Dec 13 2021

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Camilla

Families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.
Families are Central in Heavenly Father’s Plan.
I am a “Beloved Spirit Son or Daughter of Heavenly Parents.”
In the Premortal Life We Accepted Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation
Temple Ordinances Allow Family Relationships to Continue Beyond the Grave
God’s Command to Multiply and Replenish the Earth are Still in Force
Procreation only to Occur Between Man and Woman Lawfully Wedded
Parents Have a Sacred Duty to Raise Their Children in Love and Righteousness
Families are Happiest when They Follow Jesus Christ.
Disintegration of Family Brings Calamities
Additional Teaching Ideas and Resources

Families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

Help your children think of things that are so important that they would want to tell everyone about them. Show the children a copy of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” and explain that prophets and apostles wrote it to tell us all how important families are to Heavenly Father.

Why are families so important to Heavenly Father? (see also the video “What Is the Purpose of Family?” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]).

Share with your children something from the proclamation that you feel we all need to know. Invite the children to share their feelings about those truths. How would our lives be different if we did not know these things? You might sing together a song that relates to truths found in the proclamation, such as “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65).

In section IV of his message “The Plan and the Proclamation” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 30), President Dallin H. Oaks described how the family proclamation was written. Perhaps you and your children could review his description together and talk about why you are grateful the Lord inspired His servants to teach us these truths about families. (Help the children understand what the words “solemnly proclaim” in the opening paragraph mean. Ask them to share their thoughts about why the prophets and apostles want to “solemnly proclaim” truths about the family in our day.)

You could also show your children pictures (or invite them to draw some) portraying truths found in the family proclamation. These could be pictures of a temple, a family praying or playing together, or a couple getting married. Then your children could find sentences in the family proclamation that relate to the pictures. What does the Lord teach us about these things in the proclamation?

Be sensitive. As you teach the truths taught in the family proclamation, please be aware that many children live in families that do not match the ideals described in the proclamation. Consider how you can encourage and inspire them.

Friend October 2009 “Coloring Page” “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” teaches me about families.

Families are Central in Heavenly Father’s Plan.

<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2017/02/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign February 2017</a> — Ensign February 2017

Friend December 2021 Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones

Trace each family member’s hand on paper. Then cut them out. Line up all the hands. Talk about how the family is part of God’s plan. Help your little ones say, “Our family is important!”

Come Unto Christ “Families Are Central to God’s Plan” Lesson Ideas

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

I am a “Beloved Spirit Son or Daughter of Heavenly Parents.”

<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2017/03/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign March 2017</a> — Ensign March 2017

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

As you sing together “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3), you could toss a ball to a child as you say, “I know a child of God named [child’s name].” Ask the child to toss the object to another child, saying the same words and inserting that child’s name. Repeat the activity until everyone has had a turn. Help your children find the phrase “beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents” in the family proclamation, and bear your testimony of this truth.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

The family proclamation teaches that we are all children of Heavenly Parents and we are here on earth to become more like Them.

Consider ways you could illustrate that because we are children of Heavenly Parents, we can become like Them. For example, show pictures of animals and their babies, or of yourself and your parents or children, and help the children see similarities. Testify that just as babies grow up to be like their parents, we can someday become like our Heavenly Parents.

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

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Child of God” and Resources for Teaching Children “Heavenly Father”

In the Premortal Life We Accepted Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation

<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2017/04/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign April 2017</a> — Ensign April 2017

For additional teaching ideas see “Plan of Salvation” and Resources for Teaching Children “Plan of Salvation / Plan of Happiness”

Temple Ordinances Allow Family Relationships to Continue Beyond the Grave

<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2017/06/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign June 2017</a> — Ensign June 2017

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

Show the children a picture of a temple and a picture of a family. Let the children hold the pictures while you read the last sentence of the third paragraph of the family proclamation. Ask them to point to the correct pictures when you read the words “temples” and “families.” Testify that because of the ordinances of the temple, our families can be united forever. Sing together a song about eternal families, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95), and help the children listen for words like “temple” and “family.”

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

God’s Command to Multiply and Replenish the Earth are Still in Force

<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2017/07/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign July 2017</a> — Ensign July 2017

Procreation only to Occur Between Man and Woman Lawfully Wedded

<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2017/08/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign August 2017</a> — Ensign August 2017

Parents Have a Sacred Duty to Raise Their Children in Love and Righteousness

<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2017/09/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign September 2017</a> — Ensign September 2017

Families are Happiest when They Follow Jesus Christ.

<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2017/10/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng"> Ensign October 2017</a> — Ensign October 2017

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

To begin a conversation about strengthening your family, you and your children could talk about what we do to make other things strong—such as our teeth, our bodies, or a building. You could then compare that to building a strong family. Help your children find the Christlike principles that lead to happiness in family life, found in paragraph 7 of the family proclamation (see also this week’s activity page).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

Draw a large outline of a heart on the board, and invite the children to read paragraph seven of the proclamation. Ask them to look for things they can do to help their families be happy, and write their answers inside the heart. Invite the children to pick something that they can work on to make their homes happier.
How should our knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ affect the way we treat our families?

Friend June 2004 “Strengthening My Family” Think about what principle or action each picture might represent and how it could strengthen your family. Glue or tape each picture to a strip of paper, and form a paper chain from the strips. (See article for additional lesson ideas.)

Friend October 2014 ““The Family: A Proclamation to the World” Came from God to Help My Family”

For the Strength of Youth December 2021 “How to Strengthen Your Family” Explanation for how each of the proclamation items helps strengthen the family.

Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

Sing “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65).
Families are an important part of God’s plan. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” says, “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” We can make our families happier by following Jesus.
Now play a game! Sit in a circle. Toss a ball or crumpled sheet of paper from person to person. When you throw the ball to someone, tell them one way you have seen them follow Jesus to help someone in your family feel happy.

Liahona December 2021 “How can you strengthen your family through compassion?:

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

To discuss how to achieve more “happiness in [your] family life,” you could sing together a song about families, such as “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns, no. 298). What do we learn from the song and from the family proclamation that would bring more happiness to our family? How can we make sure our family is “founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ”? Consider picking one teaching you want to work on this week.

Disintegration of Family Brings Calamities

<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2017/12/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign December 2017</a> — Ensign December 2017

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

“Strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”

How is Satan trying to weaken families in the world? How can we do our part to strengthen families? For ideas, see President Bonnie L. Oscarson’s message “Defenders of the Family Proclamation” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 14–17).

Additional Teaching Ideas and Resources

Teaching Children the Gospel “Family”

Resources for Teaching Children “Family”

Friend August 2016

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

Share a few statements from the family proclamation that are especially meaningful to you. Invite the children to share their feelings about those truths. How would our lives be different if we did not know these things? Sing together a song that relates to truths found in the proclamation, such as “I Will Follow God’s Plan” or “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65, 188).
Show the children pictures (or invite them to draw some) portraying truths found in the family proclamation. These could be pictures of a temple, a family praying or playing together, or a couple getting married. Invite the children to find sentences in the family proclamation that relate to the pictures. What do these sentences teach us?
Prepare some questions that can be answered in the family proclamation, such as “How does God feel about marriage?” and “What makes a happy family?” Let each child pick a question, and help them find answers in the proclamation.
Invite a mother and father of one of the children to share with the class how they “help one another as equal partners” in their “sacred responsibilities” in their family. Invite the children to discuss what they can do now to prepare to be righteous wives and husbands, mothers and fathers.
Ask the children what they would say if a friend asked them why getting married or having children is important. How could we help this friend understand how important families are to Heavenly Father? Help the children find statements in the family proclamation that could help; see also the video “What Is the Purpose of Family?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

“The divine plan of happiness.”

