Friend June 2021 “A Day at the Beach” Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ made a beautiful world for us to enjoy. When we look around, we can remember how much They love us!
Friend February 2019 “What’s in the Box” Ava was excited to see what was in the shiny wrapped box that her Primary teacher had brought. She was even more curious when her teacher said, “Inside this box is one of Heavenly Father’s greatest creations.” When it was her turn to look inside the box, she lifted the lid and found a mirrror. She saw her own face looking back. She realized that she was one of God’s greatest creations and he loved her. She felt warm and happy inside.
Friend November 2022 “Just the Right Size” Kids at school tease Trina because she is so small. Josie, from her Primary class, was kind and made her feel better. Then on Sunday her class decorated a board with hearts that said things they love about her, like her smile and her big heart. Then her teacher told her, “Heavenly Father loves each one of us. Short. Tall. Big. Small. That doesn’t matter to Him. We are all His children, and He loves every single one.”
Friend March 2018 “Heavenly Father Listens” Elder Clayton felt the love of God as a teen when he prayed about some worries. Heavenly Father loves us and is interested in our lives just like a parent would be. (Activity page included: Find the hearts in the room of the girl who is praying.)
Friend February 2017 “Explorer Everett” Everett knows Heavenly Father loves him because He answers Everett’s prayers. Activity: Find the things in the picture that show Heavenly Father and Jesus’s love.
Friend January 2019 “Something Special to Share” Diego wants to take something special to share for Show and Tell. He decides to take a picture of Jesus and tell them that Jesus loves everyone.
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Friend April 2022 “Somebody Loves You” When Sister Susan H. Porter, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, was on her way to a new job, she started worrying that she wasn’t good enough. Then she had a clear feeling to try her best and remember that even if it doesn’t go well, there’s somebody who loves her.
Friend August 2022 “The 15-Minute Miracle” Sasha and her mom were on vacation and found out they needed to catch a bus quickly to make it to a place they had tickets for. Sasha said a prayer and little miracles happened on their way to the bus. Her mom said, “Sometimes we have little miracles that remind us how much Heavenly Father loves us.”
Friend June 2026 “Feeling God’s Love” Amber couldn’t get a bad word out of her mind that she had hear on TV. She wondered if that meant she was a bad person. She remembered her mother saying that Heavenly Father loves us even more than the (beautiful) stars because we’re His children.” She wanted to find out if that was true, so she prayed. When she was done praying, a feeling of peace filled her like a big hug. She knew He loved her, and a thought came to her mind to talk to her parents as well.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 19 Revelation given through Joseph Smith, at Manchester, New York, likely in the summer of 1829. In his history, the Prophet introduces it as “a commandment of God and not of man, to Martin Harris, given by him who is Eternal.”
Desiring to support the Prophet Joseph Smith and the publication of the Book of Mormon, Martin Harris promised to help pay for the printing. When he later realized that this may require him to sell his farm, he asked Joseph for a revelation of guidance from the Lord. In Doctrine and Covenants 19, the Savior recounted how He chose to submit to Heavenly Father’s will and gained the power to overcome all things. The Lord counseled Martin to repent and make the sacrifice required to pay the debt he owed to the printer. Martin was promised peace if he would repent and submit to what the Lord had asked him to do.(Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual)
You can help your children feel reverence and gratitude for the Savior by reading together Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19 or “Chapter 51: Jesus Suffers in the Garden of Gethsemane,” in New Testament Stories, 129–32, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library. Consider pausing to make sure your children understand and to let them express their feelings.
In verse 16, what are “these things” Jesus suffered for us? (see Mosiah 3:7; Alma 7:11–12). What do we learn from His description of His suffering?
Separate into 2 groups, if you have a small class work together. Have them draw and write the things that Christ suffered on this puzzle piece (Mosiah 3:7) and the next puzzle piece (Alma 7:11–12). Then complete the floor puzzle, while they tell you about their drawings.
How can we show our gratitude for what He did for us?
Help the children look in Hymns or the Children’s Songbook for songs that help them express their feelings about Jesus Christ (see the topic indexes in these books). Invite the children to sing the songs they chose and bear their testimonies.
Show a picture of Jesus Christ suffering in Gethsemane (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Ask the children to tell you what they know about what is happening in this picture. Summarize in your own words what the Savior said in Doctrine and Covenants 19:18–19 about His suffering. Emphasize that suffering for our sins was the hardest thing anyone has ever done, but because Jesus loved His Father and us, He obeyed God’s will. What difficult things does God ask us to do? How can we find courage to obey Him?
