Tag Archives: primary

Feb 5 2022

Latter Day Prophets

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Table of Contents

Latter Day Prophet Activities

Friend Dec 2014  Prophet Cards (See link for answers)

Friend September 2001 “My Book of Prophets”

Friend September 2001
Friend October 2001
Friend November 2001
Friend December 2001

Friend February 2001 “Latter-day Prophets Wheel” Fasten the two circles together with a metal fastener through the center dots. Find the picture of Joseph Smith; in the window below his picture you can read an interesting fact about him. Continue turning the top circle to the right to see the men in the order that they served as Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to read something that that prophet is remembered for. You might want to use the wheel to help you sing “Latter-day Prophets”* in a family home evening.

Friend November 2003 “Latter-day Prophets Matching Game”

Friend March 2001 “Presidents of the Church Maze”

Friend January 2001 “Funstuf: Latter-day Prophets” All of the latter-day prophets are listed below, but it is difficult to read them. To unscramble the letters in each group, start at the IN arrow and connect the letters to spell a prophet’s name ending at the OUT arrow. Some letters will not be used. The first one has been done as an example for you.

Friend March 2017
Friend April 1987
Friend April 1987
FroEnd July 1986
Friend July 1986

Prophet Dot-to-Dot Activity Idea: Make several cards with information about the prophet on each one. Label the back of each card with a section of numbers from the dot-to-dot such as 1-5 or 15-20. Put the cards, numbers face up, on a table. A child picks one of the cards, reads the clue, and gets to draw those lines on the picture and try to guess who the prophet it is. They write their guess down and their name on the first slot of a numbered card. Continue in this manner until all the clues are read and the lines on the picture are drawn. Reveal the name of the prophet, and then read the card with the guesses to see who got the correct answer first. (Note: You may need to display a picture that contains all the prophets and their names to help the children have a reference to make their guesses from.)

Joseph Smith

(Click on link above)

Brigham Young

Friend February 2013 “Brigham Young”

Friend July 2001 “Brigham Young Leads Bravely”

Friend July 2001 “President Brigham Young Crossword”

Friend July 1984 – Stories of Brigham Young’s life

Friend Jan 1980

Videos about Brigham Young

John Taylor

Media Library “John Taylor”

Friend March 2013

Friend January 2003 “Preparing for the Call”

Friend February 2003 “Answer to Prayer”

Friend March 2001 “John Taylor Goes to America”

Friend April 2003 “Conversion to the Gospel”

Friend May 2003 “Bearing Testimony of the Prophet”

Friend June 2003 “Missionary to His Family”

Friend July 2003 “Printing the Voice of the Church”

Friend August 2003 “Defender of the Faith”

Friend September 2003 “With the Prophet Joseph in Carthage Jail”

Friend October 2003 “Missions to Europe”

Friend December 2003 “Money for a Mission”

Friend November 2003 “Solving Problems”

Friend March 2001 “President John Taylor Crossword”

Movies about John Taylor

The Life and Ministry of John Taylor

Wilford Woodruff

Friend April 2013 “Wilford Woodruff”

Media Library “Wilford Woodruff”

Friend June 2001 “Wilford Woodruff, Fisherman of the Lord”

Friend January 2006 “Saved By Providence”

Friend February 2006 “Catching Fish and Saying Prayers”

Friend March 2006 “Becoming a Bible Scholar”

Friend April 2006 “They Were Speaking the Truth”

Friend May 2006 “A Successful Missionary”

Friend June 2006 “The Martyrdom of the Prophet”

Friend July 2006 “This is the Place”

Friend August 2006 “Listening to the Spirit”

Friend September 2006 “Inspired Prophet”

Friend October 2006 “The Light Continued with Us”

Friend November 2006 “Keeping a Record”

Friend December 2006 “A Hard Worker”

Friend June 2001 “President Wilford Woodruff Crossword”

Friend Aug/Sept 1985 – Wilford Woodruff listens to the warning of the spirit and is kept safe from a steamer ship fire.

Lorenzo Snow

Friend May 2013 “Lorenzo Snow”

Media Library “Lorenzo Snow”

Friend September 2004 “Called to Serve”

Friend March 2002 “President Lorenzo Snow Crossword”

Friend Dec 2014     A Visit from the Savior  

Media Library “Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow” More images

Joseph F. Smith

Friend June 2013 “Joseph F. Smith”

Media Library “Joseph F. Smith”

Friend August 2001 “Joseph F. Smith, a Man at Age Eight”

Friend August 2001 “President Joseph F. Smith Crossword”

Friend July 2021 “Church History Cards”

Friend May 1980

Friend June 1983 – “Joseph F. Smith Remembers His Father” (Hyrum Smith)

Church History “Joseph F. Smith” Videos

Heber J. Grant

Media Library “Heber J. Grant”

Friend July 2013 “Heber J. Grant”

Friend January 2004 “Becoming Brigham Young’s Friend”

Friend February 2004 “Reading the Book of Mormon”

Friend March 2004 “Achieving a Goal”

Friend April 2004 “Best Penmanship”

Friend May 2004 “Feeling the Spirit”

Friend June 2004 “Speaking in Church”

Friend July 2004 “Learning to Sing”

Friend August 2004 “Testimony of an Apostle”

Friend September 2004 “Called to Serve”

Friend October 2004 “Hard Worker”

Friend November 2004 “Comforted by the Holy Ghost”

Friend December 2004 “Charitable Businessman”

Friend January 2002 “President Heber J. Grant Crossword”

George Albert Smith

Media Library “George Albert Smith”

Friend April 2001 “George Albert Smith Saves the Tabernacle”

Friend April 2001 “President George Albert Smith Crossword”

Friend July 1980

Church History “George Albert Smith” Videos and history

David O. McKay

Media Library “David O. McKay”

Friend September 2013 “David O. McKay”

Friend January 2005 “The Faith of His Parents”

Friend February 2005 “A Well-Educated Man”

Friend March 2005 “David and Emma Ray”

Friend April 2005 “A Young Apostle”

Friend May 2005 “Beloved Teacher”

Friend June 2005 “David’s Pet Boar”

Friend July 2005 “Standing Up to a Bully”

Friend August 2005 “Lessons from Dandy”

Friend September 2005 “A Girl in the Blue Dress”

Friend October 2005 “A Prayer for Lou Jean”

Friend November 2005 “Visiting with the Queen”

Friend December 2005 “A Gift of Music”

Friend February 2001 “David O. McKay Receives an Answer”

Friend July 1987 “Jeanette Evans McKay” Info and story about David O, McKay’s mother.

Friend August 1987 “A Child’s Faith”  As a child, David O McKay’s prayer is answered when he finds his lost pocketknife.

Friend Aug/Sept 1980

Church History “David O. McKay, Ninth President of the Church” Videos

Joseph Fielding Smith

Media Library “Joseph Fielding Smith”

Friend January 2001 “Midnight Adventures of Young Joseph Fielding Smith”

Friend January 2001 “President Joseph Fielding Smith Crossword”

Friend Oct 1980

Church History “Joseph Fielding Smith, 10th President of the Church”

Harold B. Lee

Media Library “Harold B. Lee”

Friend January 2002 “Heeding the Holy Ghost”

Friend February 2002 “First Day of School”

Friend March 2002 “An Answer to His Prayers”

Friend April 2002 “His Mother Saves His Life”

Friend June 2002 “Principal”

Friend May 2002 “His Mother Prays”

Friend June 2002 “Principal”

Friend July 2002 “Musical Missionary”

Friend August 2002 “His Eternal Family”

Friend September 2002 “Witness as an Apostle”

Friend October 2002 “Healing a Soldier”

Friend November 2002 “Heavenly Blessing”

Friend December 2002 “Helping a Family in Need”

Friend December 2001 “Harold B. Lee Shares Christmas”

Friend December 2001 “President Harold B. Lee Crossword”

Friend May 1988 “Louisa Bingham Lee”  Stories about Harold B. Lee’s mother.

Spencer W. Kimball

Media Library “Spencer W. Kimball”

Friend January 2007 “Working on a Farm”

Friend February 2007 “Rescued!”

Friend March 2007 “Reading the Bible”

Friend April 2007 “Playing the Piano”

Friend May 2007 “Spencer’s Mother”

Friend June 2007 “The Power of Example”

Friend July 2007 “Resist Evil Influences”

Friend August 2007 “Being a Leader”

Friend September 2007 “A Simple Act of Service”

Friend October 2007 “Overcoming Challenges”

Friend November 2007 “Camilla, a Cherished Companion”

Friend December 2007 “Holding Priesthood Keys”

Friend September 2001 “Spencer W. Kimball Attends Primary”

Friend September 2001 “President Spencer W. Kimball Crossword”

Friend December 1980
Friend December 1980– link includes info about Spencer W Kimball

Friend December 1985 As a boy, Spencer W. Kimball is reminded of the importance of reading scriptures.

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image

Friend February 1988 “Be a friend of the Savior” While in the hospital, President Kimball tells an orderly not to take the Lord’s name in vain.

Church History “Spencer W. Kimball” Videos

Ezra Taft Benson

Media Library “Ezra Taft Benson”

Friend May 2001 “Ezra Taft Benson Keeps a Promise”

Friend May 2001 “President Ezra Taft Benson Crossword”

Friend August 1988 “President Ezra Taft Benson” Read the article about his life and then fill in the crossword puzzle.

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Friend August 1986
Friend August 1986

Howard W. Hunter

Media Library Latter Day Prophets “Howard W. Hunter”

Friend November 2001 “Howard W. Hunter Learns to Work”

Friend November 2001 “President Howard W. Hunter Crossword”

Friend Oct 1982 Life history

Gordon B. Hinckley

Media Library Latter Day Prophets “Gordon B. Hinkley”

Friend October 2001 “Gordon B. Hinckley Faces “Pharaoh”

Friend October 2001 “President Gordon B. Hinckley Crossword”

Friend February 1987 Childhood Stories

Thomas S. Monson

(Click on link above)

Russell M. Nelson

Friend March 2018 “ Meet Our New Prophet”

Watch the video “President Nelson: Prophet of God” from time code 0:00 to 5:41. How do you see President Nelson ministering to others in the same way Jesus Christ did?

Friend Feb 2016

Friend Feb 2016 Nelson

Friend January 2021 “I Love You” President Nelson met with some Primary children in a log house in Palmyra, New York and shared the following messages: The Lord loves effort; Commandments are a recipe for happiness; Repentance is a joyous opportunity. (See the article for more info.)