To help your family see the importance of families in Heavenly Father’s plan, you might write premortal life, mortal life,and life after death on three sections of a piece of paper. Search the proclamation together, and write on the paper what you learn about each of these parts of God’s plan. Why are families so important to God?

Latter Day Kids “The Family Proclamation“ Lesson ideas

Memorize the Proclamation Pictures that go with each line or paragraph.

Resources for Teaching Children “Teaching the Proclamation to Kids”

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

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” This is about when it was introduced to the world

Friend October 2009 “We Believe the Family Is Ordained of God” (See more lesson ideas at link.)

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” is modern-day revelation. Have the children listen for how many times they hear the words “reveal” or “revealed” as they repeat the ninth article of faith together. Teach that God continues to reveal His will to His children. This communication from God is called revelation. Give a copy of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” to each child, and explain that the proclamation is revelation given in our day through God’s chosen servants. Have the boys read the title while the girls listen for what this proclamation is about (the family). Next, have the girls read the title while the boys listen for whom the revelation is to (the world). Tell the children that the proclamation teaches us what Heavenly Father wants us to know about families. It teaches us how we can strengthen our families and how to prepare to live in an eternal family.Provide each class with a different sentence or phrase from the proclamation with some words missing. Have them work together to fill in the blanks with the correct words. You may want to include the paragraph number and provide the answers in scrambled order. For example: “The _____ is _____ to the Creator’s _____ for the eternal destiny of His children” (paragraph 1: plan, family, central). Invite each class to stand and recite their completed phrase or sentence. Sing the first verse of “The Family Is of God” (Friend, Oct. 2008, 28–29). Emphasize that the proclamation on the family is revelation from God and that we need to understand and live its teachings.

A Year of Family Home Evening “Lesson 14: A Proclamation to the World & Family Goals”

Church of Jesus Christ. Org Library Gospel Topics “Family”

Liahona April 2024 “A Firm Foundation: Teaching Children the Family Proclamation” Ideas for helping children learn the proclamation.

Friend November 2025 “Learning From Conference” This conference was the 30th anniversary of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” President Dallin H. Oaks encouraged us to spend time doing good things with our families. What are some things you can do with your family? Write them on the card below. Then cut out the card to help you remember your ideas!

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Dec 9 2021

Articles of Faith: Lesson Ideas

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Camilla

The Articles of Faith Teach Simple Truths of the Gospel.
- Learning the Articles of Faith

“Lesson 36: Joseph Smith Writes the Articles of Faith,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Lesson and activity ideas

In 1842 a man named George Barstow was writing a history of the state of New Hampshire, and he wanted to include a chapter about the members of the Church living in New Hampshire. Mr. Barstow did not know much about the Church and wanted to find out what the Latter-day Saints believed. Since the headquarters of the Church were in Nauvoo, Illinois, Mr. Barstow contacted his friend John Wentworth, who was the editor of a newspaper in Chicago, Illinois.

Mr. Wentworth asked Joseph Smith about the beliefs and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet answered with a letter that has become known as the Wentworth Letter. In it he told Mr. Wentworth about the First Vision and how he received and translated the gold plates, and he also described the organization of the Church and the persecution and history of the Saints. In the last part of this important letter, the Prophet listed some of the basic beliefs of the Church. This list has become known as the Articles of Faith.

Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith to help people who are not members of the Church understand how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is different from other churches. The Articles of Faith do not contain all of the teachings and beliefs of the Church, but they do explain some of our most important beliefs. They can help build faith, understanding, and a testimony of the gospel, and they also give us a good foundation for sharing the gospel with others.

The Articles of Faith were never published in Barstow’s history of New Hampshire or in Wentworth’s newspaper, but they were published by a Church newspaper in 1842. In 1880 members of the Church at the October general conference raised their hands in common consent to accept the Articles of Faith as scripture. They are now included as scripture in the Pearl of Great Price.

The Articles of Faith Teach Simple Truths of the Gospel.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2”

Sometimes the gospel can seem big and complicated, especially to children. The Articles of Faith can help the children understand, in a simple way, some of the basic truths we believe as Latter-day Saints.

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.
Find hymns or children’s songs that can help the children understand one or more of the articles of faith. Perhaps the children can help you choose. Sing the songs together, and help the children see how the songs relate to the articles of faith.

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.
A few days in advance, ask a few of the children to prepare to share in class a short message about their favorite article of faith. Their message could include a picture, a song, a story or experience, or other scriptures. Invite these children to share why they like the article of faith they chose.
Write on the board some questions people might have about our beliefs that could be answered with one of the articles of faith. Ask the children to pick a question and find an article of faith that answers it. Let them practice answering the question using the article of faith.

Friend December 2021 “Articles of Faith Quiz”

Friend December 2021 “Why I Love the Articles of Faith” Elder Thierry K. Mutombo Of the Seventy tells why he loves the Articles of Faith and tells about his favorite, the 13th Article of Faith. It reminds him of how his father taught him about honesty.

Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” “We Believe” Tree

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.

Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Choose an article of faith. Ask your little ones to repeat the words as you read it out loud. Help your little ones say, “The scriptures teach me good things.”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2”

Consider how your family could create “mini-lessons” for the Articles of Faith. For example, throughout the week, each family member could pick one article and find a related scripture, picture, hymn, or children’s song or share a personal experience.

Or family members could take turns asking each other questions about the Church and our beliefs and then answering those questions with an article of faith.

Liahona December 2021 “For Parents: Christmas, Gathering Israel, and Family History” Come, Follow Me Family Fun: Articles of Faith Family Challenge

Memorize one or more of the Articles of Faith with your family.
If you have younger children in your home who haven’t memorized the Articles of Faith yet, give them a buddy to help them.
Try the following activity:
1. Sit in a circle.
2. Recite an article of faith, with each person saying only one word at a time (the first person starts with the first word, the next person says the second, and so on).
3. If a mistake is made, gently correct the mistake and then have the next person say the following word.
4. See if you can complete the article of faith with as few mistakes as possible. Then try another one.

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)

For the Strength Youth December 2021 “Fun Stop: Articles of Faith Activity” This game is a great way to help remember the Articles of Faith. It’s also just the right mix of friendly competition, fun, and laughter.

Here’s how to play.

Divide your group into two or more teams.
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”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 36: Joseph Smith Writes the Articles of Faith,” Lesson ideas, activities, and stories.
Resources for Teaching Children “Articles of Faith”
Teaching Children the Gospel “Articles of Faith”
Living Scriptures “We Believe in Revelation” Lesson ideas, video, game, refreshment idea.

Latter Day Kids “The Articles of Faith” Lesson ideas

“Chapter 38: The Wentworth Letter,” in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith,435–47.

“Lesson 36: Joseph Smith Writes the Articles of Faith,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History

Learning the Articles of Faith

Friend January 2021 “Matt and Mandy” When a friend at school said she had heard that the church Mandy attends doesn’t believe in Jesus Christ, Mandy tells her the First Article of Faith.

Friend July 2024 “A Chat with Alan about the Articles of Faith” Alan is from Málaga, Spain. We asked him some questions about how he learned the Articles of Faith and how knowing the Articles of Faith helped him. (He was able to share what his beliefs were with a friend using the Articles of Faith.)

Friend August 2018 “Show and Tell”

When me and my grandma take out the trash, we practice memorizing the Articles of Faith! (Sophie A., age 7, Indiana, USA)

7th Article of Faith

Friend June 2015

Friend August 2021 Matt and Mandy have a new way to memorize the Articles of Faith—with checkers! Before making a move, the first player recites the first few words. The next player repeats it and then adds a few more words before making their move.

