Tag Archives: lesson ideas

Oct 26 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 124

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Table of Contents

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” As difficult as the last six years had been for the Saints, things started to look up in the spring of 1839: The refugee Saints had found compassion among the citizens of Quincy, Illinois. Guards had allowed the Prophet Joseph Smith and other Church leaders to escape captivity in Missouri. And the Church had just purchased land in Illinois where the Saints could gather again. Yes, it was swampy, mosquito-infested land, but compared to the challenges the Saints had already faced, this probably seemed manageable. So they drained the swamp and drafted a charter for a new city, which they named Nauvoo. It means “beautiful” in Hebrew, though it was more an expression of faith than an accurate description, at least at first. Meanwhile, the Lord was impressing His Prophet with a sense of urgency. He had more truths and ordinances to restore, and He needed a holy temple where the Saints could receive them. In many ways, these same feelings of faith and urgency are important in the Lord’s work today.

See Saints, 1:399–427; “Organizing the Church in Nauvoo,” Revelations in Context, 264–71.

Friend November 2008 “The City of Joseph”

Friend November 2008 “Joseph and the Saints Build Nauvoo”

Section 124

Section 124 Because of increasing persecutions and illegal procedures against them by public officers, the Saints had been compelled to leave Missouri. The exterminating order issued by Lilburn W. Boggs, governor of Missouri, dated October 27, 1838, had left them no alternative. In 1841, when this revelation was given, the city of Nauvoo, occupying the site of the former village of Commerce, Illinois, had been built up by the Saints, and here the headquarters of the Church had been established.

Stand as a Witness

Doctrine and Covenants 124:2–11.

If the Lord told your family “to make a solemn proclamation of my gospel” to “the kings of the world” (verses 2–3), what would your proclamation say? Consider creating one together, and invite family members to suggest gospel truths they want to include.

Jesus is Happy When I Try to Do Good.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” In the revelation recorded in section 124, the Lord expressed His approval for Hyrum Smith and George Miller because they were striving to follow Him. How will you help the children recognize that the Lord is pleased when they try to do good?

  • Help the children think of things they can do that are good. Show pictures to give them ideas (you can find some in the Gospel Art Book or Church magazines). Ask the children to point to these good things. Read Doctrine and Covenants 124:15 to the children, and ask them to listen for how the Lord felt when Hyrum Smith chose to do good. How does Jesus feel when we try to do good things?

See examples of children doing good in Gospel Living: Children’s Experiences

  • Give the children paper hearts, and ask them to draw pictures of themselves doing good things. Invite them to share what they drew with the class. How do we feel when we do something good? Testify that Jesus is happy when we try to do the right thing.
  • Sing a song about doing things that Jesus wants us to do, such as “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61).

Friend October 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Good Hearts”

  • Sing “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223).
  • Jesus is happy when we try to do good (see Doctrine and Covenants 124:15–21).
  • Cut out paper hearts and draw yourself doing a good thing on each one. Each day this week, pick a heart and do what the drawing shows.

The Lord is Pleased when I am Faithful.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:12–21

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” In section 124, the Lord commended several Saints for their faithfulness. His words can help the children identify qualities they should develop.

  • Choose some good qualities mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 124:12–21, and write them on the board around a picture of the Savior. Ask the children to search verses 12–21, looking for these words. Help them understand words that they might not be familiar with. According to these verses, how does the Lord feel about people who develop these qualities?

The Red Crystal

Jesus Christ loves integrity.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124”

  • To help your children remember what they learn from Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20, you could help them draw and cut out paper hearts. On the hearts, you could help them write key phrases from these verses. A song like “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159) could help reinforce the Lord’s words.

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

  • Write the word integrity on the board. Invite the children to learn what the Lord said about integrity in Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20. To help the children understand what integrity is, read this statement: “Integrity means thinking and doing what is right at all times, no matter what the consequences” (For the Strength of Youth, 19). You could also share examples of a child demonstrating integrity from your own experience or from the Friend or Liahona magazines. Challenge the children to set a goal to act with more integrity this week.

The Red Crystal

Friend November 2018 “Finders Keepers?” Mike finds some money on the school grounds and takes it to the office even though his friends think they should keep it and spend it.

Friend August 2020 “How Do You Spell Honesty” When Elder Timothy J. Dyches was in six grade he hadn’t missed a spelling word all year long. If he kept getting perfect scores, I would receive an award for spelling at the end of the year. Then he noticed that he had missed a word on a spelling test that was incorrectly graded. He was honest and told his teacher about it.

  • What did the Lord say specifically about George Miller in verse 20 “because of the integrity of [George’s] heart”? You could also share examples of children showing integrity from your own experience or from the Friend magazine. Invite your children to set a goal to show integrity this week and tell you how they feel when they do.

Friend February 2024 “Margo and Paulo” Margo refuses to go along with her friends plan to cheat on a test.

Friend September 2015 “Choosing Integrity”

The Lord Wants Me to Welcome and Accept Others.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:22–24, 60–61

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” Considering what the Saints had just suffered in Missouri, they might have been tempted to isolate themselves and discourage visitors in Nauvoo. Keep that in mind as you read Doctrine and Covenants 124:22–24, 60–61. What impresses you about the Lord’s instructions to build a “house for boarding”? (verse 23). What do His words teach you about the mission of His Church? Ponder how these instructions may apply to you and your home.

Jesus Commands His People to Build Temples.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:28–29, 39

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124”

  • Cover a picture or drawing of the temple. Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 124:38–41 for clues about what is in the picture. Let the children uncover the picture and discuss what these verses teach about why the Lord wants us to build temples.
For the Strength of Youth October 2025
  • Help the children understand that when the Saints found a new home in Nauvoo, the Lord told them to build a temple (see “Chapter 50: The Saints in Nauvoo” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 183–84, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
  • Read with the children this phrase: “My holy house, which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name” (Doctrine and Covenants 124:39). Let the children hold a picture of an ancient temple (see Gospel Art Book,no. 52 or this week’s activity page) and a picture of a temple in your area. Explain that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have always commanded Their people to build temples—in ancient times and in our day.
  • Invite the children to complete this week’s activity page to help them understand that we are God’s people and that God’s people have always been commanded to build temples.

“Sharing Time: The Lord Commands His People to Build Temples” Friend Feb 1993 Includes game and images about temple builders called “Who Am I”

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Why Baptism for the Dead

Gospel Topics “Baptism for the Dead” Jesus Christ taught that baptism is essential to the salvation of all who have lived on earth (see John 3:5).

Jesus Christ said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Even Jesus Christ Himself was baptized (see Matthew 3:13–17).

Many people have lived on the earth who never heard of the gospel of Jesus Christ and who were not baptized. Others lived without fully understanding the importance of the ordinance of baptism. Still others were baptized, but without proper authority.

Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to receive the blessings of baptism. By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died, Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors. Individuals can then choose to accept or reject what has been done in their behalf.

  • Share your feelings about the temple and any experiences you may have had doing baptisms for the dead. Help the children determine how long it will be before they are old enough to do baptisms for the dead in the temple.

Gospel Media “Baptism for the Dead/ Now You Know” The below video refers to church members as Mormons. A discussion about the church name, and the nickname others give the church, may be needed in order to avoid confusion.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Nauvoo Temple Construction”

Preparing to Go to the Temple

  • If you live close enough to a temple, consider taking your children there and reverently walking the temple grounds. Invite them to find the words “Holiness to the Lord—The House of the Lord” on the outside of the temple. Talk with your children about what these words mean.
  • If you have a temple recommend, show it to the children, or invite a youth in the ward to show the children his or her recommend. Tell the children why a temple recommend is important and what we need to do to obtain one. Encourage them to begin preparing now to obtain their own recommend.

Friend October 2021 “A Holy Place” The words are on every temple. “Holiness to the Lord” reminds us that we need to be worthy to go inside. Ways to prepare to go to the temple.

Friend October 2021 “Temple Countdown” You can receive your temple recommend in January of the year you turn 12! Follow these steps to find out how many years, months, and days you have until you can get yours.

Temple Recommend

Friend October 2021 “Ready for the Temple” Ajan will be turning twelve soon, but he lives far from a temple. Their ministering brother explained that he doesn’t get to go to the temple very often either, but his recommend reminds him to always be ready to go inside. Ajan wants to get a recommend and be ready too.

Friend September 2021 “For Older Kids” Temple Prep Tip: Even if you live far away from the temple, you can still get a temple recommend in January of the year you turn 12! Talk to a parent or leader about the temple recommend questions. What can you do now to prepare to get your recommend?

Friend October 2021 “Getting a Temple Recommend” s

Friend October 2021 “My First Temple Trip” Elena’s step by step first visit to the temple to do baptisms for the dead.

For additional lesson ideas see Temple, Resources for Teaching Children: Temples, & Resources for Teaching Children: Nauvoo, Illinois

A Patriarchal Blessing Can Give Me Inspired Guidance.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:91–92

The Lord will bless me through a patriarchal blessing.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124”

Hyrum Smith: Gospel Media
  • What do the children know about patriarchal blessings? Talk about what a patriarchal blessing is: a special blessing we get from patriarchs in which the Lord teaches us about ourselves and what He wants us to do and become. Consider using the section “Receiving a Patriarchal Blessing” in appendix A to help your children prepare to receive a patriarchal blessing.

Why are you thankful for your patriarchal blessing? How will you inspire the children to prepare to receive theirs?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” Family members who have received their patriarchal blessing could share what it was like to receive one and how it has blessed them. You could also review “Patriarchal Blessings” (Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

“A Blessing for Katy” (January 2014 Friend) Beth learns about patriarchal blessings when her older cousin Katy gets one. Her mom tells her that “Katy’s patriarchal blessing will be like a map that shows Katy how to get back to Heavenly Father. It will tell her about good choices she should make and warn her about things that might be harmful. It will tell her about wonderful blessings she will receive when she follows Heavenly Father’s commandments. It will guide Katy through her whole life.”

See also New Era March 2004 “About Patriarchal Blessings” and Family Home Evening Resource Book “Lesson Thirty-one: Receiving a Patriarchal Blessing

Additional Resources:

The Red Crystal

Latter Day Kids “Temple Ordinances” Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “Heavenly Father is Happy When I Try to Do Good” Video and lesson ideas

Oct 23 2021

Church Leadership

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God calls Church leaders to help me follow Jesus Christ

Jacob 1: 1-19

Book of Mormon Stories Before Nephi died, he gave the plates he had written on to his younger brother Jacob. This meant that Jacob would also be the spiritual leader of the people. Jacob 1:1–2, 8

Nephi told Jacob to write the things that would help the people believe in Jesus Christ. Jacob 1:4–6

Nephi gave his younger brothers Jacob and Joseph the power to be priests and teachers in the Church and to teach the Nephites the word of God. Jacob 1:18

Go through the Fifth Article of Faith and explain that Nephi would have prayed to find out who God wanted called to certain responsibilities. He then would have “consecrated” Jacob and Joseph for those responsibilities by the laying on of hands because he had the priesthood authority from God to do so.

Jacob and Joseph labored diligently among their people, that they might persuade them to come unto Christ and partake of the goodness of God Jacob 1:7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Jacob 1-4”

Junior Primary

  • Make simple puppets to represent Jacob and Joseph, Nephi’s younger brothers, who were leaders in the Church. Share some verses from Jacob 1 and 2 to explain what Church leaders are called to do. For example, leaders persuade us to “believe in Christ” (Jacob 1:8), invite us to repent (see Jacob 2:5–6, 9–10), and “declare [God’s] word” (Jacob 2:2, 11). Let the children use the puppets to pretend to do some of these things.
  • Invite the children to name some Church leaders they know, like Primary leaders, bishopric members, and prophets and apostles. Help the children think of ways these leaders bless us.