Friend April 2015 “Obeying Mom and Dad” Stories from President Nelson’s childhood.

Friend June 2019 “Grateful for Parents” President Nelson’s parents didn’t attend church when he was young, and he wanted them to. When he learned about the Word of Wisdom he broke every bottle of liquor in the house. The thing he wanted for Christmas every year was to be sealed to his parents.

Friend August 2018 “President Nelson Loves Children” President Nelson meets Primary children as he travels all over the world.
(Link includes photos.)

Friend January 2019 “Show and Tell” Senior Primary children in Greater Manchester, England, wrote their own verse about President Russell M. Nelson for the song “Follow the Prophet.”

Russell is a prophet, Baptised at sixteen, His parents were less active; He was very keen. He became a doctor, Doctor of the heart. Building many temples, He has made a start.

Friend November 2018

Friend March 2021 “Trust in the Prophet” When Elder Homer was young, he wanted to be very reverent when passing the sacrament. Russel M. Nelson was in his ward and noticed his reverence and complimented him on it. That meant a lot to Elder Homer. (Make a mobile of quotes by President Russel M. Nelson.)

Friend May 2019  Bookmark with a testimony by President Nelson

Friend May 2019

Among President Nelson’s most important teachings are the following:

He has admonished us to use the correct name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He has counseled us in how to let God prevail in our lives.

He has encouraged us to “think celestial.”

He has taught us an enlarged vision of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil.

He has inspired us to progress on the covenant path, and he has lovingly invited us to return to that path if we have strayed.

He has exhorted Church members everywhere to follow a home-centered, Church-supported pattern of gospel learning.

Friend November 2025 “Remembering President Nelson” Our wonderful prophet President Russell M. Nelson passed away the week before general conference. He was 101 when he died and set an example of following Jesus Christ his whole life.

Feb 5 2022

Joseph Smith

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Table of Contents

Prophet Portrait: “Joseph Smith” (January 2013 Liahona and Friend)
Coloring Page: “Prophet Joseph Smith” (April 2008 Friend)

Joseph Smith was Chosen Before the World Began

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) It was decreed in the counsels of eternity, long before the foundations of the earth were laid, that he, Joseph Smith, should be the man, in the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word of God to the people, and receive the fulness of the keys and power of the Priesthood of the Son of God.(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 96, 343)

Friend February 2020 “My Family Night Fun: Pretend Plates”

  • Prophets long ago knew that a man named Joseph would translate the scriptures (see 2 Nephi 3:7, 15). They wrote about him on the gold plates. Can you imagine how Joseph Smith felt when he translated those words?

Joseph of Egypt Prophesied about Joseph Smith

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) Chapter 3 of 2 Nephi records Lehi’s dying words to his youngest son, Joseph. Lehi quoted a prophecy [from the brass plates] made by Joseph of Egypt roughly 1,700 years before the birth of Christ. Imagine Joseph Smith’s surprise when he discovered that he was the subject of much of the prophecy made by Joseph of Egypt. (see also Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24–38 (Note that “fruit of thy loins” refers to children or posterity.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” Thousands of years in advance, Joseph of Egypt saw that the Lord would call Joseph Smith to do a great work in the latter days.

Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix) Joseph in Egypt prophesies of Moses freeing Israel from Egyptian bondage; of a branch of Joseph’s descendants being led to a faraway land, where they will be remembered in the covenants of the Lord; of God calling a latter-day prophet named Joseph to join the records of Judah and of Joseph.

  • Give the children descriptive clues about Joseph Smith, and invite them to guess who you are describing. Include clues from Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix), such as “he taught us about covenants” (see verse 28), “he gave us the word of the Lord” (see verse 30), and “he was named after his father” (see verse 33). After the children guess correctly, invite them to find these clues in the verses. What else do we learn about Joseph Smith from the prophecy of Joseph in Egypt?

Lehi Refers to a Prophecy About Joseph Smith

Read the verses for each picture and identify who these four pictures represent. 2 Nephi 3:3; 2 Nephi 3:4; 2 Nephi 3:11; 2 Nephi 3:15

  • Invite the children to search 2 Nephi 3:6–24 for clues about which prophet is being spoken of. List the clues on the board. Why is Joseph Smith called a “choice seer”? What did Joseph Smith do that is “of great worth to [his brethren]”? (verse 7).

Liahona February 2020 “Meet the Four Josephs” Lehi tells his son Joseph about some of the prophecies that Joseph of Egypt made about Joseph Smith, who was named after his father, Joseph. The article includes the following: What Did Joseph of Egypt Say about Joseph Smith? How Was Joseph Smith Like Joseph of Egypt? How Did Lehi Know about Joseph of Egypt?

Joseph Smith’s Childhood

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 1: Joseph Smith and His Family” Images and Video

Latter Day Kids “”My Servant Joseph” Lesson, story, and song ideas

Media Library “Joseph Smith’s Family”

For the Strength of Youth February 2021 “Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith”

Friend January 2017 “The Smith Family”

Operation On Joseph’s Leg

Cutout Figures: “Joseph Smith’s Operation” (February 2008 Friend)

Friend February 2008 “An Operation on Joseph’s Leg”

Joseph Smith Made Good Choices as a Child and So Can I

Come Follow Me Kid Watch “Joseph Smith and His Family”, or tell the story above about the operation on Joseph’s leg. Tell them to pay close attention to what Joseph Smith decided to do when doctors told him that his leg would hurt a LOT during the operation unless he would drink wine. Joseph Smith made good choices as a child. We can make good choices too.

Joseph Smith was prepared to be a prophet of God.

The home life and nurture provided by Joseph Smith’s parents and siblings shaped much of Joseph’s early prophetic work. His attention to prayer and Bible study owed much to his parents’ religious commitments. (Church History Topics: Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

  • Joseph was chosen by God and prepared to be a prophet. Joseph’s experiences as a boy prepared him to be a prophet of God. A prophet is someone who speaks for God.

Ensign December 2005 “The Early Preparation of the Prophet Joseph Smith” Excellent! Story of his early life

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26”

  • Learning about Joseph Smith’s youth could help your children relate to him as they learn from his experiences. Maybe they could hold a picture of Joseph Smith and share what they know about him. If needed, you might add some facts about him from Joseph Smith—History 1:3–14 (see also “Chapter 1: Joseph Smith and His Family,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 6–8, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). What did Joseph experience that helped prepare him to become a prophet? What might God be preparing us to do?

Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,”  (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

Joseph Smith was born in 1805 in the state of Vermont in the United States of America. He was the fourth of nine children. When Joseph was ten years old, he and his family moved to the state of New York, settling near the town of Palmyra (point out this area on the map). The Smith family was poor, and all the members of the family had to work hard to provide food and other necessities for the family. The family had moved many times before settling near Palmyra, where they found farmland on which crops would grow well.

  • How did Joseph Smith help his family? (JS—H 1:55.) How do you think learning
    to work hard helped prepare Joseph to serve the Lord? What are some ways
    you work in your family? Why should we be willing to work in our homes and
    yards to help our families? How will learning to work and take on responsibilities
    help us serve the Lord?

Joseph did not have much opportunity to attend school, so he learned only the basics of reading, writing, and simple arithmetic. Joseph’s mother said that he seemed just like other boys his age until the time of his vision. She said he was quiet and well-mannered and liked to study and think about important things. He was a tall, athletic, cheerful boy who seldom got angry.

“Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend)

Additional Resources

Asael Smith (Joseph Smith’s Grandfather)

“My grandfather, Asael smith long ago predicted that there would be a prophet raised up in the family, and. my grandmother was fully satisfied that it was fulfilled in me. My grandfather Asael died Oct 31, 1830 after having received the Book of Mormon and read it nearly through, and. he declared, that I was the very prophet that he had long known would come in his family.” (D.H.C. Vol. II p. 443)

“It has been borne in upon my soul that one of my descendants will promulgate a work to revolutionize the world of religious faith” (quoted in George Q. Cannon, Life of Joseph Smith, the Prophet [1986], 26).

Childhood Games

  • “Stick Pull” (February 2014 Friend)
    You can play a game played by Joseph Smith.

Historical Sites

Friend December 2018 “Digging into History” Children help archaeologists dig for clues for what life was like for Joseph Smith when he was young living in Vermont with his family. They find stone fences and some artifacts. The article includes photos.

  • “A Prophet Is Born” (December 2012 Friend)
    Learn about Joseph Smith’s early life with three children who visit their grandparents who are missionaries at the Prophet’s birthplace in Vermont.
  • “Two Houses Where Joseph Smith Lived” (January 2013 Liahona and Friend)
    Explore two houses where Joseph Smith lived in New York.

The First Vision

Search for Truth

For the Strength of Youth August 2025
The First Vision

Receiving the Golden Plates

Joseph Receives the Gold Plates

The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith

Joseph is Prepared to Receive the Plates

Joseph and Emma Marry

Receiving and Protecting the Gold Plates

Martin Harris Visits Professor Anthon

Translating the Gold Plates

Translating the Gold Plates

Aaronic Priesthood is Restored

The Priesthood is Restored

Printing the Book of Mormon

Printing the Book of Mormon

Friend January 2025 “The Restoration Begins”

For the Strength of Youth January 2921 “Joseph Smith Jr.”

What the Lord accomplished through the Prophet Joseph Smith

  • Show the children pictures that represent important things Joseph Smith did or taught (see, for example, Gospel Art Book, nos. 89–95, 97, 98, 117, 118). Help the children think of blessings we have because of Joseph Smith. For example, how has his work helped us come closer to Jesus Christ?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”
  • Display items that represent some of the Lord’s marvelous works during the latter days, such as a picture of the First Vision or of Joseph Smith receiving the priesthood (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 90, 93, 94) or a copy of the Book of Mormon. Invite the children to choose an item and share why it is marvelous to them.

Friend January 2021 “Church History Cards” Cut out the cards, fold on the dotted line, and tape them closed.

Church History Gospel Art

Joseph Smith was a prophet and seer

2 Nephi 3:6–24

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 3-5”

  • Consider how you can teach your children about the great work that God accomplished through Joseph Smith. To begin, you could help your children find the word “seer” in 2 Nephi 3:6 and explain that prophets are called seers because Heavenly Father helps them see things we can’t see. Share why you are grateful to have a seer leading the Church.