Dec 7 2021

The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2

Posted on December 7, 2021 by Camilla

The Articles of Faith
- The Articles of Faith Teach Simple Truths of the Gospel.
  - I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
End of Plural Marriage
- OFFICIAL DECLARATION 1
- The Lord Guides His Church through His Prophet.
All Worthy Males Receive the Priesthood
- OFFICIAL DECLARATION 2
Additional Resources

The Articles of Faith

The Articles of Faith Teach Simple Truths of the Gospel.

The Articles of Faith

I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

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?

Is the church Christian?
What do you believe about God?
Do they believe in the Bible?

Matt and Mandy

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2”

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.

The Red Crystal

Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” “We Believe” Tree

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.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2” Consider how your family could create “mini-lessons” for the Articles of Faith. For example, throughout the week, each family member could pick one article and find a related scripture, picture, hymn, or children’s song or share a personal experience.

Here’s how to play.

Divide your group into two or more teams.
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”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 36: Joseph Smith Writes the Articles of Faith,” (Page 221) Lesson ideas, activities, and stories.
Resources for Teaching Children “Articles of Faith”
Teaching Children the Gospel “Articles of Faith”
Living Scriptures “We Believe in Revelation” Lesson ideas, video, game, refreshment idea.

Latter Day Kids “The Articles of Faith” Lesson ideas

“Chapter 38: The Wentworth Letter,” in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith,435–47.

End of Plural Marriage

OFFICIAL DECLARATION 1

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.

For more information about the historical background of Official Declaration 1, see Saints, 2:602–15; “The Messenger and the Manifesto,” in Revelations in Context, 323–31; Topics and Questions, “Plural Marriage and Families in Early Utah,” Gospel Library.

The Lord Guides His Church through His Prophet.

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?

Articles of Faith 1:9; Official Declarations 1 and 2

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2”

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?

Friend August 2021 “Matt and Mandy”

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?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”Play a simple game by giving instructions to one child and asking him or her to repeat the instructions for the other children. Help them see that following the child’s instructions is the same as following your instructions and that following the prophet is the same as following the Lord. Read to them the last line of Doctrine and Covenants 1:38: “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

Scripture Story Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price Ninth Article of Faith

All Worthy Males Receive the Priesthood

OFFICIAL DECLARATION 2

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.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “The Martins Family”

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Priesthood for All Worthy Men”

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.

The Primary Pad Flipchart by Sheree Peterson When I Hear the Prophet’s Voice Music

Ensign June 2016 “We Believe in Following the Prophet”

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “The Pearl of Great Price”

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:

“Jane Elizabeth Manning James”
“In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions” (story of Green Flake)
“You Have Come at Last” (story of Anthony Obinna)
“Break the Soil of Bitterness” (story of Julia Mavimbela)
“I Will Take It in Faith” (story of George Rickford)
“Long-Promised Day” (story of Joseph W. B. Johnson)

“Witnessing the Faithfulness,” Revelations in Context,332–41;
Gospel Topics, “Race and the Priesthood,”
history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org; BeOne.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Institute Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual “Chapter 56: Official Declaration 2”
Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2”

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Dec 4 2021

Amos; Obadiah

Posted on December 4, 2021 by Camilla

Prophets are messengers of Jesus Christ.
Prophets are messengers of Jesus Christ.
If I seek good, the Lord will be with me.
If I seek good, the Lord will be with me.
The Restoration of the gospel ended the famine of apostasy.

Prophets are messengers of Jesus Christ.

Amos 3:7; 7:14–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah” One of the most important things children can know about prophets is that they are messengers of Jesus Christ. The ideas below can help you teach them this significant truth.

Whisper to one of the children a message for the rest of the class (such as asking the children to stand on one foot or turn around in a circle), and ask him or her to share the message with the other children. Repeat this activity, allowing a few other children to be the messenger. Help them understand how the messenger in this activity is like a prophet, who shares God’s message with us. Share a few examples of recent messages from the living prophet that have helped you grow closer to Jesus Christ.
Invite a child to stand at the front of the room and pretend to be the prophet Amos. As you share some facts about Amos from Amos 7:14–15, give the child pictures or props to hold that go with each fact, such as pictures of a sheep, a fruit, and the Lord. Explain that Amos was a shepherd whom the Lord called to be His messenger. Then show pictures of the Lord and the living prophet, and explain that the Lord continues to call messengers today. Read Amos 3:7 aloud, and ask the children to point to the appropriate picture when they hear the words “Lord” and “prophets.” Share your testimony that just as in the days of Amos, Jesus Christ speaks to us through His prophets.
Share a story from a recent Church magazine about the living prophet or about experiences Church members have had when they have followed the prophet’s counsel. (See also “Meet Today’s Prophets and Apostles” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
Sing or play a recording of a song about prophets, such as “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11), as the children work on this week’s activity page. Point out to the children phrases in the song that teach how prophets lead the way to Jesus Christ.

Prophets are messengers of Jesus Christ.

Amos 3:7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah” Amos 3:7 is a great scripture passage to help the children recognize that when we listen to the prophet, we are listening to a messenger of Jesus Christ.

Help the children memorize all or part of Amos 3:7. For example, give them a few minutes to read the verse several times while you write every other word of the verse on the board. Invite the children to close their scriptures and say the verse out loud together, using the clues on the board. Then erase a few words at a time until the children can repeat the entire verse without any clues. What does this verse teach us about prophets? How has our living prophet helped us know what the Savior wants us to do?
Write several questions about prophets on strips of paper, such as the following: Why do we have prophets? What do prophets do? Why do you follow the prophet? What do prophets teach about? Ask the children to get into pairs, and have one child from each pair pick a question and ask his or her partner to answer it. If children need help answering a question, they can look in “Prophet” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). After the partner answers the question, the children can switch roles and choose another question.
Share with the children several facts about an Old Testament prophet they have learned about this year (such as Noah, Moses, or Isaiah). Ask them to guess which prophet you are describing. Repeat this for other prophets.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah” You might review several recent messages from the President of the Church and discuss what the Lord is revealing to your family through him. Why is it important to have a prophet leading the Church? How have we come to know he is a true prophet? What are we doing to follow his counsel?

If I seek good, the Lord will be with me.

Amos 5:14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah”Amos invited the Israelites to “seek good, and not evil” and promised that if they did, “the Lord … shall be with you.” How will you help the children respond to this invitation and receive this promise?

Display several pictures of children doing good things, such as helping others or taking the sacrament. Let each child take a turn describing one of the pictures while the other children guess which picture he or she is describing. Read Amos 5:14, and help the children think of ways they will “seek good” every day.
Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves doing something good. Read Amos 5:14, and emphasize the Lord’s promise that He will be with us when we seek good. Invite the children to add to their drawings a picture of Jesus standing with them.

If I seek good, the Lord will be with me.

Amos 5:4–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah” Children have many opportunities to choose between right and wrong. Consider how you will inspire them to “seek good, and not evil” (verse 14).

Invite the children to search Amos 5:4–15, looking for the word “seek.” What does the Lord want us to seek, and what promise does He make to those who do? How do we seek the Lord?
Help the children memorize the last sentence of the thirteenth article of faith. How do we “seek after these things”?

The Restoration of the gospel ended the famine of apostasy.

Amos 8:11–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah” Understanding what Amos taught about apostasy can help the children feel grateful for the Restoration of the gospel.

Invite the children to read Amos 8:11–12, and talk about what happens when people don’t have the word of the Lord. Help the children define the words apostasy and famine, using the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) or a dictionary. How is apostasy like a famine?
To help the children understand the Great Apostasy, review with them “After the New Testament” (in New Testament Stories, 167–70). Then discuss questions like these: Why was there an Apostasy? What happened as a result of the Apostasy? Why did the Lord restore His gospel? (see also “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Encourage the children to write these questions and their answers and to share them with their families at home.

