Tag Archives: 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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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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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?

News with Naylors

Sep 21 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 106-108

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SECTION 106

Section 106 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, November 25, 1834. This revelation is directed to Warren A. Cowdery, an older brother of Oliver Cowdery.

n this revelation the Lord called Warren A. Cowdery, an older brother of Oliver Cowdery and a recent convert to the Church, to preside over the growing number of Saints in Freedom, New York, and the surrounding area. The Lord also promised Warren great blessings for his faithful service.

SECTION 107

Section 107 This section was associated with the organization of the Quorum of the Twelve in February and March 1835. The Prophet likely delivered it in the presence of those who were preparing to depart May 3, 1835, on their first quorum mission.

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Chapter 37: Priesthood Leaders”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

At first glance, Doctrine and Covenants 107 might seem to be only about organizing priesthood offices into a leadership structure for the Lord’s Church. Indeed, by the time this revelation was published, Church membership was already outgrowing the capacity of the few leaders it had in place. So outlining the roles and responsibilities of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, the Seventy, bishops, and quorum presidencies was surely needed and helpful. But there’s so much more to the divine instruction in section 107 than just how to organize priesthood offices and quorums. Here the Lord teaches us about an ancient priesthood order that was “instituted in the days of Adam” (verse 41). Its purpose from the beginning has been to make it possible for God’s children—including you—to receive the saving ordinances of the gospel and enjoy “all the spiritual blessings of the church—to have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, [and] to have the heavens opened unto them” (verses 18–19).

See “Restoring the Ancient Order,” Revelations in Context,208–12.

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles acknowledged this: “Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He [Jesus Christ] would do if He were present” (“The Power of the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 7).

Jesus Christ blesses me through His priesthood power.

Doctrine and Covenants 107:18–20

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

  • As you and your children read together Doctrine and Covenants 107:18–19, emphasize the phrase “all the spiritual blessings.” Perhaps you and your children could list blessings that come from the priesthood. You might make a game of it—see who can make the longest list.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 84”

  • Your children could also draw or find pictures to represent these blessings (see this week’s activity page). You could then talk about how priesthood ordinances (like baptism or the sacrament) help us receive God’s blessings. Draw on the board or show the picture that represents “the heavens [being] opened unto [us]” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:19) because of the priesthood (such as light rays shining through a cloud). Give the children pictures representing blessings that come from the priesthood, such as baptism, the sacrament, and the temple. Invite them to share why they are thankful for the blessing in their picture, and let them put their picture in the light rays on the board. Bear testimony that we can have these blessings because Heavenly Father restored the priesthood.

“Blessings of the Priesthood Are Available to All” (October 2012 Liahona and Friend)
An explanation of priesthood ordinances. Includes a fill-in-the-blank activity and a coloring page.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

  • Make a path on the floor, and give the children pictures of priesthood ordinances they will need so they can follow the path back to Heavenly Father (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–8, 119–20). Help the children put the ordinances in order on the path.

Friend July 2021 “Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness”

  • Show a picture of Adam and Eve with their family (see this week’s activity page or Gospel Art Book, no. 5). As children look at the picture, ask them how Adam and Eve seem to feel about their family. Use Doctrine and Covenants 107:53–56 to share with the children what Adam did to show he loved his family. Bear your testimony about how the priesthood has been a blessing to you and your family.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

  • Write questions that could be answered in Doctrine and Covenants 107:1–8, 13–14, 18–20, such as “What is another name for the Melchizedek Priesthood?” Give the children a few minutes to find answers in the verses to as many of the questions as they can. Share with the children the blessings you have received through the priesthood.

The Red Crystal

  • Read with the children about Melchizedek below or in the Bible Dictionary or Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn from his life about what it means to exercise priesthood authority?

Friend April 1994 “Melchizedek”

As a child, Melchizedek lived surrounded by very wicked people. They “waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness.” And yet Melchizedek was filled with faith; “he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.” He eventually became not only the high priest to his people but also their king, ruling under his father.

As a result of his own worthiness, Melchizedek was able to exercise great power in teaching his people to turn to righteousness, to change their lives. As they listened to his words, their hearts were softened and they repented. He “did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days.”

Their city was called Salem, which comes from a Hebrew word that means “peace” or “perfection,” and Melchizedek became known as “the prince of peace.” In Hebrew his name means “King of Righteousness.”

Melchizedek was a great high priest “after the order of the Son of God.” Those ordained to this order of the priesthood have a most important work to do. We know, for example, that Melchizedek received tithes and offerings from the faithful, such as Abraham; that he kept “the storehouse of God,” where the “tithes for the poor” were held; that he gave blessings, preached repentance, and administered the ordinances of the gospel to his people so that they could repent and receive a remission of their sins. He did this work with such faith and such goodness that of all God’s ancient high priests, “none were greater.”

Up to the time of Melchizedek, the priesthood he held was called “the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.” But to avoid using God’s sacred name too frequently, and to honor this faithful high priest, it became known from his time forth as the Melchizedek Priesthood.

For additional teaching ideas see Priesthood and Ordinances and Resources for Teaching Children “Priesthood”

The Lord’s chosen servants lead His Church.

Doctrine and Covenants 107:21–26, 33–35, 91–92

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

  • Every conference issue of the Liahona includes a page of pictures of the General Authorities. Consider looking at these pictures with your children as you read about their responsibilities in Doctrine and Covenants 107:21–26, 33–35, 91–92 (or you could invite them to write on the board what they learn about these responsibilities). You and your children could talk about why you are grateful the Lord has given them these responsibilities.
  • Your children can learn more about the Lord’s servants at “General Church Leadership” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Maybe each of your children could learn about one of these leaders and teach each other about him or her. Share with each other how you know that these leaders are true servants of Jesus Christ.
  • After reading Doctrine and Covenants 107:22 together, you and your children could take turns holding up a picture of the First Presidency and sharing ways you can sustain them as the Lord’s servants.
  • Write the words confidence, faith, and prayer on the board. Ask the children how we can uphold the First Presidency of the Church with our confidence, faith, and prayer (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:22). Why is it important to sustain the Lord’s chosen servants?

Liahona March 2021 “What does “common consent” mean in the Church?”

When members receive callings or priesthood ordinations in the Church, we have the opportunity to formally sustain them by raising our right hands as a show of support. The principle of demonstrating public support and agreement is called common consent. As President Gordon B. Hinckley taught, “The procedure of sustaining is much more than a ritualistic raising of the hand. It is a commitment to uphold, to support, to assist those who have been selected” (“This Work Is Concerned with People,” Ensign, May 1995, 51).

Sustaining is a chance to show and give our support and to acknowledge the will of God.

Learn and Do Duty with Diligence

Doctrine and Covenants 107:99–100.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

Give a family member written instructions for a household task, and invite him or her to choose how to do the task: diligently, slothfully, or without reading the instructions. Let the rest of the family watch him or her do the task and guess which approach the family member chose. Then let other family members have a turn. Why does the Lord need us to both learn our duties and do them with all diligence? (See Becky Craven, “Careful versus Casual,” Ensign or Liahona,May 2019, 9–11.)

SECTION 108

Section 108 This section was received at the request of Lyman Sherman, who had previously been ordained a seventy and who had come to the Prophet with a request for a revelation to make known his duty.

I can be careful in living my covenants.