What does it mean that Jesus Christ submitted His will to the Father?
How do you think what Jesus Christ taught about Himself could have helped Martin in his situation? How could it help us?
You might help your children think of simple actions that go along with phrases in Doctrine and Covenants 19:23. Read the verse several times while they do the actions. What are some ways we can learn of Christ and listen to His words?
23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me. Read the verse several times while the children do the actions. Help them think of ways we can learn of Christ and listen to His words.
The Book of Mormon translation was now finished. Joseph gave the gold plates back to the angel Moroni. Now it was time to print copies of the book so everyone could read it and learn more about Jesus Christ. (Saints, 1:75–76)
It cost a lot of money to print the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris gave up part of his farm to pay for it. He did this because he knew the Book of Mormon is true. Every copy of the book has the testimony of Martin and the other witnesses for all to read. The witnesses never denied their testimony. (Saints, 1:76–78)
God’s blessings are greater than the treasures of the earth.
You and your children could take turns holding a copy of the Book of Mormon and sharing what you love about it. Briefly talk about Martin Harris’s sacrifice so the Book of Mormon could be printed (see Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 33). What did the Lord say to Martin in Doctrine and Covenants 19:38 that might have helped him be faithful and obedient? Help your children think of something they can sacrifice to obey God or help in His work.
Friend January 2017 “The Next Level” Max takes a week off from playing games and he learns new things, spends time with his family, serves, and feels the Spirit.
When the translation of the gold plates was almost finished, Joseph Smith began looking for someone to publish the translation as a book. He talked to a printer in Palmyra, Egbert B. Grandin, and asked him to give an estimate of the cost of printing the book. Grandin did not want to print the “golden Bible,” as he called it, because he knew that people were against the book, and he was afraid he would not be paid. Joseph went to Rochester, New York, to see if he could find someone else to do it. One printer refused to print the book because he did not believe Joseph’s account of where he got it; another agreed to print it, but his price was very high. Finally Joseph returned to Palmyra and convinced Grandin to print the book. Grandin agreed only after Martin Harris pledged his farm to guarantee the printing costs.
People in Palmyra who opposed the Book of Mormon held a meeting and resolved not to buy the book when it was published. Grandin again became worried that he would not be paid. Martin Harris was afraid he would lose his farm, and he wondered what he should do. Joseph Smith inquired of the Lord, and the Lord told Martin not to “covet” his own property but to “impart it freely” to cover the costs of printing the Book of Mormon (see D&C 19:26). Martin Harris eventually sold 151 acres of his farm to pay Grandin for publishing the Book of Mormon.
Martin and Lucy Harris had one of the finest farms in Palmyra, New York. It had taken them years to acquire, had enabled them to raise a family, and had given them good standing in the community. But in 1829 it became clear that the Book of Mormon could be published only if Martin mortgaged his farm to pay the printer. Martin had a testimony of the Book of Mormon, but Lucy did not. If Martin went forward with the mortgage and the Book of Mormon did not sell well, he would lose his farm and jeopardize his marriage. At some time or another, we all face questions similar to those that Martin may have been facing: What is the gospel of Jesus Christ worth to me? What am I willing to sacrifice to help build God’s kingdom? It may help us to remember that no one has ever paid a higher price to bless God’s children than Jesus Christ, “the greatest of all” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:18).
Martin made the decision to mortgage his farm. His sacrifice paid for the printing of the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. And now, more than 190 million copies later, millions of souls around the world have been blessed.
For more information about the publication of the Book of Mormon, see Saints, 1:76–84.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” When we are baptized, which Jesus called being “born of water,” we receive a remission of our sins and can “enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). How can you help the children you teach understand what being born again means?
Make word strips showing the Savior’s words in John 3:3, and let the children put them in the correct order. How is being baptized and confirmed like being born again?
What does it mean to be born again?
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “We begin the process of being born again through exercising faith in Christ, repenting of our sins, and being baptized by immersion for the remission of sins by one having priesthood authority. …
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “In addition to the physical ordinance of baptism and the laying on of hands, one must be spiritually born again to gain exaltation and eternal life” (“Born of God,” Ensign, July 1989, 2–4). Therefore, being born again requires more than simply being baptized and confirmed. In order to be born again one needs to live in such a manner that the Holy Ghost changes the heart.
