Tag Archives: primary

Aug 20 2020

Humility/ Pride: Lesson Ideas

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Table of Contents

If I am humble, the Lord can teach me.

Alma 32:1–13, 27–28 Alma 31:8–35

Ask the children what they remember learning last week about the Zoramites (see Alma 31:8–24). Remind them that one reason Alma was worried about them was their pride (see Alma 31:24–28).

The Zoramites were trying to elevate themselves above others and declare that they were better than everyone else.

Definition of Pride: A inflated, high opinion of one’s own importance, merit, or superiority.

In what ways might people think they are better than others and become lifted up in pride? Answers might include the following: people may think they are better than others because of how smart,  pretty or handsome, athletic, wealthy, or talented they are. (Have the children build with blocks, or cut out the following image into pieces and post them on the board, or draw a part of the Rameumptom tower on the board as each answer is given.)

What did the Zoramites set their hearts on? (see Alma 31:24, 28). What are some worldly things that people set their hearts on today?

Ask the children how they would feel if they were being made fun of for not being as smart, good looking, athletic, talented, or rich as someone else.

Read together Alma 32:1–5, and ask the children to summarize what had happened to the Zoramites who were poor. Then invite the children to read verses 12–13 to find out why Alma felt that being cast out of their synagogues (or churches) was a good thing for these Zoramites. What are some of the blessings that come from being humble?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

What is humility? A modest opinion of one’s own importance, rank, etc.  Guide to the Scriptures: The condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to His will.

What are some of the blessings that come from being humble? Teachable, turn heart to the Lord, etc.

Display a hard, solid object (like a stone) to represent a hard or prideful heart and something soft (like soil) to represent a soft or humble heart. Let the children feel both objects. Then show the children a seed to represent the word of God. Invite them to try to push the seed into the hard object and the soft object. Read together Alma 32:27–28, and talk about what it might mean to “give place” (verse 27) for the word of God in our hearts. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

How can we humble ourselves so we are not lifted up in pride? (Have the children take off or erase a level of the Rameumpton tower for every answer they give.) Answers may include the following: by remembering that our gifts, talents, and abilities come from the Lord, by praying for humility, by looking for the good in others, by building love for others by praying for them and serving  them.

The Lord can teach me as I choose to be humble.

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35) Alma and Amulek had success teaching the Zoramites who were humble. Invite your children to complete a sentence like “I am being humble when I ______ .”

The following video about pride and humility is from Latterdaykids.com.

I will be blessed as I follow God’s counsel.

2 Nephi 9:20, 28–29, 42–43

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 6-10” Invite the children to tell you about something they know a lot about, such as a favorite book or hobby. Ask a child to read 2 Nephi 9:20, and testify that God “[knows] all things.” Why is it important for us to understand that God knows everything?

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 6-10” Your children are likely to interact with people (if they haven’t already) who think that the Lord’s commandments are foolish or out of date. Maybe you and your children could talk about how to explain why we’re happy to keep the commandments. Why is it important to trust God’s counsel even if we do not completely understand it? You could encourage them to look in 2 Nephi 9:20, 28–29, 42–43 for help with thinking about and discussing these questions.

Friend January 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?”

28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.

29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.

Definition of Pride: A inflated, high opinion of one’s own importance, merit, or superiority.

What is humility? A modest opinion of one’s own importance, rank, etc.  Guide to the Scriptures: The condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to His will.

Read together Proverbs 3:5–7, and invite the children to list the things these verses say we should do and should not do. Ask them what they feel each of these things might mean. What qualities do we find in people we trust? What qualities does the Lord have that help us trust Him?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022 To help family members visualize what these verses teach, you could invite them to lean against something sturdy and stable, like a wall. Then they could try leaning against something that is not sturdy, like a broom. Why should we “lean not unto [our] own understanding”? How can we show that we trust Jesus Christ with all our hearts?

Friend November 2019)

Liahona February 2024 “He Did Provide Means for Us” Tells of how the Lord provided during trials when Nephi was trying to be obedient.

See also Faith

It’s okay to get help now and then

Friend November 2022A “Little Extra Help” Alex was embarrassed that he had to go to speech therapy. His teacher said we all need a little help sometime. Then he found out that other kids in his class had to go special classes to get help with reading, social skills, and physical therapy. He was glad the other kids were getting the help they needed to feel better. He learned that it was okay to get help.

When I am humble, Heavenly Father will bless me.

Helaman 1–6

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1–6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

As you read Helaman 1–6—and throughout the Book of Mormon—you may notice a pattern in the behavior of the Nephites: When the Nephites are righteous, God blesses them and they prosper. After a time, they become prideful and wicked, making choices that lead to destruction and suffering. Then they are humbled and inspired to repent, and God blesses them once again. The pattern repeats itself so often that some people call it the “pride cycle.”

In Helaman 3, Mormon described a time when the Church was so prosperous and blessed that even the leaders were surprised (see verses 24–32). Eventually some people became prideful, while others grew “stronger and stronger in their humility, … even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts” (Helaman 3:35). Notice what the more humble people did to become sanctified. The Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) defines sanctification as “the process of becoming free from sin, pure, clean, and holy through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

  • Let the children help you draw on the board the following diagram of the “pride cycle.” Read together Helaman 3:24, 33–34 and 4:11–15, and invite the children to point to the parts of the cycle these verses describe.
  • Write the words Humble and Prideful on the board. Write a few examples of humble or prideful actions on slips of paper, and invite the children to take turns selecting a paper and putting it next to the word on the board that describes that action. What are some of the ways we can choose to be humble?

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Pride Cycle”

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 41: The Jaredites Reject the Prophets,”  See Ether

  1. Make the following wordstrips: Righteousness, Blessings, Prosperity, Pride, Wickedness, Suffering or destruction, Humility, Repentance. Explain that throughout history when people have been righteous, Heavenly Father has blessed them with prosperity. Unfortunately this prosperity can lead to pride and wickedness and sometimes complete destruction.Explain that this is what happened to the Jaredites. At first they were a righteous people and were blessed and prospered. (Draw a large circle on the chalkboard, and have the children put up the wordstrips “Righteousness,” “Blessings,” and “Prosperity” in the proper places on the circle [see the following illustration].) Then the Jaredites became proud and rejected the prophets. The people became so wicked that they were entirely destroyed. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Pride,” “Wickedness,” and “Suffering or destruction” in the proper places on the circle.) Explain that if the Jaredites had humbled themselves and repented before they were destroyed, they could have returned to enjoying the blessings of righteous living. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Humility” and “Repentance” in the proper places on the circle.) Help the children understand that this cycle often happens in our personal lives as well as in the history of nations.Cycle of HistoryRighteousnessBlessingsProsperityPrideWickednessSuffering or destructionHumilityRepentance
  2. Have the children make their own copies of the cycle of history to take home and share with their families. The children could make their cycles more personal by including such things as “listening to the prophets,” “obeying my parents,” “praying daily,” “expressing gratitude,” “serving others,” and so on.

I can choose to be faithful, humble, and obedient.

2 Kings 5:1–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” Naaman had a hard time obeying when the prophet Elisha told him how to be cured of leprosy. Ponder how you can help the children understand the blessings that come from being obedient.

  • Tell the story of Naaman (see 2 Kings 5:9–14; “Elisha Heals Naaman” in Old Testament Stories; see also the picture of Naaman in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Emphasize that at first Naaman did not want to wash in the Jordan River, even though Elisha told him that this would heal his disease. Tell about a time when you weren’t sure you wanted to do the right thing, and help the children think of their own examples. Then share how Naaman was blessed when he made the right choice.
  • Read 2 Kings 5:13 to the children, and explain that Naaman’s servants helped him decide to obey the prophet Elisha. Help the children think of ways they could help their friends or family members listen to and obey the prophet.

2 Kings 5:1–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” Naaman wanted to be healed of leprosy, but he wasn’t expecting the simple instruction Elisha gave him: “Go and wash in Jordan seven times” (2 Kings 5:10). Consider how you could use this story to teach the children about faith in Jesus Christ, humility, and obedience.

  • Write faith, humility, and obedience on the board, and ask the children what these words mean (see True to the Faith, 54–56, 86–87, 108–9). Invite the children to read 2 Kings 5:9–14. You could also show parts of the video “Naaman and Elisha” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How did Naaman show faith in the Lord, humility, and obedience? Why is it important for us to have these qualities?
  • Ask the children to tell about a time when a friend helped them choose the right. Also share an experience of your own. Read together 2 Kings 5:10–13 to learn how Naaman’s servants helped him choose to obey the prophet. What can we do to help each other follow our prophet today?
  • Invite the children to complete the activity page and share with a family member or friend something they learned from the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1–15.