To help family members understand what a seer is, perhaps you could show them pictures of tools that help us see things we couldn’t otherwise see, such as binoculars, a telescope, or a microscope. How are these tools like a seer? (see Moses 6:35–36). What can seers see that we do not? What evidence do we have that Joseph Smith was a seer?

  • The Gospel Art Book has several pictures you could use to teach about the work God did through Joseph Smith (see pictures 89–95). Let your children share what they know about the pictures. Why is Joseph Smith called a “choice seer”? What did Joseph Smith do that is “of great worth”? (verse 7).
Church History Gospel Art

“Sing a Song of Joseph” (May 2007 Friend) Perform this musical play with your friends.

Activities

Friend December 1979

Friend May 2021 “Draw Joseph Smith”

“Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend) Read the article by President Eyring and then do the crossword puzzle.

Friend May 2011 “The Church of Jesus Christ Has Been Restored” Hidden in the picture of Joseph in the Sacred Grove are items related to the restoration of the Church.

  • Gold plates (the word of the Lord)
  • Kirtland Temple (temple work)
  • Sacrament tray (remembering Jesus Christ)
  • Missionary name tag (missionary work)
  • Baptismal font (covenanting with the Lord)
  • Keys (the priesthood)
  • Dove (the Holy Ghost)

Friend December 1984 “Joseph Smith, the Prophet” – history of church- also timeline on next page

Friend January 2021 “Church History Cards” Cut out the cards, fold on the dotted line, and tape them closed.

Clipart

Friend February 2025
Feb 2 2022

Pearl of Great Price: Activities & Games

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Table of Contents

See also Old Testament Activities and Games

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Responses to Heavenly Father’s Plan”

Friend November 2019 “Conference News”  Color in each scripture icon as you read the verses from Joseph Smith—History.

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Planning the Creation”

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Moses Beheld the Earth”

Adam & Eve

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden”

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Life of Adam and Eve”

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Adam’s Book of Remembrance”

Enoch

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Enoch and the People of Zion”

  • “City of Enoch” (December 1994 Friend)
    Solve this code to figure out why the people in the city of Enoch were so righteous.

For the Strength of Youth January 2026 “Fun Stop The city of Enoch was “taken up into heaven” after they became of “of one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18–21). Can you help this city become “one” by figuring out the correct missing piece? (Answer: 2)

Noah

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Noah Preaches the Gospel” Find 7 happy people who did listen

Abraham

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Abrahamic Covenant”

 

 

 

Jan 24 2022

Moses 7

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Table of Contents

Moses 7 Enoch continued preaching repentance. The Lord protected His people from their enemies. Enoch established the city of Zion on the principles of righteousness. He saw a vision of the earth’s history from his own day to the Millennium. He saw the influence of the adversary and watched God weep for the suffering of His children. Enoch also foresaw the coming of the Savior, the eventual Restoration of the gospel, the gathering of Israel, and the return of the city of Zion upon the earth. Enoch and his city were translated. (Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Moses 7”)

Friend February 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun”

Activity: The Lord helped Enoch teach the gospel. Teach the gospel like Enoch by sharing your testimony! Say a prayer to receive help from Heavenly Father. Write or draw something you believe. Then share your testimony with someone you love.

God wants us to be “of one heart and one mind.”

Moses 7:18–21, 62–63, 68–69

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

  • To help your children learn about Enoch and Zion, you could use “Enoch the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories (19–21) or the second verse of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Then you could ask your children to help you retell the story in their own words. The pictures of Enoch in this outline might help.

Old Testament Stories “Enoch the Prophet” Images, story, and video

  • Here’s one way to help your children understand what it means to be of “one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18): Make a paper heart and cut it into pieces, enough for each child to have one. Let them write their name on their piece and work together to put the heart together. As they do, you might talk about things you love about each child.

The Red Crystal

  • Help your children count how many times the word “Zion” appears in Moses 7:18–21, 62–63, 68–69. Each time they find the word, help them discover what the verse says about Zion (see also Guide to the Scriptures, “Zion,” Gospel Library). How can we be more like the people described in these verses?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

  • Ask the children to look for words that describe Enoch’s people, also known as Zion, as they read Moses 7:18. Write these words as headings at the top of the board, and invite the children to write, under each heading, things they can do to be more like Enoch’s people. After they share, ask the children how they can make their homes more like Zion. They might find some ideas in 4 Nephi 1:15–18.

The Red Crystal

Moses 7:18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

  • Help the children think of actions related to the phrase “one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18). Explain that this phrase means that the people of Enoch loved and were kind to each other. Invite them to use this week’s activity page to draw a way they can show love.

Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Building Love

Story: Enoch and his people built a city called Zion. The people in Zion were righteous and “were of one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18). That means they loved and cared for each other. They didn’t fight or hurt each other.

Song: “Love at Home” (Hymns, no. 294)

Activity: Read Moses 7:19–21. Then build a city with blocks, stones, or sticks. As you build, talk about how you can make your family more like Zion. You can send pictures of your finished city to the Friend!

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

  • Sing a song about loving one another, such as “Love at Home” (Hymns, no. 294). Bring pictures that illustrate key phrases in the song to help the children learn the words. Ask the children to share ways they can show love to each other in Primary and in their homes. Then let them act out their ideas.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,” 

Read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24-25  What does it mean to esteem someone as yourself? We need to value others as much as we value ourselves. Have the children tell what different parts of the body does. Explain that each part of the body is important and needed. Just like our body parts are united, we need to be united as people [and help, support, and take care of each other.]

The Redwood trees are joined together as one.

“The giant redwood trees that grow in northern California [USA] … have a very shallow root system. But when they are surrounded by other redwood trees, the strongest, fiercest wind cannot blow them over. The roots of the giant redwood trees intertwine and strengthen each other. When a storm comes, they actually hold each other up” (Conference Report, Oct. 1994, p. 103; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 78).

Sing “We Are Different” (Children’s Songbook,140–41, 263).

1. I know you, and you know me. We are as diff’rent as the sun and the sea I know you, and you know me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

2. I help you, and you help me. We learn from problems, and we’re starting to see. I help you, and you help me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

3. I love you, and you love me We reach together for the best we can be I love you, and you love me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

Heavenly Father wants me to choose to follow Him.

Moses 7:28–33

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

  • To introduce Moses 7:32–33 to your children, you might talk to them about a choice they had to make recently. Then you could read the verses together to find out what Heavenly Father wants us to choose. What choices can we make to show that we choose Him? Perhaps your children could take turns acting out one of these choices while the others guess what the action represents.

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

  • Help the children think of things that make Heavenly Father happy. Read Moses 7:28 with the children, and explain that Heavenly Father was sad because the people were very wicked (see verses 32–33).
  • Invite the children to play a game in which they act out things they can do that make Heavenly Father happy. Ask the other children to guess what they are doing. Share with each of the children something you have seen them do that makes Heavenly Father happy.

Jesus Christ Will Come Again in the Last Days.

Moses 7:59–67

Jesus will come back to earth.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

  • In Moses 7:59, Enoch asks the Lord a question. Invite your children to find it, and then ask them to find the answer in verse 60. You might also talk with them about a time when they were expecting someone special to visit or return home. Ask them how they felt and what they did to prepare for the visit? What are some ways we can prepare for Jesus to come again?

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Will Come Again” 

  • Consider showing pictures of times when the Savior appeared to people (such as Gospel Art Book, nos. 60, 82, 83, and 84). What are the people doing in the pictures? How might the people have felt when they met Jesus?

The Red Crystal

  • You could also sing a song about the Savior’s Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83), and ask the children what they think it will be like when Jesus comes again. Let the children share how they feel about seeing Jesus when He comes again.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

As your family reads Moses 7:59–67, try marking or noting things the Lord tells Enoch about the last days—for example, that God will “gather out [His] elect” (verse 62) and that there will be “great tribulations among the wicked” (verse 66). How can we have faith and hope despite the wickedness in the last days? As part of this discussion, consider reading these words from Elder Ronald A. Rasband: “Take heart, brothers and sisters. Yes, we live in perilous times, but as we stay on the covenant path, we need not fear. I bless you that as you do so, you will not be troubled by the times in which we live or the troubles that come your way. I bless you to choose to stand in holy places and be not moved. I bless you to believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, that He lives and that He is watching over us, caring for us and standing by us” (“Be Not Troubled,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 21).

For additional Second Coming Resources see here.

Additional Resources

Old Testament Stories and Lesson Ideas

Pearl of Great Price Lesson, Stories, & Activities

Old Testament: Activities and Games

Primary 6 Manual: Old Testament “Enoch and a Zion People” (Page 27)

Liahona January 2022 “Old Testament Art: Enoch and the City of Zion” Illustration by Justin Kunz

    Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

    The Red Crystal

    Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Building Zion” Lesson ideas

    Scripture Explorers “The City of Zion”

    Latter Day Kids “Building Zion” Lesson ideas to go with the below video

    Jan 17 2022

     Genesis 5; Moses 6

    Featured

    Table of Contents

    Genesis Chapter 5 The generations of Adam are Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch (who walked with God), Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah (who begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth).

    Moses Chapter 6 Adam’s seed keep a book of remembrance—His righteous posterity preach repentance—God reveals Himself to Enoch—Enoch preaches the gospel—The plan of salvation was revealed to Adam—He received baptism and the priesthood.

    Old Testament Stories “Adam and Eve’s Family” Images and Video

    Book of Remembrance

    Genesis 5; Moses 6:5–25, 46.

    Old Testament Stories: Adam and Eve’s Family

    Adam and Eve’s family kept a book of remembrance. They wrote their family history in the book. They wrote about how the Lord helped them.

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6” Reading about the “book of remembrance” that Adam and Eve’s family kept may inspire your family to make your own book of remembrance. Discuss as a family what you would like to include. Maybe you have photos, stories, or documents from your family history. You might choose to include things that are happening in your family now. What will future generations find valuable? You could also discuss how the phrases “by the spirit of inspiration” (Moses 6:5) and “the pattern given by the finger of God” (Moses 6:46) could guide your efforts. Consider saving information from your book of remembrance on FamilySearch.org.

    Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “Adam’s Book of Remembrance”

    Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Family Testimony Book”

    Story: Adam and Eve’s family made a “book of remembrance” (Moses 6:5). They wrote about Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father’s plan. This book was the beginning of the scriptures.

    Song: “Love Is Spoken Here” (Children’s Songbook, 190–91)

    Activity: You can make a book of remembrance too! Ask everyone in your family to write down their testimony of Jesus Christ. Then attach the pages together to make a book.