Elder David A. Bednar taught: “Conversion … is mighty, not minor—a spiritual rebirth and fundamental change of what we feel and desire, what we think and do, and what we are. As we choose to follow the Master, we choose to be changed—to be spiritually reborn” (“Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 20).in order to realize the intended blessings of this born-again status, we must still keep our covenants and endure to the end” (“Have You Been Saved?,” Ensign, May 1998, 56).
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 2-4” Talk with your family about the miracle of pregnancy and birth—the process of creating a living, intelligent being. Jesus taught that we must be reborn before entering the kingdom of God. Why is rebirth a good metaphor for the change required of us before we can enter the kingdom of God? How can we experience the process of spiritual rebirth? (It takes time for an living intelligent being to grow in the womb and be born. Being born again is also a process and doesn’t happen instantly. )
“Total immersion in and saturation with the Savior’s gospel are essential steps in the process of being born again” (“Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 21).
Display a picture of a newborn baby and of someone getting baptized and confirmed (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 104–5). How are we like a newborn baby after we are baptized and confirmed? (see John 3:3–5).
Invite the children to share memories of their baptisms. Read Mosiah 18:8–10 and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 to review the baptismal covenant. Teach the children that taking the sacrament thoughtfully every week is a way to continue the process of being born again.
John 3:7–8. Why did Jesus compare being “born again” to the wind?
New Testament Seminary Teacher Manual “John In response to Nicodemus’s confusion about being born again, the Savior compared being born of the Spirit to the wind. (The Greek word for spirit is pneuma, which may also be translated as breath or wind.) Just as the wind is difficult to see, so it is difficult to see the process of being born again. We can see the effects of the wind but struggle to know when it starts and when it ends as well as where it comes from. A similar conclusion can be drawn about the process of being born again. It is difficult to see exactly when it starts or when it ends, but its effects are very visible as actions and desires change.
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.
Several years ago, my son Jack and I had the opportunity to play the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland, where the game of golf began. It was simply amazing! Upon my return I tried to convey to others the magnitude of the experience. But I couldn’t. Photos, videos, and my best descriptions were totally inadequate. I finally realized the only way for someone to know the grandeur of St. Andrews is to experience it—to see the vast fairways, breathe the air, feel the wind in their face, and hit a few errant shots into the cavernous bunkers and burly gorse bushes, which we did with great efficiency.
So it is with the word of God. We can teach it, we can preach it, we can explain it. We can talk about it, we can describe it, we can even testify of it. But until a person feels the sacred word of God distill upon his or her soul like the dews from heaven through the power of the Spirit,8 it will be like looking at a postcard or someone else’s vacation photos. You have to go there yourself. Conversion is a personal journey—a journey of gathering.
Ezra Booth was converted to the Church after seeing Joseph Smith heal Elsa Johnson’s arm (which she hadn’t been able to use for two years). But Ezra later lost his faith, and he became critical of the Prophet. Doctrine and Covenants 63 contains warnings against trying to build our faith on signs, such as miraculous healings, rather than on spiritual confirmation of truth. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 63”)
Invite the children to draw a house sitting on top of a rectangle and another house sitting on the point of a triangle. Tell the children that the houses represent our faith and testimonies. Ask them to read Doctrine and Covenants 63:9–10 and Helaman 5:12. Then have them write in the rectangle what we should build our faith on and in the triangle what we should not build our faith on. Point out that the rectangle provides a solid place to build but the triangle is not safe and secure. Why is it important to build our faith on Jesus Christ rather than on other things? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 63”)
Explain that a miracle is something God does to show His power and bless our lives (see Bible Dictionary, “Miracles”)You might also consider why some people receive signs “for the good of men unto [God’s] glory” (verse 12) and others receive them “unto … condemnation” (verse 11). Maybe your family members could talk about miracles that have strengthened their faith, including experiences from your family or your family history. How did they exercise the faith needed to receive these miracles? What does Doctrine and Covenants 63:7–12 teach about the relationship between faith and miracles? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 60–62”)
The people felt different and new inside because they had faith in Jesus. Now they wanted to do good things all the time. They made a promise to follow God’s commandments for the rest of their lives. Because they believed in Jesus and made this promise, they were called Jesus’s people. Mosiah 5:2–9, 15; 6:1–2
Come Follow Me Kid “Mosiah 4-6” A Mighty Change – What does the word “change” mean? Share examples of things that change (caterpillars change to butterflies, dough changes to cookies when you bake it, etc.). Can WE change? Mosiah 5:2 says that the Spirit of the Lord caused a “mighty change” in the hearts of people.