Doctrine and Covenants 108:3

3 And arise up and be more careful henceforth in observing your vows, which you have made and do make, and you shall be blessed with exceeding great blessings.

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

  • To start a conversation about this verse, you could invite your children to do something that requires careful attention, like filling a cup without spilling. What happens when we are not careful?
  • Then you could read Doctrine and Covenants 108:3 to find out what the Lord wants us to do carefully.
  • What “vows” (promises or covenants) do we make with God?

List with the children the promises they make with Heavenly Father when they are baptized and partake of the sacrament.

Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.

  • Help the children think of ways they can be careful about observing these promises.

Friend September 2021 “Trying to Help Like Jesus” The prophet said the Lord loves effort, so Emilie tries hard to follow Jesus. She helps her mom and brothers, she prays for others, she tries to set good examples, and she tries to do the things she learns at church.

  • You might share parts of Sister Becky Craven’s message “Careful versus Casual” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 9–11) . Give the children portions of Sister Becky Craven’s talk “Careful versus Casual” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 9–11) that you feel could inspire your children to keep their covenants. Ask them to share something that inspires them to be more careful about living their covenants.

  • You could sing a song with the children about keeping covenants, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162) If time allows, help them make a sign with a phrase from the song that reminds them to keep their covenants, and encourage them to display their sign at home.

I Can Strengthen Others.

Doctrine and Covenants 108:7

7 Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

  • Draw a person on the board, and ask the children to name some things the person could do to become physically stronger. (You might draw bigger muscles on the person as the children name things.) Read Doctrine and Covenants 108:7, and ask the children to listen for ways we can “strengthen [our] brethren [and sisters].” Explain any words that might be difficult.
  • Help the children think of people they know who may need strengthening. What could we say to them or do for them? Work together to make cards for these people, or encourage the children to remember them in their personal and family prayers.

How can we strengthen each other in our conversations? in our prayers? in our exhortations, or encouragement? in all our doings? You might choose one of these to work on as a family.

In Conversation

Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.

In Prayers

Friend March 2020 “Praying for Uncle Dan” At bedtime Isabelle’s family prayed together. They always started by talking about people who might need extra blessings. This time dad asked them to pray for Uncle Dan who had lost his job. Every day they prayed for him, and eventually he started making progress in finding a new job.

Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020

Friend September 2019 “Praying Like Alma” Joplin got hit by a tornado and Isaac wants to go help,  but he’s too young.  While learning about Alma’s prayer for his son, Isaac got the idea to pray for the people of Joplin. He said prayers for them everyday.

In Your Exhortations

Friend July 2020 “Kind Enough to Speak Up” Charlie’s friend was mean to people and called them names. Charlie talked to his friend about it and he agreed to stop being mean.

Friend February 2018 “Standing up for Church” Easton is surprised when kids in his international school class laugh when a boy says he goes to church. He decides to do his family identity presentation on church so that others would see why it’s important and not silly.

In Your Doings

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon ““Lesson 46: The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (Christmas)” 

The Red Crystal

Latter Day Kids “Strengthening Others” Lesson, story, and activity ideas to go along with below video.

Additional Resources:

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Sep 20 2021

Peacemaker: Lesson Ideas

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Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is aangry with his brother bwithout a cause shall be cin danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, dRaca, shall be ein danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Friend May 2023 “Be a Peacemaker” Lesson ideas

Friend April 2024 “5 Ways to Be a Peacemaker”

Genesis CHAPTER 13

Abram returns from Egypt—He and Lot part—The Lord will make Abram’s seed as the dust of the earth in number—Abram settles in Hebron.

Genesis 13:5–12

Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2” When Abraham’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen disagreed over their grazing land, Abraham proposed a solution that brought peace. You can use this example to inspire the children to be peacemakers.

  • Share with the children the story from Genesis 13:5–12, and invite them to act it out. Let the children take turns pretending to be Abraham, his nephew Lot, and the herdsmen. Suggest ways they can follow Abraham’s example of being a peacemaker, such as taking turns with a toy when playing with a friend. Invite them to role-play these examples.

Latter Day Kids “Abraham and Lot” Lesson ideas to go with the above video

  • Read Matthew 5:9, and explain that Jesus wants us to be peacemakers. Help the children think of what they can do to be peacemakers at home or with friends. Invite them to draw a picture of themselves being a peacemaker. Ask the children to share how they feel when they are peacemakers like Jesus Christ.

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”We all face situations that tempt us to become frustrated and contentious. Consider how the story of Abraham and Lot could help the children be peacemakers in such situations.

  • Write Main Characters, Setting, Problem, and Solution on the board. Invite the children to read Genesis 13:5–12 and identify the parts of the story listed on the board. Help the children think of situations when they could be peacemakers, such as when someone argues or tries to fight. Then invite them to role-play how they could be peacemakers in those situations.
  • Help the children find the topics “Peace” and “Peacemaker” in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite each child to select a scripture about peace and share what he or she learns with the class. Help them think of some examples of the Savior being a peacemaker, such as in Luke 22:50–51. How can we follow His example?
  • “Matt and Mandy” (October 1994 Friend)
    Mandy learns to be a peacemaker by watching her mother’s example.

Friend June 2018 “Coloring Page”

What did Abraham do to create peace in his family? Perhaps your family members could practice being a peacemaker like Abraham by role-playing how to resolve conflicts that are likely to arise in your family. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

Lesson 10: Abraham and Lot,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 39–4 To strengthen each child’s desire to show love to others.

Additional teaching ideas: Teaching Children the Gospel: Peacemaker and Resources for Teaching Children “Peacemaker”

For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Being a Peacemaker: Your New SUPERPOWER”

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 23:7 together and talk about how the Anti-Nephi-Lehies promised never to hurt people ever again. Draw weapons on pieces of paper. As you bury each one under a rug or towel, help your littles ones say, “I will be a peacemaker.”

Friend August 2018 “The No-Fighting Promise” After a few days of staying at cousin Timmy’s house, Madi and Timmy start to fight. Timmy suggests they be like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and make some toy swords and bury them and promise they won’t fight each other anymore. After that they found ways to compromise so they didn’t fight.

Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”The Anti-Nephi-Lehies made a promise with God that they wouldn’t fight again. They buried their weapons in the ground (see Alma 23:7, 24:17). Take a small piece of paper and write down something you want to stop doing, like fighting or complaining. Share what you wrote, and promise to do your best to stop doing that thing. Then rip the paper into tiny pieces and bury it in the ground.

Come Follow Me Kid

The Red Crystal

News with Naylors Lesson ideas about contention in the home and finding peace. On the swords write somethings that may be causing contention such as yelling, arguing, not sharing, etc.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40

  • Talk about lessons we can learn from Zion’s Camp—for example, that the Lord wants us to be peaceful and work together instead of arguing and fighting (see also Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,” Liahona, May 2023, 98–101). Contention and fighting bring difficulties, while unity and peace bring blessings.
  • You could also read Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40 and ask the children to stand up each time they hear the word “peace.” Explain that the Lord wanted the Saints to make peace with the people who were being unkind. Help your children think of things that they can do to be peacemakers, and invite them to role-play some situations.

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend) Read the situation and choices. Ask the children which choice is being a peacemaker. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

  • Share a story about a child being a peacemaker from your own life or from the Friend or Liahona. Sing a song about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), or complete this week’s activity page.