    Come Follow Me Kid

    God Can Help Me Do Hard Things.

    Moses 6:26–34

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

    • Ask the children to share a time when they were asked to do something that was hard or scary for them. Share the story of, or read together, Enoch’s call to be a prophet, found in Moses 6:27, 31–34 (see also “Enoch the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories).

    • When Enoch was called to preach the gospel, he worried that he would fail. But God helped him do great things. Why did Enoch feel that he couldn’t preach the gospel? (see Moses 6:31). How did God help Enoch? (see Moses 6:32–34; 7:13).

    Liahona January 2022 “Who Was Enoch”

    Enoch was not the only prophet who felt inadequate when the Lord called him. Read about Moses’s and Jeremiah’s reactions in Exodus 4:10–12 and Jeremiah 1:4–9.

    • Your children might enjoy sharing or acting out other examples of when God helped people do difficult things—for example, Noah building the ark, David fighting Goliath, Ammon defending the king’s flocks, or Samuel the Lamanite preaching. (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 7, 19, 78, 81). You could also share an experience of your own and let your children talk about how God helps them do hard things.
    • Invite the children to name some difficult things that children their age sometimes do (such as completing an assignment for school, being kind to someone who is unkind, or telling the truth when they have made a mistake). Help the children find phrases in Moses 6:32–34 that can help them. Ask the children to share a time when God helped them do something difficult. Share your own experiences too.

    Friend August 2020 “Maddy’s Courage” Maddy didn’t want to start school because she was afraid. Her mom reminded her of sometimes we have to do brave and hard things, such as Daniel facing the lions, or Nephi crossing the ocean, or Esther talking to the king. And just like Heavenly Father helped all of those people, He would help her too.

    New Era December 2020 “Not Ice-olated” Object lesson that demonstrates that with the Lord’s help, we can lift even the heaviest, slipperiest burdens.

    The Gospel Teaches Me How to Return to Heavenly Father.

    Moses 6:50–62

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

      Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost prepare me to return to God.

      Adam and Enoch taught their people the first principles and ordinances of the gospel: faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (see also Articles of Faith 1:4).

      Moses 6:50–62

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

      • God taught Adam what we need to do to return to Him—have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Help your children find these principles in Moses 6:52, 57. Then you could help them write a short talk about one of the principles. Each talk could include a scripture from Moses 6, an experience, and a testimony. Let them share their talks with each other.

      Come Follow Me Kid

      • You could also display pictures that represent the first principles of the gospel (see the fourth article of faith). Place them in a line leading to a picture of Jesus Christ. As you read Moses 6:52, your children could stand next to the correct picture when they hear the words the picture represents.

      Friend April 2011 link includes discussion info.

      Friend April 2011
      • Your children might enjoy singing songs that teach the principles in Moses 6:52, such as “Faith,” “When I Am Baptized,” and “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97, 103, 105). Help them find these principles in Moses 6:52.

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

      • What does it mean to be “born again into the kingdom of heaven”? (Moses 6:59) (To have the Spirit of the Lord cause a mighty change in a person’s heart so that he has no more desire to do evil, but rather desires to seek the things of God. (Guide to the Scriptures, “Born Again, Born of God” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) For additional information click on link.)
      • What can we do to continue to be born again throughout our lives?

      Coloring Pages

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

      Friend March 2000
      Friend March 2000 Link includes some sharing time and music time ideas.

      Heavenly Father Wants Parents to Teach Their Children.

      Moses 6:57–58

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

      From the time of Adam and Eve, parents have been commanded to teach their children the gospel. How can you encourage the children to listen to and follow the righteous teachings of their parents?

      • To encourage your children to support their parents in their role as gospel teachers, consider asking a child to read Moses 6:58 and identify the commandment God gave to parents. Then you could show a picture of Adam and Eve teaching their children (like the one at the end of this outline) and let your children talk about what they see in the picture. Your children could draw pictures of their families reading the scriptures together, praying together, or playing together. Ask the children what they can do to support their parents when they teach them the gospel.

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

        Coloring Page: “Adam and Eve Teach Their Children” (Feb. 2010 Friend)

        Latter Day Kids “Teach These Things” Lesson ideas to go with the below video.

        Additional Resources

        All things bear record of Christ

        Moses 6:63.

        What are some of the things that “bear record of [Christ]”? (see also 2 Nephi 11:4). Consider inviting family members to share something that they see “in the heavens above” or “on the earth” that helps them learn about Jesus Christ. For example, how do trees, rocks, or the sun remind us of the Savior? What do the titles “living water” and “bread of life” teach us about Him? (John 4:10–14; 6:35). (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6” )

        How did Adam become a “son of God”?

        Moses 6:64–68

        Enoch taught that after Adam was baptized, “the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.” After this sacred experience, Adam heard a voice from heaven saying, “Behold, thou art one in me, a son of God; and thus may all become my sons.”

        The title “son of God” now had two different meanings for Adam. Not only was he a literal spirit son of God created in His image, but Adam was also a son of God because he had been born again through Jesus Christ. Those who experience spiritual rebirth and receive the ordinances of the Savior’s gospel are also sometimes referred to as “children of Christ.” (Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Genesis 5, Moses 6: How does the Fall affect us?”)

        All people must repent and be baptized.

        Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Genesis 5, Moses 6: How does the Fall affect us?”

        Enoch taught that Adam asked God why all people must repent and be baptized. In response, God taught Adam important truths that clarified how the Fall would impact the posterity of Adam and Eve.

        First, God made it clear not only that Adam and Eve were forgiven for their transgression in the Garden of Eden, but also that the consequences of their sins would not be passed down to their children. The Prophet Joseph Smith reiterated this truth when he taught, “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.”

        God also taught Adam that his posterity would be “conceived in sin” (or “born into a world of sin”). As mortal people living in a fallen world, we commit sin, which makes us unclean and separates us from God. While this experience gives us opportunity to “prize the good” after we “taste the bitter,” we also must be cleansed from our sins through Jesus Christ, for “no unclean thing can dwell” in God’s presence.

        God commanded Adam to teach his children to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost so they could be sanctified from their sins through Jesus Christ. God declared, “This is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten.”

        Primary 6 Manual: Old Testament “Adam and Eve Lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ” (Page 23) Lesson ideas

        Primary 6 Manual: Old Testament “Enoch and a Zion People” (Page 27)

        Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

        The Red Crystal

        Jan 13 2022

        Joseph Receives the Gold Plates

        Posted on by

        Table of Contents

        The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith

        Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Doctrine and Covenants Stories “The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith”

        It had been three years since God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith in the grove, but Joseph hadn’t received any additional revelations since then. He began to wonder about his standing before the Lord. Like all of us, he had made mistakes, and he felt condemned by them.

        One night, after everyone was asleep, Joseph decided to pray. God had answered his prayers before, and Joseph knew He would answer them again.

        While Joseph was praying, light filled the room. Joseph saw an angel standing in the air by his bed. The angel said that his name was Moroni. God had sent him. He said God had forgiven Joseph and had a work for him to do.

        I can repent and be forgiven.

        Joseph Smith—History 1:28–29

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

        • We all sometimes feel “condemned for [our] weakness and imperfections,” as Joseph Smith did. You and your children could study Joseph Smith—History 1:29 together, looking for what Joseph did when he felt that way. What can we learn from his example that can help us when we make mistakes? Why is it important to know that Joseph was called by God even though he was not perfect?

        What does it mean to know your “standing before [God]”? (Joseph Smith—History 1:29).

        • Why is it important to think about our “standing before [God]”?

        Friend April 2023 “Repentance” What is repentance and how is it possible. Also, the steps of repentance.

        Joseph Smith was called by God to do an important work.

        Joseph Smith—History 1:27–54

        Moroni said there was a book made of gold pages or plates. It was buried in a hill near Joseph’s home. The book was about people who lived in the Americas long ago. They knew about Jesus Christ and His gospel. Moroni said God would help Joseph translate the book so people could read it.

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

        Read with the children Joseph Smith—History 1:33–35, and ask them to listen for what Moroni wanted Joseph to know about the work Joseph was called to do. How we are blessed as a result. For example, how have we been blessed because Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon? How has his work helped us come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Invite the children to read the Book of Mormon regularly.

        Draw students’ attention to Moroni’s prophecy about Joseph Smith’s name in Joseph Smith History—1:33. Why do you think there is so much opposition to the Prophet Joseph Smith? You could point out that Satan always opposes truth.

        What are ways you can help fulfill Moroni’s prophecy to speak good of Joseph Smith?

        Why do you think Moroni appeared to Joseph four times (three times during the night and once the next morning), giving him the same message each time?

        You could ask a family member to read aloud part or all of Moroni’s message from Joseph Smith—History 1:33–42 four times (because Moroni repeated this message four times). Between each reading, ask the other family members to share what they remember from his message, without looking at the scriptures. Why might the Lord repeat important messages several times? What are some other ways the Lord teaches us through repetition? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65:)

        (Another option would be to have some items covered on a tray that are related to Moroni’s message. Uncover the tray for a short time and then recover it. See if the children can remember what was on the tray. Do this three more times and see if they remember more each time. Afterwards, use the items on the tray to teach about the words Moroni spoke.)

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

        Display a picture of Moroni visiting Joseph Smith (see Gospel Art Book, no. 91). Ask the children to point out things they notice in the picture. Summarize the account of Moroni’s visits to Joseph.

        Who was Moroni? Show the children the book of Moroni in the Book of
        Mormon. Explain that Moroni was the last of the Nephite prophets. He lived
        about A.D. 400 and wrote some of the Book of Mormon. What did Moroni do
        with the gold plates when he finished writing on them? (Mormon 8:1, 4.) Why
        was Moroni chosen to visit Joseph Smith?

        Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 and CFM Primary 2021

        Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 3: The Angel Moroni and the Gold Plates” Images and Video

        • Or, invite the children to act out or draw pictures of events from Joseph Smith—History 1:30–54, such as Moroni appearing to Joseph (verses 30–47), Joseph talking to his father (verses 48–50), and Joseph finding the plates (verses 51–54). What do we learn from this account about the work Joseph was called to do?
        • Let the kids have fun showing how the angel came back twice more while Joseph was in bed, and then showing Joseph going back to Hill Cumorah each year.

        Receiving the Gold Plates

        “Receiving the Gold Plates” (June 2008 Liahona and May 2008 Friend)
        An illustrated retelling of the story of Joseph Smith receiving the plates from Moroni.