After King Benjamin taught his people about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, they experienced “a mighty change” in their hearts, so that they had “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2).
Cut out six paper hearts and write the letters C-H-A-N-G-E, one letter on each heart. Turn the hearts upside down on the table and scramble them.
Choose a family member to flip the papers over and unscramble the word. Discuss how King Benjamin’s people experienced a change in their hearts.
Each family member now chooses a letter from the table and thinks of a word or phrase that suggests a mighty change of heart. (Example: C = charity, or choose the right; H = happiness; and so on.)
Discussion: What caused the people to experience “a mighty change” in their hearts? What blessings can we receive when we turn our hearts to God?
Friend February 2001 “Latter-day Prophets Wheel” Fasten the two circles together with a metal fastener through the center dots. Find the picture of Joseph Smith; in the window below his picture you can read an interesting fact about him. Continue turning the top circle to the right to see the men in the order that they served as Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to read something that that prophet is remembered for. You might want to use the wheel to help you sing “Latter-day Prophets”* in a family home evening.
Friend January 2001 “Funstuf: Latter-day Prophets” All of the latter-day prophets are listed below, but it is difficult to read them. To unscramble the letters in each group, start at the IN arrow and connect the letters to spell a prophet’s name ending at the OUT arrow. Some letters will not be used. The first one has been done as an example for you.
Prophet Dot-to-Dot Activity Idea: Make several cards with information about the prophet on each one. Label the back of each card with a section of numbers from the dot-to-dot such as 1-5 or 15-20. Put the cards, numbers face up, on a table. A child picks one of the cards, reads the clue, and gets to draw those lines on the picture and try to guess who the prophet it is. They write their guess down and their name on the first slot of a numbered card. Continue in this manner until all the clues are read and the lines on the picture are drawn. Reveal the name of the prophet, and then read the card with the guesses to see who got the correct answer first. (Note: You may need to display a picture that contains all the prophets and their names to help the children have a reference to make their guesses from.)
Watch the video “President Nelson: Prophet of God” from time code 0:00 to 5:41. How do you see President Nelson ministering to others in the same way Jesus Christ did?
Friend January 2021 “I Love You” President Nelson met with some Primary children in a log house in Palmyra, New York and shared the following messages: The Lord loves effort; Commandments are a recipe for happiness; Repentance is a joyous opportunity. (See the article for more info.)
Friend June 2019 “Grateful for Parents” President Nelson’s parents didn’t attend church when he was young, and he wanted them to. When he learned about the Word of Wisdom he broke every bottle of liquor in the house. The thing he wanted for Christmas every year was to be sealed to his parents.
Friend August 2018 “President Nelson Loves Children” President Nelson meets Primary children as he travels all over the world. (Link includes photos.)
Friend January 2019 “Show and Tell” Senior Primary children in Greater Manchester, England, wrote their own verse about President Russell M. Nelson for the song “Follow the Prophet.”
Russell is a prophet, Baptised at sixteen, His parents were less active; He was very keen. He became a doctor, Doctor of the heart. Building many temples, He has made a start.
Friend March 2021 “Trust in the Prophet” When Elder Homer was young, he wanted to be very reverent when passing the sacrament. Russel M. Nelson was in his ward and noticed his reverence and complimented him on it. That meant a lot to Elder Homer. (Make a mobile of quotes by President Russel M. Nelson.)
Friend May 2019 Bookmark with a testimony by President Nelson
Among President Nelson’s most important teachings are the following:
He has admonished us to use the correct name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He has counseled us in how to let God prevail in our lives.
He has encouraged us to “think celestial.”
He has taught us an enlarged vision of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil.
He has inspired us to progress on the covenant path, and he has lovingly invited us to return to that path if we have strayed.
He has exhorted Church members everywhere to follow a home-centered, Church-supported pattern of gospel learning.
Friend November 2025 “Remembering President Nelson” Our wonderful prophet President Russell M. Nelson passed away the week before general conference. He was 101 when he died and set an example of following Jesus Christ his whole life.