Senior Primary

  • Read with the children Jacob 1:6–8 and 2:1–6, 11, helping them look for phrases that describe how God’s servants lead the Church. Ask them to write these phrases on pieces of paper and then display the papers on the board. Why does God call Church leaders to guide us? Ask the children to share experiences with learning or receiving guidance from a Church leader or teacher and the blessings they received.
  • Ask the children to draw a picture of a Church leader they know about, and let the rest of the class guess who they drew. What do these leaders do to help us follow Jesus Christ? Invite the children to write notes to Church leaders, thanking them for their service.
  • Invite a local Church leader to tell the children what he or she does to fulfill his or her calling. Ask the children to name some things they can do to sustain their leaders.

Church leaders love me and pray for me.(Jr)

Philippians 1:3–4; Colossians 1:3, 9

Read Philippians 1:3–4 and Colossians 1:3, 9 aloud, and ask the children to fold their arms and bow their heads every time they hear the words pray, praying, and prayer. Explain that the Apostle Paul prayed for Church members, just as our Church leaders pray for us today. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

Show a picture of Jesus Christ, and read some scripture verses that describe Him praying for someone (for example, Luke 22:32; 3 Nephi 19:21, 23). What did Jesus ask for when He prayed for others? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

The Red Crystal

Help the children name some of their Church leaders, such as the Primary president, the bishop, and the President of the Church. Explain that these leaders ask Heavenly Father to bless the children and help them live righteously. Consider telling the children what you say when you pray for them. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

The Red Crystal Put the stepping stones on the ground and say the words as the students step on each one. Then move them farther apart so they have to hop to each stone while saying the same words

General Auxiliary Leaders

Friend September 2020 “Women who Help Lead the Church” Color these pictures and then look for these women during general conference. Which of them spoke or prayed during conference? What did you learn from them?

Friend June 2019 “Living My Standards” When Becky Craven (Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency) was young she moved a lot with her family. It was difficult because she was shy, but because of the gospel and her commitment living the gospel, she learned how to stand up for what was right and be a good example to others.

Friend November 2018 “Our Women Leaders” Learn a little bit about the 2018 leaders of Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women’s by matching their pictures with their info cards.

Priesthood Leaders

Church leaders follow the Savior. (Sr)

Hebrews 7:1–4

Those who are called to serve in the Lord’s Church are to be faithful and serve others as He did.

Help the children list things they know about the two great leaders Abraham and Melchizedek. They can find help in Hebrews 7:1–4; Abraham 1:1–2; and Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25–40 (in the Bible appendix). What Christlike qualities did these men have that helped them honor the priesthood? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Hebrews 7-13“)

Friend April 1994 “Melchizedek” Story of Melchizedek

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Abraham and Sarah”

Ask the children to read Hebrews 7:1–2 and look for the titles used to describe Melchizedek. How do these titles remind us of Jesus Christ? Help them think of ways in which Jesus was a “King of peace.” Invite them to talk about other priesthood holders who are also an example of following the Savior. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Hebrews 7-13” )

New Era July 2015 “Jesus Christ—Our Prince of Peace” Russel M. Nelson explains how Jesus is the prince of peace

Friend October 2023 “Cover”

Joseph Smith Translation, Hebrews 7:3, 21: Those who are ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood “are made like unto the Son of God” and are “[priests] forever.”

Share an experience in which your faith in the Savior was strengthened because of the service of a righteous priesthood holder. Help the children think of ways the priesthood has blessed them. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Hebrews 7-13” )

  • Friend August 2021 “The Power of a Priesthood Blessing” Heavenly Father’s priesthood power blesses our lives in many ways. The cards below show some of the blessings we can all have because of the priesthood. Cut them out and put them face down. Then take turns choosing one and telling how it has helped you or will help you someday!

Bishops

The First Bishops

Doctrine and Covenants 41

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 17: Edward Partridge Is Called as the First Bishop,” Click on link to find additional teaching ideas

In early 1831, almost a year after the Church was organized, many people were joining the Church and gathering in Ohio, as the Lord had commanded. As the Church grew, Joseph Smith needed additional leaders to help with the work of the Church. The Church was facing many financial (money-related) challenges. Many of the Saints who gathered to Kirtland were poor. They had no land or money and little food, clothing, or other things that were necessary for them to live. The Church also needed money to build a temple and to publish written materials such as revelations and missionary pamphlets. The Prophet himself did not have a home or a way to provide for his family, and other Church leaders who were serving in the Church full-time also needed help in supporting their families.

The Prophet asked the Lord what should be done to provide for all of these needs. In February 1831 the Prophet received a revelation calling Edward Partridge, who had only been a member of the Church for two months, to serve as the first bishop of the Church. The bishop’s first responsibility was to help the Prophet provide for the physical and financial needs of the members of the Church. Joseph Smith received other revelations in the next few months that helped Bishop Partridge know what else he was to do as bishop.

Bishop Partridge was asked to help provide the needy members of the Church with food, clothing, and shelter (see D&C 42:30–31, 34). Members who had extra food or other supplies were asked to share with those who did not have enough. Bishop Partridge received and distributed these donations, keeping them in a storehouse where members in need could come.

Another duty given to Bishop Partridge was to purchase and distribute land for individual homes and Church buildings (see D&C 42:35).

Friend May 2017 “The First Bishop”

Ensign April 2021 “How can we be like Edward Partridge?” Edward Partridge was the first bishop of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. With his firm testimony, he was willing to sacrifice everything he had and endure hardship after hardship, for he knew the Church to be true.

Bishops lead the ward as servants of God. (Jr)

1 Timothy 3:1–2; Titus 1:7–9

Draw a simple picture of your bishop on the board. Ask the children to name some things they know about the bishop. What is he like? What does he do? How does he bless the ward? (You can find some characteristics of a bishop in 1 Timothy 3:1–2 and Titus 1:7–9.) As the children share their ideas, write them on strips of paper and let the children place them on the board by the drawing.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

The Red Crystal

1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Write the duties of a bishop on slips of paper—such as helping children and youth in the ward, accepting tithing and fast offerings, extending callings, interviewing members, and helping those in need. Place these slips in a bowl, and invite each child to pick one. Then help the child to role-play these duties with you. Share your testimony that your bishop is called of God. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

  • “A Day with the Bishop” (August 1990 Liahona and July 1989 Friend)
    Explains some of the things a bishop does. Includes an activity.

Invite the children to draw a picture of the bishop serving ward members. Suggest that they give their drawings to him to thank him. What can we do to help him? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

The Red Crystal

The Lord has Called a Bishop to Help Me.

Doctrine and Covenants 72:2, 10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

Little children may not know a lot about what their bishop does to serve them and other ward members. You can help them appreciate their bishop’s service.

  • Bring items to class that represent the responsibilities of a bishop, such as a tithing slip, the scriptures, or a picture of a bishop giving counsel (see the picture at the end of this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Read Doctrine and Covenants 72:2, and explain that the Lord has called a bishop to help us. Use the items you brought to help the children understand some of the things a bishop does to serve the ward.
  • “A Day with the Bishop” (August 1990 Liahona and July 1989 Friend)
    Explains some of the things a bishop does. Includes an activity.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

  • Take the children on a walk to the bishop’s office (you may want to coordinate with other teachers). Describe for them some situations when they might meet with the bishop in his office (such as a baptismal interview or tithing settlement). Tell the children how you have been blessed by the bishop’s service.
  • Help the children make cards to give to the bishop, thanking him for what he does to help with the Lord’s work.

Friend June 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Secret Service for Bishop

  • Sing “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” (Children’s Songbook,177).
  • Jesus taught that His Church should have bishops to lead and help the members (see Doctrine and Covenants 72:2).
  • Say thanks to your bishop or branch president by doing something kind. You could write him nice notes or bring him a treat. You could even do your plan without letting him know who did it!

The Lord Calls Bishops to Help Him Do His Work.

Doctrine and Covenants 72:8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

A bishop can have a strong positive influence in the life of a young person. What can you do to help the children see the bishop as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ?

  • Explain that in 1831 the Lord called the bishop of the Church, Edward Partridge, to move from Kirtland, Ohio, to be the bishop in Independence, Missouri. Read Doctrine and Covenants 72:8 with the children, and ask them to listen for who the Lord called to serve as the new bishop in Kirtland. Why does the Lord call bishops? Share with the children an experience when you were blessed by the service of a bishop.
  • Invite the children to make a list of some of the things they have seen the bishop do to help people in the ward. Ask the children to draw pictures of the bishop doing something they mentioned. Bear your testimony that your bishop was called by the Lord to be His servant. Why are we grateful that the Lord has called a bishop in our ward?
  • “Bishop, Help!” (April 2004 Friend)
    Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches us about the special calling of a bishop.

Following our Leaders

Friend May 2020 “The Little Red Bread Wagon” The Bishop asked ward members to help others. Sammy’s father prayed to know what to do, and the idea came to make bread to share. Sammy helped his father decide who to take bread to, and he helped him deliver the bread with his wagon. 

I Can Help “Bear the Burden” of Doing the Lord’s Work.

Exodus 18:13–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20”Moses learned that trying to lead the children of Israel all by himself was “not good” (Exodus 18:17). Loving and serving one another can help ease the burdens of our leaders.

  • Invite the children to draw many circles on the board to represent members of the ward. Draw a circle labeled bishop. Why would it be a problem if the bishop were the only one helping everyone else? Read together Exodus 18:13–26 to find out what advice Jethro gave when Moses was trying to do everything himself. Ask the children to label other circles to represent other ward leaders and members who help the bishop serve others. How do these other leaders and members make the bishop’s burden lighter? How can we do the same for our ward leaders? for our parents at home?

Friend December 2019 “Notes for Sister Puckett” Tyler was excited to become a deacon so he could serve and minister like his parents do. (His father takes notes in sacrament for Sister Puckett who is sick, and his mom made taco soup for her.)

  • Help the children make a list of leaders in your ward. As a class, select one and discuss what this person does to accomplish the Lord’s work and what the children can do to help. (Suggestions: Primary leaders, Primary teachers, chorister, librarians)

Friend December 2018 Match each sentence with a picture. In the blank spot, draw yourself helping at church.

  • I can put away a hymnbook.
  • I can pick up trash I see.
  • I can help hold up a picture.
  • I can sit so reverently!

Giving Talks, Singing, Playing Instruments

Friend June 2018 “A Baptism Song” Elizabeth and her sister sang at a baptism which helped those attending to feel the Spirit.

  • “Prayer Power” (March 2019 Liahona and Friend)
    Lucy and her family pray for their church leaders.

Friend April 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Bear One Another’s Burdens“

Story: It was hard for Moses to lead his people by himself. His wife’s father, Jethro, told Moses to let other people help “bear the burden” (Exodus 18:21–22).

Song: “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79)

Activity: Have one person stand and hold their arms out. Put a book in each of their hands. Add more books until they are too heavy to hold up. Then have two people hold the person’s arms up. Is it easier to carry a burden when you have help? How can you help others? How can you ask for help?

Friend May 2020 “I Will Be Valiant” Song and Sing-along Video.