Children might enjoy making up actions that go with phrases in these verses. When our bodies are hungry or thirsty, what do we do? When our spirits are hungry or thirsty, what do we do? You might also watch the video “The Great Apostasy” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and talk about how the Restoration of the gospel satisfies our spiritual hunger. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah”

Obadiah 1:21

What could it mean to be “saviours … on mount Zion”? (For one possible explanation, see the statement by President Gordon B. Hinckley in “Ideas for Personal Scripture Study.”) Which of our ancestors need saving ordinances? What will we do to help them?

Nov 28 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 137-138

Posted on November 28, 2021 by Camilla

SECTION 137
- God has Given Me a Way to Be with My Family Forever.
SECTION 138
- When I Ponder the Scriptures, the Holy Ghost Can Help Me Understand Them.
- All of Heavenly Father’s Children Will Have the Chance to Hear the Gospel.
Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138” The revelations recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 137and 138 are separated by more than 80 years and 1,500 miles. Section 137 was received by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1836 in the unfinished Kirtland Temple, and section 138 was received by Joseph F. Smith, sixth President of the Church, in 1918 in Salt Lake City. But doctrinally, these two visions belong side by side. They both answer questions about the destiny of God’s children in the next life. Joseph Smith’s vision helped him understand the eternal destiny of his beloved brother Alvin, who had died six years before the authority to baptize was restored. Joseph F. Smith’s vision revealed glorious truths about the spirit world—surely a comforting revelation to one who had grieved the deaths of many close family members. Joseph F. Smith lost his father, Hyrum Smith, at age 5 and his mother, Mary Fielding Smith, at age 13. By the time of his vision in 1918, he had mourned the passing of 13 children.

For the Strength of Youth December 2025 It’s comforting to know that those who died without the gospel who would have received it if they’d had the chance will be heirs of the celestial kingdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 137:7).

And that children who die before the age of eight are saved in the celestial kingdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 137:10).

And that the gospel is preached to the spirits of those who died without it so they can be converted too (see Doctrine and Covenants 138:29–32).

SECTION 137

Section 137 A vision given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, in the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, January 21, 1836. The occasion was the administration of ordinances in preparation for the dedication of the temple. 1–6, The Prophet sees his brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom; 7–9, The doctrine of salvation for the dead is revealed; 10, All children are saved in the celestial kingdom.

The common understanding among Christians in 1836 was that if a person died without being baptized—as Joseph Smith’s brother Alvin had—that person could not go to heaven. Yet Joseph saw Alvin in a vision of the celestial kingdom. See also Saints, 1:232–35.

God has Given Me a Way to Be with My Family Forever.

Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”

Joseph Smith had a vision of the celestial kingdom and saw his parents and his brother Alvin there. This vision teaches us that if we are righteous, our family relationships can continue in the next life.

Show a picture of someone in your family, and talk about how much you want to be with him or her in the celestial kingdom. Explain that Joseph Smith’s brother Alvin died as a young man and Joseph missed him very much. Read Doctrine and Covenants 137:1, 5, and ask the children who Joseph Smith saw in his vision of the celestial kingdom (see also Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 152–53). Invite the children to stretch their arms out wide to show how much they love their families, and ask them to share why they want to be with their families in the celestial kingdom.

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Tell a story about a family member or friend who has died. Now draw a picture of them! Help your little ones say, “I will be with my loved ones again.”

Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5 and draw a picture of what they read (see also this week’s activity page). How might Joseph Smith have felt when he saw members of his family in the celestial kingdom?

Show the video “Families Can Be Together Forever” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or sing a song about families, such as “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). What does the video or the song teach us about what we can do to make our families eternal?

Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Our Heavenly Home”

Read Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5. What do you think the celestial kingdom will be like? Take turns saying words to describe it. (What do you find in these verses that helps you look forward to living there?)Then draw a picture of your family with Heavenly Father and Jesus.

SECTION 138

Section 138 A vision given to President Joseph F. Smith in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 3, 1918. In his opening address at the 89th Semiannual General Conference of the Church, on October 4, 1918, President Smith declared that he had received several divine communications during the previous months. One of these, concerning the Savior’s visit to the spirits of the dead while His body was in the tomb, President Smith had received the previous day. It was written immediately following the close of the conference. On October 31, 1918, it was submitted to the counselors in the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and the Patriarch, and it was unanimously accepted by them.

When I Ponder the Scriptures, the Holy Ghost Can Help Me Understand Them.

Doctrine and Covenants 138:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138””

Show a picture of President Joseph F. Smith (see Gospel Art Book, no. 127). Explain that he was the sixth President of the Church, and one day he was reading the scriptures and pondering them (thinking about what they meant). As you read Doctrine and Covenants 138:6, 11, invite the children to pretend they are President Smith and do actions that go along with the words. You could also talk about a time when you pondered something in the scriptures and the Holy Ghost helped you understand it.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”

Older Kids: Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 138:1–11, and help them write a one-sentence summary of President Joseph F. Smith’s experience. What did he do that led to his remarkable vision? What does it mean to ponder or reflect on the scriptures?

Ask the children what they do when they have questions about the gospel. Share some examples from the scriptures when pondering the scriptures brought understanding from the Spirit (see, for example, 1 Nephi 11:1–6; Doctrine and Covenants 76:19–24; Joseph Smith—History 1:11–12)..

Come Follow Me Kid

Consider singing together a song about scripture study, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). What does this song say we should do to understand the scriptures?

All of Heavenly Father’s Children Will Have the Chance to Hear the Gospel.

Doctrine and Covenants 137:5–10; 138:18–35

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

To learn about what it would have meant for Joseph Smith to see several of his family members in the celestial kingdom, your children could watch the video “Ministry of Joseph Smith: Temples” (Gospel Library), or you could share Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 152–53 (or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). Perhaps you could also talk about someone you know who died without the chance to be baptized. What does Doctrine and Covenants 137:5–10 teach us about that person?

Video “Ministry of Joseph Smith: Temples”

Doctrine and Covenants Stories

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 39: The Kirtland Temple Is Dedicated”

Consider using a picture of the Savior’s tomb (see Gospel Art Book, no. 58, or Bible Photographs, no. 14) and the picture at the end of this outline to teach your children where Jesus’s spirit went when His body was in the tomb. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 138:18–19, 23–24, 27–30. As you do, ask questions to help the children notice key details to learn about what Jesus did while He was there. Who did He visit? How did they feel? What did He ask them to do? Why did He do this?

Show a picture of missionaries (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 109, 110), and ask the children to share what missionaries do. Read Doctrine and Covenants 138:31–34 to the children. Explain that just as there are missionaries here on earth, there are also missionaries in the spirit world who teach the people there.

You could also use this week’s activity page to help your children compare what missionaries teach on this side of the veil (see, for example, Articles of Faith 1:4) with what missionaries teach in the spirit world (see Doctrine and Covenants 138:33). What is similar in these verses, and what is different? What does this teach us about Heavenly Father and His plan?

Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “4th Article of Faith”

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Spirit World”

Liahona December 2021 “What does the Doctrine and Covenants teach about life after death?”

Additional Resources

BYU TV “I Saw the Hosts of the Dead” Video about Joseph F. Smith’s vision of the redemption of the dead.
Institute: Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”
“Ministry of Joseph F. Smith: A Vision of the Redemption of the Dead,” Video
Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”
Liahona December 2021 “A Vision of the Spirit World”

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Living Scriptures “Both Sides of the Veil” Lesson ideas.