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) It was decreed in the counsels of eternity, long before the foundations of the earth were laid, that he, Joseph Smith, should be the man, in the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word of God to the people, and receive the fulness of the keys and power of the Priesthood of the Son of God.(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 96, 343)
Prophets long ago knew that a man named Joseph would translate the scriptures (see 2 Nephi 3:7, 15). They wrote about him on the gold plates. Can you imagine how Joseph Smith felt when he translated those words?
Joseph of Egypt Prophesied about Joseph Smith
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) Chapter 3 of 2 Nephi records Lehi’s dying words to his youngest son, Joseph. Lehi quoted a prophecy [from the brass plates] made by Joseph of Egypt roughly 1,700 years before the birth of Christ. Imagine Joseph Smith’s surprise when he discovered that he was the subject of much of the prophecy made by Joseph of Egypt. (see also Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24–38 (Note that “fruit of thy loins” refers to children or posterity.)
Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix) Joseph in Egypt prophesies of Moses freeing Israel from Egyptian bondage; of a branch of Joseph’s descendants being led to a faraway land, where they will be remembered in the covenants of the Lord; of God calling a latter-day prophet named Joseph to join the records of Judah and of Joseph.
Give the children descriptive clues about Joseph Smith, and invite them to guess who you are describing. Include clues from Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix), such as “he taught us about covenants” (see verse 28), “he gave us the word of the Lord” (see verse 30), and “he was named after his father” (see verse 33). After the children guess correctly, invite them to find these clues in the verses. What else do we learn about Joseph Smith from the prophecy of Joseph in Egypt?
Invite the children to search 2 Nephi 3:6–24 for clues about which prophet is being spoken of. List the clues on the board. Why is Joseph Smith called a “choice seer”? What did Joseph Smith do that is “of great worth to [his brethren]”? (verse 7).
Liahona February 2020 “Meet the Four Josephs” Lehi tells his son Joseph about some of the prophecies that Joseph of Egypt made about Joseph Smith, who was named after his father, Joseph. The article includes the following: What Did Joseph of Egypt Say about Joseph Smith? How Was Joseph Smith Like Joseph of Egypt? How Did Lehi Know about Joseph of Egypt?
Joseph Smith Made Good Choices as a Child and So Can I
Come Follow Me Kid Watch “Joseph Smith and His Family”, or tell the story above about the operation on Joseph’s leg. Tell them to pay close attention to what Joseph Smith decided to do when doctors told him that his leg would hurt a LOT during the operation unless he would drink wine. Joseph Smith made good choices as a child. We can make good choices too.
Joseph Smith was prepared to be a prophet of God.
The home life and nurture provided by Joseph Smith’s parents and siblings shaped much of Joseph’s early prophetic work. His attention to prayer and Bible study owed much to his parents’ religious commitments. (Church History Topics: Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family)
Joseph was chosen by God and prepared to be a prophet. Joseph’s experiences as a boy prepared him to be a prophet of God. A prophet is someone who speaks for God.
Learning about Joseph Smith’s youth could help your children relate to him as they learn from his experiences. Maybe they could hold a picture of Joseph Smith and share what they know about him. If needed, you might add some facts about him from Joseph Smith—History 1:3–14 (see also “Chapter 1: Joseph Smith and His Family,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 6–8, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). What did Joseph experience that helped prepare him to become a prophet? What might God be preparing us to do?
Joseph Smith was born in 1805 in the state of Vermont in the United States of America. He was the fourth of nine children. When Joseph was ten years old, he and his family moved to the state of New York, settling near the town of Palmyra (point out this area on the map). The Smith family was poor, and all the members of the family had to work hard to provide food and other necessities for the family. The family had moved many times before settling near Palmyra, where they found farmland on which crops would grow well.
How did Joseph Smith help his family? (JS—H 1:55.) How do you think learning to work hard helped prepare Joseph to serve the Lord? What are some ways you work in your family? Why should we be willing to work in our homes and yards to help our families? How will learning to work and take on responsibilities help us serve the Lord?
Joseph did not have much opportunity to attend school, so he learned only the basics of reading, writing, and simple arithmetic. Joseph’s mother said that he seemed just like other boys his age until the time of his vision. She said he was quiet and well-mannered and liked to study and think about important things. He was a tall, athletic, cheerful boy who seldom got angry.