The Lord needs valiant servants,

To do His work in the latter day,

Who follow the teachings of Jesus

And serve His people in a loving way.

I will be His servant

And keep my cov’nants valiantly.

I’ll stand for truth. I’ll stand for right.

The Lord can depend on me.

Oct 23 2021

Work & Responsibilty: Lesson Ideas

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Heavenly Father wants me to work.(Sr)

2 Thessalonians 3:7–13

Invite the children to take turns reading verses from 2 Thessalonians 3:7–13 and look for the problem the Saints were facing. Why does Heavenly Father want us to work? What would happen if we never learned to work hard? Let the children take turns acting out simple chores while the other children guess what they are doing. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Friend July 2016 Picking thorny blackberries was not fun, but a boy learned about responsibility and the rewards of work.

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Invite the children to talk about a time when they worked hard on a task, a project, or a goal. How did they feel about themselves when they finished? What does it mean to “be not weary in well doing”? (2 Thessalonians 3:13). What helps us keep going when work feels hard? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Draw attention to skills and talents each individual in the family has worked to develop in the past few months, or year. (Mention skills such as tying shoes, making the bed, reading, playing an instrument, or cooking.) Ask each person how he felt when he accomplished that skill or developed that talent. Discuss how these new skills improve the individual, the family, and the community.

Discuss as a family the good feeling that can come while working to accomplish a chore or a job and the satisfaction that comes when that job is completed. Point out that this satisfaction is part of the reward.

I Can Labor With All My Might and Not be Idle

Doctrine and Covenants 75:3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

  • Invite each child to take a turn acting out how they would do a chore, such as cleaning their room or washing dishes at home. Read Doctrine and Covenants 75:3, and ask the children to show how they would do it lazily when you say “neither be idle” and show how to work hard when you say “but labor with your might.” Why is it important that we do our best?
  • Share with the children President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s stories about work from “Two Principles for Any Economy” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 55–58). How do we feel when we know we have done our best?

Friend July 2016 Picking thorny blackberries was not fun, but a boy learned about responsibility and the rewards of work.

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Friend October 2023 “Go Forward and Harvest On!” Elder Hugo Montoya tells of harvesting grapes with his family as a child. Each time they took grapes to their father, he would say, “Go forward and harvest on.” When we work hard and follow what God asks us to do, we can find joy in life.

Friend October 2023 “It’s Harvest Time” When Elder Montoya was young, he helped his family harvest grapes. Circle what is different between the two pictures!

Working for Something Helps You Appreciate It More

Working Brings Personal Satisfaction

Friend October 2023 “Margo and Paolo” Paulo broke his easel. He works to earn money to buy a new one. He said,”It feels good to work hard for something important to me!”

Keeping House Clean

Friend September 2022 “For Older Kids” Practice keeping things clean

Friend June 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Help your little ones say, “I can work hard!” Teach your children a household chore they can help with, like sweeping or putting away their toys.

Latter Day Kids “Labor with Your Might” Lesson ideas to go with the video

Friend March 2019 “For Older Kids” Feel rushed in the morning? Try laying out your clothes, shoes, and bag before you go to bed.

Friend July 2017 “Busy Like a Bee” Elder Ballard tells how bees work together to strengthen the hive.

Friend May 2024 “Helping at Home”

Friend August 2016 ” For Parents of Little Ones” Letting children help around the house makes the children feel capable and valued as contributing family members.

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”  Play a game or activity that involves taking turns, like stacking blocks to make a tower. Each time it’s your child’s turn, help them say, “We can work together.”

Friend May 2016  Ideas on how to help little ones be more willing to do chores.

Friend February 2016 “Happy Faces” Easton earns happy faces on a bedtime chart. Link includes chart. Parent Information 

Future Career

Friend December 2016
Friend December 2016
The Whoot

Ensign April 2020 “Teaching Children the Value of Work” Include children in creating a family work plan. In a family council, discuss the work that needs to be done to maintain the home and yard. Talk about how these duties can be shared among family members. Children will be more motivated to help if they are part of this process. Be mindful of children’s ages and capabilities, but give them opportunities to try hard things.

Find a fun way to track progress and reward their work. Have everyone place a cotton ball (or some other item) in a jar when a task is finished. When the jar is full, go on a family adventure. Or make a pizza chart and have each child color a slice when their work is done. When the chart is full, have a pizza party.

Oct 19 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 121-123

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Table of Contents

More Trouble in Missouri

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual The religious, cultural, and political differences between Church members and the other residents of Missouri, combined with the vengeful efforts of individuals who had been excommunicated from the Church, led to hostilities on both sides.

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual Relying upon exaggerated anti-Mormon reports blaming Church members for this incident and other hostilities in Missouri, Governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued an executive order calling for the extermination or forcible removal of all Mormons from the state and authorized the state militia to march on Far West

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 31: The Extermination Order,”  Page 191 Detailed story, lesson and activity ideas found at link

Tell or read the story. Show on the map where the various events occurred. You may want to have a child place a small marker on the map as you mention each place.

Joseph is Wrongfully Imprisoned

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual On October 31, 1838, Missouri state militia troops took the Prophet Joseph Smith and other Church leaders prisoner in Far West, Missouri. These men were eventually imprisoned in Liberty Jail in Clay County, Missouri, and suffered greatly during their four months of confinement.

Friend October 2008 “Joseph’s Experiences in Jail”

Friend October 2008 “Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail”

While in Liberty Jail, the Prophet dictated a letter to Church members on March 20, 1839, and a second letter approximately two days later, in which the Prophet included prayers he had written asking the Lord to have compassion on him and on all the “suffering Saints” (see D&C 121:4, 6). He also included the Lord’s response to those prayers, as well as counsel to Church members who had been driven from their homes in Missouri. Portions of these letters are recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 121–23.

Also see Primary 5:Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 32: Joseph Smith is Jailed Unjustly” Page 197 Detailed story, lesson and activity ideas

Section 121

Section 121 Prayer and prophecies written by Joseph Smith the Prophet in an epistle to the Church while he was a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri, dated March 20, 1839. The Prophet and several companions had been months in prison. Their petitions and appeals directed to the executive officers and the judiciary had failed to bring them relief.

With God, my trials can be for my good.

Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–9; 122:7–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

The bottom level of the county jail in Liberty, Missouri, was known as the dungeon. The walls were thick, the stone floor was cold and filthy, the food—what there was of it—was rotten, and the only light came from two narrow, iron-barred windows near the ceiling. This dungeon is where Joseph Smith and a few of his brethren spent most of their imprisonment—four frigid months during the winter of 1838–39—awaiting trial for charges of treason against the state of Missouri. During this time, Joseph was constantly receiving news about the suffering of the Saints. The peace and optimism of Far West had lasted only a few months, and now the Saints were homeless once again, driven into the wilderness in search of yet another place to start over—this time with their Prophet in prison.

  • As you read together Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–9, you could talk about how the Savior helped Joseph feel peace. How do we find peace in the Savior, even during hard times?
  • Help the children think of ways we can trust the Lord as Joseph did so that we can feel peace. Explain that even though Joseph experienced hard things, the Lord was with him.

One way the Savior comforted Joseph Smith while he suffered in Liberty Jail was by teaching him that “all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7). This truth can bless the children when they face their own trials.

  • To help your children recognize that our trials can “be for [our] good” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7), you could talk with them about how our muscles grow when we carry something heavy. You could even invite them to lift a heavy object. Then you could talk about how going through hard times can help our spirits grow—as we turn to the Lord for help. Share some examples from your life.”
Liahona September 2019
  • Why is adversity for our good? Adversity can help us become more like Jesus Christ; It can help us to develop empathy, patience, kindness, humility, faith and trust in God, reliance on God, etc. Ask the children if they would like to share how an adversity they suffered was for their gain.

Family Home Evening Resource Book “Adversity”

  1. List everyday problems on wordstrips and place them in a bowl. Have each person draw one and identify blessings that could come from such adversity. (Sickness, for example, can increase our compassion for the sick and our appreciation for the blessing of good health.)
  2. Tell of a trial (either from your own life or from one of your ancestors) that has strengthened and blessed you.
  3. Ask each one to say how some difficult experience he has had has been helpful to him—what he has learned from it, or how he has been blessed from it.
  4. Encourage family members to recognize trials as challenges. Remind them to seek the Lord’s help in overcoming them.

Friend August 2021 “Peace through Priesthood Power” When Elder Steven R. Bangerter was a child, he had gamma globulin anemia which made it hard for his body to fight off germs, so he got sick a lot. One night he had an earache so bad that he thought his head would explode. He father gave him a blessing and he was able to sleep through the night and feel better the next day. The next few year his father continued to give him priesthood blessings. He taught him that those blessings were opportunities for Heavenly Father to speak to him. His sickness became a way for Heavenly Father to help his faith to grow.

Latter Day Kids “Our Trials Can Be For Our Good” Lesson Ideas

“But A Small Moment”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

  • Ask two children to hold the ends of a string that is long enough to stretch across the room. Ask another child to pinch a point on the string. Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8, and explain that the string represents the years of eternity and that the small point being pinched is like our years on earth. What does it mean that our trials on earth are for “a small moment”?
  • Help the children imagine what it would be like to spend four months in a place like Liberty Jail. What would we miss most? How would we spend our time? What did Joseph Smith learn in Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–9; 122:7–9 that helped him endure this experience? Encourage the children to write a letter to someone who is having a difficult time, and suggest they use something from Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–9; 122:7–9 in their letter.

For additional teaching ideas see Adversity and Resources for Teaching Children: Trials

Righteousness brings the “powers of heaven.”

Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46

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

  • Perhaps an analogy would help your children understand “the powers of heaven.” For example, you could compare God’s power to electrical power. What might prevent an electrical device from receiving power? What decreases our spiritual power? What increases it? (Look for words and phrases in Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46; see also General Handbook, 3.5, 3.6, Gospel Library.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

  • Draw a line with the words high power at one end and low power at the other. Draw an arrow pointing at the middle of the line. Choose several words or phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46 that teach how we decrease or increase heavenly power in our lives (such as “cover our sins,” “pride,” “gentleness,” and “love”). Invite the children to take turns picking a word, deciding if the word leads to a decrease or increase in power, and moving the arrow accordingly. Talk with the children about people they know who have been a good influence on others because they follow the Lord’s counsel in these verses.

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me Kid

  • Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:41–42, 45, and ask the children to list qualities in these verses that the Lord wants us to have. Help them define any words they don’t understand. Assign each child one quality, and help them think of a way that they can show it. Once they have all shared, ask them to read verses 45–46 and list the blessings they will receive if they develop those qualities.

Liahona October 2021 “How Do We Draw Upon the Powers of Heaven”

Section 122

Section 121 The word of the Lord to Joseph Smith the Prophet, while a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri. This section is an excerpt from an epistle to the Church dated March 20, 1839.

Jesus Christ knows what I am going through.

Doctrine and Covenants 122:7–9

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

  • After reading Doctrine and Covenants 122:7–9 with your children, you might share an experience when you felt the Savior was with you during a difficult trial. You could also sing together a song such as “Jesus Once Was a Little Child” (Children’s Songbook, 55) and testify that Jesus Christ can help us because He knows how we feel.

Jesus Christ Knows How I Feel. He has Descended Below All Things.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

In Liberty Jail, Jesus Christ told Joseph Smith that He had descended below all things (see Doctrine and Covenants 122:8).