Nov 22 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 135-136

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Camilla

More Trouble for the Saints
SECTION 135
Martyrdom of Joseph Smith
SECTION 136
- The Lord can bless me when I am struggling.
Additional Resources
- Journey to the Salt Lake Valley

More Trouble for the Saints

SECTION 135 Martyrdom of Joseph Smith

Section 135 Announcement of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet and his brother, Hyrum Smith the Patriarch, at Carthage, Illinois, June 27, 1844.

Joseph and Hyrum Smith gave their lives for Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Doctrine and Covenants 135:1–2, 4–5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

Summarize for your children Doctrine and Covenants 135:1 or share “Chapter 57: The Prophet Is Killed” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 201–5, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). This could be a good opportunity for you and your children to share your feelings about the sacrifice Joseph and Hyrum made for the Savior and His gospel.

Friend December 2008 “The Martyrdom of the Prophet”

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 57: The Prophet Is Killed” Images and video

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

Doctrine and Covenants 135:4–5 states that Hyrum Smith read a passage from the Book of Mormon before he went to Carthage Jail. You and your children could read this passage together (see Ether 12:36–38). How could these verses have comforted Hyrum? You could also share scriptures that bring you comfort when you are worried or sad.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”

Invite the children to imagine they were living in Nauvoo when the Prophet died. Ask them to share how they might have felt. Bear your testimony of Joseph Smith, and invite the children to do the same.

Friend November 2025 ” Peace in Prayer” A true story about Mary Hunsaker who was a child living in Nauvoo when the prophet Joseph Smith was killed.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Joseph and Hyrum Were Killed in Carthage Jail”

You and your children could look at pictures of prophets (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 7, 14, 67) and talk about some things God asks prophets to do. What did these prophets sacrifice for the Savior?

Additional Teaching Ideas

“Lesson 37: Joseph and Hyrum Smith Are Martyred,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History (Page 227)
“Remembering the Martyrdom,” Revelations in Context, 299–306; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 529–40

Joseph Smith was a prophet and witness of Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 135:3

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”

To help your children remember and appreciate how the Lord has blessed us through Joseph Smith’s mission, you could display objects that represent things Joseph did, such as the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, or a picture of a temple (see also this week’s activity page). Then your children could look in Doctrine and Covenants 135:3 for some things Joseph Smith did to help us come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Invite the children to choose one of these things and share why they are grateful for it.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136″ To discuss what is meant by the statement that Joseph Smith did “more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man,” consider reviewing what your family has learned about Joseph Smith this year. You could use pictures from this resource to help them remember what they have learned and invite them to share favorite stories or teachings. Why are we grateful for the Prophet Joseph Smith and for what the Lord accomplished through him? You could also watch the video “Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

As the children color this week’s activity page, sing or play songs about Joseph Smith, such as “Praise to the Man” (Hymns, no. 27). Share your feelings about the Prophet.

Encourage the children to each think of a friend or loved one who doesn’t know very much about Joseph Smith. What would they say if that person asked, “Why is Joseph Smith so important to you?” Invite the children to practice what they would say to this person.

A New Leader for the Church

Friend October 2017 “A New Prophet”

SECTION 136

Section 136 The word and will of the Lord, given through President Brigham Young at Winter Quarters, the camp of Israel, Omaha Nation, on the west bank of the Missouri River, near Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The Lord can bless me when I am struggling.

Doctrine and Covenants 136

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”

Consider placing a picture of the Nauvoo Temple on one side of a room and creating a simple shelter on the other side. Invite your children to gather near the picture, and tell them about the Saints who had to leave Nauvoo after Joseph Smith died (see chapters 58, 60, and 62 in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 206–8, 211–16, 222–24, or the corresponding videos in Gospel Library). Emphasize the faith these Saints had in Jesus Christ. Invite the children to walk away from the temple and gather in the shelter to represent the journey to Winter Quarters. They could sing a song like “To Be a Pioneer” (Children’s Songbook, 218–19) as they walk.

Invite the children to imagine how they would feel if they had to leave their homes and find a new place to live in the wilderness. Explain that in Doctrine and Covenants 136, the Lord gave counsel to help the Saints on their journey. Assign each child a few verses from this revelation, such as verses 4, 10–11, 18–30, and ask the children to each find something that could help them with their worries or fears, that could give them courage for this journey. How can this counsel help us with the trials we face today?

The Red Crystal

Friend July 2018 “Take Care of Each Other” Joseph Smith organized wards in Nauvoo as a way to take care of the many people who were moving there. Companies were organized when crossing the plains. These also helped take care of each other better. President Eyring’s Great grandfather was helped when he got sick on the trail west. Today, wards continue to help us take care of each other.

Help the children think of trials people face today. Invite them to find something in section 136 that they might share to encourage someone who is going through such a trial. Children could also find encouraging messages in “Come, Come, Ye Saints” (Hymns, no. 30), a hymn the Saints sang on their journey.

Additional Teaching Ideas

“Lesson 38: Brigham Young Leads the Church,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History ( Page 233) Detailed story, questions, and activities
“Lesson 39: The Saints Build Winter Quarters,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History (Page 239) Detailed story, questions, and activities
“Crossing Iowa” (October 1997 Liahona and October 1993 Friend)
A description of the pioneers leaving Nauvoo, crossing the Mississippi River, and establishing Winter Quarters.
“Waiting in Winter Quarters” (October 2013 Liahona and Friend)
A photo story about Winter Quarters. Can be used in conjunction with the maps in the activities section.
“A Song Amid a Storm” (July 2005 Friend)
A true story about a pioneer family during a storm in Winter Quarters.

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Journey to the Salt Lake Valley

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “The Pioneers Go to the Salt Lake Valley”

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Journey to the Salt Lake Valley”

Nov 22 2021

12th Article of Faith

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Camilla

Friend November 2025 “Articles of Faith” What this means: We believe it’s important to follow the laws and leaders of the country you live in. It’s important to be a good citizen and help others in your community.

Friend November 2015

Friend November 2011 “Article of Faith 12”

Friend December 1987

The Lord Wants Me to Obey the Law.

Doctrine and Covenants 134:5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

Young children often have rules to follow at home, at school, and elsewhere. You can help them understand that the Lord expects us to follow the rules and laws in our community and nation.

Invite the children to play a simple game without following any rules, and then have them play it with rules. How do rules help us? Express your gratitude for the laws of the land.
Help the children repeat the twelfth article of faith. Emphasize key words, like “obeying, honoring, and sustaining,” and talk with the children about what those words mean. Share with them why it is important to obey the law.

Although there are different forms of government around the world, the Lord wants us to “sustain and uphold the … governments in which [we] reside” (Doctrine and Covenants 134:5).

Invite the children to list rules or laws they obey. What would life be like if no one obeyed these laws? Read Doctrine and Covenants 134:1–2 with the children, helping them understand any words or phrases they might not understand. Why does the Lord want us to have government and laws?
Write each word or phrase from the eleventh and twelfth articles of faith on a separate slip of paper. Mix the papers up, and ask the children to work together to put them in the right order. How do we show that we believe what these articles of faith teach?

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Religious Freedom”

Friend November 2021 “Matt and Mandy”

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “12th Article of Faith”

Additional teaching ideas about obeying the law:

“Lesson 31: I Will Obey the Law,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A “
“Sharing Time: Obey the Law” (October 1995 Friend)
Includes instructions for making a coat of arms.
“What Laws Mean” (May 1976 Friend)
A matching activity about different laws.
“It’s the Law” (February 1997 Friend)
Christopher and Sarah learn that Heavenly Father wants us to obey the law.
Matt and Mandy” (March 2011 Friend)
Boys invite Matt to spray graffiti and he declines.