“My grandfather, Asael smith long ago predicted that there would be a prophet raised up in the family, and. my grandmother was fully satisfied that it was fulfilled in me. My grandfather Asael died Oct 31, 1830 after having received the Book of Mormon and read it nearly through, and. he declared, that I was the very prophet that he had long known would come in his family.” (D.H.C. Vol. II p. 443)
“It has been borne in upon my soul that one of my descendants will promulgate a work to revolutionize the world of religious faith” (quoted in George Q. Cannon, Life of Joseph Smith, the Prophet [1986], 26).
Voices of the Restoration Lucy Mack Smith’s illness where she almost died and her promise that if the Lord would let her live she would find the religion that would enable her to serve him best. Also, Joseph said his father never did a mean or ungenerous act in his life.
Childhood Games
“Stick Pull” (February 2014 Friend) You can play a game played by Joseph Smith.
Historical Sites
Friend December 2018 “Digging into History” Children help archaeologists dig for clues for what life was like for Joseph Smith when he was young living in Vermont with his family. They find stone fences and some artifacts. The article includes photos.
“A Prophet Is Born” (December 2012 Friend) Learn about Joseph Smith’s early life with three children who visit their grandparents who are missionaries at the Prophet’s birthplace in Vermont.
What the Lord accomplished through the Prophet Joseph Smith
Show the children pictures that represent important things Joseph Smith did or taught (see, for example, Gospel Art Book, nos. 89–95, 97, 98, 117, 118). Help the children think of blessings we have because of Joseph Smith. For example, how has his work helped us come closer to Jesus Christ?
Display items that represent some of the Lord’s marvelous works during the latter days, such as a picture of the First Vision or of Joseph Smith receiving the priesthood (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 90, 93, 94) or a copy of the Book of Mormon. Invite the children to choose an item and share why it is marvelous to them.
Consider how you can teach your children about the great work that God accomplished through Joseph Smith. To begin, you could help your children find the word “seer” in 2 Nephi 3:6 and explain that prophets are called seers because Heavenly Father helps them see things we can’t see. Share why you are grateful to have a seer leading the Church.
To help family members understand what a seer is, perhaps you could show them pictures of tools that help us see things we couldn’t otherwise see, such as binoculars, a telescope, or a microscope. How are these tools like a seer? (see Moses 6:35–36). What can seers see that we do not? What evidence do we have that Joseph Smith was a seer?
The Gospel Art Book has several pictures you could use to teach about the work God did through Joseph Smith (see pictures 89–95). Let your children share what they know about the pictures. Why is Joseph Smith called a “choice seer”? What did Joseph Smith do that is “of great worth”? (verse 7).
“City of Enoch” (December 1994 Friend) Solve this code to figure out why the people in the city of Enoch were so righteous.
For the Strength of Youth January 2026 “Fun Stop The city of Enoch was “taken up into heaven” after they became of “of one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18–21). Can you help this city become “one” by figuring out the correct missing piece? (Answer: 2)
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.
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.
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?
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.)
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
[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
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!”
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 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.
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.
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.)
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 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;
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.
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.
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” )
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.
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?
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.
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)
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.
[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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Consider finding and singing hymns or children’s songs that can help your children understand one or more of the Articles of Faith. Perhaps they can help you choose the hymns and songs. Help your children see how the songs relate to the Articles of Faith.
You and your children could work together to write questions people might have about the gospel of Jesus Christ or His Church. You could then work together to answer those questions using the Articles of Faith. Where else can we go when we have questions about the gospel?
Choose a few articles of faith that you feel are especially important for the children you teach. For each article of faith, share a picture (see this week’s activity page) or a story (from the scriptures or your life) that illustrates or clarifies a truth taught in that article. Tell the children why that truth is important to you, and let them share why it is important to them.
Invite each child to choose a key word or phrase from one of the articles of faith and share it with the class. Then let the other children guess (or find) which article of faith that word or phrase comes from. Ask the children to share why the word or phrase they picked is important.
Sing “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35).
The Articles of Faith teach what we believe. Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith to explain the gospel to others.
(Above) Read “Why I Love the Articles of Faith” on page 26. Cut out 13 circles to make paper ornaments. Number the circles from 1 to 13. Then draw something on the other side that reminds you of that article of faith. You can hang them on your Christmas tree or in another place in your house. As you hang each ornament, say the article of faith that goes with it.