  • To help the children learn to turn to Christ when they experience hard things, ask them to show you what their faces look like when they are sad or hurt or scared. Who can help us when we feel this way? Read Doctrine and Covenants 122:8, and explain that this means that Jesus Christ knows how we feel, and He can help us.

Come Follow Kid

Friend November 2024 “Praying for Alejandro” Gerardo is worried about his brother who has cancer. His brother needs surgery but is too old for the Children’s hospital. So Gerardo prayed for help for his brother. They watched a video together about Jesus suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, and he wondered why Jesus had to hurt so much. He learned that Jesus felt all the pain we go through so he can know how to help us. Gerardo felt warm inside knowing that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ knew how to help Alejandro. The next day they learn that the children’s hospital would do Gerardo’s brother’s surgery.

Friend November 2023 “Someone Who Understands” Blair is embarrassed because she can’t go play at a friends like she said she would because she doesn’t feel good. She has Crohn’s disease and feels sick a lot. She prayed and told Heavenly Father how she was feeling. During the prayer she felt like she was getting a hug, and then the thought came into her mind that other’s may not understand what she is going through but Heavenly Father and Jesus do.

Liahona October 2021 “Temples, the Name of the Church, and Including Others”

The Weight of Affliction

  1. Gather some heavy items, such as rocks or large books.
  2. Have everyone sit in a circle.
  3. Show a picture of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail.
  4. Read Doctrine and Covenants 122:5–7.
  5. For each affliction mentioned in these verses, place a rock in the middle of the circle.
  6. Have each family member add one more rock to the pile to represent a trial they have gone through.
  7. Read Doctrine and Covenants 122:8–9.
  8. Who has felt the pain of all of these trials? Imagine how it would feel to carry them all.

Discussion: In what ways does the Lord understand us, help us, and turn our trials into experiences that “shall be for [our] good”? (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7). For ideas, see Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lessons from Liberty Jail,” Ensign, Sept. 2009, 29–32.

Joseph Smith learned that none of the adversity he experienced during his mortal life would ever equal what Jesus Christ suffered during His mortal mission.

Jesus descended to be tempted, mocked, scourged, cast out, and disowned, even though He was all-powerful.

He descended to be judged of the world, even though He was the Judge of the world.

He descended to be lifted on the cross and slain for the sins of the world, even though no man could take away His life.

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual “Chapter 46: Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–10; 122–123”

“Jesus, in the course of the Atonement, experienced all of the heartache and sorrow, all of the disappointments and injustices that the entire family of man had experienced and would experience from Adam and Eve to the end of the world in order that we would not have to face them so severely or so deeply. However heavy our load might be, it would be a lot heavier if the Savior had not gone that way before us and carried that burden with us and for us.”

“Furthermore, we note that not only has the Savior suffered, in His case entirely innocently, but so have most of the prophets and other great men and women recorded in the scriptures. The point is this: if you are having a bad day, you’ve got a lot of company—very, very good company. The best company that has ever lived” (“Lessons from Liberty Jail,” 31).

“And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.”2

Section 123

Section 123 Duty of the Saints in relation to their persecutors, as written by Joseph Smith the Prophet while a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri. This section is an excerpt from an epistle to the Church dated March 20, 1839 1–6, The Saints should collect and publish an account of their sufferings and persecutions; 7–10,

Even small things can make a big difference in God’s service.

Doctrine and Covenants 123:15–17

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

  • To help your children understand Doctrine and Covenants 123:15–17, you could share with them a picture of a large ship and a small helm, or share with them Elder David A. Bednar’s explanation in “The Principles of My Gospel” (Liahona, May 2021, 125–26). Then you could talk about small ways we can cheerfully serve our family and friends.

“A “helm” is a wheel or tiller and the associated equipment used to steer a ship or a boat. And “workways with the wind and the waves” denotes turning a ship so that it maintains its balance and does not capsize during a storm.

Gospel principles are for me and you what a helm is to a ship. Correct principles enable us to find our way and to stand firm, steadfast, and immovable so we do not lose our balance and fall in the raging latter-day storms of darkness and confusion.” Elder David A. Bednar “The Principles of My Gospel” (Liahona, May 2021, 125–26)

Friend October 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

When you are striving to follow Jesus Christ, little things can make a big difference! (See Doctrine and Covenants 123:15–17.) Follow the instructions on page 34 to fold a paper airplane. Then make another paper airplane but skip one of the steps. Which one flies better? Why is each fold important?

Friend October 2025 “For Older Kids”

For younger children: Help your little one spoon water into a cup to fill it. Teach them that every small spoonful helps fill the cup, just like how every small thing we do to follow Jesus Christ is important.

God Wants Me to Cheerfully Do What I Can.

Doctrine and Covenants 123:17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

Even though Joseph Smith was in jail and the Saints had been driven from their homes, he encouraged the Saints to “cheerfully do all things that lie in our power.”

  • Read to the children Doctrine and Covenants 123:17, and invite them to stand and cheer when they hear the word “cheerfully.” Invite them to pretend to do different acts of service in a cheerful way.
  • Sing together a song about cheerful service such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198). Help the children think of ways they can cheerfully serve their family and friends.

We Worry Less About Ourselves when We Serve Others

Friend November 2020 “120 Happy People” A family does a service project every year on the birthday of their baby who died because serving helps them feel thankful for what they have, and when they feel thankful, then happiness replaces the sad feelings. For this years project they decide to send thank you notes to people every day and help 120 people feel happy.

Friend August 2018 “The Lemonade Stand” After terrorist attacks, a girl and her friends are afraid. The girl also wants to help the victims but doesn’t know how. The neighborhood decides to host a lemonade stand to help raise money for the firefighters and their families. After helping with the lemonade stand, she feels better. Her mom tell she her that when she is being like Jesus, the Holy Ghost can help her feel happy and safe.

Friend June 2021 “Ombeni’s New Home” Ombeni’s family were refugees in the U.S. School was hard because he didn’t know the language and didn’t have any friends. His mother suggested he try to find someone to serve. He found a girl sitting alone at lunch and sat by her and smiled. She smiled back. It made him feel happy that he could help someone.

For more teaching ideas see Service and Resources for Teaching Children: Service

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Joseph Asks the President for Help”

Primary 5:Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 32: Joseph Smith is Jailed Unjustly” See detailed story and lesson and activity ideas at link.

See Saints, 1:323–96; “Within the Walls of Liberty Jail,” Revelations in Context, 256–63.

The Red Crystal

Oct 17 2021

Tithing & Offerings: Lesson Ideas

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Table of Contents

What is Tithing?

Friend October 2024 “What is Tithing”

Friend November 2025 “Teach Me about Tithing”

Media Library “Come Create with Me | Games | Tithing”

Latter Day Kids “The Law of Tithing” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me Kid has a tithing game, visual aids, a printable to make a tithing box, and lesson ideas.

Latter Day Kids lesson ideas

Abraham Paid Tithing

Genesis CHAPTER 14 Lot is captured in the battles of the kings—He is rescued by Abram—Melchizedek administers bread and wine and blesses Abram—Abram pays tithes—He declines to accept the spoils of conquest.

What do we learn about Melchizedek from Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25–40? (in the Bible appendix; see also Alma 13:13–19). How can we “[establish] righteousness” as Melchizedek did? (verse 36). What else about Melchizedek’s ministry inspires us? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

Friend April 1994 “Melchizedek” Story of Melchizedek

Media Library “Melchizedek Blesses Abram”

Liahona February 2022 “Teaching about God’s Promises” Tithing Brings Gratitude

In Genesis 14:20, we read that Abraham paid tithing. Elder David A. Bednar has taught that spiritual blessings “are poured out through the windows of heaven and into our lives as we honor the law of tithing” (“The Windows of Heaven,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 18).

  1. As a family, discuss the blessings you’ve seen from obeying the law of tithing.
  2. Have one person write the blessings down.
  3. Together, go through the list again and discuss some of the ways these blessings make your life better.

Elder Bednar also taught that “a subtle but significant blessing we receive [as we honor the law of tithing] is the spiritual gift of gratitude that enables our appreciation for what we have. … A grateful person is rich in contentment” (“The Windows of Heaven,” 18). How has your family seen gratitude as a blessing of paying tithing?

Pay Tithing with a Grateful Heart

Tithing Lesson #1 “Pay Tithing with a Grateful Heart – Game and Activity”

I’m Glad to Pay a Tithing Song: Part One

Launch Presentation

I’m Glad to Pay a Tithing Song: Part Two

Launch Presentation

What is Tithing Used For?

Paying tithing helps build God’s kingdom (3 Nephi 24:8–12).

Color the pictures, then cut out the circle and the spinner. Attach the spinner to the center of the circle, and rotate it to see some ways your tithing helps the Lord’s work.Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

Tithing Lesson #6 “What is Tithing Used for” Lesson

Friend September 2005 “Where Does Tithing Go”

Ensign October 2018 “Where Tithing Money Goes”

For the Strength of Youth December 2023 “Where Do Tithing and Fast Offerings Go?”

Friend June 2017

Friend August 2011 “How is Tithing Used” Look at the drawings of some of the things tithing pays for. Circle the drawing in each column that is different from the others.

Tithing Helps the Church do God’s Work.

Doctrine and Covenants 119–20

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”

Many of the children you teach are probably too young to earn money and pay tithing, but it’s good for them to understand how tithing contributes to the great work the Church does throughout the world.

  • Explain how we pay tithing and what it is used for (see “Chapter 44: Tithing,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 165–66, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Draw 10 coins on the board, and ask the children to help you count them. Determine how many to give the Lord for tithing.
  • Sing together a song about tithing, such as “I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth” (Children’s Songbook, 150), and tell the children why you choose to pay tithing. If possible, share a personal story.

Ponder how you will help the children understand how tithing—even the small amounts they might pay—contributes to the building up of the Lord’s kingdom (see True to the Faith, 180–82).

  • Invite the children to imagine that a friend sees a Church building and asks, “How does your Church pay for that building?” How would we explain tithing to this friend? Suggest that the children refer to Doctrine and Covenants 119:4; 120:1 as they consider this question.
  • Help the children think of things the Church is able to do because of tithing. How do these things bless our lives? Share your feelings about the law of tithing and how it has blessed you.

Friend October 2021 “Tithing Puzzler” Here are some of the ways the Church uses tithing and donations:

  • building temples
  • building churches
  • feeding the hungry
  • printing scriptures
  • missionary work
  • education

Fill in the empty squares so that all six pictures are in each row (across), each column (up and down), and each purple rectangle.

How Much Do I Pay for Tithing?

Parable of the Skittles  Cute idea about giving children a bag of skittles and all they have to do is give 10 back, then they compare the amounts and see the abundance they still have compared to what they gave.

Friend December 2022 “Tithing Time” Tithing is 10 percent of the money we receive. Match each amount of money with the tithing you would pay.

Tithing Lesson #4 “Tithing is One Tenth of Our Increase” Lesson

Blessings of Paying Tithing

Friend September 2017 “Blessings of Tithing” Three blessings of paying tithing.

Liahona February 2022 “Teaching about God’s Promises” Tithing Brings Gratitude

In Genesis 14:20, we read that Abraham paid tithing. Elder David A. Bednar has taught that spiritual blessings “are poured out through the windows of heaven and into our lives as we honor the law of tithing” (“The Windows of Heaven,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 18).

  1. As a family, discuss the blessings you’ve seen from obeying the law of tithing.
  2. Have one person write the blessings down.
  3. Together, go through the list again and discuss some of the ways these blessings make your life better.

Elder Bednar also taught that “a subtle but significant blessing we receive [as we honor the law of tithing] is the spiritual gift of gratitude that enables our appreciation for what we have. … A grateful person is rich in contentment” (“The Windows of Heaven,” 18). How has your family seen gratitude as a blessing of paying tithing?

Heavenly Father will bless me when I pay tithing.

The Yanagida Family pay tithing even though they are very poor and the Lord blesses them.

Malachi 3:10–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Malachi” Even if the young children you teach don’t earn money yet, they can still learn about the blessings of paying tithing.

  • Help the children count 10 small objects, such as the coins on this week’s activity page. Invite them to separate one of the objects from the rest, and explain that this is like the tithing we give to the Lord. We give Him one-tenth of what we receive. Share your testimony of how the Lord blesses us as we pay tithing. Sing with the children a song about tithing, such as “I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth” (Children’s Songbook, 150).

Launch Presentation

Friend December 2022 “Tithing Pie” A bishop explains tithing by drawing a pretend peach pie and then asking if any of the children would want some. He then says he will give the whole pie to them, but he just wants one piece back.

Friend October 2020 “Funstuff: Tithing Time”Count the coins. For every 10 that you count, color one.

  • Draw a window on the board, and read Malachi 3:10 to the children. Invite them to point to the window when you read the phrase “windows of heaven.” Explain that this means that Heavenly Father gives us great blessings when we pay tithing. As the children color this week’s activity page, talk about some of the reasons why we pay tithing.
  • Share a story from the Friend magazine or from your own life about paying tithing. Invite the children to listen for blessings that can come from paying tithing.

Friend April 2018 “An Amazing Lesson”When Elder Cordon was a child he learned that the Lord blesses us when we pay our tithing. His parents had to choose between paying for food or paying tithing. They paid their tithing and later his father received work and a prepayment for that work.

Friend April 2016 “Pesos for Heavenly Father” Ana’s grandmother has faith to pay tithing even though there is no food, and she is blessed.

image
image

Family members might enjoy drawing pictures to represent these blessings and hanging the pictures on a window.

“Lesson 44: Malachi Teaches about Tithes and Offerings,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Heavenly Father will bless me when I pay tithing.

Malachi 3:8–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 ” Paying tithing is more about having faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ than it is about finances. What do the children you teach understand about tithing? How will you help them have the faith to pay tithing?

  • Write on the board questions about tithing like the following: What is tithing? How do I pay tithing? What is tithing for? What are the blessings of paying tithing? Invite the children to search Malachi 3:8–12 and “Tithes, Tithing” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and write down answers they find. Invite them to share their answers with each other. What kind of people do we become by paying tithing?
  • Show the video “Jesus Teaches about the Widow’s Mite” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or read together Mark 12:41–44. What does this story teach us about how the Lord feels about our offerings?
  • Draw a window on the board, and invite the children to write inside the window blessings that someone might receive for paying tithing (for ideas, see Malachi 3:10–12). Invite the children to share a personal example of how they or their families have been blessed by faithfully paying tithing. Or you could share an example from your own life of how paying tithing has increased your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Latter Day Kids “The Law of Tithing” Lesson ideas

The Widow’s Mite

Mark 12: 41-44

New Testament Stories “The Widow’s Mite”

New Testament stories [art]
Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem. He watched as people gave money for the church. Many rich people gave a lot of money.
New Testament stories [art]
A poor widow gave two pieces of money called mites. It was not very much money, but it was all the money she had.
New Testament stories [art]
Jesus saw the widow and told the disciples what she had done.
New Testament stories [art]
He said the rich people had given a greater amount of money than she had, but they had more to give.
New Testament stories [art]
The widow had no more money. She gave all that she had. She gave more to God than all the rich people.

Tithing Lesson #2 “The Widow’s Mite” Scripture Story

New Testament Coloring Book “The Widow’s Mite”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023

Coming.Mark 12:38–44; Luke 21:1–4.

What do these verses teach about how the Savior views our offerings? Show your family how to pay tithing and fast offerings to the Lord. How do these offerings help build God’s kingdom? What are some other ways we can offer “all that [we have]” to the Lord? (Mark 12:44).

Lesson 24: The Widow’s Mite,” Primary 7: New Testament  Lesson, stories, and activity ideas. Tithing theme.

I Can Pay My Tithing

Friend June 1985
Friend June 1985
Friend August 2016
Friend August 2016

Tithing Settlement

Friend April 2023 “Tithing or Ice Cream?” Katy used her tithing money to buy ice cream several times. She didn’t know how much she owed and didn’t have the money to replace it. At tithing settlement she had to report that she wasn’t a full tithe payer. Her bishop explained that she could repent and try to do better. Katy prayed and asked for forgiveness and to try again.

Law of Consecration

Doctrine and Covenants 42:30–42

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 18: The Lord Reveals the Law of Consecration” 

Explain that in the early days of the Church, the Saints were commanded to share with each other everything they had been blessed with. This commandment was called the law of consecration. Write the word consecration on the chalkboard. Explain that to consecrate means to dedicate or give for a sacred purpose.

When the Saints began gathering in Ohio in early 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith was concerned because many of them were very poor and did not have the things they needed, such as food, clothing, and shelter. The Prophet began looking for a way to help these poor members of the Church.

When the Prophet first arrived in Kirtland, Ohio, he found that some members of the Church were living together on a farm owned by Isaac Morley. They had read in the Bible that the members of the Church in Jesus’ time shared everything they had (see Acts 2:44–45; 4:32), and they were trying to live the same way. This plan did not always work very well, however. For example, one man thought that if all things were shared, it was all right for him to sell a watch that actually belonged to another man. This made the owner of the watch very angry. The Prophet saw that although it was good that these people were trying to share with each other, their plan was not approved by the Lord. Joseph prayed to find out what the Lord wanted the members of the Church to do.

A few days after calling Edward Partridge to be the bishop of the Church, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith the law of consecration (see D&C 42:30–39, 42). This law commanded the Saints to share with each other in an organized way. The Lord gave the following instructions:

  1. The Saints were to consecrate, or give, all of their property and possessions to the Church. The bishop would be responsible for these consecrations.
  2. The bishop would decide with the head of each family what property and possessions the family needed to work and live. The bishop would give these needed items to the family.
  3. Families would work hard to provide for themselves using the things they were given. After they filled their own needs and wants, anything extra they had earned or created was to be given to the bishop to help the poor and strengthen the Church.

Play the game “I Don’t Need It—Would You Like It?” to help the children understand the concept of sharing their excess with others. Give each child a piece of paper and a pencil, and have the children list food, clothing, shelter, money, and books and games on their papers. The object of the game is for each child to obtain all the items on the list by either picking the items from the container or receiving them from another child.

Pass the container of papers to a child and have him or her choose a paper, read it, and put it back into the container. Have the child circle the named item on his or her paper. Then pass the container to the next child. When all the children have had a turn, begin again with the first child and have him or her pick another paper.

If on a subsequent turn a child picks an item that is already circled on his or her list, he or she turns to the child on the left and says, “I don’t need it—would you like it?” Then the child sitting to the left can circle that item on his or her list. If that child already has the item circled, he or she asks the question of the next child to the left. Continue until someone is able to circle the item.

Play the game until each child has circled every item on the list.

This law helped the Church grow and helped the members take care of each other while they lived in Ohio and Missouri. People donated their time and talents as well as their money and possessions so that missionary work could be done, a temple could be built, and newly arriving Saints would have a place to live and food to eat. Even though most of the people were poor, when they shared what they did have, everyone had enough.

Early members of the Church lived the law of consecration for only a short while. Someday the Church will practice the law of consecration again, but today we as members are asked to live only part of the law. We are not asked to give all we have to the Church, but we are asked to pay tithing and fast offerings. (You may need to explain that when we fast, we are asked to contribute to the Church at least the amount of money we would have spent on two meals that day. This is a fast offering.) Tithing and fast offerings are used to take care of the poor, build temples and meetinghouses, and provide other things such as lesson manuals. We are also asked to share our time and talents by doing things such as giving talks or teaching Primary classes. As we share, we are helping to build the kingdom of God on the earth.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 51–57”

  • Hide the words “faithful,” “just,” and “wise” around the room. Invite the children to find the words in the room and then find them in Doctrine and Covenants 51:19. Read the verse together, and talk about what it means to be a steward. “A person who takes care of the affairs or property of another. That which a steward cares for is called a stewardship. All things on earth belong to the Lord; we are His stewards. We are accountable to the Lord.” (“Steward, Stewardship” in the Guide to the Scriptures).

Other Donations

Humanitarian Aid

Friend August 2019 “Elder Rasband Visits Cape Verde” Elder Rasband visited a school were many of the children don’t have parents to take care of them. The Church gives money to help the children’s school that Elder Rasband visited. (Activity: Four children donated money to the Church’s Humanitarian Aid Fund. Follow the shapes along the path to see what each child’s money was used for. (Also includes instructions on how to donate money to humanitarian aid.)

Additional Resources

Resources for Children: Tithing

Media

Oct 4 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 111-114

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

Have you ever had a spiritual experience that made you feel confident and secure in your faith in Christ—but then life’s afflictions tried your faith, and you found yourself struggling to recover the peace you felt before? Something similar happened to the Saints in Kirtland. Less than a year after the spiritual outpourings connected with the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, troubles arose. A financial crisis, conflict in the Quorum of the Twelve, and other trials caused some Saints to waver in their faith despite their earlier experiences.

We can’t avoid trials, so how can we keep them from threatening our faith and testimony?

Section 111

Section 111 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Salem, Massachusetts, August 6, 1836. At this time the leaders of the Church were heavily in debt due to their labors in the ministry. Hearing that a large amount of money would be available to them in Salem, the Prophet, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery traveled there from Kirtland, Ohio, to investigate this claim, along with preaching the gospel. The brethren transacted several items of Church business and did some preaching. When it became apparent that no money was to be forthcoming, they returned to Kirtland. Several of the factors prominent in the background are reflected in the wording of this revelation.

After they arrived in Salem, the Lord declared, “There are more treasures than one for you in this city” (verse 10)—treasures that included people whom He would “gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion” (verse 2; see also Exodus 19:5). Although no money was found in Salem, the converts that came from later missionary efforts there were part of the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”)

Come Follow Me Kid See more lesson ideas at link

See also Matthew 6:19–21, 33; “More Treasures Than One,” Revelations in Context, 229–34.

The Things of God can be a Treasure to Me.

Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

  • Invite the children to draw what comes to mind when they hear the word treasure. Contrast the things the world sees as treasure with the things the Lord treasures (see Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11), such as His people, wisdom and righteousness, and making good choices.
  • Help the children complete this week’s activity page. What do we learn about Jesus from the things He treasures? How can we be more like Him? How can we treasure more the things of God?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11 could encourage a discussion about what your family values as eternal “treasures.” You could create a treasure hunt by hiding things around the house that represent things the Lord treasures or values. As your family finds each item, discuss what you can do to show that you value it.

Friend April 2013 “Jesus Christ Restored His Church in the Latter Days”Some treasure boxes contain beautiful jewelry and precious coins. But as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a treasure that is even more valuable: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

After Jesus and His Apostles died, some important gospel teachings and ordinances were lost or changed, including baptism, priesthood authority, temples, living prophets, and the sacrament.

All of these gospel treasures have been restored. We receive many blessings because we have these gospel treasures.

Section 112

Section 112 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Thomas B. Marsh, at Kirtland, Ohio, July 23, 1837, concerning the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb. This revelation was received on the day Elders Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde first preached the gospel in England. Thomas B. Marsh was at this time President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 Thomas B. Marsh, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was upset that Joseph Smith had, without consulting him, called two members of his quorum to preach the gospel in England. He met with the Prophet, who received a revelation that helped Thomas put aside his hurt feelings. That revelation is recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 112. Keep this context in mind as you study Doctrine and Covenants 112. What do you find that might have healed Thomas’s hurt feelings?

The Lord Will Lead Me by the Hand and Answer My Prayers.

Doctrine and Covenants 112:10

10 Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.

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

Ask the children what it means to be humble. (They could read “Humility” in True to the Faith [pages 86–87] if needed.) Help them think of words or phrases related to “humble,” and invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 112:10, substituting one of these words or phrases for “humble” in the verse. Why does Heavenly Father want us to be humble? To learn more, the children could read additional scriptures listed under “Humble, Humility” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Have the children act out or discuss some of the following situations and then determine who is humble in each situation:
A person who talks during an entire meal, not giving others a chance to talk.
A brother who says to his younger sister, “That’s a good idea; I wouldn’t have thought of that.”
A person who says, “Okay, I need help; it’s harder to pound nails straight than I thought it would be.”
A person who insists that his room is clean and who refuses to clean it even after his parents tell him that they have noticed dust and dirt.
A person who loses a tennis match and honestly says to the winner, “Thanks for the game. You are a good player.”
A person in school who thinks, “I don’t need to listen; I already know all this stuff.”
A sister who helps a younger brother play a simple game, even though she would rather play something else.
A Primary teacher who says, “I don’t know the answer to that question; I’ll have to study more and pray for understanding.”
A person who brags about her possessions and refuses to play with children who do not dress as nicely as she does.
A person who takes credit for everything good that happens to him.
A person who, when asked to give a talk, says, “Yes, I’ll do it. It is hard for me, but I’ll prepare and do my best.”

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Humility and Pride”

You or your children could write the words of Doctrine and Covenants 112:10 and underline the blessings the Lord gives us when we humbly turn to Him.

How do we humble ourselves so the Lord can lead us? Answers may include the following: by remembering that our gifts, talents, and abilities come from the Lord, by praying for humility, by looking for the good in others, by building love for others by praying for them and serving  them.

When we are humble we become meek and teachable and we are more willing to listen to the Lord, pray for his help, and follow him and his guidance.

Help the children to think of situations when it is important to hold the hand of a family member, like when crossing the street or giving comfort.

You could also play a game that involves leading each other “by the hand” (such as an obstacle course). Have one person wear a blindfold. Have another person take their hand and lead them carefully through the obstacle course. Take turns leading and following.

Friend October 2021

How does the Lord lead us “by the hand,” even though He isn’t physically with us? Why do we need the Lord to lead us? Encourage your children to share times when they humbly asked for the Lord’s help and received answers to their prayers or were led to do something good (see Moroni 7:13, 16).

Latter Day Kids “Humility“ Lesson Ideas

Jesus Wants Me to Love Everyone.

Doctrine and Covenants 112:11

11 Let thy love be for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

  • You and your children could take turns reading from “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60). Who in the story made the problems in Kirtland worse? Who was trying to make them better? Then you could read Doctrine and Covenants 112:11 and talk about why the Savior wants us to love everyone, even those who might make wrong choices.

  • Help the children think of examples of when the Savior loved those who mistreated Him (for example, see Luke 23:34). Jesus Christ was the perfect example of loving everyone, even those who mistreated Him. Joseph Smith also had to endure persecution by those who had been his friends. Help the children learn that we can love others just like the Savior and Joseph Smith did.

Friend January 2018 “A Friend for Mr. Maurice” Carter’s neighbor, Mr. Maurice, seems mean. Carter’s father tells him that Jesus taught that we are to love everyone. Carter tries to be kind and help Mr. Maurice and finds out Mr. Maurice is easier to love than expected.

Friend October 2025 “Jesus Wants Me to Love Everyone” Coloring page

Why is it important to love people who are different from us? Why might Heavenly Father have given us differences? How can we “let [our] love abound unto all,” even those who are different from us?

You could also sing a song about loving others, such as “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 140–41).

Those Who Are Truly Converted Come to Know Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 112:11–14, 24–26

26 First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord.

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

What does verse 13 & 14 teach us we can do to know Him better? Help the children understand what it means to “take up [our] cross” (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 16:25–26 [in the Bible appendix]) or to “feed [His] sheep.”

13 If they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them.

14 Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve: Arise and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed my sheep.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114” The basic meaning of the word convert is “to turn around, to transform, or to change.” Thus, when a person is truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, his whole life is changed. The scriptures refer to such a person as having been “reborn,” because he becomes a new person. Conversion is a process, not an event. Conversion comes as a result of righteous efforts to follow the Savior.

Becoming converted to Jesus Christ is a lifelong process, and it involves more than just “[professing] to know [His] name” (Doctrine and Covenants 112:26). Help the children better understand what it means to truly know the Savior.

Section 113

Section 113 Answers to certain questions on the writings of Isaiah, given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Far West, Missouri, March 1838.

Joseph Smith was “a servant in the hands of Christ.”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”)

Isaiah referred to one of Jesse’s descendants as a “rod” and a “root” (Isaiah 11:1, 10). In section 113, the Lord explains that this descendant, a servant of Christ, would be instrumental in gathering the Lord’s people in the last days (see Doctrine and Covenants 113:4, 6)—a prophecy that describes the Prophet Joseph Smith quite well. How might this and other truths in section 113 have been encouraging to the Saints during the turmoil they were experiencing in Kirtland?

Section 114

Section 114 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, April 11, 1838.

On April 11, 1838, the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 114. In this revelation the Lord directed David W. Patten to prepare for a future mission and warned rebellious Church leaders that they would lose “their bishopric,” or calling, if they were not faithful (D&C 114:2).

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Far West, Missouri”

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Apostles Preached the Gospel to All Nations”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 29: Missionaries Go to Other Nations,”  Page 159 Link includes stories, activities, and discussion questions.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Oct 1 2021

Obeying and Honoring Parents

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I Can Honor My Parents.

Exodus 20:12

Honoring parents involves more than just obeying them. Help the children understand other ways they can honor their parents.


Friend March 2019 “A Lesson From My Parents” Color the pictures and circle the things a parent has taught you. What else can you think of?

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  • Help the children learn the phrase “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12). If needed, explain that to “honor” someone can mean to show respect for them or to bring them happiness.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Honored His Parents” As He grew up, Jesus obeyed His earthly parents. He loved and cared for them. Even when He was dying on the cross, He asked one of His disciples to take care of His mother. He also honored His Heavenly Father by keeping the commandments.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Honored His Parents” As He grew up, Jesus obeyed His earthly parents. He loved and cared for them. Even when He was dying on the cross, He asked one of His disciples to take care of His mother. He also honored His Heavenly Father by keeping the commandments.

  • Help the children think of things they can do to honor their parents, and invite them to act out their ideas.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18-20” To better understand Exodus 20:12, it might help if your family looked up definitions of the word “honor.” Then family members could make a list of things we can do that would honor our parents. You might sing a song about honoring parents, like “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Songbook, 197), and then use some of the ideas in your list to write new verses to the song.

What did Jesus do to honor His Heavenly Father? How did He honor His mother? (see Luke 2:48–51; John 19:26–27).

New Era March 2017 “20 Wats to Honor Mom and Dad”

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Friend September 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Honoring My Parents”

  • Invite the children to make a thank-you card for their parents. They could write or draw inside the card something they will do to honor their parents.

The Cozy Red Cottage Go to link to download free printables

Discuss some ways Lehi and Sariah were “goodly parents.” Then think of and share some of the “goodly” traits of your parents, grandparents, or someone you admire. You can use this cute printable to write down your thoughts. There are two wording options-use the best one for your situation.  These can be done as a family or print one for each person.

Next pick one person from your list and write a letter to that person thanking him or her for demonstrating some of the traits you have observed.  I included some blank stationary pages and thank you cards.  For the cards fold on the line.

Discussion: Share your list with your family.  What is a trait from your list that you would like to develop?  What steps can you take to develop that trait? 

Friend September 2020 “Loving Our Families” Cut out the strips of paper and put them in a bowl. After you do one of the activities, add a link to your chain of hearts.

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I can honor my mother as Jesus did.

Jesus Turns Water into Wine video

John 2:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” At the wedding in Cana, Mary told Jesus that the wine had run out. According to the Joseph Smith Translation, Jesus responded to His mother by asking, “Woman, what wilt thou have me to do for thee? that will I do” (in John 2:4, footnote a). Jesus is an example of how we should treat our mothers.

  • Invite the children to read John 2:1–11 and take turns retelling the story in their own words.
  • Ask the children to list things their mother might need help with. Invite them to practice what they could say to her using some of Jesus’s words: “What wilt thou have me to do for thee?” (John 2:4, footnote a).

Friend November 2022 “A Happy Helper” Felix helps his mom get ready for Grandpa’s visit. A

  • Invite some mothers to visit your class and share what their children do to show respect for them.

To honor your parents means to love, respect, and obey them.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Honored His Parents” As He grew up, Jesus obeyed His earthly parents. He loved and cared for them. Even when He was dying on the cross, He asked one of His disciples to take care of His mother. He also honored His Heavenly Father by keeping the commandments.

New Era March 2017 “20 Ways to Honor Mom and Dad”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 2-4” At a marriage feast in Cana, Christ changed water into wine—an event John called the “beginning of miracles” (John 2:11). That’s true in more than one sense. While this was the first miracle Jesus performed publicly, it can also symbolize another miraculous beginning—the process of our hearts being transformed as we become ever more like our Savior. This miracle of a lifetime begins with the decision to follow Jesus Christ, to change and live a better life through Him.

I Can Obey My Parents

Matthew 21:28–32

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” Heavenly Father wants us to be obedient. The parable of the two sons is an opportunity to teach about the importance of obedience.

  • Draw a picture of two sons on the board, and use the drawings as you recount the parable in Matthew 21:28–32. Which son did the right thing in the end? Ask the children to name things they can do to be obedient at home. Let them draw pictures of themselves doing one of those things.
  • Invite the children to share experiences they have had with being obedient to their parents. How were they blessed for being obedient?

Friend August 2018 “Puddles and Blessings” Marcel doesn’t want to go on a hike in the rain with his mom and the Young Women. His mom  tells him something good might happen because there are blessings from obeying parents. At the hike he finds that his friend Noah is there and they have a blast playing in puddles together.

Friend August 2016 “Micah Obeys” Micah learns that he can help his family be happy when he obeys.

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Heavenly Father wants me to obey my parents.(Jr)

Ephesians 6:1–3

Read Ephesians 6:1 to the class, or help one of the children read it. Help them think of times when they obeyed their parents. Ask them to share how they were blessed for obeying and how they felt when they obeyed. Why is it important to obey our parents? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

The Red Crystal

Friend August 2015 “Fire” As a young boy, President Monson starts a fire with forbidden matches and he learns an important lesson about obedience.

Friend August 2015
Friend August 2015.

Friend August 2017 “The Rocket Fiasco” Andrew’s friends convince him to try out his birthday rocket that he’s supposed to wait and do with his dad’s supervision. The rocket lands in the neighbors car and starts a fire.

Sing together a song about obedience, such as “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Songbook, 197). Let the children take turns naming something their parents ask them to do, and invite them to pretend to do that thing. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

Show a picture of Jesus Christ being baptized (see Gospel Art Book, no. 35), and share how the Savior obeyed Heavenly Father by being baptized (see 2 Nephi 31:6–7). Share an experience in which you obeyed your parents and were blessed. Why does Heavenly Father want us to obey our parents? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

Friend March 2023 “Jesus Christ Was Baptized”

New Era March 2017 “Why I Honor My Parents”

When I was about eight years old, I learned a very valuable lesson. It was early spring in the small Utah town where I lived, and some of my eight-year-old friends and I wanted to camp outside one night. My father said, “It’s still very cold at night. You’ll be miserable, and you’ll probably get sick.”

I explained that we thought everything would be fine. My parents let me make my own choice, and my friends and I decided to go ahead with the campout. As it got late the temperature dropped and it became very cold. Instead of having a great time, we were awake and miserable most of the night and, true to my father’s prediction, a day or two later I got sick.

As I was sick at home and missing fun activities, I remembered the advice my father had given me. Every bad consequence he mentioned had happened. I remember thinking, “Wow, my dad is really smart.” I came to realize, even at that young age, that my father had more experience and wisdom than me and if I were more careful in seeking and following his counsel it would make my life happier.

Your parents love you and want to help you.

Come Follow Me for Kids “New Testament Activities: Download #36” For the Perfecting of the Saints” Help them see the blessings that come from being obedient and remind them that they’ll be happier when they are obedient. Possible scenarios:
 Mom asks you to eat your healthy food at dinner before you eat a cookie. How would
 Dad asks you to turn the TV off and do your chores.
 Mom asks you to kneel down for family prayer.
 Dad asks you to sit quietly during scripture study time.
 Mom asks you to share your toys with your sister.
 Dad asks you to stay off of a busy road near your house.
 Mom asks you to be kind to your neighbors.
 Remind them that we are “Dear children” of God (Ephesians 5:1) and encourage them to also be
obedient to their Heavenly Father

Heavenly Father wants me to obey and honor my parents. (Sr)

Ephesians 6:1–3

Invite the children to read Ephesians 6:1–3 individually and identify phrases that stand out to them. Invite them to share these phrases and why they feel the phrases are important. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

Explain that to “honor” someone can mean to show respect for them or to bring them happiness.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Honored His Parents” As He grew up, Jesus obeyed His earthly parents. He loved and cared for them. Even when He was dying on the cross, He asked one of His disciples to take care of His mother. He also honored His Heavenly Father by keeping the commandments.

Help the children find and talk about examples of people in the scriptures who obeyed and honored their parents, such as the Savior (see Luke 2:42–52), Ruth (see Ruth 1), or Nephi (see 1 Nephi 3:1–8). Why is it important to obey and honor our parents? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

Friend June 2022 “Ruth and Naomi”

Give each child a piece of paper with the word honor at the top. Discuss what the word means. Invite the children to write or draw on their papers something they can do to show that they honor their parents. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

Explain that to “honor” someone can mean to show respect for them or to bring them happiness.

Friend September 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Honoring My Parents”

The Red Crystal

Oct 1 2021

11th Article of Faith

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Friend October 2025 “Articles of Faith” What this means: We believe that we are allowed to worship Heavenly Father how we feel is right. We also respect others who believe differently than we do. This is called religious freedom.

Friend October 2015 “Article of Faith 11” Memorization Tip: Eleven rhymes with heaven, and Article of Faith 11 is about our freedom to worship Heavenly Father.

Friend Nov 1987

Friend May 1986

Friend May 1986

Friend October 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Mandy befriends a girl who is being made fun of because of the religious clothing (hijab) she wears. She shows respect for the girl’s faith and beliefs.

Sep 28 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 109-110

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Table of Contents

Kirtland Temple is Dedicated

Section 109

Section 109 Prayer offered at the dedication of the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, March 27, 1836. According to the Prophet’s written statement, this prayer was given to him by revelation.

The Temple is the House of the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 109:12–13; 110:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

“Chapter 39: The Kirtland Temple Is Dedicated,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 154

For the Strength of Youth September 2021 “The House of the Lord”

  • Ask the children to imagine that a friend is trying to find their house. How can we help our friend know which house is ours? How do we know that the temple is the Lord’s house? Read Doctrine and Covenants 109:12–13 with the children, and tell them how you know that the temple is the house of the Lord. Ask the children to share something they love about the temple. Share with each other something you love about the Lord’s house.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

  • Give each child a picture of a temple, or invite them to draw one. Sing together a song about temples, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). Invite the children to hold up their pictures each time they sing the word “temple.” Point out to them other words in the song that teach us something important about the temple. Tell the children how you feel about the temple and how you know it is the house of the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Books “Kirtland Temple Dedication”

Discussion: Why are temples important to you? Share spiritual experiences you have had because of temples.

Blessings of the Temple

Doctrine and Covenants 109; 110:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

In some ways, the Kirtland Temple was different from temples we know today. There were no altars and no baptismal font, and ordinances like baptism for the dead and sealing had not yet been restored. But the blessings described in section 109, in the dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple, are the blessings we receive in the Lord’s house today.

  • Choose verses from section 109 or 110 that you feel highlight the blessings of the temple (such as the ones listed below from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). List these blessings on the board, and invite the children to search the verses you chose to find those blessings. How might we explain to someone why the temple is important to us?

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas. See more ideas at link.

Section 110

Section 110 Visions manifested to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery in the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, April 3, 1836. The occasion was that of a Sabbath day meeting. Joseph Smith’s history states: “In the afternoon, I assisted the other Presidents in distributing the Lord’s Supper to the Church, receiving it from the Twelve, whose privilege it was to officiate at the sacred desk this day. After having performed this service to my brethren, I retired to the pulpit, the veils being dropped, and bowed myself, with Oliver Cowdery, in solemn and silent prayer. After rising from prayer, the following vision was opened to both of us.”

1–10, The Lord Jehovah appears in glory and accepts the Kirtland Temple as His house; 11–12, Moses and Elias each appear and commit their keys and dispensations; 13–16, Elijah returns and commits the keys of his dispensation as promised by Malachi.

The Priesthood Keys Needed to Accomplish God’s Work are in the Church Today.

The Savior is blessing His people through priesthood keys.

The Kirtland Temple is important in Church history. Jesus Christ appeared there, along with ancient prophets. These prophets committed priesthood keys to Joseph Smith that are needed to do God’s latter-day work.

Doctrine and Covenants 110

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

Invite the children to search Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16 (or watch the below video) to find the names of three ancient prophets who appeared in the Kirtland Temple. Then help them find words in these verses that describe what each prophet “committed,” or gave, to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. You can find a helpful description in “Chapter 40: Visions in the Kirtland Temple” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 156–57)..

  • You could use this week’s activity page or “Chapter 40: Visions in the Kirtland Temple” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 155–57, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) to tell the children about the heavenly beings who visited the temple. You could also use the picture at the end of this outline.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 40: Visions in the Kirtland Temple” Images and Video

To learn about the importance of what happened in the Kirtland Temple, you and your children could talk about what keys do. (With a set of keys, you can do a lot of things that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do—enter buildings, drive cars, and open trunks, among other things. Keys, basically, mean authority and access.) A priesthood key is the authority or permission to act in Heavenly Father’s name.

To illustrate the importance of priesthood keys, discuss with the children the problems of losing a house key or car key. How is this similar to the problems of priesthood keys being lost? Help them find the word keys in Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16, and talk about the blessings that these keys unlock.

You might explain that priesthood keys are God’s permission to lead His Church. Explain that one of the reasons the Kirtland Temple was built was to provide a place where the Lord and his servants could restore additional keys of priesthood authority. Share your gratitude that the Lord gave us priesthood keys. These keys unlock power and blessings so we can do God’s work in His Church, such as sharing the gospel and doing temple work

 Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 26: The Kirtland Temple Is Dedicated,” Pg 139 (See link for a more complete story of the dedication of the Kirtland Temple and additional lesson ideas.)

Latter Day Kids “The Restoration of Priesthood Keys” Lesson ideas and activities

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Lord Accepted the Kirtland Temple”

  • Sing with the children “The Spirit of God” (Hymns, no. 2), and tell them it was sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication—and in temple dedications today. Why was this a good song for the Kirtland Temple dedication?

The Savior wants me to turn my heart to my ancestors.

Doctrine and Covenants 110:15

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

  • To help the children understand the keys that Elijah committed to Joseph Smith, sing together a song about Elijah or family history, such as “Truth from Elijah” (Children’s Songbook, 90–91). After reading Doctrine and Covenants 110:15 together, tell about an experience that helped turn your heart to your ancestors. Ask the children to share something they know about a grandparent or other ancestor.

Truth from Elijah video

Display a picture of a temple, and help the children name some of the things we do in temples. Explain that baptisms for the dead, eternal marriage, and sealing families in the temple are all possible because of the priesthood keys Elijah restored.

  • What might help “turn the hearts” of your children to their ancestors? You can find some fun ideas at FamilySearch.org/discovery. You could work together to identify ancestors who need temple ordinances. Why does Jesus want us to do this work? You could also sing a song together like “Family History—I Am Doing It” (Children’s Songbook, 94).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65

Friend August 2018 “Temple Tracker” Some of your ancestors might need ordinances done for them in the temple. Use the chart below to keep track.

Family History I Am Doing It Video

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109-110”

  • Discuss what we can do to participate in the work that Elijah’s keys made possible. Or show the video “Gatherers in the Kingdom” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and talk about how we can help gather Heavenly Father’s children back to Him.

Additional Resources

Liahona September 2021 “Teaching about Keeping Covenants and Building Zion” The Kirtland Temple was dedicated on March 27, 1836. Many spiritual experiences were recorded from this event.

  1. Read through a few of the accounts from the “Voices of the Restoration” section at the end of the September 27–October 3 lesson in the Come, Follow Me manual.

Friend September 2021 “The Kirtland Temple”

Liahona October 2021 “Why did Moses, Elias, and Elijah appear in the Kirtland Temple?”

The Red Crystal

Sep 26 2021

Spiritual Strength: Lesson Ideas

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Table of Contents

How to Gain Spiritual Strength

Friend August 2023 “Standing Strong” A tree’s roots are very important. They keep the tree standing strong, even through wind and storms. On the roots of this tree, write things you can do to invite the Holy Ghost into your life and stay close to Heavenly Father. Then you can stand strong too.

My testimony of Jesus Christ grows when I read the scriptures, pray, and fast.

Alma 17:2–3

Mosiah’s sons grew strong in the gospel and became mighty missionaries because they diligently studied the scriptures, prayed, and fasted.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 17-22”

  • How can the examples of Mosiah’s sons help your children build their testimonies of Jesus Christ? You could help your children find what the sons of Mosiah did to build their spiritual strength in Alma 17:2–3. Then they could draw pictures or find objects that represent these things. Help them plan what they will do to strengthen their testimonies of the Savior.

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Bring to class items that represent scriptures, prayer, and fasting, such as a set of scriptures, a picture of someone praying, and a picture of food, and explain what each item represents. Read Alma 17:1–4, and ask the children how these things helped the sons of Mosiah. How does reading the scriptures, praying, and fasting help us come closer to Heavenly Father?

Use the topics index of the Children’s Songbook to help the children find songs about scripture study and prayer. Sing some of these songs together, and help the children identify what the songs teach about

( Alma 17:1–2). What do you learn from the sons of Mosiah about how to keep your faith in the gospel and commitment to it strong?

(Alma 17:3). How did the spiritual preparation of the sons of Mosiah affect their work with the Lamanites?

Building Our Foundation on Jesus Christ

Friend October 2021 “Our Strong Foundation” President Nelson talks about the Salt Lake Temple foundation needs strengthened to shore up weak areas. Then he says, “We must build the foundation of our lives on the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Then when spiritual earthquakes happen, we will be able to stand strong.”

For the Strength of Youth March 2024

Daily Spiritual Charge

For the Strength of Youth August 2021 “Your Daily Spiritual Charge”

Friend September 2022 “Small Things Make a Difference!” Jed is the smallest in his class. Sometimes he wishes he could be taller, but regardless of his height he can do many good things. Values are more important than height.

My Spiritual Light Can Grow Brighter and Brighter.

Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–25

23 And that which doth not edifyis not of God, and is darkness.

24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

25 And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you;

Friend May 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Follow the Light

  • Sing “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” (Children’s Songbook,177).
  • Jesus Christ taught, “That which is of God is light” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24). The gospel is like a light that leads us out of darkness and confusion.
  • Hide an item in a dark room and try to find it. Then look again with a flashlight or small lamp. How does the gospel help you find your way?

Gaining more knowledge of the gospel and obeying its principles allows our spiritual light to grow brighter.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 49–50”

You might gather in a dark room to read Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–25 and gradually add more light by lighting candles or turning on lights one by one. You could also read these verses while watching the sun rise in the morning. What can we do to make our gospel light continue to grow? When family members learn something new about the gospel during the week, encourage them to share it with the family by writing a note and attaching it to a lamp or other light in the house.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 49-50”

Abstract concepts like truth and spirit can be hard for young children to understand, but comparing them to light, as the Lord does in Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–25, can help.

  • Use an activity that illustrates how our spiritual light can grow brighter and brighter. You could show pictures of things that give light (such as a candle, a light bulb, and the sun) and let the children arrange them in increasing order of brightness. Or invite the children to pretend to be lights getting brighter by bending down and slowly standing and stretching up their arms. Help them think of good things they can do to make their spiritual light brighter.
  • Sing with the children a song about their spiritual light, such as “Shine On” (Children’s Songbook, 144). Testify about how Heavenly Father has helped your light grow brighter. Tell the children about the light you see in them.

Friend November 2019 “For Parents of Little Ones” Parents share how they stay spiritually nourished while taking care of young children.

Ensign June 2017 “Family Home Evening Ideas”  To illustrate the importance of gaining your own spiritual light, consider this activity. Turn off the lights and ask family members to draw a picture. Have someone with a flashlight or candle use it only for their own picture. After a few minutes, turn the lights back on. Talk about the difference in being able to complete the task and then discuss the principles found in the article.

Friend March 2016

Friend March 2016

Friend September 2015

Friend September 2015

Friend March 1987

Friend March 1987
Friend March 1987

Friend January 1984

Ensign January 2018 Like the children of Israel, we also need to gather “spiritual manna” every day–we pray, study scriptures, keep the commandments, and serve others in order to keep the Spirit with us. Find something that you can use as “manna” (buttons, toys, balls of paper, etc.) and spread them out on your floor. Have the children gather the manna and put it into a bowl. (To make the game a little harder, you might hide the manna.) Every time they place a piece of manna in the bowl, they can give an example of an action that provides spiritual nourishment. Consider reading Exodus 16:19–21 and having a discussion. Why was it important for the Israelites to gather manna every day? And why is it important for us?

Just like the car’s battery that needed to be periodically recharged in Elder Bassett’s story, we too need to be spiritually recharged. Find a windup toy or top–something that must be wound or spun in order to work. Spin or wind the toy a few times. How does this relate to how we power ourselves spiritually? What happens when we stop spinning the top? Similarly, what happens if we stop saying our prayers or going to church? You may want to reference the “Spiritual Manna” section of Elder Bassett’s article.

If our “spiritual batteries” are charged and strong, the Holy Ghost can be our constant companion. Before family home evening, make two lists of actions: (1) things that drain our spiritual batteries (such as lying, being mean to a brother/sister, skipping scripture study) and (2) things that charge them (such as paying tithing, visiting the sick, partaking of the sacrament). Read each item aloud. Ask the children to go to the left side of the room if the action drains our spiritual batteries and to the right if it charges them. Encourage them to choose the right

Always Remember Him

Judges CHAPTER 2

An angel rebukes Israel for not serving the Lord—As a pattern of future events, a new generation arises that forsakes the Lord and serves Baal and Ashtaroth—The Lord is angry with the children of Israel and ceases to preserve them—He raises up judges to guide and lead them—The Canaanites are left in the land to test Israel.

Judges 2:10.

After Joshua died, the next generation of Israelites “knew not the Lord.” Talk with your family about how they know the Lord and “the works which he [has] done” for them. How will you ensure that this knowledge will be preserved for future generations? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16”)

How do we come to know the Lord? Through scripture study, prayer, sacrament, living the commandments. etc.

Friend June 2019 “The Sacrament Reminds Us of Jesus Christ” Ways to prepare for the sacrament before hand, what to do during the sacrament, and remembering Jesus and following him after the sacrament.

New Era March 2008 “How Can I Come to Know Christ?”

Friend November 2017 “Family Night Fun” Ways you can look for blessings every day.

Spiritual Strength comes from faithfulness to my covenants with God.

Judges 13–16

Samson lost both his physical strength and his spiritual strength because he violated his covenants with God,

Judges CHAPTER 13

Israel is in Philistine bondage for forty years—An angel comes to Manoah’s wife and promises a son who will begin to deliver Israel—The angel comes again; he ascends in a flame from the altar—Samson is born, and the Spirit of the Lord moves upon him.

Judges CHAPTER 14

Samson slays a young lion with his bare hands—He marries a Philistine wife, propounds a riddle, is deceived by his wife, and slays thirty Philistines.

Judges CHAPTER 15

Samson burns the grain of the Philistines—They burn his wife and father-in-law—Samson slays a thousand Philistines at Lehi with the jawbone of an ass.

Judges CHAPTER 16

Samson carries away the doors of the gate of Gaza—He loves Delilah, who delivers him to the Philistines—He destroys a building, killing himself and 3,000 others.

Media Library “Samson Pulls Down the Pillars”

“Lesson 25: Samson,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 110–13 Samson’s mission would require physical strength. The Lord made a covenant with Samson that as long as he obeyed the Lord, he would be physically strong. Samson’s long hair (see Judges 13:5) was a sign of this covenant. When Samson kept his covenants he was blessed with the ability to help his people, but when he broke his covenants he lost both his spiritual and physical strength.

What happens when people become spiritually weak? (They give in to temptations, they sin, they lose the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and they lose the ability to fulfill their callings and bless others.)

How are we blessed when we keep our covenants and are spiritually strong?

  1. Before class identify a strength you have observed in each child. Write a note to each one telling of this strength, such as, “Dear , you are strong in coming to Primary each week.” Some other ideas might include:
    • Being kind to others
    • Sharing your testimony
    • Helping your parents
    • Being a peacemaker
    • Being a good friend
    • Reading the scriptures
  2. Point out that we all have different kinds of strengths. Heavenly Father needs us to use these strengths to serve him and to serve others. Read aloud each note you have prepared, without reading the names, and then give them to the children. Help the children realize that these are only some of the many strengths Heavenly Father has blessed them with. Give the children an opportunity to mention other strengths they have observed in class members. Encourage them to develop these and other strengths during the coming week.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16” Samson’s covenants with the Lord gave him strength, just as our covenants give us strength. Your family might enjoy doing some physical exercises and discussing how those exercises can help make us strong. What can we do to help us become spiritually stronger? For some ideas, family members could read Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79. How does keeping our covenants give us spiritual strength?

“Lesson 25: Samson,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 110–13 Ask for a volunteer to demonstrate how to flex his or her arm muscles. Let the whole class try it to see if they can feel their own muscles. You may want to let two children arm wrestle or pull sticks (a game Joseph Smith enjoyed). To pull sticks, have two boys sit on the floor facing each other, legs extended, knees bent, and the soles of their feet touching. Have each boy grasp the same large stick and try to pull the other up until he is standing on his feet.

  • How do muscles help us? Discuss what happens when we exercise our muscles and what happens when we do not use them. Help the children realize that exercise helps us develop strong muscles.
  • Explain that our spirits also need to grow stronger. How can we become stronger spiritually? (By keeping our baptismal covenants, obeying our parents, praying, attending church, reading the scriptures, and so on.)
  • Why is it important to become spiritually strong? (So we can avoid temptation, be guided in our decisions by the Holy Ghost, and know good from evil.)

Help the children understand that we need to develop spiritual strength just as we need to develop physical strength.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can help me know how to improve.

Psalm 139:23–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

Psalm 139 teaches that God knows everything about us, including our strengths and weaknesses. If we turn to Him, He can teach us what we need to do to become more like Him.

  • Write the words of Psalm 139:23–24 on the board, and invite the children to underline words that describe things God can do for us. Why would we want God to do these things? How can we invite Him to “lead [us] in the way everlasting”?

Friend August 2020 “Let God Prevail!” President Russel M. Nelson tells what it means to let God prevail in our lives.

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.

  • Encourage the children to “search” their own lives for ways they can improve in the four areas of focus in the Children and Youth program—spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual. Remind them that the Lord knows how they can improve in each of these areas, and encourage them to seek His guidance.

Friend June 2021 “Children and Youth Challenge” Do some activities from this board for the Children and Youth program! Can you cross off five in a row?

  • Sing a song about how Heavenly Father can help us improve, such as the second verse of “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). Share how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have helped you improve.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”

Zeniff admitted that he had made mistakes. He was overzealous at times, and he had put his people—the ancestors of Limhi’s people—in a difficult situation by making an ill-advised agreement with King Laman. But later, when he went to battle against the Lamanites, he helped his people face their challenges with faith. As you read Mosiah 9–10, look for what Zeniff’s people did to show their faith. How did God strengthen them? What does it mean to you to go forth “in the strength of the Lord”? (Mosiah 9:17; 10:10–11).

When I am weak, the Lord can strengthen me.

Mosiah 9:14–18; 10:10–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • When children face challenges, they sometimes feel weak and helpless. How will you help your children rely on the Lord’s strength? You could ask them what we do to become physically strong. What does it mean to have “the strength of men”? (see Mosiah 10:11). What does it mean to have “the strength of the Lord”? (see Mosiah 9:17–18; 10:10). How do we receive the strength of the Lord? Your children could draw a picture of things that help them receive the strength of the Lord.

The Red Crystal

The Cozy Red Cottage Download activity at link

Friend April 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Mosiah 9:17–18 together and help your little ones say, “God will help me be strong.” Set out objects of different weights and have your children try to lift each one. Then show them that with your help, they can lift so much more! Testify that God will help us be strong enough to do hard things when we trust Him.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10” Invite the children to draw a picture of someone who they feel has the strength of the Lord and share why they drew this person.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10” When the Lamanites attacked, the people of Zeniff were physically and spiritually ready. What can we learn from Zeniff and his people about preparing for challenges?

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