For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Being a Peacemaker: Your New SUPERPOWER”

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Latter Day Kids “Being a Peacemaker” Video and Lesson Ideas

Bright Idea Poster: “Blessed are the peacemakers”(October 2010 Friend)

For additional teaching ideas see Resources for Teaching Children “Peacemaker”

Friend May 2022 “Finding Peace in Your Heart” President Nelson address from conference asking us to end conflicts in our lives.

Friend May 2022 “Jesus Was a Peacemaker” Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” He helped people feel peace by serving and blessing them. He still helps us feel peace today.

I made a “get-along bucket.” I filled it with slips of paper that said things that me, my sister, and my brother can do together. On the back of the papers, I wrote Primary songs that we know. I felt the Holy Ghost while I was making the get-along bucket. I felt grateful for my family.

Avalyn G., age 7, Michigan, USA

Friend June 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Being a Peacemaker”

Matthew 5:9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 5; Luke 6” The children you teach can have a powerful influence at home as they treat others with love and kindness.

“Lesson 22: Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A Explain that a peacemaker is someone who helps others be happy instead of angry. Peace means calmness and happiness. Explain that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are peacemakers, and each of us can also be a peacemaker. 

Give each child a paper face. Have the children sing or say the words to “Smiles” with you, turning the faces to frowns or smiles as suggested by the words.

Ask the children to turn their paper faces to show how they think the people in the below pictures feel.

Friend June 2017
Friend July 2021
Friend November 2020
Friend July 2019
Friend June 2017, Friend June 2018, Friend November 2020, Friend July 2019
  • Why do you think all these people feel happy?

Ask the children to turn the faces to show how they think family members would feel if they were arguing and fighting.

  • Why does arguing and fighting make family members sad?

Have the children turn their paper faces to the sad face and each tell something that would make a family sad. Then have the children turn their paper faces to the happy face and tell things that make their families happy.

  • Do you like it better when your family is happy or when your family is sad?

Collect the faces so they won’t distract the children. Return them at the end of class so the children can take them home.

  • Read Matthew 5:9 to the children, and explain that peacemakers make any place peaceful, no matter where they are. Write on strips of paper some examples of contentious situations the children might face (for example, siblings fighting over a toy). Invite each child to pick a strip of paper. As you read each scenario, ask the children to share how they could be a peacemaker in that situation. Or share a few fictional scenarios, and help the children identify whether or not the people involved are being peacemakers.

“Lesson 22: Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A Describe some situations to the children and help them think of and act out the way a peacemaker would act in each situation. Help the children think of ways everyone involved in the situation can be happy. Use the situations below or create some of your own:

  1. You are quietly looking at a book when your sister comes over and grabs the book out of your hands because she wants to read it.
    • How would you like to be treated?
    • What will you say or do if you are a peacemaker?
  2. You go to the kitchen to get one of your favorite cookies. Your brother runs to the cookie jar, takes the last cookie, and eats it. You are angry.
    • How would you like to be treated?
    • What will you say or do if you are a peacemaker?
  3. You and your friend are drawing pictures. She teases you for coloring a tree purple. Your feelings are hurt, and you think of a mean name to call her.
    • How would you like to be treated?
    • What will you say or do if you are a peacemaker?

Friend May 2026 “Am I a Peacemaker”

For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Being a Peacemaker: Your New SUPERPOWER”

Bright Idea Poster: “Blessed are the peacemakers”(October 2010 Friend)

  • Invite a few of the children’s parents to visit your class and share examples of times when their children were peacemakers in the home.

I can be a peacemaker.

Matthew 5:9, 21–24, 38–47

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 5; Luke 6” Jesus taught that peacemakers will be called the children of God. How can you inspire the children to be peacemakers?

Explain that a peacemaker is someone who helps others be happy instead of angry. Peace means calmness and happiness. Explain that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are peacemakers, and each of us can also be a peacemaker. 

  • Invite a child to read Matthew 5:9 aloud. What is a peacemaker? What are ways we can be peacemakers with our families and friends? (For some ideas, see verses 21–24, 38–47.)

Friend February 2017

  • Ask each child to think of a situation that would need the help of a peacemaker. What would a peacemaker do in the situation?

For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Being a Peacemaker: Your New SUPERPOWER”

  • Invite the children to share times when they showed love for someone, even if that person was different from them or was difficult to love.

Friend April 2015 “Flowers and Friends” A girl in Jenny’s class keeps demanding Jenny’s flowers that other classmates can only take if Jenny is talking. Jenny prays about it and tries to be a friend to the girl.

Friend April 2015
Friend April 2015
Friend April 2015
Friend April 2015

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Friend February 1988

Friend February 1988

A Soft Answer Turneth Away Wrath

Proverbs 15:1, 18

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” In tense or frustrating situations, we may be tempted to respond with anger. Proverbs 15:1, 18 teaches us how we can turn away anger.

  • Read Proverbs 15:1 to the children, and explain any words or phrases that might be unfamiliar to them. Share a few examples of situations in which a child might feel angry (such as an argument with a brother or sister). Help them think of “soft answers,” or kind words, they could use instead of angry words. Help them practice saying these things softly or in a calm voice.

Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.

Friend January 2018 “Lucas and the Bully” Lucas stood up to a bully, but the words he used hurt the bullies feelings. Lucas apologizes and invites the bully to play and they become friends

Latter Day Kids “Kind Words” Lesson ideas

Friend May 2019 “Choosing Kind Words” Selene called Adriana a mean name when she missed the ball. Adriana told Selene that it hurt her feelings and asked her not to say that. Selene apologized. (Also a lesson idea about kind words children can use and when to use them. Have children tell which ones Adriana and Selene used.)

  • Sing a song about kindness, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). What does the song teach us about being kind?
  • To help the children understand what it means to be “slow to anger” (Proverbs 15:18), tell a personal story about when you (or someone you know) felt angry but chose to be kind. Let the children share their own experiences too. Help the children think of things they can do instead of becoming angry. For example, they could think about Jesus, ask Heavenly Father to help them, sing a Primary song to themselves, or, if possible, just walk away.

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA

Friend March 2022 “What’s on Your Mind?” Sometimes my siblings and I argue and fight. What can I do to get along with them better? (See more at link)

Practice: How do our words affect the spirit in our home? Perhaps family members could practice giving “a soft answer” to “grievous words” and try to use what they learn in their interactions with each other. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022

Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” Speaking in anger often makes a tense situation even worse. These verses teach that our words and our attitudes can turn away wrath or anger.

  • Write the words wrath and strife on the board, and share an example of an argument that children might have. Then ask the children to read Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32 and find advice they could give to the children who are arguing. Each time the children share an idea, invite them to erase part of the words on the board. Invite them to replace those words with others describing Christlike attributes that bring peace.


“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

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Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA

Friend May 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Ideas on how to get along with siblings.

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  • Help the children think of accounts in the scriptures when the Savior exemplified what is taught in Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32. For ideas, they could look in John 8:1–11; 18:1–11. Sing together a song about the Savior’s example, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79). How can we follow Jesus’s example as we interact with family members, friends, and others?
Media Library ” The Betrayal of Jesus Christ”
Media Library “Life of Jesus Christ: Woman Taken in Adultery”

Friend September 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Proverbs is a book of wise sayings. One proverb says to “trust in the Lord with all thine heart” (Proverbs 3:5). Another proverb says that “a soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).

Song: “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145)

Activity: On page 40 read about using kind words. Then cut out some paper hearts and write kind notes or helpful sayings on them to give to others. You could even hide the hearts for others to find!

Friend September 2022 “What’s on Your Mind”

Friend November 2019 “Kindness Flowers” A kindness game like the game “hangman” you can play with a friend or family member. Think of a kind word that describes the other person. Have the other person guess which letters are in the mystery word. If they guess correctly, write that letter in the blank. If they guess a letter that’s not in the word, draw a petal on the flower and write that letter in it.’

Friend August 2015
Friend August 2015

Friend September 2015 – “Sticks and Stones” Boy makes peace after argument with brother.

Friend September 2015
Friend September 2015
Sep 20 2021

Sharing: Lesson Ideas

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Friend July 2016 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for teaching children to share.

  • Sing a simple rhyme or song when your children need a sharing reminder, like, “Sharing our toys is fun to do!” or “I can share to show I care!”
  • Before friends come over, ask your child if he or she would like to pick a favorite toy to not share, like a prized stuffed animal or favorite truck. Put that toy away before the playdate.
  • Set a timer to help children take turns. Sometimes children think that letting someone else play with a toy means they’ll never get it back.
  • Make sharing a part of everyday life. Practice sharing with your child, even when it’s just the two of you, and point out when you’re sharing. Try, “Would you like to have some of my crackers? Look, we’re sharing! May I have a piece of your apple? Thank you for sharing with me!”

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.”

The Lord Wants Me to Share What I Have with Those In Need.

Section 104 is a revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet. The occasion was likely that of a council meeting of members of the United Firm, which discussed the pressing temporal needs of the Church.

Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

Consider how you will help the children understand the Lord’s way of providing for His people when they are in need.

  • Give the children a few minutes to make a list of blessings God has given them. Encourage them to list as many as they can. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18, looking for answers to questions like these: Who is the true owner of all things? Why does He give them to us? What does He want us to do with these things? Help the children think of ways they can share their blessings with others.

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree”

  • Share an experience in which someone gave you something you needed, and ask the children to share similar experiences. Or show a video about serving others, such as “The Coat” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn from these experiences about serving others? Invite the children to be aware of those in need and find someone to serve this week, such as someone at school or especially someone in their family. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105)

Friend July 2021 “Meet Eta from American Samoa” Eta’s mom owns a dessert bakery. Eta and her older sister, Talai, love to share the desserts with their teachers and leaders and with people who might be having a hard time. (includes photo)

Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!

Friend July 2018

  • Invite the children to search the Children’s Songbook or Hymns for songs that have to do with service or helping others (see the topical indexes). Sing one or two songs together, and talk about what these songs teach us.

Friend September 2021 “For Little Ones”

Friend September 2022 “For Little Friends”

Friend August 2022 “Activity Time” Jamal is learning to share his toys with his little sister. Can you find the items below?

Come Follow Me Kid

I Can Help Others in Need when I Share with Them

Jacob 2:17–19

The people began to grow wicked during the reign of the second king, wanting lots of riches.

Some of the people in Jacob’s time were very rich and prideful, and they didn’t want to share what they had with people who were poor.

Jacob taught in the temple and told the people to repent of the bad things they were doing.

Jacob taught the following: “And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly (this phrase means that Heavenly Father had blessed them), that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are alifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they.” (Jacob 2:13)

Jacob taught that we should clothe the naked, and feed the hungry, liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted. (Jacob 2:19)

Friend April 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Jacob taught that we should be “free with [our] substance” (Jacob 2:17). That means sharing what we have with others. Make a treat to share with some neighbors or friends!

For younger children: Even small acts of service can help people feel lots of love. Help your children think of a kind thing they can do for someone else.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 1-4”

  • Some of the people in Jacob’s time were very rich, but they didn’t want to share what they had with others. As you read Jacob’s teachings to them in Jacob 2:17–19, you could give your children pictures or objects to hold that go with words or phrases in these verses. You might explain that you are sharing these objects with them; maybe you could then invite them to share the objects with you or with each other. Talk about how you feel when you share. What else could we share with others to help them feel happy?
  • After reading together Jacob 2:17, perhaps your children could name some blessings Heavenly Father has shared with them. Why does He want us to share with each other?

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

Jacob 2:12–14, 17–21

  • Invite the children to act out ways they can share what they have with someone in need. Testify that we are blessed as we share with others.
  • Bring something to class that you can share with the children. Give some of it to each child, and explain that you are sharing. Ask them how they felt when you shared with them. How do they feel when they share with others? Help them think of something they could share to help someone feel happy.
  • Tell the children that many people in Jacob’s time became prideful and unkind because they loved riches (see Jacob 2:12–14, 17–21). Invite a few children to read Jacob 2:17–19 out loud, and help them understand any difficult words. What should we seek before we seek riches? What should we seek to do with any riches we receive?
  • Read Jacob 2:17 to the children. What blessings has Heavenly Father shared with us? Why does He want us to share with each other? Invite the children to share times when they shared something with someone else, including how they felt and how the other person felt.

Story Ideas

Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!

Friend November 1987 “Hand-Me-Down Box” Leigh is fortunate to have a caring friend who shares her hand-me-down clothes with her. She wants to grow up to be someone who shares with others.

  • Was there someone in the story who was prideful and made fun of Leigh for her hand-me-down clothes?

Jacob taught the following: Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. Jacob 2:17 

  • What does it mean to think of others like unto yourselves? (Treat others like you would like to be treated, and give to others like you would give to yourself. (Think about the things you need and then help others who don’t have those types of things so they can have them too.)

Friend December 2019 “Martin’s Favorite Toys” Martin was not happy about having to move, but eventually he got used to his new home. One Sunday, he noticed a lot of new people at church. He found out that they were refugees. He wanted to help them, but he didn’t want to give them any of his toys. Then he realized that many of the children had to leave everything behind. He remembered how hard it was for him to move, but at least he got to bring his things with him. He then wanted to give them his favorite toys to help them be happier.

Friend December 2019
Friend December 2019

Invite the children to think of something they could share to help someone feel happy.

Cut out the arrow, and attach it to the center of the circle. Spin the arrow, and tell about how you can share what the arrow points to. CFM for Primary: BofM

Friend March 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Play a sharing game. Give each person a toy and set a timer. When it dings, everyone should run to someone else and say, “God is happy when I share!” and trade toys.

Friend July 2018 “Coloring Page: I Can Share with Others”

I can share what I have with others.

Proverbs 22:9

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” Young children can learn to help people around them who are in need. How can you inspire them to share what they have with others?

  • Show the children several pictures of others serving or helping people in need, including pictures of the Savior (such as Gospel Art Book, nos. 42, 44, 46). Ask the children to tell you what is happening in each picture. Read to the children Proverbs 22:9. Explain that one way we can serve is by giving “bread to the poor,” but there are many other ways to help those in need. Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves helping someone.
  • Bring to class several objects that you can share with the children, such as pictures or crayons. As you give one to each child, say, “I will share with [child’s name].” Let the children take turns sharing the objects with each other. What are some other things we can share with others?

Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!

  • Sing together a song about service, such as “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236). Or show the video “Gordon Hinckley: Lessons I Learned as a Boy” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children how they feel when they help others.
Sep 16 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 102-105

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Section 102

Section 102 Minutes of the organization of the first high council of the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 17, 1834. The original minutes were recorded by Elders Oliver Cowdery and Orson Hyde. The Prophet revised the minutes the following day, and the next day the corrected minutes were unanimously accepted by the high council as “a form and constitution of the high council” of the Church. Verses 30 through 32, having to do with the Council of the Twelve Apostles, were added in 1835 under Joseph Smith’s direction when this section was prepared for publication in the Doctrine and Covenants.  See also Gospel Topics, “Church Councils,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Section 103

Section 103: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 24, 1834. This revelation was received after the arrival in Kirtland, Ohio, of Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight, who had come from Missouri to counsel with the Prophet as to the relief and restoration of the Saints to their lands in Jackson County.

I can be “a light unto the world” by following Jesus.

Doctrine and Covenants 103:9

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

  • You could invite your children to hold pictures of a light bulb, a candle, or another source of light while you read Doctrine and Covenants 103:9. How can we be like a light to others when we follow Jesus Christ? See also “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61).

Bring a flashlight or a picture of the sun, and compare light to the power of a righteous example. Just as the light from a flashlight or the sun can help us see a path we need to follow, a righteous example shows us what to do in order to follow Heavenly Father. Share an experience when someone’s good example helped you. Ask the children to talk about someone who is a good example for them. What can the children do to be a good example to others?

Ensign August 2015
Ensign August 2015

Show pictures of Jesus doing good things, and explain that He is our perfect example. Explain that we can be good examples like Jesus was. Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves being good examples.

The Red Crystal

Friend September 2025 “Candle Craft”

  • How can we be a light, or good example, to people around us?

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

Friend November 2015
Friend November 2015

For additional teaching ideas see Example and Resources for Teaching Children “Example“

Section 104

Section 104 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Kirtland, Ohio, April 23, 1834, concerning the United Firm (see the headings to sections 78 and 82). The occasion was likely that of a council meeting of members of the United Firm, which discussed the pressing temporal needs of the Church. An earlier meeting of the firm on April 10 had resolved that the organization be dissolved. This revelation directs that the firm instead be reorganized; its properties were to be divided among members of the firm as their stewardships. Under Joseph Smith’s direction, the phrase “United Firm” was later replaced with “United Order” in the revelation.

The Lord wants me to share what I have with people in need.

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

Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18

  • You may want to give your children a few minutes to make a list of blessings God has given them (such as food, clothing, talents, faith, and a home). Encourage them to list as many as they can. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18, looking for answers to questions like these: Who is the true owner of all things? What does He want us to do with these things?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

Consider how you will help the children understand the Lord’s way of providing for His people when they are in need.

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree”

Friend July 2021 “Meet Eta from American Samoa” Eta’s mom owns a dessert bakery. Eta and her older sister, Talai, love to share the desserts with their teachers and leaders and with people who might be having a hard time. (includes photo)

Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!

Friend July 2018

The Lord will bless me as I keep His commandments.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

Doctrine and Covenants 104:42

  • Several times in section 104 the Lord promises “a multiplicity of blessings” to people who faithfully obey His commandments. To help the children understand what “multiplicity” means, you could draw a circle and ask your children to help you multiply the number of circles—drawing two, then four, then eight, then sixteen, and so on. Each time you add circles, help your children think of a blessing Heavenly Father has given them. Explain that “a multiplicity of blessings” means the Lord will fill our lives with blessings if we obey His commandments.

Come Follow Me Kid

How will you help the children feel that He wants to bless us generously?

Friend February 2015 “The Blessing Quest” Nathan wants to ride bikes with his friends instead of going to church, but he learns that commandments are meant to help us be happy. He goes to church and is blessed.

Friend September 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

  • Sing “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162).
  • Jesus taught that if we keep the commandments, we will be blessed (see Doctrine and Covenants 103:7).
  • Have one person say “Jesus said” and then tell something Jesus has asked us to do. Then do an action that goes with the words. For example, if the person says, “Jesus said to love everyone,” you could make a heart with your hands. If the person says, “Jesus said to pray,” you could fold your arms. Take turns telling what Jesus said.

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

See more teaching resources at “Commandments”.

Section 105

Section 105 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on Fishing River, Missouri, June 22, 1834. Under the leadership of the Prophet, Saints from Ohio and other areas marched to Missouri in an expedition later known as Zion’s Camp. Their purpose was to escort the expelled Missouri Saints back to their lands in Jackson County. Missourians who had previously persecuted the Saints feared retaliation from Zion’s Camp and preemptively attacked some Saints living in Clay County, Missouri. After the Missouri governor withdrew his promise to support the Saints, Joseph Smith received this revelation.

I Can Obey the Lord’s Commandments Even When I Don’t Understand the Reasons for Them.

Doctrine and Covenants 105:9–19

The experience of Zion’s Camp can be a powerful way to illustrate the blessings that come from seeking to follow the Lord’s will.

For the Strength of Youth September 2021 “A Test of Faith”

Doctrine and Covenant Scripture Stories “Chapter 36: Zion’s Camp” Video and Images

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

  • Read together Doctrine and Covenants 105:13–14, and explain that when Zion’s Camp reached Missouri, the Lord told them to not try to take back the Saints’ land. Some members of the camp were upset and wondered why they’d been commanded to go there. What should we do when we don’t understand the reasons for a commandment? Share some accounts from “Voices of the Restoration: Zion’s Camp” (in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families) to help the children see that blessings come when we obey the commandments God gives us through His prophets, even if we don’t understand all the reasons.
  • Faithful members of Zion’s Camp, many of whom later became leaders of the Church, testified that the experience deepened their faith in God’s power, in Joseph Smith’s divine call, and in Zion—not just Zion the place but Zion the people of God. Rather than questioning the value of this seemingly unsuccessful task, they learned that the real task is to follow the Savior, even when we don’t understand everything.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 28: Zion’s Camp Marches to Missouri,”  Page 170

clipart library
  1. Bring a small piece of rough, slivery wood and a piece of sandpaper (or bring a sharp or jagged stone and a smooth one, and adjust the activity accordingly).
    • What were some of the problems faced by the members of Zion’s Camp? (Answers may include illness, persecution by enemies, quarreling, bad tempers, spoiled food, unsafe water, and sore feet.)As the children name the problems, pass the rough wood around and let them feel it. Compare the rough, slivery wood to God’s children before they are tested with trials and problems.
    • Would you want to use something (such as a spoon or pencil) made out of this piece of wood? Why not?
    • What are some of the tests we face in life? Write the children’s answers on the chalkboard.
    • How can we pass these tests? As you discuss the tests we face and how we can meet them, rub the wood with the sandpaper until at least a part of the wood is smooth. Compare this to the refining influence of facing our problems and overcoming them. As we overcome problems, our imperfections are “smoothed out” and we become better people and more useful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Pass the wood around again so the children can feel the difference between the rough part and the smooth part.

See Saints, 1:194–206; “The Acceptable Offering of Zion’s Camp,” Revelations in Context, 213–18.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Zion’s Camp”

Liahona September 2021 “Zion’s Camp—Preparing to Serve the Lord”

I Can Be a Peacemaker.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40

  • Talk about lessons we can learn from Zion’s Camp—for example, that the Lord wants us to be peaceful and work together instead of arguing and fighting (see also Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,” Liahona, May 2023, 98–101). Contention and fighting bring difficulties, while unity and peace bring blessings.
  • You could also read Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40 and ask the children to stand up each time they hear the word “peace.” Explain that the Lord wanted the Saints to make peace with the people who were being unkind. Help your children think of things that they can do to be peacemakers, and invite them to role-play some situations.

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend) Read the situation and choices. Ask the children which choice is being a peacemaker. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

  • Share a story about a child being a peacemaker from your own life or from the Friend or Liahona. Sing a song about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), or complete this week’s activity page.

For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Being a Peacemaker: Your New SUPERPOWER”

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Latter Day Kids “Being a Peacemaker” Video and Lesson Ideas

Bright Idea Poster: “Blessed are the peacemakers”(October 2010 Friend)

For additional teaching ideas see Resources for Teaching Children “Peacemaker” and “Peacemaker Lesson Ideas”

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102–105”

Zion can be built only on principles of righteousness.

Doctrine and Covenants 103:1–12, 36; 105:1–19

Why did the Saints lose their promised land in Missouri? And why didn’t the Lord allow Zion’s Camp to restore them to their lands? Certainly the violent actions of Missouri mobs played a role, and the governor of Missouri had pledged support for the Saints but never gave it. But the Lord said that “were it not for the transgressions of my people,” Zion “might have been redeemed” (Doctrine and Covenants 105:2). As you read Doctrine and Covenants 103:1–12, 36; 105:1–19, you may notice some things that hindered the establishment of Zion in Missouri and others that could have helped. What do you learn that can help you establish Zion in your heart and home?

I am a “steward over earthly blessings.”

Doctrine and Covenants 104:11–18, 78–83

In addition to trials in Missouri, in 1834 the Church faced financial difficulties, including heavy debts and expenses. In section 104 the Lord gave counsel on the Church’s financial situation. How can you apply the principles in verses 11–18and 78–83 to your own financial decisions? What has the Lord given us? What does He expect us to do with these things?

To learn about one of the ways the Lord prepared for the Church to be delivered from the bondage of debt, watch “Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner Story” (video, ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 28: Zion’s Camp Marches to Missouri,”  Page 170 This lesson has a detailed story of Zion’s camp and other lesson ideas and activities.

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 102–105″

 Saints, 1:194–206; “The Acceptable Offering of Zion’s Camp,” Revelations in Context, 213–18.

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Sep 13 2021

Honesty: Lesson Ideas

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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

I Can Be Honest.

Doctrine and Covenants 97:8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 94–97″

In Doctrine and Covenants 97:8, the Lord identified honesty as one attribute of those who are “accepted of me.”

  • Explain to the children that God taught that when we are honest, He accepts us (see Doctrine and Covenants 97:8). Share with them a few brief stories that help them understand what it means to be honest. These stories could come from your own life, from the life of someone you know, or from the Friend or Liahona. Help the children retell the stories to you or share experiences with honesty from their lives.
  • Help the children learn the first phrase of the thirteenth article of faith: “We believe in being honest.” Help the children act out examples of being honest and dishonest. For example, the children could act out taking something from a sibling and telling their parents that they didn’t take it. Then help the children act out the same scenario in which they tell the truth to their parents. Explain that this is being honest.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 94-97”

According to Doctrine and Covenants 97:8., how can we be “accepted of” the Lord? How is that different from being accepted by the world? What does it mean to “observe [our] covenants by sacrifice”? How have we done this?

Friend September 2018 “I Can Tell the Truth” Coloring page

For additional teaching aids see Honesty Stories and Resources for Teaching Children “Honesty“

Doctrine and Covenants 51:9

9 And let every man deal honestly,

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

  • Read to the children from Doctrine and Covenants 51:9: “Let every man deal honestly” (see also Articles of Faith 1:13). Ask the children if they know what it means to be honest. To help them better understand, give them examples of actions that are honest.
  • Share some simple stories of children who face decisions about being honest, such as the decision to admit when they did something wrong. Use pictures, sock puppets, or paper dolls to make the stories more interesting. Ask the children if these people are being honest or dishonest.
  • Sing a song about honesty, such as “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159). Bear your testimony about why it is important to be honest.

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.

Take this quiz to think about how you can be honest with yourself and others.

“Honesty Quiz” (April 2011 Friend) A quiz to help children evaluate how honest they are.

You could play a game that the family enjoys and then talk about how the game would have been different if someone had cheated. Why is it important to “deal honestly” with each other? How does honesty help us “be one”? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 51–57”

Friend May 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Be Honest!”

  • Sing “Do What Is Right” (Hymns, no. 237).
  • Jesus taught that we should “deal honestly” with each other (Doctrine and Covenants 51:9). That means telling the truth and being fair with others.
  • Come up with situations you might face in everyday life—like finding money that someone lost or losing something you borrowed. Act out what you would do to “deal honestly.”

Latter Day Kids “Honesty” Lesson ideas, videos, music, etc.

Friend September 2018 “Family Night Fun” The more honest we are, the more others can trust us. Have each family member decorate a clear jar with ribbons, markers, paint, or whatever!
Keep your honesty jars where everyone can see them. Every time you do something honest—like admitting to a mistake or returning a lost toy—add something to the jar.

Friend January 1987

Friend January 1987
Friend January 1987

Friend March 1987

Friend March 1987
Friend March 1987
Friend March 198

Friend September 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Being Honest”

I can be honest.

Acts 5:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 1-5” The early Christians shared what they had to help care for each other. Those who owned land sold it and gave the money to the Apostles, who then gave it to the Saints according to their needs. Ananias and Sapphira were dishonest about their contribution, thinking they could deceive the Lord’s servants.

Help the children act out the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Explain that although we won’t die when we tell a lie, this story shows how important being honest is to Heavenly Father.

  • The below videos aren’t produced by the church, but they may provide some ideas on how the children may act out the story.

Sing together a song about honesty, such as “I Believe in Being Honest” (Children’s Songbook, 149). Help the children understand that being honest means always telling the truth and not taking things that belong to someone else.

Use paper-bag puppets to act out simple situations in which someone is being honest or dishonest. Ask the children to stand up if the person was being honest or sit on the floor if the person was being dishonest. Help the children understand why it is important to be honest.

The sites below have free printable cutouts to help make paper bag people.

Aunt Annie’s Crafts

The Caterpillar Years

  • “Honesty Quiz” (April 2011 Friend) A quiz to help children evaluate how honest they are.
  • Friend September 2018 “Map Champ” During a map game at school, Linda doesn’t hear the teacher because the kids are being too loud. Her teacher trusts her because she doesn’t lie, and the teacher gives her another chance.
Friend September 2018
Friend September 2018

Latter Day Kids “I Can Be Honest” Lesson ideas

I believe in being honest. (Jr)

2 Corinthians 4:1–2

Help the children memorize the phrase “We believe in being honest” (Articles of Faith 1:13). Write this phrase on paper bracelets the children can decorate and wear. Explain that being honest includes telling the truth. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

The Red Crystal

Ask the children to raise their hands when you say something that is true and lower them when you say something that is not true. Make simple but obvious statements, such as “Today is Sunday” or “I have three noses.” Repeat the activity a few times, letting the children take turns being the one who makes true and false statements. Why does Heavenly Father want us to tell the truth? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

OR, use paper-bag puppets to say the true or not true things. Ask the children to stand up if the person was being honest or sit on the floor if the person was being dishonest. Help the children understand why it is important to be honest. (Children could take a turn with the puppets saying something true or not true with them.)

The sites below have free printable cutouts to help make paper bag people.

Aunt Annie’s Crafts

The Caterpillar Years

Friend September 2019 “Making Things Right” After shopping, a boy’s mother notices that the cashier didn’t charge them for all their items. She decides to go back and fix it. The boy wonders why they have to go back since it wasn’t their mistake. His mom explains that being honest matters to Heavenly Father and it might matter to someone else. When they get back to the store they find out that the cashier would have had to pay for the mistake.

Show the video “A Visit with Elder Ulisses Soares” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What did young Elder Soares learn about honesty? Encourage the children to prepare for their baptismal covenant by being honest. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

Friend September 2018 “Family Night Fun” The more honest we are, the more others can trust us. Have each family member decorate a clear jar with ribbons, markers, paint, or whatever!
Keep your honesty jars where everyone can see them. Every time you do something honest—like admitting to a mistake or returning a lost toy—add something to the jar.

I Believe in Being Honest (even when others are not) (I should always keep my promises)

Old Testament Stories “Jacob and His Family” Images

Genesis CHAPTER 29

Jacob meets Rachel at the well—He serves Laban seven years for her—Laban gives to Jacob first Leah then Rachel in marriage—Jacob serves another seven years—Leah bears Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.

Genesis 29:16–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 28-33” Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years so that he could marry Laban’s daughter Rachel. Jacob kept this agreement, but Laban did not. Consider using this story to teach the children about the importance of keeping our promises. How can you use this story to help the children understand the importance of being honest even when others are dishonest?

  • Read Genesis 29:18, 20 to the children, and explain that Jacob kept his promise to work seven years for Laban so he could marry Rachel, even though this was a long time to work (see also “Jacob and His Family” in Old Testament Stories). Help the children think of promises they might make to other people. Why is it important to keep our promises? Help them understand that a covenant is a sacred promise between God and each of us. Bear your testimony that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ always keep Their promises.
  • Read together Genesis 29:16–30, and help the children summarize the events in these verses. How did Jacob react to being tricked? What can we learn from this account?
  • On the board write What happens when we are dishonest? and What happens when we are honest? Invite the children to find answers by reading “Honesty and Integrity” (in For the Strength of Youth [2011], 19).

Friend September 2019 “Making Things Right” After shopping, a boy’s mother notices that the cashier didn’t charge them for all their items. She decides to go back and fix it. The boy wonders why they have to go back since it wasn’t their mistake. His mom explains that being honest matters to Heavenly Father and it might matter to someone else. When they get back to the store they find out that the cashier would have had to pay for the mistake.

Friend September 2018 “Map Champ” During a map game at school, Linda doesn’t hear the teacher because the kids are being too loud. Her teacher trusts her because she doesn’t lie, and the teacher gives her another chance.

Friend September 2018
Friend September 2018

“Lesson 14: Jacob and His Family,” Primary 6: Old Testament 

Write each of the children’s names on separate slips of paper and place them in a container. Read one of the following situations; then draw a name from the container and ask that child to tell what should be done. Afterward, let that child draw out the next name. If the class is small, replace the names in the container after each use so a child may answer more than one question. You might want to add other examples.

  • You are given too much change at the store.
  • You forgot to do a school assignment. You are tempted to tell the teacher you were ill.
  • You are playing with a friend’s toy when it breaks.
  • You want some money to buy a treat and your mother’s purse is on the table.
  • You used one of your father’s belongings without permission and lost it.
  • Your friend left a toy at your house by mistake. It is something you would really like to have.
  • You are setting out a game to play while your friend goes to get a drink of water. You realize that while she is out of the room you could arrange the game so you would win.
  • You accidentally knock over a breakable object belonging to someone else. Your friend tells you that if it is an accident, you don’t need to admit you did it.

Winnie Wins – A girl is tempted to cheat in a geography test to beat a boy who teases her. Friend May 1984

Genesis CHAPTER 30

Jacob marries Bilhah, and she bears Dan and Naphtali—He marries Zilpah, and she bears Gad and Asher—Leah bears Issachar and Zebulun and a daughter, Dinah—Then Rachel conceives and bears Joseph—Jacob works for Laban for wages of cattle and sheep.

Friend August 2018

Genesis CHAPTER 31

The Lord commands Jacob to return to Canaan, and Jacob departs secretly—Laban pursues him; they resolve their differences and make a covenant of peace—Laban blesses his descendants, and he and Jacob part company.

Sep 13 2021

Music: Lesson Ideas

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Good Music can be Uplifting

Friend March 2020 “Music for a Better Day” Elizabeth had a terrible day at school. Her dad suggested that good music might help her feel better, and to think about what she was playing while she practiced her piano. The song she was playing was about giving thanks to God. She began to feel more peaceful as she thought about all her blessings. Good music did help her feel better.

Good Music Can Protect Us from Sin

Friend November 2020 “Hyrum Beats the Bad Words” Hyrum figures out a way to help him not think about the bad words that he hears.

Music Can Bring Comfort

Friend November 2020 “Like a Star” Carrie’s family lost their house and had to live at campgrounds. It was hard on Carrie and she prayed for a home. A Primary song reminded her that Heavenly Father loves her.

Friend November 2020

Friend March 2025 “Singing the Shadows Away” Logan had a nightmare about a monster. When it woke him up he was too scared to leave his bed. Then he saw a picture of his family at the temple and the song “I Love to See the Temple” popped into his head. As he sang he thought about that day at the temple and he was able to peacefully fall back to sleep. He realized church songs are powerful enough to make even scary monsters go away.

Music Can Help Us Feel the Holy Ghost

Friend July 2022 “I Can Feel the Holy Ghost”

Friend April 2019 “ A Comforting Song “ Mia is feeling sad, so she sings a Primary song, and she feels the comforting influence of the Holy Ghost.

Music with Bad Words Makes it Harder to Feel Spirit

Friend June 2023 “The Dance Choice” Maddie didn’t feel good about a song that her dance class was going to dance to. She remembered that her mom had said music with bad words could make it harder to feel the Spirit. Maybe the Holy Ghost was telling her the song wasn’t good. Maddie’s teacher said she could sit out during the song. Even though it was scary to sit out alone, she chose to do that and felt good that she had listened to the Holy Ghost.

Applying Primary Songs to Ourselves

Friend October 2021 “Peace and Primary Songs” Max loved Primary because he felt safe and loved there. His family wasn’t like the happy families they sang about in Primary. One Sunday, the chorister asked them to imagine being grown up with a family. Max imagined praying with his family and having family home evening and playing with them. It made Max feel happy and peaceful to know that someday he could have a family like that.

Making Music with Things Around the House

Friend November 2017 “Sandbox Sounds” Children make music with things found in a sandbox. Activity: What other things around the house could you make music with?

Singing in Ward/Stake Choir

Friend August 2017 “Bonnie’s Song” Bonnie loves to sing. She wants to sing in the Tabernacle Choir but is too young, so she decides to sing in the ward choir instead.

Friend February 2024 “Eric’s Loud Voice” Eric practices singing hymns to learn how to sing better and is invited to sing in the choir for stake conference.

I can praise the Lord through music

Psalm 146:1, 5–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 To praise the Lord means to express our gratitude and love for Him. Help the children learn that we are praising Him when we do things like sing, pray, and obey His teachings.

  • Invite the children to share experiences when someone praised them or told them they did a good job. Share some of the good things from Psalm 146:6–9 that the Lord has done, and invite the children to talk about other things He does for us. Help them think of ways they can praise Him for those things.

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree” Cut out the leaves and place them in a sack. Have the children take turns picking a leaf from the sack, telling how the item written is a blessing, and gluing it to the tree. When they pick a blank leaf, have them share a blessing of their choice that they are thankful for. Then write the blessing on the leaf and glue it to the tree.

  • Sing together a song of praise, such as “Beauty Everywhere” (Children’s Songbook, 232–33). Explain that for the Israelites long ago, the Psalms were like the songs we sing today to worship and praise God.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 You might invite your family to read a few verses of Psalms 146–50 out loud, trying to convey the feelings of the writer. How can we express our praise to the Lord? Family members might enjoy writing their own psalms of praise and sharing them with each other.

Friend August 2022 “Write a Psalm”

Friend November 2010 “Bright Idea”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 The traditional Jewish name for the book of Psalms is a Hebrew word that means “praises.” That word, Tehillim, is also related to the exclamation “hallelujah” (meaning “praise Jehovah” or “praise the Lord”). If you had to choose one word to sum up the main message of the Psalms, “praise” would be a good choice. Some of the Psalms contain the direct invitation to “praise ye the Lord” (see especially Psalms 146–50), and all of them can inspire a feeling of worship and praise. The Psalms invite us to reflect on the Lord’s power, on His mercy, and on the great things He has done. We can never repay Him for any of this, but we can praise Him for it. That praise may take different forms for different people—it may involve singing, praying, or bearing testimony. It often leads to a deeper commitment to the Lord and to following His teachings. Whatever “praise ye the Lord” means in your life, you can find more inspiration to do it as you read and ponder the Psalms.

Friend October 1989 “Sing Praises” Lesson ideas and activity. (Activity: Look up scriptures where people in the scriptures sang praises to the Lord and then fill in the blanks.)

I can praise God by singing. (Jr)

Revelation 15:2–4

The Saints John described in Revelation 15:2–4 sang praises to God for His goodness. What songs of praise can help the children express their love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

As you read aloud parts of Revelation 15:2–4, ask the children to do actions like pretending to play a harp or direct a choir. How do we feel when we sing about Jesus? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Friend March 2020 “Music for a Better Day” Elizabeth had a terrible day at school. Her dad suggested that good music might help her feel better, and to think about what she was playing while she practiced her piano. The song she was playing was about giving thanks to God. She began to feel more peaceful as she thought about all her blessings. Good music did help her feel better.

Ask the children to share some of their favorite songs about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Sing a few of the songs together, and help the children understand what the songs teach us about Heavenly Father and the Savior. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Friend December 2015
Friend December 2015

Music is a Way to Share Testimony

Friend May 2023 “Cameron the Piano Player” Cameron volunteered to play a couple of songs in the Primary Program even though he didn’t know how to play. He took lessons and practiced really hard and did great at the program and wanted to learn more songs. He felt like playing the piano was a way of sharing his testimony.

Learning, Teaching, and Leading Music

Friend February 2024 “Musical Math” Music is played in counts. Each music note has a different count. Use the notes below to help you find out what is missing in these math problems. One has been done for you. Answers: 1) 4; 2) 1; 3) 7; 4) quarter note; 5) dotted half note; 6) 6; 7) 3

Friend May 2024 “Notes and Rests” Music notes tell us when to sing. There are also symbols in music called rests. Rests tell us when not to sing. Music notes and rests both have counts to show how long they are.

Use the notes and rests below to draw lines from dot to dot! Draw a curved line for notes and a flat line for rests. The size of the curved line matches how many counts the note has. One has been done to show you how.

Friend February 2024 “Eric’s Loud Voice” Eric practices singing hymns to learn how to sing better and is invited to sing in the choir for stake conference.

Friend March 2021 “A Piano for Prophet” A boy named prophet set two goals: first, learn how to play the piano, and second, teach others how to play. Several people became interested in learning more about the church as they learned how to play using the Primary songs. (Link includes a Video of the story.)

Friend April 2023 “Leading Like Jesus” Julie was asked to conduct the hymns in sacrament meeting, and she was very anxious. After talking to her father about her fears, she thought about how being a conductor is like Jesus Christ because he is our leader and he guides us in the right way and at the right time. She then became excited to conduct because she would represent Christ.

Liahona June 2024 “The Power of Primary Songs” Story of how music can help children during the difficult trials in life.

Sharing Primary Songs with Others

Friend July 2022 “Fatima’s Favorite Song” Fatima’s teacher asked the kids to learn a song and share it in class. Fatima shares her favorite song “Families Can Be Together Forever.” Fatima’s mother invites the teacher to come hear more songs at church.

Friend September 2025 “My Music Testimony” When a teacher at her Catholic school asks for requests on what they would like to hear, Serena asks her to play a baptism Primary song. She thinks it will also help her invite her friends to her baptism.

The First Hymnbook

Doctrine and Covenants 25:11–12

For the Strength of Youth “Making the First Hymnbook”

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Emma Smith Gathered Hymns”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 14: Emma Smith Selects Sacred Hymns” (This link includes stories, activity ideas, and question ideas)

What has Heavenly Father promised us if we sing hymns to worship him? (D&C 25:12.) What kinds of blessings might we receive from singing hymns? Explain that hymns can help teach us the gospel and strengthen our faith and testimonies. They can help us want to repent and keep the commandments. They can make us feel happy when we are sad and can fill our minds with good, clean thoughts (see enrichment activity 5). They remind us that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us.

See Music for ideas and stories on how sacred music helps us.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 23–26: “Strengthen the Church”

The Lord said that sacred music “is pleasing unto me.” Help the children see singing as not just a fun activity but also a way to worship Him. Singing is one way we can show our love for God.

  • Invite each child to share his or her favorite hymn or Church song, and sing some of them together. Read Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 to the children, and invite them to imagine how Heavenly Father and Jesus feel when They hear us sing these songs.
  • Teach the children a song about singing, such as “Lift Up Your Voice and Sing” (Children’s Songbook, 252)

Latter Day Kids “Song of the Heart” Lesson Ideas

Friend March 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Name that Song” Have a family song challenge! One person hums a Church song. Everyone else guesses what song it is. When someone guesses right, everyone sings the song together! Then take turns choosing the next song.

Friend November 2015 “Gratitude for Music” – About the hymn book and how to use it.

Good Music Can Affect the Spirit in Our Home

Friend August 2017 “Family Night Fun” Music can affect our mood.

Friend December 2017 Goals to listen only to music that is pleasing to Heavenly Father.

Music Can Help Us Spiritually

Friend September 2021 “Singing for Jesus”Singing hymns and Primary songs is a way to show our love for Jesus. He set an example for us. At the end of the Last Supper, Jesus and His Apostles sang together (see Matthew 26:30).When you sing, think about what the words are saying. As you sing, you will feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Music Can Help Bring Us Peace

Friend September 2021 “Singing for Jesus” Songs about Jesus can bring us peace and comfort

Music Refreshment Ideas

Friend August 2017