Discussion: How can memorizing these important articles help us in our own lives? Reciting these powerful words can help us when our minds are stressed or when we are striving to keep clean or positive thoughts. Knowing these truths can also help us when friends ask us questions about the gospel. (Idea submitted by Brenda Slade and Mitzi Schoneman)
Place some sort of a basket on the ground for each team. A bowl, garbage can, or even a hole dug into the ground will do just fine.
Draw a line on the ground far enough away from the baskets to provide a challenge.
Give each team 13 small and numbered objects to toss at the baskets. The simplest might be pieces of paper that they can write a number on and crumple into a ball. Or it could be rocks or sticks. Just write, draw, or paint the numbers 1 through 13 on the objects.
Have somebody read clues from one of the Articles of Faith. As soon as a team thinks they know which Article of Faith it refers to, they try tossing that numbered item toward the basket. If they miss, they have to run and grab the object and return to the line before trying to toss again.
As soon as a team makes a basket, freeze the game.
If that team correctly identified the Article of Faith, they recite it together and earn a point. If they were wrong, they lose a point and the round continues.
Take turns rotating team members who try tossing the objects into the baskets. You can also try moving the baskets closer or farther from the line (keeping the distance the same for each team) to change up the difficulty level.
First team to reach 13 points is the winner!
Additional resources for teaching about the Articles of Faith”
Since Joseph Smith’s First Vision, God has continued to guide His Church by revelation. In some cases, that revelation has included changes to the policies and practices of the Church. Official Declarations 1 and 2 announced this kind of revelation—one led to the end of plural marriage, and the other made the blessings of the priesthood available to people of all races. Changes like these are part of what it means to have a “true and living church” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30), with a true and living prophet, led by a true and living God.
The Bible and the Book of Mormon teach that monogamy is God’s standard for marriage unless He declares otherwise (see 2 Samuel 12:7–8 and Jacob 2:27, 30). Following a revelation to Joseph Smith, the practice of plural marriage was instituted among Church members in the early 1840s (see section 132). From the 1860s to the 1880s, the United States government passed laws to make this religious practice illegal. These laws were eventually upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. After receiving revelation, President Wilford Woodruff issued the following Manifesto, which was accepted by the Church as authoritative and binding on October 6, 1890. This led to the end of the practice of plural marriage in the Church.
Official Declarations 1 and 2 are excellent examples of how prophets receive and act on revelation from God. How can you help the children increase their faith that God directs His Church by revelation?
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
To help your children understand the ninth article of faith, perhaps you could give them a set of scriptures and a picture of the living prophet (or a recent conference issue of the Liahona). Help the children determine which item relates to the phrase “all that God has revealed” and which item relates to the phrase “all that He does now reveal” (Articles of Faith 1:9). Why do we need both ancient and modern prophets?
Your children could learn how the words of the prophets guide us by following instructions to make something, such as food or a toy. You could compare this to the instructions Jesus Christ gives us through the prophet. What are some things the Lord has taught us through His living prophet today?
Official Declaration 2 The Book of Mormon teaches that “all are alike unto God,” including “black and white, bond and free, male and female” (2 Nephi 26:33). Throughout the history of the Church, people of every race and ethnicity in many countries have been baptized and have lived as faithful members of the Church. During Joseph Smith’s lifetime, a few black male members of the Church were ordained to the priesthood. Early in its history, Church leaders stopped conferring the priesthood on black males of African descent. Church records offer no clear insights into the origins of this practice. Church leaders believed that a revelation from God was needed to alter this practice and prayerfully sought guidance. The revelation came to Church President Spencer W. Kimball and was affirmed to other Church leaders in the Salt Lake Temple on June 1, 1978. The revelation removed all restrictions with regard to race that once applied to the priesthood.
Friend March 2020 “Anthony’s Dream” Long before the church was organized in much of Africa, and before black men could hold the priesthood, Anthony had dreamed about the church and had asked the church to send scriptures so he could learn more. He taught the villagers what he learned, and he built a chapel for them to meet in. Then the announcement came that all worthy men could hold the priesthood and that the missionaries would be coming to their village. The missionaries were surprised to find so many people ready to be baptized. Now there are over 170,000 members in Nigeria.
We don’t know why priesthood ordination and temple ordinances were not available to Church members of African descent for a time. Even when facing difficult unanswered questions about that policy, many Black Latter-day Saints trusted the Lord (see Proverbs 3:5) and stayed faithful to Him throughout their lives. Learning about their faith and experiences could be inspiring to you. Here are some of their accounts, found at history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org:
