):
I have heard about adults pressuring kids online to send pictures of their bodies to the adult. Have you ever heard about something like that?
Has someone at school ever had a picture taken of them that was sent around to a lot of people? What could happen to that person if the picture was embarrassing?
Has anyone you don’t know ever tried to contact you or talk to you online?
Why do you think an adult would want to talk to a kid online?
Ensign August 2017 “Eight Stratagies to Help Children Reject Pornography”
Family Rules:
Keep computers and tablets in common areas.
Ask children and teens to turn in their phones and mobile devices at night.
Establish an open-book policy; parents can view texts and social media accounts at any time.
Pornography
Ensign October 2019 “Four Ways to Protect Your Family from Pornography” Even young children can learn to recognize it in a simple way: “You might accidentally see a picture or video of someone with their clothes off. That’s called pornography. When you see it, you might feel an ‘uh-oh’ feeling inside. That’s the Holy Ghost telling you, ‘That’s pornography. Stay away.’”
Friend October 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” A child sees a picture of someone without clothes on and asks the Friend what to do. The Friend explains that it is probably pornography and gives some ideas on what to do. They also include a TAG to keep by the computer that says Turn away, tell an Adult, and do something Good.
Friend November 2017 “Question Corner” Children give responses about what to do when friends look at bad pictures or show them on their phones.
Ensign October 2019 “Addressing Pornography” Joy D. Jones tells a story of a boy trusting a rattlesnake and picking it up and carrying it. When the snake bites him and the boy is shocked, the snake says,“You knew what I was when you picked me up.” Sister Jones says, “I see many parents handing their child a snake. I am speaking of smartphones.” She says that until the reasoning and decision-making abilities are fully developed and children are sufficiently taught, “we cannot put cell phones with internet access into the hands of young children.” Sister Jones also shares some ways others have protected their children from the dangers of the internet.
Why is the source of the water you drink important?
Seeking truth can be like drinking water: the source matters. Think of sources you turn to when you have questions or concerns. [such as the Internet] How confident are you that these sources provide true answers? Heavenly Father desires to answer your sincere questions and has provided trustworthy sources to guide you. [The prophet, from the scriptures, from the Holy Ghost. Don’t drown in the depths of filthy water. Go to the source of living water.]
Friend April 2018 “The Priesthood and Me” Journal entries from a girl who wonders why only boys receive the priesthood. She learns that both boys and girls use priesthood power for their callings and responsibilities.
Receiving the Priesthood
Friend May 2017 “Awesome! Robert receives the Aaronic Priesthood and learns about the line of authority.
Friend June 2016 “Was I Ready” A boy prays to know if he is ready to receive the priesthood.
Worthiness Friend October 2017 “Worthiness Worries” Matthew can’t get the image of an immodestly dressed woman out of his head that he saw on an advertisement. He worries that he isn’t worthy to receive the priesthood. His mother helps him remember that the Savior took on himself all our difficulties and he can help us.
Duties of the Priesthood
Friend November 2015 “Priesthood Power” Bobby learns that the priesthood is about serving people.
Friend January 2016 President Monson fulfilled his deacon duties by taking the sacrament to a home bound man and by being a good secretary.
Passing the Sacrament
Friend November 2020 “Help Passing the Sacrament” Brayden was almost old enough to pass the sacrament, but he didn’t know how he was going to do it because he used a walker to help him walk. But then the other deacons volunteered to take turns pushing him in his transport chair so he could carry a tray. He was glad to be part of such a great deacons quorum!
Friend January 2023 “Representing Jesus” The older boys were going to show David and the other 11-year-old boys how to pass the sacrament. David was nervous because his autism sometimes made it hard for him to learn new things, but he practiced and had lots of help.
Father’s Blessings
Friend November 2019 “The Primary Talk” Dennis was afraid to give a talk in Primary. He prayed, prepared, and practiced but he was still nervous, so he asked his father to give him a blessing. After the blessing he was able to give the talk with only a few stutters, and he knew Heavenly Father had helped him.
Friend June 2019 “A New Chapter” Sarah’s dad died in an accident and she and her mom had to move to a new place. Sarah is sad a lot and she is also worried about not knowing anyone in church or school. She would like a blessing, but her dad isn’t there to give her one. Her mom suggests her uncle give the blessing. After the blessing, Sarah quickly makes friends at church and school.
Friend September 2017 “Moresby the Brave” Moresby is worried about starting school, so his father gives him a blessing. Moresby’s day goes well, and he is even brave enough to help someone else who is having a hard time on their first day.
Friend February 2016 “You are Special” In Emma’s blessing from her father, Emma gets a message from Heavenly Father.
Friend June 2018 “Twin Jitters” Kaylee is nervous about getting baptized. She worries about being dropped or not being able to breath. Her twin brother is also nervous. Her grandmother suggests they get a blessing from their father. Afterwards they feel much better.
Healing Blessings
Friend August 2024 “Margo and Paolo” Margo and Paulo and receive a blessing but don’t feel better afterwards. Their mother tells them to be patient, that sometimes blessings from the Lord take time, but she is sure He heard their prayers. A few days later they are healthy and strong again.
Friend October 2023 “Timeon’s Priesthood Blessing” Timeon fell and hurt his arm when playing monkeys with his friends at an empty tree hut. He was in a lot of pain, but there were no doctors close enough to visit in the dark. The elders gave him a priesthood blessing. Soon Timeon’s arm didn’t hurt so much. He felt calm and peaceful. He was even able to fall asleep. They were able to go see a doctor in the morning. Timeon was grateful for priesthood power.
Friend August 2021 “Peace through Priesthood Power” When Elder Steven R. Bangerter was a child, he had gamma globulin anemia which made it hard for his body to fight off germs, so he got sick a lot. One night he had an earache so bad that he thought his head would explode. He father gave him a blessing and he was able to sleep through the night and feel better the next day. The next few year his father continued to give him priesthood blessings. He taught him that those blessings were opportunities for Heavenly Father to speak to him.
Friend August 2021 “The Power of a Priesthood Blessing” Russell M. Nelson gave a very sick doctor a priesthood blessing when they were in Mexico and not near any medical facilities. The next morning he was feeling better.
Friend March 2020 “Hayfields and Priesthood Blessings” When Elder Gerard was a boy, he lived on a farm. The dust from the hay sometimes made him sick because of his allergies. One windy summer day there was a lot of dust in the air and he was having a hard time breathing. His mother brought him in and had two farmers who were members of church give him a priesthood blessing. As they blessed him, he felt warm, peaceful, and calm.
Friend October 2019 “Matt and Mandy” Matt hurt his arm and needs surgery. He asks to get a blessing before the surgery.
Friend February 2017 “Danger at the Ice Pond” Alice tries to help push the blocks of ice in the pond, but the ice she is standing on cracks and breaks. Her father rushes her home and gives her a priesthood blessing and she has no ill effects.
Friend July 1988 “Power of Prayer” A pioneer father is inspired that something was wrong at home. When he arrives he finds that his daughter has fallen into the fireplace. He gives her a blessing and every promise is fulfilled.
Friend May 2016 “Bad Day in the Badlands” Topher and his classmates get sick on a school trip. Topher gets a priesthood blessing.
Friend May 2016
Friend April 2018 “I got sick when my dad was on a business trip. My mom called Brother Hillstrom and Brother Judkins, and they gave me a blessing. They told me that the priesthood was real and Heavenly Father could help me get better. I knew that I might not get better right away, but I would get well soon. I love the priesthood.”
Sienna P., age 8, Utah, USA
Baby Blessings
Friend June 2019 “Baby’s Blessing Day” Kate learns that a baby blessing is special when her baby sister gets blessed.
In early 1831, almost a year after the Church was organized, many people were joining the Church and gathering in Ohio, as the Lord had commanded. As the Church grew, Joseph Smith needed additional leaders to help with the work of the Church. The Church was facing many financial (money-related) challenges. Many of the Saints who gathered to Kirtland were poor. They had no land or money and little food, clothing, or other things that were necessary for them to live. The Church also needed money to build a temple and to publish written materials such as revelations and missionary pamphlets. The Prophet himself did not have a home or a way to provide for his family, and other Church leaders who were serving in the Church full-time also needed help in supporting their families.
The Prophet asked the Lord what should be done to provide for all of these needs. In February 1831 the Prophet received a revelation calling Edward Partridge, who had only been a member of the Church for two months, to serve as the first bishop of the Church. The bishop’s first responsibility was to help the Prophet provide for the physical and financial needs of the members of the Church. Joseph Smith received other revelations in the next few months that helped Bishop Partridge know what else he was to do as bishop.
Bishop Partridge was asked to help provide the needy members of the Church with food, clothing, and shelter (see D&C 42:30–31, 34). Members who had extra food or other supplies were asked to share with those who did not have enough. Bishop Partridge received and distributed these donations, keeping them in a storehouse where members in need could come.
Another duty given to Bishop Partridge was to purchase and distribute land for individual homes and Church buildings (see D&C 42:35).
Ensign April 2021 “How can we be like Edward Partridge?” Edward Partridge was the first bishop of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. With his firm testimony, he was willing to sacrifice everything he had and endure hardship after hardship, for he knew the Church to be true.
Friend March 2017 “My Dad the Bishop” Syrena was surprised when her dad was called as bishop because she thought bishops were solemn and had perfect families, but she learns that they are men with strong testimonies.
Friend November 2018 “Matt and Mandy” A regular meal turns into a Thanksgiving type meal when the family expresses things they are grateful for.
Friend November 2018 “Count Your Blessings” Jacy can’t sleep. Her father comes in when he hears her crying. He suggests that she sing a song and then count her blessings. Thinking about her blessings helps her relax and sleep.
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Friend June 2024 “Count Your Blessings” Arkin and his dad happily sang “Count Your Blessings” as they sold smoked fish so they would have enough money to pay for a ride to church on Sunday, a two hour walk away. They happily sang more hymns as they walked two hours to the church to clean it on Saturday. Arkin’s family didn’t have much, but his heart felt joyful and thankful as he thought of all his blessings.
Friend November 2017 “The Blessing Fish” A family learns the story of the disciples that caught a net full of fish after Jesus told them where to cast their nets. The children realize that the fish are a blessing to Peter’s family. They talk about the blessings their family has been given.
Friend November 2017 “Sincerely, Maisy: A Muddy Thanksgiving” Maisy feels she has a lot to be grateful for after helping a family at Thanksgiving whose house was being flooded.
Gratitude Jar
Friend November 2020 “The Thankful Jar” At school, the kids got to say one thing they were thankful for and put it in a jar. Henry couldn’t think of just one, so he wanted to make a thankful jar at home and fill it up.
Gratitude Journal
Friend November 2020 “Matt and Mandy Matt and Mandy wonder how the people in the Book of Mormon kept getting wicked again and again after they were blessed so much. They decided to write a gratitude journal so they wouldn’t forget all their blessings.
Friend March 2017 “Raining!” Rain makes the earth clean and beautiful. Water helps us in many ways.
Friend March 2017Friend March 2017
Gratitude During Adversity (seeing blessings)
Friend November 2020 “120 Happy People” A family does a service project every year on the birthday of their baby who died because serving helps them feel thankful for what they have, and when they feel thankful, then happiness replaces the sad feelings. For this years project they decide to thank you notes to people every day and help 120 people feel happy.
Friend November 2020
Friend November 2019 “Matt and Mandy” Matt broke his arm and had to have surgery. He keeps his sense of humor through the whole ordeal. At Thanksgiving he shares all the things he is grateful for in regards to what happened to his arm; he’s grateful for doctors, priesthood blessings, learning to do hard things, that his injury wasn’t worse, etc.
Friend November 2019 “Searching for Sir Crunch-a-Lot” Mackenzie’s family shop at the bishop’s storehouse for their food because they don’t have much money after her dad lost his job. Mackenzie wishes she didn’t have to eat boring food like granola instead of her favorite cereal brand, and sandwiches instead of pizza at school. But then she finds out that a friend sitting next to her isn’t eating lunch because she is fasting for a family member. Mackenzie realizes how hard it must be to fast, and she is grateful for all the people who fast and give fast offerings so she and her family don’t go hungry. (Refreshment Idea: Friend November 2019 “Family Night Fun: Gratitude Granola” Have family members say something they’re grateful for as they add each ingredient!
Friend November 2019Friend November 2019
Friend November 2016 “Pie-crust Cabins” When Robbin’s great grandmother was young, her family didn’t have much at Thanksgiving, so they made pie crust cabins with what they had to remind them of their blessings. It became a family tradition.
Friend November 2016
Friend October 2017 “Bread and Gratitude” A man at a restaurant always find some fault in the meal no matter what the waiter provides. “As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are commanded to “thank the Lord [our] God in all things” (D&C 59:7). If we focus on the blessings we think we are missing, it can make us unhappy.“
Friend October 2017 “Bread and Gratitude” Fill in the blank story about a boy who has a terrible day, but after a dream he realizes he is grateful for all those things that had been difficult the day before.
Friend March 1987 “Fruit for Hernando” Hernando and his family has very little, but he realizes they are blessed.
Friend Nov. 1985 “Something of Value” After her father loses his job, Janie learns that there are more important things than possessions and that she has many blessings.
Friend Nov. 2015 “Sweeter then Pie” Tally gets sick before her school party, but she has good friends that remember her.
Friend May 2019 “The Gratitude Goal” Kate’s favorite scripture story was the story of the ten lepers. She couldn’t believe that out of the ten people Jesus healed, only one said thank you! She’d made it a goal ever since to always say thank you, even when she was stressed and worried about such things as making the soccer team.
Friend July 2018 “Thank You!” Action rhyme about remembering to say thank you when someone helps you.
Friend June 2023 “The Kindness Coin” Nina gave her neighbor free lemonade at her stand as a thank you for all the help he had given to her family. Her neighbor was so kind though that he put it on the porch for her to find. Nina and her neighbor went back and forth finding places to put the coin at each other’s houses. It was a fun game. But then the neighbor had the coin made into a necklace for Nina.
Friend June 2023 “The Kindness Coin” Nina gave her neighbor free lemonade at her stand as a thank you for all the help he had given to her family. Her neighbor was so kind though that he put it on the porch for her to find. Nina and her neighbor went back and forth finding places to put the coin at each other’s houses. It was a fun game. But then the neighbor had the coin made into a necklace for Nina.
Friend February 2018 “Grateful Gifts” A man in Alice’s ward gives her and her sister a flute as a thank you for playing the piano for Sacrament meetings. Alice loves the gift and learns a song to play for the man to show her appreciation.(Article includes photos of the people and of the special flute)
Friend September 2015 “Sister Pettigrew’s Lesson” – link includes thank you note to write to teacher
Blessing of Freedom
Friend July 1988 “Grandpa Max’s Flag” Scott’s grandfather puts up a US flag everyday because he immigrated from a country where the people didn’t have freedom; they were taxed and imprisoned unfairly or forced to join the military.
Friend July 1988Friend July 1988Friend July 1988Friend July 1988
Read Moses 3:2–3, and ask the children to listen for what God did on the seventh day. Bring pictures (or make simple drawings) of things we do on Sunday to make it a holy day and things we do on other days. Let the children sort the pictures into two piles, one for Sunday and one for other days. Testify of why it is important to keep the Sabbath day holy.
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.
How does keeping the Sabbath day holy show our love and respect for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Help the children role-play scenarios in which they explain 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.
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.
Bring pictures or objects that depict good things we can do on Sunday to worship the Lord and find joy. Some ideas are found in Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–12 and “Sabbath Day Observance” (For the Strength of Youth, 30–31). For example, to represent the sacrament, you could show picture 108 in the Gospel Art Book or a sacrament cup and a piece of bread. How does each of these things help us be closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ on the Sabbath?
Complete this week’s activity page with the children to give them ideas to make the Sabbath a holy day.
The Lord said that observing the Sabbath helps us “keep [ourselves] unspotted from the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:9). How can you help the children you teach honor the Sabbath and make it a sign of their love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–16 in pairs, and ask each pair to write down something they learn about the Sabbath day from each verse. After several minutes, ask each pair to share with the class what they wrote. What will we do differently on the Sabbath because of what we learned?
Prepare a simple matching game in which the children match phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–16 to the correct verse. Choose phrases that teach what the Lord wants us to do on the Sabbath. Discuss what these phrases teach us about the Lord’s day and how we can come closer to Him.
The Sabbath day is “the Lord’s day” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:12)—a day to show that we remember the many works of the Lord as we worship Him (see Bible Dictionary, “Sabbath”). Help the children ponder these works by inviting them to read the following scripture passages and showing them related pictures: Genesis 2:1–3(see Gospel Art Book, no. 3); John 20:1–19 (see Gospel Art Book, no. 59). What other mighty works of the Lord can we remember on the Sabbath? What else do we learn about the Sabbath from Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–16?
Honoring the Sabbath is a Sign of My Love for the Lord.
Draw a heart on the board, and ask the children what this symbol can mean. Help them think of other things that can be a sign for love, like a hug or an act of service. Read to them Exodus 31:13. Help them understand that when we keep the Sabbath day holy, it is a sign to the Lord that we love Him.
Tell the children about some of the ways you try to show your love for the Lord on the Sabbath. Let them share how they and their families do this. Invite them to use this week’s activity page to share more ideas.
Ask the children a few questions to help them understand what a sign is—for example, “What signs let you know that spring is coming or that you’re getting a cold?” Invite them to read Exodus 31:13, 16–17 and find the word “sign.” What did the Lord say is a sign between us and Him? Why is this sign so important?
Sign definition: Something indicating the presence or existence of something else (Mirriam Webster Thesaurus)
Invite the children to take turns explaining why they choose to honor the Sabbath. Videos like “The Sabbath Is for You” or “Upon My Holy Day—Honoring the Sabbath” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) can help.
Invite the children to write down all the things they can think of that they can do on Sunday to show the Lord that they love Him. Encourage them to share a few things from their lists. Invite them to take their lists home, share them with their families, and refer to them whenever they need ideas about what to do on the Sabbath day.
After reading these verses, perhaps your family could discuss President Russell M. Nelson’s question about our behavior on the Sabbath: “What sign will you give to the Lord to show your love for Him?” (“The Sabbath Is a Delight,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 130). Your family could make some signs to place around your home to remind you how you will show love for the Lord on the Sabbath. (See also the video collection “Sabbath Day—At Home” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org].)
Ask the children to repeat the phrase “Call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord” (Isaiah 58:13) several times. Explain that “delight” means something that brings us joy. Ask the children to share some things that bring them joy. Testify that the Lord gave us the Sabbath day because He wants us to have joy. Tell the children why the Sabbath is a delight to you.
Read to the children from Isaiah 58:14: “Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” Explain to the children that the Sabbath is a special day—a time when we can think about the things Heavenly Father and Jesus did to help us be happy. Help the children think of things they can do on the Sabbath to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus. Invite them to draw their ideas and share their pictures with one another and their families.
What is the difference between “finding [our] own pleasure” and finding “delight … in the Lord” on the Sabbath? How can we make the Sabbath “a delight”?
Sabbath Day: Lesson Item 10 Stringboard activity: Have the children name some things they could do on Saturday to help prepare for Sunday. Have the children write each idea on one of the pathway stones (for little ones, draw some simple pictures on the stones). Tell the children that on each Saturday they can move their figures across their stringboard as they accomplish each item.
Friend October 2018 “Food and Fun” Make this all-in-one breakfast egg muffin during FHE. Each person could prepare one or two of their favorite toppings. Little ones can chop olives or mushrooms with a butter knife, or they could put cheese in a bowl or whisk the eggs.
Freeze some and explain that they are preparing ahead to keep the Sabbath day holy.
For a family home evening treat, fill some of the bread liners with a pie filling (could also top with whipped cream or ice cream after baking.)
Read Matthew 12:10–13 out loud. Invite the children to stand up and sit down every time you say “Sabbath,” and repeat with them the phrase “It is [right] to do well on the sabbath days” (Matthew 12:12). What do they think that means?
Calendar Activity: Show a calendar to the children, and highlight the Sabbath day for them. What do we do on other days of the week? What can we do on the Sabbath to make it different from other days? (see Isaiah 58:13–14).
Print and cut out the images. Have the children take turns putting the things that fulfill the purposes of the Sabbath on the Sunday squares and put the other things on one of the weekday squares. Before deciding where a picture goes, ask the following question: “Does it bring me closer to Heavenly Father, increase my spiritual strength, or rest my body?” As you do the activity, pay attention to all the days on the calendar that the family has to do their work, sports, and recreation, and notice that there is only one day a week that we are to set aside as a holy day of worship.
Ask the children to draw good things they can do on the Sabbath day (see this week’s activity page).
Invite the children to come up with actions to help them remember ways we get ready for the Sabbath as they sing the song “Saturday” (Children’s Songbook, 196).
Draw eyes, ears, a mouth, and hands on the chalkboard. Ask the children to tell you what each of these parts of our bodies can do to keep the Sabbath day holy.
www.clipartengine.com
Friend July 2024 “The Scripture Theater” Jenna and Johnny were bored so they decided to get the Sunday Box out. They played the scripture hero matching game first and then they got some costumes out of the box and acted out one of our favorite scripture stories. They invited the other family members to see their play. They discovered Sunday is fun and is a special day.
Friend July 2024 “Sunday Activities” Toss a small item, like a bean or a coin, onto the page. Then do the activity it lands on. When you’re done, try it again! Keep going until you get four in a row.
The Sabbath is a day to do good things that bring me closer to God.
Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 In their zeal to keep the Sabbath day holy, the Pharisees had implemented strict rules and man-made traditions, which eventually clouded their understanding of the true purpose of the Sabbath.
“What did the Savior mean when He said that “the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath”? [ Mark 2:27 ]. I believe He wanted us to understand that the Sabbath was His gift to us, granting real respite [or relief] from the rigors of daily life and an opportunity for spiritual and physical renewal. God gave us this special day, not for amusement or daily labor but for a rest from duty, with physical and spiritual relief.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Sabbath Is a Delight,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 129)
Watch the video “Share Your Sabbath” (0:53), which shares several ways to “do good” on the Sabbath day.
Invite a child to pretend to be the man whose hand was healed by the Savior (see Matthew 12:10–13). Another child could ask him or her questions about the experience.
Read together Matthew 12:12. What are some good things we can do on the Sabbath? Let the children draw their ideas on this week’s activity page, cut out the pieces, and take turns putting each other’s puzzles together.
What are some of your favorite ways to come closer to Jesus Christ on Sunday?
Hide several pictures of people doing things that show love for Heavenly Father on the Sabbath day. Ask the children to find the pictures and share how doing the things in the pictures shows our love for God.
Additional Resources:
Sabbath Music
Friend August 2017 “Family Night Fun” Music can affect our mood and our ability to feel the Spirit.
Ensign March 2017 “Helping Children Delight in the Sabbath” Lots of wonderful ideas of fun things to do with children on the Sabbath.
Friend August 2017 Have the children make a notebook of their favorite stories and activities from the Friend magazine.
Friend August 2017 “To make the Sabbath day special, we make scripture scenes from our toys. We made Moses standing on Mount Sinai while the Israelites worshipped a golden calf.” Nathan, Ryan, and Paul
Play a conference talk while other things are making noise such as appliances, tv, radio, etc. In order to hear the conference talk the first thing they will have to do is to turn off all the competing noises. That is why Heavenly Father has given us the Sabbath day—so we can turn off competing influences and listen to the Spirit.
Strengthen Family Relationships: Play “Spin the Family Bottle.” This requires a large, empty soda pop bottle. The family sits in a circle. Someone spins the bottle on the floor, then tells what he or she likes about the person to whom it points. Next, that person spins the bottle and the process is repeated.
Object Lesson: Use a pitcher of water, a bowl, and a cup to illustrate how we might become spiritually filled. Pour water from the pitcher into the cup, explaining that as we attend our Church meetings, worship, and keep the Sabbath day holy, we are filled with the spirit of the Lord. During the week we are involved in activities that may drain our spiritual reserves. Name several possibilities, such as school, chores, sports, friends, a disagreement with a family member, or making a wrong choice, as you pour water from the cup into the bowl. On the Sabbath day we can become spiritually filled and refreshed again. (Primary 6 Manual: Lesson 20)
Friend April 2017 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for helping your little ones have a holy Sabbath Day.
Friend January 2018 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for helping your little ones have a holy Sabbath Day.
Friend January 2016 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for attending church with little ones.
Friend December 2023 “The First Christmas” Make your own Nativity scene! Cut out each picture. Then glue or tape the pictures inside a small box or on a piece of cardboard.
Friend December 1988 “Sharing Time: Two Witnesses of Jesus Birth” Read the skit as the silhouettes are pressed against a backlit piece of fabric or sheet. (Book of Mormon & Bible tell of Jesus’ birth.)
Friend December 2019 “Matt and Mandy” Mandy and her friend Jazzmine want their families to do a nativity pageant together. Jazzmine’s grandparents want to play Simeon and Anna who recognized Jesus at the temple the same way we can recognize him in our lives, through the Holy Ghost.
Friend December 2017 “Skyler’s Nativity” Skyler helps with the nativity play. Also, count how many stars are in the sky.
Friend December 2020 “Christmas Play” After Mark and his siblings hear the story of Jesus’s birth, they dress up and act it out. (Circle the things Mark and Sarah could use for their play!)