        Friend May 2008

        Friend January 2021 “Getting the Gold Plates” Coloring Page

        Sing or say the words to “An Angel Came to Joseph Smith”(Children’s Songbook, p. 86)

        Joseph is Prepared to Receive the Plates

        God will prepare me to work in His kingdom.

        Joseph Smith—History 1:48–60

        Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 4: Joseph Smith Prepares to Receive the Gold Plates”

        Tell the children that you would like them to help you prepare some things for the lesson. Give some of the children blank wordstrips and pens or pencils, and have them write the following words on the wordstrips: Joseph Smith, prayer, light, Moroni, message, four times. Have another child display the picture of Moroni appearing to Joseph Smith. Thank the children for helping you prepare.

        • Why is it important that we prepare for certain events, such as taking a test in school or giving a talk in Primary? What happens when we do not prepare? Using the wordstrips and the appropriate pictures, have the children help you review what they learned in lesson 3 about Moroni’s visits to Joseph Smith. Remind the children that Joseph was not allowed to take the plates the first time
          he saw them. Explain that Joseph had a great work to do, but he needed to be better prepared in order to do it.

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

        Joseph was only 17 years old when he first saw the gold plates. They weren’t entrusted to his care, however, until four years later. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:48–60, looking for what happened in Joseph’s life during that time. How do you think these events prepared him for the work God called him to do?

        Joseph Smith’s mother, Lucy Mack Smith, wrote that after the first visits of Moroni,
        “Joseph continued to receive instructions from the Lord, and we continued to
        get the children together every evening for the purpose of listening while he
        gave us a relation of the same. . . . During our evening conversations, Joseph
        would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be
        imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their
        dress, mode [method] of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their
        cities, their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their
        religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had
        spent his whole life among them” (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith,
        pp. 82–83). Because he had always been honest, Joseph Smith’s parents and
        brothers and sisters believed all Joseph told them.

        What experiences have you had that have prepared you to serve God and others? What are you currently experiencing that can help you prepare for future service?

        Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 4: Joseph Smith Prepares to Receive the Gold Plates”

        What have Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ given us to help us prepare to
        serve them? (Answers may include scriptures, parents, prophets, teachers,
        the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Primary.) Write the children’s answers to this
        question under the heading Heavenly Father helps me prepare by:.

        • What is our responsibility to help prepare ourselves? Using the items
          listed on the chalkboard, discuss with the children what each of us needs
          to do with the things that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given us
          (for example: scriptures—study them daily; parents—follow their counsel).
          Summarize their answers under the heading I can prepare myself by:.
        • What are we preparing to do? (Serve Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
          and others, in positions such as teacher, missionary, or parent.) How does
          this preparation help us now? How will it help us in the future? Help the
          children realize their responsibility to prepare themselves now to serve (See more at lesson link.)

        The Book of Mormon was given to us by the power of God.

        Book of Mormon Stories: Chapter One “How We Got the Book of Mormon” Video and images about the story of Joseph Smith and the golden plates.

        Why were some ancient records written on metal plates? (Take a piece of paper, tear it, and pour a little water on it.) Explain that during ancient times, the people used other materials than paper for written communications, but those materials could also be easily damaged and could decompose and disintegrates over time. Some ancient historians used metal if they had an important message that they wanted to endure for a long period of time.

        By restoring His gospel, the Savior fulfilled ancient prophecies.

        Joseph Smith—History 1:34–47

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

        Additional Resources

        Scripture Figures: “The Book of Mormon, a Gift From Heavenly Father” (December 2012 Liahona and Friend)
        Scripture figures to go along with the story of Joseph Smith receiving the Golden Plates.

        Friend May 2008

        Liahona January 2021 “What did Moroni Teach Joseph” A short explanation of what Moroni taught Joseph when he appeared to him four times.

        Friend April 2020
        Media Library “Joseph Smith Receives the Gold Plates”

        Friend January 2025 “The Restoration Begins”

        Friend January 2021 “Joseph Smith and the Gold Plates”

        Friend December 2015

        Friend December 2015
        1. After reading the Book of Matthew, Joseph Smith decided to pray about which church to join. (See JS—H 1:11.)
          • True: Move right three dots
          • False: Move left three dots
        2. Joseph Smith was instructed to join any church he wanted to. (See JS—H 1:19.)
          • True: Move up one dot
          • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
        3. Joseph Smith was fourteen years old when he received the First Vision. (See JS—H 1:23.)
          • True: Move down two dots
          • False: Move left two dots
        4. Joseph Smith received a strong testimony of the reality and divinity of Heavenly Father and Jesus, which he never denied. (See JS—H 1:25.)
          • True: Move right three dots
          • False: Move down two dots
        5. Joseph Smith had forgotten to say his prayers the night Moroni first appeared to him. (See JS—H 1:29–30.)
          • True: Move down and right one dot
          • False: Move diagonally up and right two dots
        6. Joseph Smith’s room was very dark while Moroni was there. (See JS—H 1:32.)
          • True: Move down two dots
          • False: Move up two dots
        7. Moroni told Joseph Smith that he, Moroni, had been sent by Noah to teach Joseph. (See JS—H 1:33.)
          • True: Move down one dot
          • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
        8. Moroni told Joseph Smith about certain gold plates that contained the gospel. (See JS—H 1:34.)
          • True: Move down two dots
          • False: Move up two dots
        9. Moroni quoted prophecies from the Old Testament. (See JS—H 1:36–40.)
          • True: Move up two dots
          • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
        10. The Book of Mormon was translated from the gold plates. (See JS—H 1:66–67.)
          • True: Move left three dots
          • False: Move right one dot.

        Protecting the Gold Plates

        After receiving the plates from the angel Moroni, Joseph hid them in a hollow log to keep them safe until he could get a box to lock them in. The next day, while Joseph Smith was at work, his father overheard a group of men plotting to steal the plates. Emma went to warn Joseph, and he, through the Urim and Thummim, was able to see that the plates were safe. He also knew it was time to get the plates from the log to keep them safe.

        “Hurrying to the hill, Joseph found the log where the plates were hidden and carefully wrapped them in a shirt. He then ducked into the woods and headed for home, his eyes alert to danger. …

        “Straining under the weight of the record, Joseph tramped through the woods as fast as he could. A fallen tree blocked the path ahead of him, and as he bounded over it, he felt something hard strike him from behind. Turning around, he saw a man coming at him, wielding a gun like a club.

        “Clutching the plates tightly with one arm, Joseph knocked the man to the ground and scrambled deeper into the thicket. He ran for about half a mile when another man sprang from behind a tree and struck him with the butt of his gun. Joseph fought the man off and darted away, desperate to be out of the woods. But before he could get very far a third man attacked, landing a heavy blow that sent him reeling. Gathering his strength, Joseph hit the man hard and ran for home. …

        “After Joseph brought the gold plates home, treasure seekers tried for weeks to steal them. To keep the record safe, he had to move it from place to place, hiding the plates under the hearth, beneath the floor of his father’s shop, and in piles of grain. He could never let his guard down.

        “… He was determined to care for the plates, trusting in the Lord’s promise that if he did everything he could, they would be protected” (Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, vol. 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846 [2018], 40-41, 43).

        Saints volume 1 “Chapter 4 “Be Watchful”

        Friend May 2008 “Protecting the Gold Plates”

        Martin Harris Visits Professor Anthon

        Replica of gold plate and ancient Egyptian type writing from article in Church News

        A Marvelous Work and a Wonder Video

        Teach the children about Martin Harris’s experiences with Professor Anthon and Dr. Mitchell, as recorded in Joseph Smith—History 1:62–65. Help the children understand that these events fulfilled a prophecy made by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 29:11–12; see also 2 Nephi 27:15–20) thousands of years before Joseph Smith’s time. (Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History: Lesson 5)

        Nephi shared a prophecy about some of the details related to the translation of the Book of Mormon.

        A portion of the book being given to a learned man who says, “I cannot read it” (2 Nephi 27:15–20; Joseph Smith—History 1:64–65; see also Isaiah 29:11).

        Church History Topics “Martin Harris’s Consultations with Scholars” This article tells the story and has pictures of Martin Harris and Professor Anthon.

        • What did Professor Anthon say when Martin Harris first showed him a copy of some of the Book of Mormon writings? (JS—H 1:64.) Why do you think Professor Anthon tore up the certificate when he learned that an angel had shown Joseph Smith where to find the gold plates? (JS—H 1:65.

        • Why do you think the Lord used Joseph Smith, who was an unlearned man, to bring forth the Book of Mormon?

        Joseph and Emma Marry

        Saints volume 1 “Chapter 4 “Be Watchful”

        Scriptures Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “Joseph and Emma”

        Additional Resources

        Songs:

        Music: “The Golden Plates” (Children’s Songbook, 86)

        1. The golden plates lay hidden Deep in the mountainside, Until God found one faithful, In whom he could confide.
        2. A record made by Nephi, Written in days of old; Now, in the Book of Mormon, The story is retold.

        Music: “An Angel Came to Joseph Smith” (Children’s Songbook, 86)

        1. An angel came to Joseph Smith, And from the ground he took A sacred record hidden there, A precious, holy book.
        2. It tells of people long ago, Led by the Lord’s own hand, Who left their homes and crossed the sea To reach a favored land.
        3. The Nephites and the Lamanites, And all who came to dwell, Had peace when they obeyed the Lord, The sacred records tell.
        4. And now I’ll read the sacred book, And then I’ll understand That Heav’nly Father loves us all In each and ev’ry land.

        Music: “An Angel from on High” (Hymns, no. 13)

        Activity Pages

        Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Moroni Buried the Gold Plates”

        Pearl of Great Price Scriptures Coloring Book “Angel Moroni Appears to Joseph”

        Scriptures Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “The Gold Plates”

        Friend January 2021 “Show and Tell” Anna made a diorama of Joseph Smith getting the gold plates.

        People, Places, Events

        Click to see more

        Reconstructed Smith home where Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith

        Gospel Art Picture: “Joseph Smith Receives the Gold Plates”

        Jan 9 2022

        Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5

        Featured

        Table of Contents

        The Fall of Adam and Eve was Part of God’s Plan.

        Old Testament Stories “Adam and Eve” Images and video

        Friend February 2018 “Adam and Eve”

        Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5”

        The Garden of Eden was beautiful. But Adam and Eve needed something more than beautiful surroundings. They needed—and we all need—an opportunity to grow. Leaving the Garden of Eden was the necessary first step toward returning to God and eventually becoming like Him.

        Old Testament Seminary Student Material

        Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5” If Adam and Eve had stayed in the Garden of Eden, they would not have had children and would not have progressed to become like Heavenly Father. We are grateful for their choice to partake of the fruit because this choice made possible our mortal life and our opportunity for eternal life.

        Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

        • To help your children better understand the Fall of Adam and Eve, you could copy the pictures from “Adam and Eve” (in Old Testament Stories, 13–16) and cut them out. Then you could work together to put the pictures in order as you discuss the experiences of Adam and Eve. As you do, talk about why it was important, in Heavenly Father’s plan, for Adam and Eve to leave the Garden of Eden.

        Friend January 2026 “Adam and Eve”

        • Invite the children to work together to tell the story of the Fall of Adam and Eve in their own words. Share verses from Genesis 3 to help them.

        Jesus Christ Saves Us from the Fall.

        Genesis 3; Moses 4; Moses 5:4–15

        Moses 5:4–15

        Media Library: Similitude By Walter Rane

        Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5”

        • Write two titles on the board: Because of Fall of Adam and Eve,(I…) and Because of Jesus Christ, (I…) Help the children identify the consequences of the Fall as you read together Moses 4:23-25; 6:48; Romans 5:12; 2 Nephi 2:22–23. Let them write what they learn under the first title. Then help them identify how Jesus Christ overcame sin and death as you read together Moses 5:8–11, 14–15; 6:59; Alma 11:42. Let them write what they learn under the second title. Why are we thankful for Jesus Christ? Your children can feel gratitude for the Atonement of Jesus Christ as they understand how He overcomes the effects of the Fall.

        Lesson 4: The Fall of Adam and Eve,” Primary 6: Old Testament   Page 13

        Ideas for under the title “Because of Fall of Adam and Eve” could include the following:

          • We could choose to be born on the earth.
          • We know good from evil.
          • We became separated from Heavenly Father.
          • We will someday die.

        Ideas for under the title “Because of Jesus Christ” could include the following:

          • We will live again after we die
          • We can return to Heavenly Father if we will repent.
          • We have a perfect example to follow.
        • Show a video about the Savior’s Atonement, such as “Because of Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to share how they feel about Jesus Christ.

        Friend January 2026 “The Plan of Happiness and You!”

        I Can Choose the Right

        Moses 4:1–4

        Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

        • Consider a simple object lesson to introduce the principle of agency: invite your children to color this week’s activity page, but give them only one color to use. Why would it be better to have choices? You could then read together Moses 4:1–4 and talk about why God wants us to be able to choose between right and wrong. How do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ help us make good choices?

        Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 1-5” Make a booklet about the ways we are like Adam and Eve, such as we have agency

        Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Good Choices Toss” Activity: Sit in a circle and toss a ball around. When you catch the ball, tell about a good choice you made this week.

        • Help your children think of and draw pictures of good choices they can make to follow Jesus Christ. Or you could sing together a song about making good choices, such as “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61). You might tell each other about a time when you made a good choice and talk about how you felt afterward.

        I Can Pray to Heavenly Father.

        Moses 5:4, 8

        Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

        • When Adam and Eve had to leave the Garden of Eden, they couldn’t be with Heavenly Father anymore. Read Moses 5:4, 8 with your children, and help them find what Adam and Eve did to feel near to Him and hear Him.
        Friend February 2017
        • Explain that we pray to Heavenly Father in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ (see Moses 5:8). What are some things we can say to Heavenly Father in our prayers?

        Friend January 2025 “Teach Me About Prayer”

        Friend April 2024 “The Miracle of Prayer” 

        Friend January 2021 “Talking to My Heavenly Father” Action Rhyme

        • Sing with the children a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13).

        Additional Resources

        Lesson 4: The Fall of Adam and Eve,” Primary 6: Old Testament  Place the picture of Adam and Eve next to the one of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Explain that when Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden, they could walk and talk with Heavenly Father and Jesus. To help the children understand why the result of Adam and Eve’s choice is known as the Fall, take the picture of Adam and Eve and move it down below the picture of God the Father and Jesus Christ as you tell of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit. Adam and Eve “fell” or were removed from the presence of God. Explain that because Adam and Eve could no longer freely associate with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, this is referred to as the Fall. Adam and Eve’s separation from Heavenly Father and Jesus began mortal life on earth.

        Lesson 5: Adam and Eve and Their Family Offered Sacrifices,” Primary 6: Old Testament , Page 18–22 To help the children want to always remember Jesus Christ.

        Lesson 6: Adam and Eve Lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Primary 6: Old Testament, Pages 23–26 To help the children understand that the gospel of Jesus Christ is eternal and is based on truths that will help us gain exaltation.

        Lesson 4: The Fall of Adam and Eve,” Primary 6: Old Testament   Ask the children to think of opposites—such as happy and sad, hot and cold, hard and soft, smooth and rough, heavy and light, high and low, or fast and slow—to illustrate the importance of opposition (see 2 Nephi 2:11, 15). Let the children describe their experiences with opposites. To help them get started, you might use the following examples: After someone has been sick, they can better appreciate feeling well. Or without darkness, you cannot recognize light, which is why you cannot see the stars during the day. To illustrate this second example, you might bring a flashlight and show how its light is barely noticeable in a well-lit room, but the light is much brighter when you darken the room.

        Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

        The Red Crystal

        Article of Faith 2

        Memorizing Tip: Adam and Eve were the first two people to live on the earth, and Article of Faith 2 is about Adam.

        To transgress means to break a law or commandment. In the Garden of Eden, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, but they ate it anyway. We are each responsible for our own decisions. We can’t be punished for someone else’s sins.  (Friend Jan 2015)

        Friend Feb 2011

        Friend Feb 2011

        See also Teaching Children the Gospel “2nd Article of Faith”

        Adam and Eve’s Family

        Old Testament Stories “Adam and Eve’s Family” Images and Video

        Friend February 2018 ”Adam and Eve Taught their Family” Link also includes info about Adam and Eve and how we can be like them.

        Coloring Page: “Adam and Eve Teach Their Children” (Feb. 2010 Friend)

        Gospel Media “Adam and Eve Teaching Their Children”

        Cain and Able Gospel Media

        Agency

        • In the preexistence Satan had a plan to destroy the freedoms and agency of the people who came to earth. What did Satan hope to gain from implementing his plan? (Glory and power for himself)

        (Possible activity to demonstrate life without agency) • What would life be like without agency? To help the children imagine what it might be like to live under Lucifer’s plan, tell them that for the next few minutes they must do exactly what you say and nothing else (make sure they know they cannot talk). Have them stand and remain standing perfectly still for a few seconds. Then tell each child where to sit. (Do not sit friends near each other.) Tell the children they must sit erect, feet flat to the floor, looking straight ahead, not moving or speaking. Have them hold the position until you tell them otherwise. After about thirty seconds, let them stand again and sit where they want. (Walk in His Ways pg 62)

        Latter Day Kids “Free to Choose” Lesson ideas

        Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures” Free to Choose” Lesson ideas

        Jan 5 2022

        The First Vision

        Posted on by

        Table of Contents

        The First Vision

        Videos

        Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”

        Latter Day Kids “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” Lesson ideas

        Images

        Illustrated Story

        New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

        “The First Vision” (March 2008 Friend)

        Book of Mormon Stories: Chapter One

        Friend October 2017 “Jesus Visited Joseph”

        Friend April 2020 “Jesus Christ’s Church Is Restored!”

        Friend November 2019 “James Taught the Gospel”

        Friend November 2023 “James Says “Ask of God”

        Friend April 2020 “Hello from the Sacred Grove” Photos of the sacred grove and the recreated home of the Smith family. Also tells the story about Joseph.

        Flannel Board Figures

        Cutout Figures: “Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (March 2008 Friend)

        Friend February 2001 “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”

        Shadow Box/ Diorama Figures

        Friend January 2001 “The First Vision”

        Friend January 2025 “First Vision Diorama”

        Friend January 2025

        For younger children: Go on a walk somewhere peaceful, just like Joseph Smith went to a grove of trees to pray. Tell your little ones the story of the First Vision as you walk.

        Illustrations

        Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

        Friend January 2025 “Cover”

        Paintings

        Gospel Art Picture: “First Vision”

        Gospel Art Picture: “The First Vision”

        Lesson Ideas

        “Joseph Smith … had questions.”

        Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”

        • It might be interesting to your children to explore some of the questions Joseph Smith had that led to the Restoration of the Savior’s gospel. Help them find some examples in Joseph Smith—History 1:10, 29, 68. How are we blessed today because God answered Joseph Smith’s questions?

        Which Church to Join?

        Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,”  (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

        Ask a child to leave the room for a moment. Show the two containers to the rest of the class without letting them see inside. Divide the class into two groups and give each a container. Tell the children in each group that when the child who left the room returns, they are to try to persuade him or her to choose their container. Invite the child to return to the room and choose one of the containers. Ask the child who chose the container questions such as the following:

        • Why did you choose that container?
        • How did you feel when others were trying to tell you what to do?

        Explain that when Joseph Smith was fourteen years old, he was confused about a choice he needed to make. He was trying to decide which church he should join. Other people tried to help him choose a church, but he only became more confused. He felt that he needed more information to make a wise decision: he wanted to know which church was true. Joseph’s situation was similar to that of the child who had to choose between the two containers. Everyone wanted him to choose their church, but he did not know which church was the right choice.

        Why was Joseph confused about which church he should join? (JS—H 1:5–10.)

        New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

        God can answer my questions through the scriptures.

        Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

        • Consider showing your children a variety of books, (like an encyclopedia or a cookbook), and help them think of questions these books could answer. Then show them a copy of the scriptures. What questions can these books answer? Then you could read together Joseph Smith—History 1:10–11 to find out what questions Joseph Smith had and what answers he found in the scriptures.
        • Your children might be able to find words in verse 12 that describe how reading James 1:5 affected Joseph. Then you could share experiences with each other in which a passage of scripture had a powerful influence on you.

        Friend November 2019 “James Taught the Gospel” James, the brother of Jesus, taught the gospel and helped lead the church when he grew up. One of his teachings in James 1:5. says that if we have questions, we can ask God. Many years after James wrote this scripture, a boy named Joseph Smith read it. He prayed to know which church to join. Joseph’s prayer was answered! When I have questions, I can ask God, like James taught. (Memorize James 1:5 as a family. Talk about how this verse led Joseph Smith to receive the First Vision.)

        Friend November 2023 “James Says “Ask of God”

        New Era April 2009 “Line upon Line: James 1:5–6”

        New Era January 2017 “Line upon Line: James 1:5–6”

        Come Follow Me Kid Hop from one scripture line to another and read it out loud and then discuss what it means. For memorizing the scripture have them do it again and say the phrases, and maybe a little faster each time.

        Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.

        Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

        To start a discussion about how we communicate with Heavenly Father, perhaps you and your children could ask each other questions using various communication methods, like a text message, a phone call, or a handwritten note.

        How do we ask questions to Heavenly Father? How do we show Him that we love and honor Him in our prayers? Read together Joseph Smith—History 1:16–19 and discuss how Heavenly Father answered Joseph Smith’s prayer. You and your children could then share experiences when you asked God for help and received an answer.

        New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

        Read with the children Joseph Smith—History 1:10–14. Invite the children to find things Joseph Smith did to receive answers to his questions. How can we follow Joseph’s example when we have questions?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

        Help the children repeat the phrase “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). How do we ask God questions? How does He answer us? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

        Friend November 2023 “I Can Ask God”

        Little LDS Ideas “Answers to Prayers from Heavenly Father Come in Many Ways” Includes lesson ideas

        Friend January 2025 “Coloring Page: Heavenly Father Hears and Answers My Prayers”

        Come Follow Me Kid “We can all receive, if not a heavenly vision, at least a clearer vision, illuminated by heavenly light.” (CFM manual) Cut apart the puzzle pieces and hide them in a dark room. Give each child a flashlight to find the hidden pieces in the dark room. Explain that Heavenly Father will always give us a clearer vision to find answers to our questions when we pray in faith.

        Share your testimony that God answers prayers, and testify that the children can pray to Him when they have questions.

        Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

        Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19

        Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

        • Young children might enjoy standing with outstretched arms pretending to be trees in the Sacred Grove while you tell them about the First Vision. Ask the children to sway as if being blown by the wind while you talk about Joseph praying. Then ask them to stand very still and quiet when you tell them Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to Joseph.

        Gospel Art Picture: “The First Vision”

        • Older children might enjoy using one or more of the pictures in this outline to tell you what they know about the First Vision. Encourage them to refer to Joseph Smith—History 1:14–17 and to share their thoughts and feelings about Joseph’s experience (see also “Chapter 2: Joseph Smith’s First Vision,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 9–12, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library).

        “Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend)

        Ensign January 2021 “How can I Know for Myself” What can we learn from Joseph’s example? How can we “know for ourselves” what is true? He read the scriptures. He asked God in prayer. Sometimes we have to wait for answers. He put effort into finding answers to his questions.

        Friend June 2015

        Friend June 2015

        “Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend) Read the article by President Eyring and then do the crossword puzzle.

        Sing together “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13). Youtube video

        Heavenly Father and Jesus can speak to us through the Holy Ghost

        Friend January 2025 “Just Like Joseph” Lhensay learns in primary that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She asked her mom how she could see them like Joseph did. Her mom explained that most of us won’t see Heavenly Father and Jesus like Joseph Smith did. But They can still speak to us through thoughts and feelings from the Holy Ghost. Then you can know They are always with you. Lhensay remembered the warm feeling she had when learned about the First Vision. That was the Holy Ghost, sending her a message from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! They had spoken to her, just like they had to Joseph Smith!

        I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.

        Joseph Smith—History 1:21–26

        Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

        • Read together Joseph’s testimony in Joseph Smith—History 1:25. Ask the children to look for words and phrases that show Joseph’s faith. How can we remain faithful to God and our testimonies when other people disagree with us?

        How can we handle disagreements without becoming contentious like the people described in this verse?

        For the Strength of Youth January 2025 “The Impossible Paper” I can cut a hole in a regular piece of paper big enough to step through. Don’t believe me? Think it’s impossible? I promise, it’s no trick.

        There may be times your beliefs are challenged by others, or you come across confusing questions. When this happens, think about the “impossible” paper. Decide to trust God and to turn to Him and other good sources for answers.

        Friend November 2019 “Jesus is Real” Everyone at Ismay’s table at school were excitedly talking about Christmas and their favorite traditions such as going to a church service. Suddenly Charlotte spoke up and said, “Jesus isn’t even real.” Ismay was sad to hear this and she quietly bore her testimony to Charlotte that Jesus was real, and that she felt it in her heart. She was glad she had spoken up and planted a seed about Jesus.

        What We Learn from the First Vision

        Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,”  (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

        For the Strength of Youth January 2025 “Looking for Jesus Christ”

        When Heavenly Father appeared to Joseph Smith, the first thing He said was “Joseph” (see Joseph Smith History 1:17). Not “you’ve made a lot of mistakes,” or “I don’t have time for you.” It seems like the first thing Heavenly Father did in restoring the gospel was to make sure Joseph knew that his Father in Heaven knew him and loved him.

        The second thing He did was to introduce Jesus Christ. “This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith History 1:17). Among all the doctrine, eternal truths, principles, and organization to be restored, two things God wanted Joseph (and us) to know upfront were:

        • God knows you personally and loves you.
        • Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and we need to listen to what He has to say.

        Come Follow Me Kid

        Name Treat – Point out that in Joseph Smith – History 1:17, Joseph Smith tells us that Heavenly Father said his (Joseph’s) name. Does Heavenly Father know each of our names? (Yes!) Does He love us? (Yes!) Does He want us to talk to Him through prayer? (Yes!) (Make a treat with each child’s name, or let them decorate a treat with their name.

        Review Activities

        Friend January 2018

        Media Library “The Desires of My Heart” & “The First Vision” (April 2009 Friend)
        A quiz with questions about the First Vision from Joseph Smith—History

        Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

        • To review the account of the First Vision, write summaries of each verse from Joseph Smith—History 1:14–19 on separate slips of paper. Place the papers in a container, and invite the children to choose them one by one and place them on the board in the correct order.

        Songs

        Joseph Smith’s First Prayer/ Oh, How Lovely was the Morning

        Joseph Smith’s First Prayer: Music & Video – Friend January 2017

        [Verse 1]
        Oh, how lovely was the morning!
        Radiant beamed the sun above
        Bees were humming, sweet birds singing
        Music ringing thru the grove
        When within the shady woodland
        Joseph sought the God of love
        When within the shady woodland
        Joseph sought the God of love

        [Verse 2]
        Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing—
        ‘Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer—
        When the pow’rs of sin assailing
        Filled his soul with deep despair;
        But undaunted, still he trusted
        In his Heav’nly Father’s care;
        But undaunted, still he trusted
        In his Heav’nly Father’s care

        [Verse 3]
        Suddenly a light descended
        Brighter far than noonday sun
        And a shining, glorious pillar
        O’er him fell, around him shone
        While appeared two heav’nly beings
        God the Father and the Son
        While appeared two heav’nly beings
        God the Father and the Son

        [Verse 4]
        “Joseph, this is my Beloved;
        Hear him!” Oh, how sweet the word!
        Joseph’s humble prayer was answered
        And he listened to the Lord
        Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
        For he saw the living God;
        Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
        For he saw the living God

        The First Vision

        Friend April 2020 “The First Vision” Music and Video

        • 1. Joseph had a question about the way to go, So faithfully he studied to help his knowledge grow. A scripture struck his heart, inviting him to pray, And Joseph knew that he could ask for God to show him the way.
        • 2. Seeking peaceful quiet, he chose a grove of trees And prayed with all his power for God to hear his plea. The Father and the Son descended from above To answer Joseph’s question and restore the gospel with love.
        • 3. From that wondrous vision, more revelations flowed. The Lord restored the gospel so everyone can know: The heavens are not closed; the Savior speaks today. He calls a prophet in our time to guide our steps in His way.
        • Chorus: He prayed in faith and heaven answered. The Father and the Son knew his name. I kneel to pray. I know God loves me And hears my prayers the same.

        This is My Beloved Son

        Verse 3:
        Joseph saw two glorious beings
        Shining brighter than the sun.
        God again presented Jesus:
        “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

        On a Golden Springtime

        Music: “On a Golden Springtime” (Children’s Songbook, 88)

        Third Verse: On a golden springtime, in a forest glade, The Father and the Son appeared as Joseph knelt and prayed. Awake, awake, O nations all! Receive the gospel light! The gospel true is here for you. Receive its glorious light!

        The Sacred Grove

        Music: “The Sacred Grove” (Children’s Songbook, 87)

        The Sacred Grove was green and fresh, The morning sun shone bright around, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer Upon that sacred ground.

        The Father and the Son appeared. They spoke to him as with one voice. Their message answered all his fears, Their message answered all his fears And made his heart rejoice.

        My Own Sacred Grove

        Friend January 2025 “My Own Sacred Grove” I Can Play It

        Joseph Smith went to a grove full of trees; Seeking Gods wisdom, he fell to his knees. As he pled with the heavens, the sky filled with light, And the Father appeared with His Son, Jesus Christ, Standing above in the air Coming to answer his prayer.

        Chorus: I will find my own sacred grove. Away from all of the noise in the world. I will turn to prayer, For I know He’s there I will find my own sacred grove.

        So many choices with so much at stake. Life’s full of pathways, but which should I take? If I lift up in prayer in the name of the Son, Through the pow’r of the Holy Ghost answers will come. Heavenly Father is there, Ready to answer my prayer.

        Historical Sites of the First Vision

        Friend April 2020 “Hello from the Sacred Grove” Photos of the sacred grove and the recreated home of the Smith family. Also tells the story about Joseph.

        Jan 3 2022

        Pioneers

        Posted on by

        Pioneers: Lesson Ideas

        Pioneer: Stories

        Pioneer: Activities & Games

        Pioneer: Songs

        Pioneer: Refreshment Ideas

        Pioneer: Clipart

        Jan 3 2022

        Church History: Songs

        Posted on by

        Table of Contents

        Joseph Smith

        Praise to the Man

        Joseph Smith’s First Vision

        Joseph Smith’s First Prayer/ Oh, How Lovely was the Morning

        Joseph Smith’s First Prayer: Music & Video – Friend January 2017

        [Verse 1]
        Oh, how lovely was the morning!
        Radiant beamed the sun above
        Bees were humming, sweet birds singing
        Music ringing thru the grove
        When within the shady woodland
        Joseph sought the God of love
        When within the shady woodland
        Joseph sought the God of love

        [Verse 2]
        Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing—
        ‘Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer—
        When the pow’rs of sin assailing
        Filled his soul with deep despair;
        But undaunted, still he trusted
        In his Heav’nly Father’s care;
        But undaunted, still he trusted
        In his Heav’nly Father’s care

        [Verse 3]
        Suddenly a light descended
        Brighter far than noonday sun
        And a shining, glorious pillar
        O’er him fell, around him shone
        While appeared two heav’nly beings
        God the Father and the Son
        While appeared two heav’nly beings
        God the Father and the Son

        [Verse 4]
        “Joseph, this is my Beloved;
        Hear him!” Oh, how sweet the word!
        Joseph’s humble prayer was answered
        And he listened to the Lord
        Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
        For he saw the living God;
        Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
        For he saw the living God

        The First Vision

        Friend April 2020 “The First Vision” Music and Video

        • 1. Joseph had a question about the way to go, So faithfully he studied to help his knowledge grow. A scripture struck his heart, inviting him to pray, And Joseph knew that he could ask for God to show him the way.
        • 2. Seeking peaceful quiet, he chose a grove of trees And prayed with all his power for God to hear his plea. The Father and the Son descended from above To answer Joseph’s question and restore the gospel with love.
        • 3. From that wondrous vision, more revelations flowed. The Lord restored the gospel so everyone can know: The heavens are not closed; the Savior speaks today. He calls a prophet in our time to guide our steps in His way.
        • Chorus: He prayed in faith and heaven answered. The Father and the Son knew his name. I kneel to pray. I know God loves me And hears my prayers the same.

        This is My Beloved Son

        Verse 3:
        Joseph saw two glorious beings
        Shining brighter than the sun.
        God again presented Jesus:
        “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

        On a Golden Springtime

        Music: “On a Golden Springtime” (Children’s Songbook, 88)

        Third Verse: On a golden springtime, in a forest glade, The Father and the Son appeared as Joseph knelt and prayed. Awake, awake, O nations all! Receive the gospel light! The gospel true is here for you. Receive its glorious light!

        The Sacred Grove

        Music: “The Sacred Grove” (Children’s Songbook, 87)

        The Sacred Grove was green and fresh, The morning sun shone bright around, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer Upon that sacred ground.

        The Father and the Son appeared. They spoke to him as with one voice. Their message answered all his fears, Their message answered all his fears And made his heart rejoice.

        My Own Sacred Grove

        Friend January 2025 “My Own Sacred Grove” I Can Play It

        Joseph Smith went to a grove full of trees; Seeking Gods wisdom, he fell to his knees. As he pled with the heavens, the sky filled with light, And the Father appeared with His Son, Jesus Christ, Standing above in the air Coming to answer his prayer.

        Chorus: I will find my own sacred grove. Away from all of the noise in the world. I will turn to prayer, For I know He’s there I will find my own sacred grove.

        So many choices with so much at stake. Life’s full of pathways, but which should I take? If I lift up in prayer in the name of the Son, Through the pow’r of the Holy Ghost answers will come. Heavenly Father is there, Ready to answer my prayer.

        Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon

        The Golden Plates

        Music: “The Golden Plates” (Children’s Songbook, 86)

        1. The golden plates lay hidden Deep in the mountainside, Until God found one faithful, In whom he could confide.
        2. A record made by Nephi, Written in days of old; Now, in the Book of Mormon, The story is retold.

        An Angel Came to Joseph Smith

        Sing or say the words to “An Angel Came to Joseph Smith”(Children’s Songbook, p. 86)

        1. An angel came to Joseph Smith, And from the ground he took A sacred record hidden there, A precious, holy book.
        2. It tells of people long ago, Led by the Lord’s own hand, Who left their homes and crossed the sea To reach a favored land.
        3. The Nephites and the Lamanites, And all who came to dwell, Had peace when they obeyed the Lord, The sacred records tell.
        4. And now I’ll read the sacred book, And then I’ll understand That Heav’nly Father loves us all In each and ev’ry land.

        An Angel From on High

        See also “An Angel from on High,” Hymns, no. 13.

        1. An angel from on high The long, long silence broke; Descending from the sky, These gracious words he spoke: Lo! in Cumorah’s lonely hill A sacred record lies concealed. Lo! in Cumorah’s lonely hill A sacred record lies concealed.

        2.Sealed by Moroni’s hand, It has for ages lain To wait the Lord’s command, From dust to speak again. It shall again to light come forth To usher in Christ’s reign on earth. It shall again to light come forth To usher in Christ’s reign on earth.

        3.It speaks of Joseph’s seed And makes the remnant known Of nations long since dead, Who once had dwelt alone. The fulness of the gospel, too, Its pages will reveal to view. The fulness of the gospel, too, Its pages will reveal to view.

        Restoration

        Jesus’ Church has been Restored

        Jesus’ Church has been Restored: Friend May 2017 – Music & Video

        Jesus blessed the children when He walked in Galilee, He brought a young girl back to life. He blessed the blind to see. But some forgot! His Church was lost with its authority. Now priesthood pow’r is back on earth to bless a child like me.

        Heav’nly Father and His Son came to the Sacred Grove. They brought the Church to earth again so all could feel Their love. Moroni and Elijah came—and Peter, James, and John—With precious keys and blessings that for centuries were gone.

        Temples all around the world, Apostles, revelation: These all are part of God’s great gift—the gospel’s restoration. The sacrament I take each week, baptism, confirmation: I’m thankful for God’s gift to me—the gospel’s restoration.

        Now gospel truths are back once more, For Jesus’ Church has been restored.

        The Priesthood is Restored

        Pioneer Songs

        I’m a Pioneer Too

        Friend July 2020 “I’m a Pioneer Too” Song and Sing-Along Music Video

        1. From England to Samoa, From Kenya to Peru, Brave pioneers in every land Helped spread the gospel true.
        2. Some pioneers pulled handcarts; Some sailed across the sea. On plains and shores and mountains, they Blazed paths for you and me.
        3. They listened to the prophets, Built towns and temples too. Their faith was strong in Jesus Christ. Their courage saw them through.
        4. Chorus: The Lord has trails for me to blaze And work for me to do. Each time I bravely walk with faith, I’m a pioneer too!

        When I Hear of Pioneer Children

        Friend July 2016 “When I Hear of Pioneer Children”

        • When I hear of pioneer children,
        • Of trials and courage and faith,
        • I want to be willing as they were
        • To look to the Lord for my strength.
        • I’ll follow the prophets as they did,
        • For I want to build Zion too!
        • I’ll try to have faith to do hard things
        • When that’s what He needs me to do.
        • When I hear of pioneer children,
        • I want to be strong for my day.
        • I’ll try to keep all the commandments
        • And be a true Latter-day Saint.
        • I’ll stand as a shining example
        • That others who follow will see,
        • I’ll be like those pioneer children;
        • The Lord is depending on me.

        Come, Come Ye Saints

        Friend July 2017 “Come, Come Ye Saints” Simplified sheet music and music video

        Pioneer Song Review Games

          Pioneer Choosing Activity

        Since it was Pioneer Day this week, I decided to have the children sing pioneer songs for music time. I started out with a choosing activity. I used the crickets and seagull idea from Sugar Doodle. I covered the outside of a metal bowl with green tissue paper to make it look like a green hill. I printed off some crickets and a seagull from clip art on Microsoft Word.  I used double sided tape and taped a strong magnet to the back of each cricket. I also wrote the name of a pioneer song on the back of each cricket. I put the crickets on the bowl. I taped one end of a string to the back of the seagull. I taped the other end to a dowel rod. On the back of the seagull’s beak I attached a paper clip.

        In Primary I told the story of the crickets and the seagulls. After that I had a child “fly” the seagull to the crickets and pick one up with the beak. We sang what song was on the back. I chose the following songs to put on the back of the crickets:

        Pioneer Children Sang as They Walked

        For this song I had the senior primary children get up and move over one seat every time they sang the word “walked”. This only works if you have all the children sitting in an even number of rows and in one section with no aisles. The children in the front row will move to the left, the children in the second row will move to the right, and so forth. When a child comes to the end of their row, they will go to the row in front of them. If they are already on the front row, they will move to the back row.

        The children loved this activity. The teachers even wanted to participate, which was good because they helped any children that were unsure of what to do. (I had pages of a flip chart made by Jolly Jen posted on the board just incase someone didn’t know the words.)

        For junior primary have them slowly walk randomly around the room as they sing the first two lines. Then have them stop and do the following actions: rub their hands together for washing in the stream, hammering action for work, jumping rope for play, making a tent with finger tips pressed together for camped, making a book with open palms together for read, and making praying hands for the word prayed. Then have them start walking again as they sing the last line, but this time have them walk back to their seats. On the last walk word have them sit down.

        The Handcart Song

        For the handcart song, I used the hand cart racing activity -July Friend 1981 Funstuff.  Since we aren’t supposed to use competition in Primary, I had the teachers do this activity. The kids thought that was funny. I tied the two strings to two empty chairs in the front row. I had the words/flip-chart made by Laurie Lee posted on the board. I told the teachers they could begin racing when we started singing the second half of the song. (The children knew the second half of the song better than the first, so they were able to watch the race and sing at the same time.)

        It is really hard to get those pictures to move along the string, so it was funny watching the teachers try all kinds of ways to make them

        To Be a Pioneer

        For this song I used the pictures found on page 3 of the July 2010 Friend (flip-chart). I posted them on a display board. You could put the do’s and don’ts on different sides. I had a child wear a bonnet to represent a pioneer. She did the actions to the first part of the song such as: pretending to push a handcart, waving goodbye, walking. Then when it came to the part “to be a pioneer” she pointed to herself.

        I told the childen they could develop the characteristics of a pioneer such as courage, faith, and working for a cause that is right. I used a boy with a missionary tag to be a modern pioneer. He pointed to himself when we came to the ending part “to be a pioneer”

        Friend July 2019 “To Be a Pioneer” Simplified playing version and music video.

        Fun to Do

        We also did Sugardoodle pioneer actions to the song Fun to Do. I had them start off with bouncing on their chair to represent riding in a wagon (Riding in wagon is fun to do). Then I asked if they could think of any other actions pioneers did. I gave them some suggestions. They came up with “getting warm by the fire is fun to do”. They put their hands out like feeling the warmth and then rubbed their hands together. They also wanted to do milking a cow.