Nov 16 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Camilla

SECTION 133
SECTION 134
- The Lord Wants Me to Obey the Law.
- Additional Resources

SECTION 133

Section 133 Prefacing this revelation, Joseph Smith’s history states, “At this time there were many things which the Elders desired to know relative to preaching the Gospel to the inhabitants of the earth, and concerning the gathering; and in order to walk by the true light, and be instructed from on high, on the 3rd of November, 1831, I inquired of the Lord and received the following important revelation.”This section was first added to the book of Doctrine and Covenants as an appendix and was subsequently assigned a section number.

Books sometimes end with a conclusion that restates or summarizes the book’s main points. Section 133 was originally meant to be the conclusion of the Book of Commandments, and it might be valuable to read this section with that in mind. What points does the Lord emphasize about His work? What do verses 57–62 teach you about the role the Lord wants you to play in His work?

The Lord wants me to stay away from the evil in the world.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–5, 14

Come Follow Me–For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

You and your children could list some places and situations the Lord wants us to stay away from. Then you could compare those places and situations to the definition of “Babel, Babylon” in the Guide to the Scriptures (Gospel Library). They could then read Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–5, 14. What does it mean to “go … out from Babylon”? (verse 5). You could also make a similar list of places and situations the Lord invites us to and compare that list to the definition of “Zion” in Guide to the Scriptures.

Friend January 2021 “The Party Problem” Luz felt uneasy about going to a graduation party. It didn’t sound like the kind of party where she’d be able to feel the Holy Ghost. She thought about it, made her choice not to go, and then asked Heavenly Father if that was the right choice. Afterwards she felt a wave of warmth and light and knew she had made the right choice.

Friend April 2015 “Courage and Clubs” Kate chooses not to join her friend’s club because the requirement to join is to say a bad word.

Friend September 2017 “For Older Kids” By McKay H., age 9, Utah, USA “One night as I was watching TV, a show came on that I had never seen before. I got a dark feeling inside. Then a very still, small voice told me to turn off the TV. After that I went to play a Primary song on the piano.”

Friend July 2018 “Show and Tell” I was playing with a friend who showed me a video. At first it was funny, but then a character said a bad word. When I hear bad words, it feels bad in my body, so I asked him if we could do something else. He said OK. I felt happy inside! Javaan F., age 9, North Carolina, USA

The Lord wants Me to be Clean from Wordly Influences.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134” Is there anything you need to do as a family to, in a spiritual sense, “go … out from Babylon” (verse 5) and “go … forth unto … Zion”? (verse 9).

Unspotted from the World Lesson

Friend November 2015 “Be a Shing Light” Ways we can become examples so our lights will shine.

Jesus Christ Will Come Again.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:19–21, 25

Come Follow Me–For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

Your children might enjoy acting out what it looks like to prepare for something, like a sports tournament, an important visitor, or a favorite holiday. Why is preparation important? You could then read together Doctrine and Covenants 133:17–19, 21 and invite your children to look for what the Lord invites us to prepare for.

The Red Crystal

Display the picture from this week’s outline and invite the children to make a list of things they know about Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. Then, using Doctrine and Covenants 133:19–25, 46–52, invite them to add things to their list. Share your testimony that the Second Coming will be a joyful day for the righteous.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Will Come Again” Read each scripture about what His Second Coming will be like. Then color in part of the picture.

You could hide various pictures or objects depicting things we can do to prepare for Jesus Christ’s Second Coming (such as read the scriptures, share the gospel, or serve our families). Let your children find the pictures or objects and talk about how doing these things helps us get ready to meet the Savior when He returns.

Friend December 2015

You could also sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83). Share with each other your love for the Savior and your feelings about His return.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:19–25, 46–52

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

Hide a picture of the Savior’s Second Coming behind a cloth, as if the cloth were a curtain (you could use the image in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families or Gospel Art Book, no. 66). Invite the children to take turns moving the “curtain” aside and pretending they are looking out a window. Ask them to share how they would feel if they looked out the window and saw Jesus coming down from heaven. Read the phrase “go ye out to meet him” (verse 19), and help the children repeat the phrase.

To help the children understand verse 19, talk to them about how a bride might prepare for her wedding (perhaps someone who was recently married could help with this conversation). How are we like a bride preparing “for the coming of the Bridegroom,” Jesus Christ? If you think it would be helpful, review with the children the parable of the ten virgins (see Matthew 25:1–13). Why is it important to prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming? What can we do now to prepare

Come, Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Prepare Ye” Lesson ideas

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Ask your little ones to cheer and clap. Talk about how Jesus’s Second Coming will be a joyful event. Help your little ones say, “Jesus will come again!”

Latter Day Kids “Jesus Will Come Again”

Additional Teaching Resources: Teaching Children the Gospel “Jesus: Second Coming” and Resources by Topic “Second Coming”

Jesus Christ is Loving and Kind.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:52–53

Come Follow Me–For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

You and your children could look at pictures that show that Jesus is loving and kind. (For example, see Gospel Art Book, nos. 42, 47.) What else has Jesus done to show His love and kindness? Read the phrase “they shall mention the loving kindness of their Lord” (verse 52), and help your children think of ways they can “mention the loving kindness of their Lord” to others.

Friend April 2007 “Jesus Christ Loves Everyone”

Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children

Sing a song about the Savior’s love, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58). Share your testimony of how the Savior has shown His love for you.

SECTION 134

Section 134 A declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general, adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the Church held at Kirtland, Ohio, August 17, 1835. Many Saints gathered together to consider the proposed contents of the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. At that time, this declaration was given the following preamble: “That our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood, we have thought proper to present, at the close of this volume, our opinion concerning the same.”

The early Saints’ relationship with government was complex. When the Saints were forced out of Jackson County, Missouri, in 1833, they asked for help from the local and national government and received none. At the same time, some people outside the Church interpreted teachings about Zion to mean that the Saints rejected the authority of earthly governments. Doctrine and Covenants 134 was written, in part, to clarify the Church’s position on government. What does this section suggest about how the Lord’s Saints should feel about government?

The Lord Wants Me to Obey the Law.

Doctrine and Covenants 134: 1–2, 5

Come Follow Me–For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

Young children often have rules to follow at home, at school, and elsewhere. You can help them understand that the Lord expects us to follow the rules and laws in our community and nation.

Your children could list rules or laws they obey. What would life be like if no one obeyed these laws? Then you could read Doctrine and Covenants 134:1–2 with them, helping them understand any words or phrases they might not understand. Why does the Lord want us to obey the law? (see also Articles of Faith 1:12).

Although there are different forms of government around the world, the Lord wants us to “sustain and uphold the … governments in which [we] reside” (Doctrine and Covenants 134:5).

Help the children repeat the twelfth article of faith. Emphasize key words, like “obeying, honoring, and sustaining,” and talk with the children about what those words mean. Share with them why it is important to obey the law.

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “12th Article of Faith”

Friend November 2015

Friend November 2011 “Article of Faith 12”

Additional teaching ideas about obeying the law:

“Lesson 31: I Will Obey the Law,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A “
“Sharing Time: Obey the Law” (October 1995 Friend)
Includes instructions for making a coat of arms.
“What Laws Mean” (May 1976 Friend)
A matching activity about different laws.
“It’s the Law” (February 1997 Friend)
Christopher and Sarah learn that Heavenly Father wants us to obey the law.
Matt and Mandy” (March 2011 Friend)
Boys invite Matt to spray graffiti and he declines.

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Nov 15 2021

Education & Learning: Lesson Ideas

Posted on November 15, 2021 by Camilla

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Learn.
Heavenly Father Wants Me to Gain Knowledge and Intelligence.
- Why is Learning Important
- Improving Your Learning Skills

Heavenly Father is happy when we learn

Friend August 2017 “Three Classrooms” There are three different classrooms in life.

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Learn.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 24: The School of the Prophets and the Word of Wisdom,” The School of the Prophets Is Organized

In Doctrine and Covenants 88 the Lord instructed Joseph Smith to form a school to teach the leaders of the Church about the gospel and prepare them to serve the members of the Church. In this school, called the School of the Prophets, Church leaders were to teach one another about the gospel and other important subjects (see D&C 88:77–80). Leaders of the Church in the Kirtland area began attending the School of the Prophets at the end of January 1833. The school was held in the evenings, in an upstairs room of Newel K. Whitney’s store. The Prophet taught the men about the importance of learning and preaching the gospel and of learning about the world around them. In addition to studying the scriptures and the principles of the gospel, the men also studied Hebrew and Greek.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories Chapter 31

In 1831 the Lord had commanded Oliver Cowdery and W. W. Phelps to write and select textbooks for children (see D&C 55:4). After Joseph Smith organized the School of the Prophets for the priesthood leaders of the Church, he organized a school for children. Classes were held in the attic of the Kirtland Temple. One hundred forty children attended the school.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:77–80, 118

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

“Education is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan to help you become more like Him. … The education you gain will be valuable to you during mortality and in the life to come” (For the Strength of Youth, 9).

Display a picture of a school, or draw one on the board, and invite the children to explain what a school is and what happens there. Tell about the school Joseph Smith started (see “Chapter 31: The Word of Wisdom,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 119–22). Show the children pictures of a home, a church, and a temple, and ask them how these places are also like schools.

Sing a song about learning, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). Ask the children what they enjoy learning about.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:118, and emphasize the phrase “teach one another.” Share some wisdom that you have learned from each of the children in your class, and invite them to share wisdom they have learned.

You can help the children understand that learning about both spiritual and temporal matters can prepare them to serve the Lord.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

Ask your children to tell you about what they are learning in school or Primary. You might also share some things you are learning. Then you could show your children the words what, why, and how. Help them search Doctrine and Covenants 88:77–79 to find out what the Lord wants us to learn about. Then look together in verse 80 to find out why He wants us to learn and in verse 118 to find out how we should learn.

The Red Crystal

Display a map of the world, and read together Doctrine and Covenants 88:79. Why is it important for us to learn about other countries and cultures? If you or the children you teach have visited or lived in another country, show items that represent the culture, and share things you learned.

Bright Idea Poster: “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”(May 2013 Friend)

Family Evening Resource Book: “Learning” Learning Is Important

Discuss the following ideas to show the importance of gaining knowledge:

Perfect knowledge is one of God’s attributes (see 2 Nephi 9:20).
The commandment to study and learn is repeated many times in the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 88:118, 130:18–19, and D&C 131:6).
Peter said knowledge was necessary to become like Heavenly Father (2 Peter 1:5–9).

Discuss how learning can help us become more like our Father in Heaven.

“Learn!” (September 2011 Friend)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf tells of how he loved learning as a child and how it is important for everyone to learn as much as they can.

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Help your littles ones say, “Heavenly Father wants me to learn.” Talk about good things we learn at church and school. Have your little ones draw something they have learned.

Friend September 2017 “Surviving the Homework Jungle“

Friend October 2021 “Meet Nathan from the Republic of the Congo” Nathan likes to help his younger siblings Stephy and Aaron learn to read. He helps them with their homework and reads Book of Mormon stories with them.

Nathan loves going to school. He follows Jesus by helping his younger siblings learn too.

Challenge: Getting an education is important! Make a list of all the things you have at home and in the community that can help you learn. How can you use each one to learn more? Friend October 2021 “Adventures in the Republic of the Congo with Margo and Paolo”

Friend September 2022 “Activity Time” Heavenly Father wants us to learn lots of good things. Find the matching books!

Friend October 2022 “Worth the Work” When Elder Alfred Kyungu was young his family couldn’t afford to end him to school. The family worked hard on the farm so they could afford to send him back to school. He learned that an education is worth working for. Later he learned that the Lord also teaches us that education is important.

Friend October 2022 “Learning Fun” Use the pictures to help you find the scriptures about the importance of learning!

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Gain Knowledge and Intelligence.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–19

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

Many things we obtain in this life will not go with us into the next life. But our “knowledge and intelligence” will (Doctrine and Covenants 130:19).

Ask the children to share with you something they are learning about in school or from their parents. Invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–19 to find out what will happen to our knowledge and intelligence in the next life.
What does verse 19 teach about how we gain knowledge and intelligence? How can we be diligent and obedient as we seek to learn? (For more on this topic, see “Education” in For the Strength of Youth [pages 9–10].)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell clarified what the word intelligence means in Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–19: “If we ponder just what it is that will rise with us in the resurrection, it seems clear that our intelligence will rise with us, meaning not simply our IQ, but also our capacity to receive and apply truth (applying the knowledge we obtain for righteous purposes). Our talents, attributes, and skills will rise with us; certainly also our capacity to learn, our degree of self-discipline, and our capacity to work” (We Will Prove Them Herewith [1982], 12).

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

How might you use these verses to help your family prioritize things that last eternally? Maybe you could pack a suitcase or backpack together with items representing things that, according to Doctrine and Covenants 130:2, 18–19; 132:19, we can take with us into the next life, such as family pictures or scriptures. What does Doctrine and Covenants 132:13teach us about things of the world? This could lead to a discussion about focusing on things that have eternal significance.

Keep Trying

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 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 July 2024 “Coloring Page”

Why is Learning Important

Friend April 2023 “Why is Learning Important?” By Elder David A. Bednar

For the Strength of Youth April 2023 “7 Hidden Benefits of Learning”

For the Strength of Youth April 2023 “God’s Gift to Help You Learn” The spirit of learning and knowledge is one of the many gifts of the Holy Ghost. He can help you in so many ways, including in your learning.

Improving Your Learning Skills

Friend July 2024 “The Joy of Learning” When Elder Clark G. Gilbert was growing up he didn’t feel like he was a good learner or smart, and he didn’t think that could change. But then a teacher believed in him, and so he kept trying, studied harder, and developed ways to focus and keep organized. He also started to involve the Lord in his learning. He eventually began to love learning and became good at it.

Nov 10 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 129-132

Posted on November 10, 2021 by Camilla

Section 129
Section 130
Section 131
Section 132
- Heavenly Father Made it Possible for Families to be Together Forever.
Additional Teaching Resources

Section 129

Instructions given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, February 9, 1843, making known three grand keys by which the correct nature of ministering angels and spirits may be distinguished.

Section 130

Items of instruction given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Ramus, Illinois, April 2, 1843.

1–3, The Father and the Son may appear personally to men; 4–7, Angels reside in a celestial sphere; 8–9, The celestial earth will be a great Urim and Thummim; 10–11, A white stone is given to all who enter the celestial world; 12–17, The time of the Second Coming is withheld from the Prophet; 18–19, Intelligence gained in this life rises with us in the Resurrection; 20–21, All blessings come by obedience to law; 22–23, The Father and the Son have bodies of flesh and bones.

Heavenly Father wants me to focus on eternal things.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:2, 18–19; 132:13, 19

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

How might you use these verses to help your family prioritize things that last eternally? Maybe you could pack a suitcase or backpack together with items representing things that, according to Doctrine and Covenants 130:2, 18–19; 132:19, we can take with us into the next life, such as family pictures or scriptures. What does Doctrine and Covenants 132:13 teach us about things of the world? This could lead to a discussion about focusing on things that have eternal significance.

The Red Crystal

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Gain Knowledge and Intelligence.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–19

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

Many things we obtain in this life will not go with us into the next life. But our “knowledge and intelligence” will (Doctrine and Covenants 130:19).

Ask the children to share with you something they are learning about in school or from their parents. Invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–19 to find out what will happen to our knowledge and intelligence in the next life.
What does verse 19 teach about how we gain knowledge and intelligence? How can we be diligent and obedient as we seek to learn? (For more on this topic, see “Education” in For the Strength of Youth [pages 9–10].)

Friend August 2017 “Three Classrooms” There are three different classrooms in life.

Family Evening Resource Book: “Learning” Learning Is Important

Discuss the following ideas to show the importance of gaining knowledge:

Perfect knowledge is one of God’s attributes (see 2 Nephi 9:20).
The commandment to study and learn is repeated many times in the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 88:118, 130:18–19, and D&C 131:6).
Peter said knowledge was necessary to become like Heavenly Father (2 Peter 1:5–9).

Discuss how learning can help us become more like our Father in Heaven.

“Learn!” (September 2011 Friend)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf tells of how he loved learning as a child and how it is important for everyone to learn as much as they can.

God blesses me as I obey His laws.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21; 132:5, 21–23

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

Share a simple comparison with the children that shows how important it is to follow instructions; for example, talk with them about the steps we must follow to prepare food or play a game or build something. (Or you could ask them to give you directions to walk somewhere, like to a school or Church building.) What happens when we don’t follow the instructions/directions? (Maybe you have a personal experience you can share.) Read Doctrine and Covenants 130:21, and compare these instructions to the commandments we must follow to receive blessings from Heavenly Father.

Latter Day Kids “Obeying God’s Commandments Leads to Happiness” Lesson ideas

You might also sing together a song about obedience, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47), and look for words in Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21 and 132:5 that are similar to those in the song. How does God bless us as we strive to keep His commandments?

Read together Doctrine and Covenants 132:21–23, and invite the children to draw pictures to represent what they learn from these verses. Encourage them to be creative, and suggest that they include in their drawings the laws or commandments that help us stay on the narrow way to eternal life.

Friend March 1997 “My Choices Have Consequences” Turn the top disk to see a commandment from Heavenly Father. Read the scripture in the other window to find out what blessings are promised to those who keep that commandment. (Link has additional lesson ideas.)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132” You could sing a song about gratitude, such as “Count Your Blessings” (Hymns, no. 241), and make a list of the blessings your family has received for obeying God’s laws. What blessings do we hope to receive? How can we receive those blessings?

For additional teaching ideas see Commandments, Obedience and Resources for Teaching Children: Commandments, Obedience

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have Immortal Physical Bodies.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

After reading Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 together, you and your children could look at a picture of Jesus Christ and point to His eyes, His mouth, and other parts of His body. Your children could 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.Tell them why it’s important to you to know that our bodies look like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s bodies.

Invite the children to draw pictures of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and themselves. Help them see how our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s.

Friend August 2016 “God is Our Father” God our Father has ears with which to hear our prayers. He has eyes with which to see our actions. He has a mouth with which to speak to us. He has a heart with which to feel compassion and love. He is real. He is living. We are his children made in His image. We look like Him and He looks like us.

Friend November 2020 “Like Him”

Section 131

Section 131 Instructions by Joseph Smith the Prophet, given at Ramus, Illinois, May 16 and 17, 1843. 1–4, Celestial marriage is essential to exaltation in the highest heaven; 5–6, How men are sealed up unto eternal life is explained; 7–8, All spirit is matter.

Section 132

Section 132 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, recorded July 12, 1843, relating to the new and everlasting covenant, including the eternity of the marriage covenant and the principle of plural marriage. Although the revelation was recorded in 1843, evidence indicates that some of the principles involved in this revelation were known by the Prophet as early as 1831. See Official Declaration 1.

Heavenly Father Made it Possible for Families to be Together Forever.

Doctrine and Covenants 132:19

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

Help your children find examples of things that do not last forever—food that spoils, flowers that wilt, and so on.

Select key phrases from 132:19 (such as “everlasting covenant,” “sealed,” “through all eternity,” and “forever and ever”), and ask the children to find these phrases in the verse. What do these phrases teach us about marriage?

(See also “Chapter 55: A Revelation about Marriage,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 198, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library.) Ask the children to listen for and be prepared to share what we must do so that our families can be eternal.

You could also look at pictures of your family and testify that the Lord has made it possible, through the ordinances and covenants of the temple, for families to last forever.

Help the children make paper dolls representing members of their family (see this week’s activity page). Cut them out, and put them in an envelope or attach them together with a paper clip to represent the sealing power that can make our families eternal.

Testify that no matter our current family situation, we can prepare ourselves to be part of an eternal family.

Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4; 132:15, 19

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

Through the Lord’s sealing power and the ordinances of the temple, our family relationships can last eternally if we keep our covenants.

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

Ask some of the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4 and others to read 132:15. Help them discover what these verses teach about marriage.
Sing “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). Ask the children to listen for and be prepared to share what we must do so that our families can be eternal. Testify that no matter our current family situation, we can prepare ourselves to be part of an eternal family.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Eternal Marriage”

Friend November 2021 “Families Are Forever” Coloring Page

Additional Teaching Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Table of Contents

Families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.

Families are Central in Heavenly Father’s Plan.

I am a “Beloved Spirit Son or Daughter of Heavenly Parents.”

In the Premortal Life We Accepted Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation

Temple Ordinances Allow Family Relationships to Continue Beyond the Grave

God’s Command to Multiply and Replenish the Earth are Still in Force

Procreation only to Occur Between Man and Woman Lawfully Wedded

Parents Have a Sacred Duty to Raise Their Children in Love and Righteousness

Families are Happiest when They Follow Jesus Christ.

Disintegration of Family Brings Calamities

Additional Teaching Ideas and Resources

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Table of Contents

The Articles of Faith Teach Simple Truths of the Gospel.

Learning the Articles of Faith

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Table of Contents

The Articles of Faith

The Articles of Faith Teach Simple Truths of the Gospel.

I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

End of Plural Marriage

OFFICIAL DECLARATION 1

The Lord Guides His Church through His Prophet.

All Worthy Males Receive the Priesthood

OFFICIAL DECLARATION 2

Additional Resources

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Table of Contents

Prophets are messengers of Jesus Christ.

Prophets are messengers of Jesus Christ.

If I seek good, the Lord will be with me.

If I seek good, the Lord will be with me.

The Restoration of the gospel ended the famine of apostasy.

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Table of Contents

SECTION 137

God has Given Me a Way to Be with My Family Forever.

SECTION 138

When I Ponder the Scriptures, the Holy Ghost Can Help Me Understand Them.

All of Heavenly Father’s Children Will Have the Chance to Hear the Gospel.

Additional Resources

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Table of Contents

More Trouble for the Saints

SECTION 135

Martyrdom of Joseph Smith

Joseph and Hyrum Smith gave their lives for Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Joseph Smith was a prophet and witness of Jesus Christ.

A New Leader for the Church

SECTION 136

The Lord can bless me when I am struggling.

Additional Resources

Journey to the Salt Lake Valley

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The Lord Wants Me to Obey the Law.

Additional teaching ideas about obeying the law:

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Table of Contents

SECTION 133

The Lord wants me to stay away from the evil in the world.

The Lord wants Me to be Clean from Wordly Influences.

Jesus Christ Will Come Again.

Jesus Christ is Loving and Kind.

SECTION 134

The Lord Wants Me to Obey the Law.

Additional Resources

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Heavenly Father Wants Me to Learn.

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Gain Knowledge and Intelligence.

Why is Learning Important