“Lesson 35: Naaman Is Healed,” Primary 6: Old Testament To strengthen each child’s desire to obey righteous leaders.

Friend July 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Naaman and the Miracle”

Story: Naaman had a sickness called leprosy. The prophet Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed. At first, Naaman didn’t want to. But when Naaman did what Elisha said, he was healed! (See 2 Kings 5.)

Song: “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Songbook, 197)

Activity: Make or draw a pretend river using rocks, sticks, chalk, or blankets. Then jump on your river seven times. Talk about how doing simple things God asks us to do can help us.

For the Strength of Youth July 2022 “Some Great Thing”

Friend July 1990 “Elisha and Naaman”

Old Testament Coloring Book “Elisha and Naaman”

Latter Day Kids “Elisha Heals Naaman-Obedience” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Trust in God and His Prophet” Lesson ideas

Pride

Puffed Up with Pride

Book of Mormon Teacher Resource Manual: 2 Nephi 25-30.  Bring some whole-grain wheat or rice to class along with some puffed wheat or rice. (This demonstration will also work with popcorn.) Show the puffed cereal to the class and ask what it is. Show the whole-grain cereal and ask: Which of these could you store the longest? Why? (The whole-grain cereal would store best because it is still protected by its hull.) Ask some or all of the following questions:

  • How is puffed grain made? (Grain is heated in a closed container until it is hotter than the temperature at which water turns to vapor. When the pressure is released, the water in the kernel turns to steam and explodes the kernel.)
  • Do we ever get into life situations that “put the heat (or pressure) on” and then, when circumstances change, we become “puffed up”?
  • What does it mean when people get “puffed up”? (They become conceited and snobbish. A person who is “puffed up” does not feel a need to rely on the Lord.)
  • Which has more food value: a bushel of whole grain or a bushel of puffed grain? Why? (With whole grain you get more food value. The puffed grain is mostly air.)
  • Which would you rather have: five “puffed up” friends or five sincere friends?
  • Which kind of friend would you rather be?
Friend July 2017

Ensign April 2020 “Weekly CFM Insights” Why Does King Benjamin Invite Us to Become like a Child?

Mormon 3:3, 9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

Read Mormon 3:3 and 9 to the children, and explain that the Nephites had not recognized that Heavenly Father had blessed them. (Instead they became prideful and boasted in their own strength.)

What happens when we become prideful and boastful and wicked? We lose the guidance and protection of the Holy Ghost and we are left to our own devices. What happened to the Nephites after they became boastful and vengeful. (See Mormon 3:11 & 4:1-5) They faced the consequences of their actions.

Help the children think of blessings Heavenly Father has given them. Show pictures or objects to give them ideas. What can we do today to show we are thankful to Heavenly Father for our blessings?

Help the children think of blessings Heavenly Father has given them, and ask them to draw pictures of some of these blessings. Invite them to hang their pictures somewhere at home where they can see them and remember that Heavenly Father blesses them in many ways. You could also invite them to identify blessings that come from Heavenly Father as they sing the first verse of “I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7).

Lesson 22: Israel and the Brass Serpent,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 95–100
To encourage the children to be humble and have faith in Jesus Christ.

nine-dot puzzle
As you read the following words at random, ask the children to put their thumbs up if the word describes someone who is humble and their thumbs down if the word describes someone who is not humble.
Humble:
teachable
confident
thoughtful
helpful
respectful
patient
understanding
grateful
obedient
gentle
Not Humble:
proud
self-righteous
snobbish
boastful
vain
conceited
critical
hard-hearted
unchanging
selfish
Have the children act out or discuss some of the following situations and then determine who is humble in each situation:
A person who talks during an entire meal, not giving others a chance to talk.
A brother who says to his younger sister, “That’s a good idea; I wouldn’t have thought of that.”
A person who says, “Okay, I need help; it’s harder to pound nails straight than I thought it would be.”
A person who insists that his room is clean and who refuses to clean it even after his parents tell him that they have noticed dust and dirt.
A person who loses a tennis match and honestly says to the winner, “Thanks for the game. You are a good player.”
A person in school who thinks, “I don’t need to listen; I already know all this stuff.”
A sister who helps a younger brother play a simple game, even though she would rather play something else.
A Primary teacher who says, “I don’t know the answer to that question; I’ll have to study more and pray for understanding.”
A person who brags about her possessions and refuses to play with children who do not dress as nicely as she does.
A person who takes credit for everything good that happens to him.
A person who, when asked to give a talk, says, “Yes, I’ll do it. It is hard for me, but I’ll prepare and do my best.”
To help the children understand some of the blessings Heavenly Father has promised those who are humble, have them match the following promises and scripture references. Assign each class member a scripture, and have the children read their assigned scriptures silently. Then read aloud the promises in the column on the right and match the promise with its verse.
Scriptures:
Promises to the Humble:
2 Chronicles 7:14
If we turn away from sin, God will hear our prayers and forgive our sins.
Matthew 18:4
We can be great in the kingdom of heaven.
D&C 1:28
We can be made strong and receive knowledge.
D&C 112:10
The Lord will guide us and answer our prayers.
Ask the children to each write on a piece of paper a few of their talents. Ask if we can be talented and humble at the same time. Explain that each of us has been given talents to develop. Some people want to take credit for their talents, thinking that they did all the work to develop them. Other people belittle themselves, saying they have no talents. True humility is not to belittle or make light of our abilities. It is seeing ourselves as God sees us and recognizing that, as children of God, he has given us all that we have, and that each of us has been blessed with many talents.
Before class make the following wordstrips:
I have no gifts or talents.
My talents come from my own efforts and are not a gift from Heavenly Father.
I know that Heavenly Father gave me my talents, and I need his help to develop them.
Write each of the following words on separate pieces of paper:
Humble
Grateful
Ungrateful
Fearful
Discouraged
Selfish
Snobbish
Bragging
Truthful
Place the papers, with the words facing down, in three columns on the floor. Let the children take turns tossing a beanbag onto one of the papers. Then decide together which attitude each word best describes and why.
A humble person is not jealous of another’s accomplishments and talents but rejoices in the successes of others. Make a copy of the following figures and cut them out. Place the figure titled “Myself” on the floor; then put the figure titled “Another Person” directly below it. Ask which figure is larger. Reverse the positions of the figures and ask which one looks larger. Then hold the figures side by side to show that they are actually the same size. Point out that no person is more important than another person, even when it may appear that he or she is. Help the children understand that we are all sons and daughters of God and are all equally important.

Pride of the World

• The people of the world who were mocking those who partook of the fruit were in a great and spacious building that appeared to be floating in the air. What did the great and spacious building represent? (See 1 Nephi 11:36) (Put the “Pride of the World” label next to the building.)

Pride and feelings of superiority because of possessions, physical abilities, or accomplishments are empty and have nothing to hold them up because everything we have comes from God. Like the building floating in the air, people lifted up in pride eventually will fall. They do not realize that the things the world values such as wealth, honors, physical beauty, and physical ability have no value after death. The only thing of value will be the relationships and the righteous characteristics we develop while on the earth. If we spend our time seeking after worldly things, we may miss the opportunity to develop the things that will be important in the eternities.

Humility is the Antidote to Pride

For the Strength of Youth April 2024 “Antidotes to Relationship Toxins” An antidote is a medicine that counteracts a poison or toxin. Figuratively, an antidote is something that “cures” a bad feeling or situation. For example, President Russell M. Nelson said, “Charity is the antidote to contention.”1 Not all physical poisons have antidotes. But through the Savior, we can find cures for our personal poisons—including the ones in our relationships with others.

Aug 18 2020

Helaman 1-6

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Table of Contents

Helaman CHAPTER 1 Pahoran the second becomes chief judge and is murdered by Kishkumen—Pacumeni fills the judgment seat—Coriantumr leads the Lamanite armies, takes Zarahemla, and slays Pacumeni—Moronihah defeats the Lamanites and retakes Zarahemla, and Coriantumr is slain. About 52–50 B.C.

Helaman CHAPTER 2 Helaman, the son of Helaman, becomes chief judge—Gadianton leads the band of Kishkumen—Helaman’s servant slays Kishkumen, and the Gadianton band flees into the wilderness. About 50–49 B.C.

Helaman CHAPTER 3 Many Nephites migrate to the land northward—They build houses of cement and keep many records—Tens of thousands are converted and baptized—The word of God leads men to salvation—Nephi the son of Helaman fills the judgment seat. About 49–39 B.C.

Helaman CHAPTER 4 Nephite dissenters and the Lamanites join forces and take the land of Zarahemla—The Nephites’ defeats come because of their wickedness—The Church dwindles, and the people become weak like the Lamanites. About 38–30 B.C.

Helaman CHAPTER 5 Nephi and Lehi devote themselves to preaching—Their names invite them to pattern their lives after their forebears—Christ redeems those who repent—Nephi and Lehi make many converts and are imprisoned, and fire encircles them—A cloud of darkness overshadows three hundred people—The earth shakes, and a voice commands men to repent—Nephi and Lehi converse with angels, and the multitude is encircled by fire. About 30 B.C.

Helaman CHAPTER 6 The righteous Lamanites preach to the wicked Nephites—Both peoples prosper during an era of peace and plenty—Lucifer, the author of sin, stirs up the hearts of the wicked and the Gadianton robbers in murder and wickedness—The robbers take over the Nephite government. About 29–23 B.C.

Friend August 2024

Helaman 3-4

Helaman 3:27–30

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6”

  • As the prophet Mormon abridged the sacred records, he occasionally used the phrase “thus we see” to emphasize important truths. What did he want us to see in Helaman 3:27–30? Throughout your study this week, you might pause occasionally to ask family members how they would complete the phrase “and thus we see” regarding what they have read. What truths do they want to emphasize?

Nephite Cycle of Pride

Heavenly Father wants me to be humble.

Helaman 3:24, 33–34; 4:11–15

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1–6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

  • As you read Helaman 1–6—and throughout the Book of Mormon—you may notice a pattern in the behavior of the Nephites: When the Nephites are righteous, God blesses them and they prosper. After a time, they become prideful and wicked, making choices that lead to destruction and suffering. Then they are humbled and inspired to repent, and God blesses them once again. The pattern repeats itself so often that some people call it the “pride cycle.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

  • Write the words Humble and Prideful on the board. Write a few examples of humble or prideful actions on slips of paper, and invite the children to take turns selecting a paper and putting it next to the word on the board that describes that action. What are some of the ways we can choose to be humble?

Primary in Zion

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 1-6”

  • Consider inviting your children to draw their own version of the “pride cycle,” based on the diagram above (on a paper or on the board). Then, as you read together Helaman 3:24, 33–34 and 4:11–15, they could point to the parts of the cycle these verses describe. How can we choose to be humble—and remain that way?

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Pride Cycle”

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 41: The Jaredites Reject the Prophets,”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1–6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

    • In Helaman 3, Mormon described a time when the Church was so prosperous and blessed that even the leaders were surprised (see verses 24–32). Eventually some people became prideful, while others grew “stronger and stronger in their humility, … even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts” (Helaman 3:35). Notice what the more humble people did to become sanctified. The Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) defines sanctification as “the process of becoming free from sin, pure, clean, and holy through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

    Helaman 5

    Nephi and Lehi Surrounded by Flames in Prison

    I can build my foundation on Jesus Christ.

    Helaman 5:12

    Primary 4: Book of Mormon“Lesson 28: Nephi and Lehi in Prison,”  Explain that before a building is built, the workers make a strong foundation for the building to rest on for support. Have the children compare the stability of a rock and sand as foundations to build on. Put a medium-sized rock and a box lid or shallow pan with sand or salt in it on the table. Blow on the rock and then blow on the sand or salt.

    Ask the children if they were building a home why they would choose rock rather than sand for a foundation. Explain that the scriptures compare Jesus Christ to the rock as being a strong foundation on which to build our lives. We build our lives on the rock foundation of Christ when we choose to live his teachings.

    Friend August 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Testify that Jesus is strong, like the stones. He can help us be strong too.

    Friend August 2020 “Bright Idea” When I build my foundation on Jesus Christ, I can stand strong! (See Helaman 5:12.)

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 1-6”

    • Invite your children to build a tower using blocks or other materials on different kinds of foundations (such as cotton balls or a flat stone). How is the solid foundation like Jesus Christ? They could add a block to the structure for each idea they share about what they can do to follow Him.

    Friend August 2020 “A Strong Foundation” Helaman taught that we need to build our foundation on Jesus Christ (see Helaman 5:12). That means doing things that will bring us closer to Him. When we do, we will be able to withstand hard things in life.

    1. Choose a rock and read the scripture on it. How does doing that thing make you strong and bring you closer to Christ?
    2. Put the rock under the temple to build a strong foundation. Keep playing until all the rocks are in place.

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1–6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

    • To help your family visualize what it means to have “a sure foundation,” perhaps you could build a small structure together and place it on different kinds of foundations. You could then create a “mighty storm” by spraying water on it and using a fan or hair dryer to create wind. What happened to the structure when it was on the different foundations? How is Jesus Christ like “a sure foundation” in our lives?

    Friend September 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Helaman taught his sons to build their lives on the strong foundation of Jesus Christ (see Helaman 5:12). A foundation is what something is built on. A strong foundation makes the whole building strong, even through storms. Build two towers—one on a strong foundation and one on a weak foundation. Which tower is more stable? How can we build our lives on Jesus Christ?

    For younger children: Help your little ones find some thing they think is really strong. What did they find? Teach that we can be strong with Jesus Christ

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

    • Read the first few lines of Helaman 5:12, and ask the children to raise their hands when they hear who the “rock” is that should be our foundation.
    • Invite the children to do actions as you read Helaman 5:12. For example, they could wave their arms when you read about the devil’s “mighty storm” and stand in one place when you read about the “rock of our Redeemer.”
    • Invite children to color the activity page, and help them cut it out. What can we do to build our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ? Share some of the ways you have built your life on the Savior and how doing so has blessed your life.

    Sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281) See here for teaching ideas, sing-along videos, and visual aid ideas.

    Remembering Righteous Examples

    Helaman 5:6–7

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6”

    • President George Albert Smith’s deceased grandfather George A. Smith appeared to him in a dream and asked, “I would like to know what you have done with my name.” President Smith responded, “I have never done anything with your name of which you need be ashamed” (in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith [2011], xxvi). After reading Helaman 5:6–7, perhaps you could talk to your family members about remembering and honoring the names we carry, including the name of the Savior.

    Ensign August 2020 “Family Study Fun”

    Read Helaman 5:6–7 together and talk about how Nephi and Lehi were named after righteous ancestors.

    Invite the children to scan Helaman 5:5–14 and count how many times the word “remember” is mentioned. What did Helaman teach his sons that they should remember? How can remembering these things help us make Jesus Christ the foundation of our lives?

    1. Invite a family member to say the first letter of their first name.
    2. Each person in the family then tries to name a righteous person in the scriptures, or an ancestor, whose name also starts with that letter.
    3. Play again until everyone has had a chance to use their first initial.

    Discussion: How can remembering examples from the scriptures and our righteous ancestors help us make good choices?

    Invite the children to scan Helaman 5:5–14 and count how many times the word “remember” is mentioned. What did Helaman teach his sons that they should remember? How can remembering these things help us make Jesus Christ the foundation of our lives?

    Ensign August 2020 “Do You Remember to Remember?”

    The Holy Ghost whispers with a still, small voice.

    Helaman 5:21–52

    Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 37: Nephi and Lehi in Prison” Images and Video.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 1-6”

    • The voice described in Helaman 5:29–30, 45–47 teaches us one way that the Holy Ghost speaks to us. To help your children understand this truth, consider reading “Chapter 37: Nephi and Lehi in Prison” (Book of Mormon Stories, 99–102). When you talk about the voice the people heard, speak in a soft voice. Repeat the story a few times, and invite the children to whisper with you.

    Friend January 2024 “Listen to the Holy Ghost”

    • To reinforce this principle, you could sing together “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7). (Point out words in the scripture verse and the song that describe how the Holy Ghost speaks to us (see also Helaman 5:45–47). Help them think of other ways that the Holy Ghost can speak to us.)

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

    • Tell the children about times when the Holy Spirit has whispered to you and strengthened your testimony. Use Helaman 5:29 and your own experiences to share with the children a few examples of good things the Holy Ghost can inspire us to do.

    Repentance replaces spiritual darkness with light.

    Helaman 5:20–52

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

    • The Lamanites who went to the prison to kill Nephi and Lehi were surrounded by literal darkness. When we sin, we are in spiritual darkness. Helaman 5:20–52 teaches us how our spiritual “cloud of darkness” can be lifted (verse 41).

    Lesson 28 – Nephi and Lehi in Prison Lesson

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 1-6”

    • To emphasize what Helaman 5:20–41 teaches about darkness and light, try reading or summarizing these verses in the dark, using just a flashlight for light. Your children could listen for what the people needed to do so the darkness would be removed. Then turn the lights on, and read verses 42–48 together. What do these verses teach us about repentance? What do these verses teach us about the blessings that repentance brings to our lives?
    • .
    • Invite the children to imagine that they are teaching a younger child about the Holy Ghost. How could they use Helaman 5:29–33, 44–47 to teach what the voice of the Spirit feels like and some of the things the Spirit tells us? How has the Holy Ghost inspired you to repent? Invite the children to share experiences when they have felt the peace and comfort of the Holy Ghost.

    Additional Resources

    Latter Day Kids “Build Upon the Rock”

    The Red Crystal

    The Cozy Red Cottage “Helaman 1-6”

    Aug 10 2020

    Alma 53-63

    Posted on by

    Table of Contents

    Alma CHAPTER 53 The Lamanite prisoners are used to fortify the city Bountiful—Dissensions among the Nephites give rise to Lamanite victories—Helaman takes command of the two thousand stripling sons of the people of Ammon. About 64–63 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 54 Ammoron and Moroni negotiate for the exchange of prisoners—Moroni demands that the Lamanites withdraw and cease their murderous attacks—Ammoron demands that the Nephites lay down their arms and become subject to the Lamanites. About 63 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 55 Moroni refuses to exchange prisoners—The Lamanite guards are enticed to become drunk, and the Nephite prisoners are freed—The city of Gid is taken without bloodshed. About 63–62 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 56 Helaman sends an epistle to Moroni, recounting the state of the war with the Lamanites—Antipus and Helaman gain a great victory over the Lamanites—Helaman’s two thousand stripling sons fight with miraculous power, and none of them are slain. Verse 1, about 62 B.C.; verses 2–19, about 66 B.C.; and verses 20–57, about 65–64 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 57 Helaman recounts the taking of Antiparah and the surrender and later the defense of Cumeni—His Ammonite striplings fight valiantly; all are wounded, but none are slain—Gid reports the slaying and the escape of the Lamanite prisoners. About 63 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 58 Helaman, Gid, and Teomner take the city of Manti by a stratagem—The Lamanites withdraw—The sons of the people of Ammon are preserved as they stand fast in defense of their liberty and faith. About 63–62 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 59 Moroni asks Pahoran to strengthen the forces of Helaman—The Lamanites take the city of Nephihah—Moroni is angry with the government. About 62 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 60 Moroni complains to Pahoran of the government’s neglect of the armies—The Lord suffers the righteous to be slain—The Nephites must use all of their power and means to deliver themselves from their enemies—Moroni threatens to fight against the government unless help is supplied to his armies. About 62 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 61 Pahoran tells Moroni of the insurrection and rebellion against the government—The king-men take Zarahemla and are in league with the Lamanites—Pahoran asks for military aid against the rebels. About 62 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 62 Moroni marches to the aid of Pahoran in the land of Gideon—The king-men who refuse to defend their country are put to death—Pahoran and Moroni retake Nephihah—Many Lamanites join the people of Ammon—Teancum slays Ammoron and is in turn slain—The Lamanites are driven from the land, and peace is established—Helaman returns to the ministry and builds up the Church. About 62–57 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 63 Shiblon and later Helaman take possession of the sacred records—Many Nephites travel to the land northward—Hagoth builds ships, which sail forth in the west sea—Moronihah defeats the Lamanites in battle. About 56–52 B.C.

    Alma 53

    Helaman and the 2000 Stripling Warriors

    I can be faithful to God like Helaman’s young soldiers.

    Alma 53:20–21; 56:47–48

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 53-63”

    Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 34: Helaman and the 2,000 Young Warriors” Video and Images

    Friend August 2024 “The Stripling Warriors”

    Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “The Stripling Warriors” Video and Images (scroll down to read the captions.)

    The Book of Mormon tells about some young men who had to go to battle to protect their people and their families. They are called the stripling warriors. The word “stripling” means “young.”
    Friend August 2020

    This week’s activity page can help your children think of ways they can be like the army of Helaman. Consider sharing some of the qualities of the young soldiers from Alma 53:20–21 to get them started.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63” Read Alma 53:20–21, and help the children understand what words like valiant, courage, strength, and true mean. Describe how the stripling warriors showed these qualities. Make simple name tags for the children that read, “When I am , I am like a stripling warrior!” Help the children fill in the blank with a quality they choose from Alma 53:20–21.

    Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 27: Helaman and the Stripling Warriors” Activity: Divide the children into four groups and explain that each group is going to look up a scripture that tells about one of the righteous characteristics the young Ammonites developed in their youth. Give each group their characteristic card and their scripture and discussion ideas card. Tell them to read their discussion card and scripture and be prepared to tell what their characteristic is, tell about or describe their characteristic, and read the related parts of their scripture to the class. Have them tape their characteristic on the board. (Be prepared to add in any additional needed discussion to what the children present.)

    Game: After a group presents their characteristic, do the following game: Have a child stand and tell how they can demonstrate that characteristic as they go about their day to day life. For example “I can courageously stand up for the right by sticking up for a child that is being picked on.” Have the next child stand and say the same thing plus add their own. Continue doing this until all the children have had a turn. (Start with a different child each time a new characteristic is presented.)

    You could also sing together “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” (Children’s Songbook, 172–73).

    The Red Crystal

    I can be faithful to what my parents teach in righteousness.

    Alma 56:45–48; 57:21

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63”

    • Invite a girl and a boy to represent the mothers and fathers of the stripling warriors. As you read Alma 56:27 and 47–48, give these children items to hold that represent how the mothers and fathers helped the warriors, such as a sack of food to represent the “provisions” the fathers sent and scriptures to represent the mothers’ teachings. Ask the children to share things their parents provide for them or teach them.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 53-63”

    • Helaman’s young soldiers looked to their mothers’ faith when they were faced with a great challenge. Perhaps you could read Alma 56:46–48 with your children and invite them to listen for what the mothers of these young men taught them about faith. You might ask them what they’ve learned from their parents—or other faithful adults—about the Savior.

    Why is it important to obey “with exactness”? (Alma 57:21).

    Ensign August 2020 “Family Study Fun” Read Alma 57:19–27 together and talk about how the stripling warriors were protected when they obeyed “with exactness” (verse 21).

    1. Blindfold one family member and have them stand against a wall.
    2. Place an object anywhere along the opposite wall and have the blindfolded person try to find the object in one minute without any help.
    3. After the time is up, have the person try again, except this time give them instructions to follow “with exactness.”

    Discussion: How do God’s “instructions” help us stay safe and reach our goals?

    How can you—like the mothers of the stripling soldiers—make sure your children know of your faith in God? One way is to share how your faith affects your life. For example, how has He “delivered” you when you “did not doubt”?

    Coloring Page: “We Do Not Doubt” (March 2010 Liahona and Friend)

    Friend August 2020 “Cover”

    I can keep my covenants with Heavenly Father.

    Alma 53:10–18

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 53-63”

    • Your children might be able to talk about a time when someone made and kept a promise with them. How did they feel when the promise was kept? You could read Alma 53:10–18 and invite your children to look for how Helaman, the people of Ammon, and the sons of the people of Ammon made and kept their promises, or covenants. You might share how Heavenly Father blesses you as you keep your covenants.

    Gospel Media “The Anti-Nephi-Lehies Burying Their Swords”

    Book of Mormon Seminary Teacher Manual (2024) “Alma 53”

    Draw a path like the one in the above image to symbolize your life and the covenants we need to make to return to Heavenly Father. Draw pictures or write the covenants that each picture represents. Make a mark (or draw a figure representing yourself) showing where you currently are on the covenant path.

    Take a moment to remember the covenants you have already made with Them and the ways you are striving to keep those covenants.

    “Now, to each member of the Church I say, keep on the covenant path. Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere. (Russell M. Nelson, “As We Go Forward Together,” Ensign, Apr. 2018, 7)

    Alma 54-55

    Moroni reclaims the Captured Prisoners

    For the Strength of Youth August 2024 “Fun Stop” Rescue the Prisoner: Can you rescue the prisoner from the Lamanite stronghold? Without passing by any guards, find your way to the prisoner, and then leave by a different path than you came. (For a real-life story about rescuing prisoners, see Alma 55.) (See answer at link)

    Alma 56-57

    Helaman’s 2000 Young Warriors Trust God and are Preserved in Battle

    Lesson 27: Helaman and the Stripling Warriors Lesson

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63”

    • When compared with the Lamanite armies, Helaman’s “little army” (Alma 56:33) of 2,000 young Nephites shouldn’t have stood a chance. Besides being few in number, Helaman’s soldiers “were all … very young,” and “they never had fought” (Alma 56:46–47). In some ways, their situation might seem familiar to those of us who sometimes feel outnumbered and overwhelmed in our latter-day battle against Satan and the forces of evil in the world.
    • But the army of Helaman had some advantages over the Lamanites that had nothing to do with numbers or military skill. They chose Helaman, a prophet, to lead them (Alma 53:19); “they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:47); and they had “exceeding faith in that which they had been taught.” As a result, they were protected by “the miraculous power of God” (Alma 57:26). Even though they were all wounded in battle, “there was not one soul of them who did perish” (Alma 57:25). So when life inflicts spiritual wounds on each of us, we can take courage—the message of Helaman’s army is that “there [is] a just God, and whosoever [does] not doubt, [will] be preserved by his marvelous power” (Alma 57:26).

    Ensign August 2020

    Friend August 2020 “The Stripling Warriors Were Brave” Coloring page

    Primary 4 Book of Mormon “Lesson 27: Helaman and the Two Thousand Warriors”

    Let children volunteer to complete the following statements:

    I can be like the young warriors by how I ______________.

    I can be like the young warriors by remembering that my parents taught me to____________ .

    I most admire_____________about the young warriors.

    My favorite part of the account of the two thousand young warriors is______________

    Alma 58

    When I am worried, I can trust God.

    Alma 58:32–41

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63”

    • Draw a frowning face on the board, and talk about how Helaman was worried because his army didn’t have enough food or enough men to keep fighting (see Alma 58:32–41). Ask the children to share times when they were worried. Read Alma 58:37 (or help a child read it), and help the children change the face on the board to a smiling face to show how Helaman felt because he trusted God. What can we do when we feel worried? Sing together “Smiles” (Children’s Songbook, 267).
    • Write on some slips of paper a few things that children might worry about. Let the children take turns choosing a paper for you to read, and invite the children to share how God could help them with each of these worries. Share an experience in which God helped you when you were worried.

    The Red Crystal

    Alma 59-62

    Moroni and Pahoran

    I can choose to not be angry.

    Alma 61:3–14

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 53-63”

    • Consider inviting your children to think about a time when they were accused of doing something they didn’t do. Tell them about how this happened to Pahoran (see Alma 60–61; see also “Chapter 35: Captain Moroni and Pahoran,” Book of Mormon Stories, 95–97). To learn about how Pahoran reacted, take turns reading verses from Alma 61:3–14. What did Pahoran do when Moroni accused him? (see Alma 61:2–3, 8–9). What do we learn about forgiveness from the Savior’s example? (see Luke 23:34).

    Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 35: Captain Moroni and Pahoran” Video and Images

    • Both Helaman and Pahoran had good reasons to be offended. Helaman was not receiving sufficient support for his armies, and Pahoran was falsely accused by Moroni of withholding that support. Instead of getting angry, Pahoran said, “I … rejoice in the greatness of your heart” (Alma 61:9).

    I can choose to think the best of others and not be offended.

    For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “When You’re Judged Unfairly”

    • “The Right Reply.” Emily wants to write a mean reply when her friend sends her a mean email, but then she thinks of what Jesus would do and responds kindly. (From the Friend.)
    • “Bugs and Brothers.” In this Friend story, Lacey learns that she doesn’t have to be angry at her brother Zach for teasing her.

    Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon. To believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon. As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation.”

    Alma 62

    Teancum

    Alma 62:33-37

    After the War

    Hardened or Softened by Adversity

    Alma 62:39–41

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63”Here’s an object lesson that can help your family understand that we can choose to be either “hardened” or “softened” by our trials: Place a raw potato and a raw egg in a pot of boiling water. The potato and the egg represent us, and the water represents the trials we face. As the potato and egg boil, you could talk about some of the trials your family faces. What are some different ways to react to trials like these? According to Alma 62:41, how do our reactions to trials affect us? After the potato and egg are fully cooked, cut open the potato and crack open the egg to show that the same “trial” softened the potato and hardened the egg. What can our family do to be sure that our trials humble us and bring us closer to God?

    Additional Resources

    Friend August 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Helaman and other leaders wrote epistles, or letters, to tell each other about the good and bad things happening in the battles (see Alma 56). You can write letters too! Write a letter to a family member or friend. Write down the good things happening in your life and the things that are hard for you. Then send your letter!

    For younger children: Practice writing “I love you” or drawing a heart to give to someone you love. Talk about how prophets in the scriptures also wrote letters.

    Media Library

    Friend August 2020 “Stripling Warrior Challenge” The stripling warriors kept their bodies and spirits strong. Set this page on the floor. Close your eyes and drop a pebble or button onto the page. Then do the challenge for the box it lands closest to.

    • “Stripling-Warrior Search” (August 2019 Friend)
      Find eight letters hidden in this picture of the stripling warriors, and unscramble them to decode a hidden message.

    Friend August 2000 “Stripling Warriors Game” Story Review Game

    Friend Scripture Figures: “Stripling Warriors”

    Media Library “Stripling Warriors”

    Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Stripling Warriors”

    Friend May 1986

    The Red Crystal

    Latter Day Kids “The Valiant Fox- Come Follow Me: August 10th-16th” Video, lesson and activity ideas. Helping children to understand what valiant means.

    Jul 15 2020

    Sabbath Day: Lesson Item 1

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    It is a Commandment to Keep the Sabbath Day Holy 

    Game and Object Lesson

    Preparation

    • Items needed: a pitcher of water, a bowl, and a clear plastic cup or a glass.
    • Either print a copy of the game and cut out the game pieces, or download and open the game in Microsoft Word. If opened in Microsoft Word, the game pieces can be moved by clicking on the center of the image or label and then dragging it to where it should go on the chart.
    • Alternative visuals: Cut out the game cards and the picture of Moses. (Optional: color cardstock can be used for the game boards.) (Game cards are from “My Creation Book” pictures – Friend, March 2002 “For Little Friends”

    Game
    Divide the family into two groups or more. (More copies of the game board and creation pictures will be needed if if the family is divided into more than two groups.)
    Give each group a game board and a set of creation pictures.
    Have each group try to put the correct pictures in each square according to which “day” it took place in the creation account (one square will get two pictures). After they are done, tell them the correct order and have them check their answers.

    • On the first day God made light and divided the light from the darkness.
    • On the second day God made the sky (firmament).
    • On the third day God made the flowers, grass and trees.
    • On the fourth day God made the sun, moon, and stars
    • On the fifth day God made the birds, fish and whales.
    • On the sixth day God made the land animals… and man.

    Discussion or PowerPoint
    After they fix their boards, ask the family what day of the week is missing on their chart. (The seventh)

    • What happened on the seventh day? (Read Genesis 2:2-3) God sanctified the day and rested from his labors.

    Since the beginning of the world, one day a week has been set apart for us to rest from our labors, and to focus on worship and spiritual matters. We call this day the Sabbath.

    • What day do we observe the Sabbath? (On Sunday)

    (Show the picture of Moses)
    When Moses was on the earth, the Lord gave him some stone tablets.
    • What was written on those tablets? (The Ten Commandments)

    Read Exodus 20:8 Explain that keeping the Sabbath day holy was one of the Ten Commandments. Keeping the Sabbath day holy is a commandment.

    Object Lesson Discussion or Video

    • Why are we to keep the Sabbath day holy?

    In the bible dictionary, it says that something that is holy is set apart for a sacred purpose.

    • What purpose was the Sabbath day set apart for? (For worship, and to get spiritually strengthened and physically rested)

    Read the scripture Exodus 31:17. “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” So on the Sabbath we are to rest and refresh. We know what rest means, so what does refresh mean? (It means to be re-energized, reinvigorated, replenished.)

    Heavenly Father knew we would need to be physically re-energized and spiritually replenished after a busy week, so he gave us a day to recharge and refresh our bodies and spirits.

    Object Lesson:

    Show a full glass of water and explain that the full cup represents being spiritually replenished and physically rested and recharged after a Sabbath day of attending our church meetings, resting our bodies, and focusing on gospel activities.

    During the week we are involved in activities that may drain our spiritual and physical reserves. (Pour water from the cup into the bowl as you name several possibilities such as work and chores, sports. school and responsibilities, disagreements with a family member, or making  wrong choices.)

    We can replenish our cup a little each day as we read the scriptures, pray and keep the commandments (pour a little water from the pitcher into the cup for each item mentioned), but the Lord knew we would need more.

    So on Sunday we are commanded to use the entire day for spiritual refreshment and physical rest so that we can have the spiritual strength and physical renewal to help us make good choices and keep the commandments throughout the week. (Fill the cup with water) So the Sabbath tops of our spiritual and physical reserves and we are recharged and replenished for the next week. (Object lesson from Primary 6 manual, Lesson 20, Enrichment Activity #1 )

    Jul 14 2020

    Alma 32-35

    Posted on by

    Table of Contents

    Alma CHAPTER 32 Alma teaches the poor whose afflictions had humbled them—Faith is a hope in that which is not seen which is true—Alma testifies that angels minister to men, women, and children—Alma compares the word unto a seed—It must be planted and nourished—Then it grows into a tree from which the fruit of eternal life is picked. About 74 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 33 Zenos taught that men should pray and worship in all places, and that judgments are turned away because of the Son—Zenock taught that mercy is bestowed because of the Son—Moses had lifted up in the wilderness a type of the Son of God. About 74 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 34 Amulek testifies that the word is in Christ unto salvation—Unless an atonement is made, all mankind must perish—The whole law of Moses points toward the sacrifice of the Son of God—The eternal plan of redemption is based on faith and repentance—Pray for temporal and spiritual blessings—This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God—Work out your salvation with fear before God. About 74 B.C.‘

    Alma CHAPTER 35 The preaching of the word destroys the craft of the Zoramites—They expel the converts, who then join the people of Ammon in Jershon—Alma sorrows because of the wickedness of the people. About 74 B.C.

    Alma 32

    Alma Teaches the Poor Zoramites

    If I am humble, the Lord can teach me.

    Alma 32:1–13, 27–28 Alma 31:8–35

    Ask the children what they remember learning last week about the Zoramites (see Alma 31:8–24). Remind them that one reason Alma was worried about them was their pride (see Alma 31:24–28).

    The Zoramites were trying to elevate themselves above others and declare that they were better than everyone else.

    Definition of Pride: A inflated, high opinion of one’s own importance, merit, or superiority.

    In what ways might people think they are better than others and become lifted up in pride? Answers might include the following: people may think they are better than others because of how smart,  pretty or handsome, athletic, wealthy, or talented they are. (Have the children build with blocks, or cut out the following image into pieces and post them on the board, or draw a part of the Rameumptom tower on the board as each answer is given.)

    What did the Zoramites set their hearts on? (see Alma 31:24, 28). What are some worldly things that people set their hearts on today?

    Ask the children how they would feel if they were being made fun of for not being as smart, good looking, athletic, talented, or rich as someone else.

    Read together Alma 32:1–5, and ask the children to summarize what had happened to the Zoramites who were poor. Then invite the children to read verses 12–13 to find out why Alma felt that being cast out of their synagogues (or churches) was a good thing for these Zoramites. What are some of the blessings that come from being humble?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

    What is humility? A modest opinion of one’s own importance, rank, etc.  Guide to the Scriptures: The condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to His will.

    What are some of the blessings that come from being humble? Teachable, turn heart to the Lord, etc.

    Display a hard, solid object (like a stone) to represent a hard or prideful heart and something soft (like soil) to represent a soft or humble heart. Let the children feel both objects. Then show the children a seed to represent the word of God. Invite them to try to push the seed into the hard object and the soft object. Read together Alma 32:27–28, and talk about what it might mean to “give place” (verse 27) for the word of God in our hearts. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

    How can we humble ourselves so we are not lifted up in pride? (Have the children take off or erase a level of the Rameumpton tower for every answer they give.) Answers may include the following: by remembering that our gifts, talents, and abilities come from the Lord, by praying for humility, by looking for the good in others, by building love for others by praying for them and serving  them.

    The Lord can teach me as I choose to be humble.

    (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35) Alma and Amulek had success teaching the Zoramites who were humble. Invite your children to complete a sentence like “I am being humble when I ______ .”

    The following video about pride and humility is from Latterdaykids.com.

    Planting the Seed of Faith

    My testimony of Jesus Christ grows as I nourish it.

    Alma 32:28–43

    (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35)

    • Seeds, trees, and fruit are familiar objects that can help children understand abstract principles like faith and testimony. Let your children hold a seed while you read Alma 32:28. Then you could ask them to help you think of ways that growing a testimony of Jesus Christ is like planting and nourishing a seed (see “Chapter 29: Alma Teaches about Faith and the Word of God,” Book of Mormon Stories, 81). Maybe you could plant your seed and talk about what is needed to help a seed—or a testimony—grow.

    Book of Mormon Stories “Alma Teaches about Faith and the Word of God” Video and Images

    • A picture of a tree accompanies this outline; you might use it to illustrate Alma’s words in Alma 32:28–43. Or you could go for a walk to find plants at different stages of growth and read verses from Alma 32 that compare a growing plant to our testimony. Or maybe your children could draw a tree on the board and add a leaf or a fruit every time they think of something they can do to help their testimony of Jesus Christ grow.

    The Red Crystal

    Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 22: Alma Teaches about Faith” Attention Activity: Give each child a seed, show the illustration of a seed, or draw a seed on the chalkboard.

    • What can a seed become? (A plant or tree, depending on the type of seed.)
    • What must happen before a seed can begin to grow? (Show the illustration of the sprouting seed or draw one on the chalkboard.)
    • What does a tree look like when it is young? (Show the illustration of the sap-ling or draw one on the chalkboard.) What does it look like when it is mature? (Show the illustration of a tree or draw one on the chalkboard.)
    • What nourishment does a seed need to help it grow into a plant or tree? (Explain that nourishment means something that helps things grow or keeps them alive and well, such as water, fertilizer, sunshine, and soil. Place the illustrations of the sun, rain, soil, and fertilizer near the picture of the seed.)

    Explain to the children that in this lesson they will learn how they can grow a strong testimony.

    Lesson 22: Alma Teaches Faith Lesson ideas Visual Aids

    Friend January 2019 “Testimony Plants” In Primary, the children were supposed to draw a plant that represented their testimony, but Elisa wasn’t sure what that meant or if she had a testimony. She learns that a testimony is the things she believes in like Heavenly Father and Jesus. She also learns that testimonies grow and need to be nourished.

    Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 32:41 together and help your little ones say, “My faith grows when I do good things.” Help your children learn about seeds and plants by picking seeds out of a piece of fruit or caring for a houseplant. Explain that our testimonies grow little by little, like a seed grows into a plant.

    As you read Alma 32:26–43 together, stop occasionally and invite the children to draw a picture of the seed or plant being described—for example, a seed and a seedling (verse 28), a growing plant (verse 30), and a mature plant bearing fruit (verse 37). Encourage them to label their pictures with references from Alma 32. How is nourishing a seed like nourishing our testimonies of Jesus Christ? How do we nourish our testimonies? Invite the children to silently think about how their testimonies are growing and what they will do to nourish them. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

    If possible, give each of the children seeds to take home and plant to remind them to help their testimonies of Jesus Christ to grow.

    Show pictures of a plant in various stages of growth, and ask the children to help you put the pictures in the correct order (see the pictures in this week’s activity page). Explain that as we live the gospel, our testimony grows—it starts small like a seed but can become big like a tree. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

    Friend January 1999 “Faith in Jesus Christ”

    Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”

    • Sing “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97).
    • The prophet Alma taught us that faith grows like a seed (see Alma 32:28–30). Faith starts small, but as we work to help it grow, it can become strong!
    • Color the pages for the booklet on page 24 with your family. How can you help your faith grow?

    Friend January 2019 “Seeds of Faith” 

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 2F58ED26-AAB6-4671-951A-537C4D13C82F-1024x812.jpeg

    Friend July 2018 Coloring page: Faith is like a seed. When planted it will grow.

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    Friend January 2019 “Faith” The song “Faith,” simplified for beginning pianists. Also, Sing-along video.

    Friend July 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Growing Your Testimony” Alma taught that when you listen to the word of God and do things to show your faith, your testimony will grow, like a tree (see Alma 32:37). Draw things you can do to help a tree grow, like giving it water and sunshine. Then draw things you can do to help your testimony grow, like going to church and praying.

    For younger children: Sing “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96). While you sing, do actions to show a seed growing big and tall. Talk about growing your testimony.

    Media Library “Want to Increase your Faith?”

    Come Follow Me Kid

    Come Follow Me Kid Cookie Dough Seed Activity

    • Place a small, seed-sized piece of cookie dough on a large cookie sheet. This represents the word of God.
    • Take turns listing ways we can help our faith in Jesus and His word grow.
    • For each idea, add more dough to the seed-sized piece. Mold it into a tree shape with roots and branches as it gets bigger.
    • Read Alma 32:42. What will grow on this tree? (fruit) Place white chocolate chips on the branches to
      represent this sweet, white fruit.
    • Bake and enjoy!

    See more teaching ideas at Faith

    Alma 33-34

    I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, about anything.

    Alma 33:2–11; 34:17–27

    (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35)

    • Help your children find phrases that describe places we can pray (in Alma 33:4–11) and things we can pray about (in Alma 34:17–27). Perhaps they could draw pictures of themselves praying in these places. Share with each other experiences when Heavenly Father heard your prayers. You could also sing a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13).

    Come Follow Me Kid Show pictures below and ask which place or places they think would be good spots to pray. Read Alma 33:3-8, and have them listen carefully to see if they can hear which of these places would be places we could pray from. Help them understand that we can pray anywhere and our prayers will be heard if we pray in faith. You could also have some fun with this and list additional places/times and ask, “Would it be okay to pray __” (in a car, at midnight, in the backyard, silently, etc.), and help them see that the answer to all of these is “Yes!”

    • In the wilderness (Alma 33:4)
    • In a field (Alma 33:5)
    • In your house (Alma 33:6)
    • In your closet (Alma 33:7)
    • Help them think of things they can say to Heavenly Father when they pray, and invite them to draw pictures of these things. Testify that they can talk to Heavenly Father about anything they are thinking or feeling.

    Latter Day Kids “Pray Always” Lesson ideas

    Sing a song that teaches the children about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” or “We Bow Our Heads” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13, 25). Help them notice what the song teaches about prayer.

    Additional Prayer Ideas

    Additional Resources

    Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 22: Alma Teaches about Faith”

    Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 21: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom,” Write the following scripture references on the chalkboard. Ask the children to match the verses that describe the Zoramites’ erroneous beliefs with the verses that contain the correct teachings of Alma and Amulek:

    Alma 31:16 (The Zoramites believed there would be no Christ.)
    Alma 31:20–23 (All the Zoramites gave the same prayer and then never worshiped again all week.)
    Alma 31:24 (The Zoramites’ hearts were set upon riches.)
    Alma 34:8 (Amulek testified of Christ.)
    Alma 34:19–27 (Amulek taught that we should pray always and about everything.)
    Alma 34:28–29 (Amulek taught that we should give of our riches to the poor.)

    The Red Crystal

    Jun 28 2020

    Alma 23-29

    Posted on by

    Table of Contents

    Alma CHAPTER 23 Religious freedom is proclaimed—The Lamanites in seven lands and cities are converted—They call themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies and are freed from the curse—The Amalekites and the Amulonites reject the truth. About 90–77 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 24 The Lamanites come against the people of God—The Anti-Nephi-Lehies rejoice in Christ and are visited by angels—They choose to suffer death rather than to defend themselves—More Lamanites are converted. About 90–77 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 25 Lamanite aggressions spread—The seed of the priests of Noah perish as Abinadi prophesied—Many Lamanites are converted and join the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi—They believe in Christ and keep the law of Moses. About 90–77 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 26 Ammon glories in the Lord—The faithful are strengthened by the Lord and are given knowledge—By faith men may bring thousands of souls unto repentance—God has all power and comprehends all things. About 90–77 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 27 The Lord commands Ammon to lead the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi to safety—Upon meeting Alma, Ammon’s joy exhausts his strength—The Nephites give the Anti-Nephi-Lehies the land of Jershon—They are called the people of Ammon. About 90–77 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 28 The Lamanites are defeated in a tremendous battle—Tens of thousands are slain—The wicked are consigned to a state of endless woe; the righteous attain a never-ending happiness. About 77–76 B.C.

    Alma CHAPTER 29 Alma desires to cry repentance with angelic zeal—The Lord grants teachers for all nations—Alma glories in the Lord’s work and in the success of Ammon and his brethren. About 76 B.C.

    Anti-Nephi-Lehies

    Alma 23

    Burying Their Weapons

    Alma 24-25

    Book of Mormon Stories “The People of Ammon” Images

    Show the picture of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies burying their swords. Ask the children if they would want to bury their weapons if they knew they were in danger of attack. The people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi knew their enemies were planning to kill them, but they had made a solemn covenant with Heavenly Father that they would not fight. 

    Gospel Media “The Anti-Nephi-Lehies Burying Their Swords”

    The Lord blesses me as I strive to keep my promises to Him.

    Alma 24:6–24

    Perhaps your children would enjoy burying their “weapons” like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. You could read a few verses from Alma 24:6–24 to teach the children about the promises the Anti-Nephi-Lehies made to follow the Savior. They could then think of something they will change to follow Him, write it on this week’s activity page, and pretend to dig a hole and bury their weapon. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”)

    Invite them to write, on the back of the weapons, something they feel they should change in order to follow Jesus Christ more fully. Let them pretend to bury their weapons and make a plan to act on what they wrote.

    Covenants are promises I make with God and He makes with me.

    Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 19: The Anti-Nephi-Lehies”

    Sprinkle the salt or sand on the bottom of the box. With your finger write the word Promise in the salt or sand. Ask the children the following questions:

    • Have you ever made an agreement or promise with someone who broke their part of the promise? (Let the children tell how they felt when the promise was broken as you gently blow on the salt or sand to erase the word.)
    • What do we call a promise we make with Heavenly Father? (A covenant.)
    • When did we make promises to Heavenly Father? (When we were baptized.)

    Remind the children that a promise should not be made lightly. Emphasize the importance of keeping your word. Write the word Covenant on the rock with a marker or crayon. Explain that a gospel covenant is a promise between Heavenly Father and his children. Blow on the rock to demonstrate that the word cannot be easily removed. As we make covenants we should remember that they are sacred, and we should be determined to keep them.

    Give all the children small rocks, and invite them to write the word covenant on their rock. Explain that a covenant is a promise between Heavenly Father and His children. How do our covenants make us strong or “firm” like a rock? (Alma 24:19). Read together Alma 24:16–25 to learn what covenant the people of Ammon made and how they honored their covenant. Invite the children to take the rocks home as a reminder to keep their covenants. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)

    Lesson 19: The Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s Covenant Lesson ideas

    Your children could read Alma 24:15–19, looking for what the Anti-Nephi-Lehies did “as a testimony to God.” Then you could talk with them about how our covenants can be “a testimony to God” (verse 18). Let your children talk about how they will show God that they want to follow Him. Singing a song like “I Want to Live the Gospel” (Children’s Songbook, 148) could help inspire them. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”)

    Explain that the covenants we make are “a testimony to God” that we want to follow God’s commandments (verse 18). What covenants have the children made?

    Additional Teaching Resources

    Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “The Anti-Nephi-Lehies Buried Their Weapons”

    Friend July 2020 “Funstuff: Find It!” The Anti-Nephi-Lehies promised God they would never use weapons to hurt people again. They buried their weapons in the ground as part of their promise. Find 23 weapons in the ground and 30 hearts above the ground.

    Friend August 2018 “Family Night Fun” Write a bad habit on a piece of paper. “Bury” the bad habit! Tear up the paper, or bury it outside. You could even plant a flower to represent replacing a bad habit with a good one.

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

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

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

    Come Follow Me Kid

    The Red Crystal

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

    I can repent.

    Alma 24:7–10; 26:23–34; 27:27–30

    Because Heavenly Father is merciful, we can repent and change.

    To help your children see how Jesus Christ can help us change when we repent, you could teach them about the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. To do this, you might label two bowls “before” and “after.” Then your children could read Alma 17:14–15 and 27:27–30, write down what the Lamanites were like before and after repenting, and put them in the correct bowl. According to Alma 24:7–10, what helped them change? How can we show our thanks to God for His mercy? (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”)

    The Red Crystal

    Invite the children to read together Alma 26:21–22, looking for the blessings that come to those who repent. Invite the children to describe some of these blessings in their own words. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)

    Ammon Glories in the Lord

    Alma 26

    Jesus Christ brings me joy, and I can share this joy.

    Alma 26; 29

    Perhaps you and your children would enjoy drawing pictures of things in the gospel of Jesus Christ that bring you joy. Share your picture with your children, and encourage them to share their picture with someone to help that person feel joy too. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”

    Friend July 2024 “Sharing the Friend“ A girl gave her Friend magazine to another girl that looked sad. She wanted the girl to feel the happiness she feels when she learns about Jesus.

    Friend July 2021 “Winfred’s New Recipe” Winfred is sad because she misses her father who has to work far away, and she misses her friends because of Covid. She figures out a recipe for happiness which includes prayer, reading scriptures, having faith, being grateful, and serving others.

    • Help your children find the words joy and rejoice in Alma 26 and 29. What brought Ammon and Alma joy or caused them to rejoice? This question could lead to a discussion about the joy that comes from living or sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    As you read Alma 26:11, 13 or Alma 29:13–14 invite the children to stand every time they hear the words “joy” or “rejoice.” Help the children understand that sharing the gospel made Alma and Ammon happy. Share an experience when sharing the gospel brought you joy. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)

    Ensign July 2020 “Family Study Fun”

    Read Alma 27:17–19 and Alma 29:13–14 together, paying special attention to the word joy. Ammon and Alma found great joy in serving other people and the Lord.

    1. Invite one or two people to act out helping someone else—no speaking allowed! Examples could include opening the door for someone, helping a person in their yard, helping fix dinner, and so on.
    2. While the scene is being acted out, other family members guess what the service is.
    3. Take turns until everyone has had a chance to act.

    Discussion: Why is it important to help other people? When have you felt joy after helping someone? What could our family do to help someone this week?

    The gospel brings me joy, and I can share this joy with others.

    • Invite two children to face each other and see who can make the other child smile first. What are some ways we can spread joy to others? How does sharing the gospel spread joy? Help the children think of ways they can share the joy of the gospel with their friends and families.

    Additional Missionary Ideas

    Blessings God has bestowed upon us

    How would your family answer Ammon’s questions in Alma 26:2? Perhaps you could make a list of their answers on a large piece of paper and hang it in a place where everyone can see it. Encourage family members to add to it as they think of other blessings God has “bestowed upon us.” (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)

    Come Follow Me Kid

    The Nephites Help the Anti-Nephi-Lehies

    Alma 27

    I can help my friends live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Alma 27:20–30

    Because of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies’ promise not to fight anymore, they could not defend themselves from their enemies. Read Alma 27:23, and explain that their friends among the Nephites chose to protect the Anti-Nephi-Lehies so they could keep their promise. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)

    Come Follow Me Kid Some additional situations could be:
     A friend wants you to go somewhere your parents told you not to go to.
     A friend tells another kid they can’t play with them because they think they’re weird.
     A friend has a bag of candy and is rudely telling other kids that he/she is not going to share.
     A friend wants you to try a cigarette with them.
     A friend starts making fun of another kid and tries to get you to join.
     A friend tells you to lie to your parents about something that happened.

    Friend May 2016 Matt’s friend accidently damages his father’s car. Matt encourages his friend to choose the right and be honest.

    Friend May 2016

    Additional Resources

    Teaching the Scripture Readers: Book of Mormon “The People of Ammon”

    The Red Crystal

    The Cozy Red Cottage

    Latter Day Kids “Promises and Covenants” Lesson ideas

    Jun 2 2020

    Following Jesus: Light of the World

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    Table of Contents

    Jesus is the Light of the World

    Friend January 2023 “Jesus is Our Light” Jesus is the Light of the World because His teachings and example light our way back to Heavenly Father.

    Friend January 2023 “Jesus Is My True Light” I Can Play It Song

    1. At night when darkness fills my room,

    I do not need to fear.

    I think of Jesus’ love for me

    And know that He is near,

    2. When I am tempted to do wrong,

    I seek the Savior’s light.

    And as I think of all He’s done,

    I want to do what’s right,

    Chorus: For Jesus is my true light.

    He protects me day and night.

    He helps me choose the right.

    I will follow in His light.

    For the Strength of Youth August 2021 “Discovering Light and Truth”

    Friend December 2018 “Family Night Fun” Make a cup lantern by making holes all around it and then putting a glow stick or battery candle inside. Use for example of Jesus being a light to the world.

    John 1:4–9

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 1“The symbolism of light can help children understand the Savior and His gospel. How can you inspire the children to seek the light of the Savior when the world seems dark?

    “Jesus Christ is the light of the world because he is the source of the light that quickens our understanding, because his teachings and his example illuminate our path, and because his power persuades us to do good.” Dallin H. Oaks

    Friend January 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: The True Light”

    Story: Jesus Christ is sometimes called the “true Light” (John 1:9). The scriptures teach that we should keep His commandments and follow Him. Then we will have “power to become the sons [and daughters] of God” (John 1:12).

    Song: “Jesus Is My True Light” (page 23)

    Activity: Draw a picture of a goal you have. Have someone hide your picture somewhere in the room and turn off the lights. Now get a small light and shine it around the room. Can you find your picture now? Talk about how Jesus Christ can help you reach your goals.

    Following Jesus brings light to my life. (Jr)

    1 John 1:5–7; 2:8–11

    Ask the children to name things that give light. Talk with them about the benefits of light, like helping plants grow, allowing us to see, and giving warmth. To understand how Jesus brings us light, they could take turns shining a light at a picture of Jesus Christ as they say, “God is light” (1 John 1:5). Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can bring light into our lives when we try to follow what They say. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

    Friend January 2023 “Jesus is Our Light” Jesus is the Light of the World because His teachings and example light our way back to Heavenly Father.

    Invite the children to take turns holding a picture of a light bulb or candle. As each child holds the picture, help him or her think of a way we can bring the light of Jesus Christ into our lives. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1–3 John; Jude” To help your family ponder John’s teachings, gather in a dark room so family members can experience the difference between walking “in darkness” and walking “in the light.” How does hatred cause us to walk in darkness and stumble? How does loving each other bring light into our lives?

    Glow Stick Activity: Crystal from www.theredcrystal.org had a super fun idea to use glow sticks for this.
    She says to put a bunch of unactivated glow sticks in a bag or pillow case that isn’t see-through. When a
    child mentions something that brings more of the “light of Christ” into our lives, pull it out and let them
    activate the glow stick. Then set it on the table in the dark room, until all the glow sticks are on that
    same table making a considerable amount of light. Talk about the happiness and hope we can feel in our
    lives because of Jesus Christ. The printables from here would be great to attach onto the glow sticks
    while discussing specific things that bring more of the light of Christ into our lives:
    https://www.theredcrystal.org/post/come-follow-me-december-2-8-god-is-love-1-3-john-jude

    Friend February 2025 “Looking to the Light” When Elder John A. McCune was young he had to feed the cows, and when it was dark outside he was scared because his home seemed so far away. He focused on the light coming from the windows, but when he took his focus from the light, his fear felt overpowering. It is very easy to feel afraid in the world today. But if we stay focused on the light of Christ, our fears become less powerful. Each day, we can choose: Are we going to focus on the darkness or focus on the light? We are children of God. He will guide us safely to our heavenly home.

    Make this craft to remind you to focus on the light of Christ. How has focusing on Him helped you overcome your fears and feel peace?

    1. Draw a picture of yourself in the center of the sun. Then cut out the picture!
    2. Hang the picture on your window so light can shine through.

    Light of Christ

    For the Strength of Youth August 2021 “The Light of Christ”

    I can shine the Savior’s light for others.

    Isaiah 60:1–3

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 58–66” Isaiah prophesied that in the last days, the Lord’s people would be like a light for those who are in darkness. Consider how you can help the children “arise” and “shine.”

    • Invite the children to close their eyes as you read Isaiah 60:1–3. Ask them to open their eyes when they hear the word “light” and close them when they hear the word “darkness.” Explain that Jesus Christ and His gospel are like a light that helps us see our way back to Heavenly Father.
    Ensign August 2015
    Ensign August 2015
    • Give each child a picture of a light (such as a sun, a candle, or a light bulb). Help them think of ways they can share the Savior’s light with others. As each idea is shared, invite them to “arise” and “shine” their light by holding up their picture. Tell the children about ways you have seen them sharing the Savior’s light.

    Friend December 2016 “A Shining Light”

    Friend December 2016

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

    • Sing together a song about sharing light, such as “Shine On” (Children’s Songbook, 144). Help the children notice words in the song that reinforce what they learn from Isaiah 60:1–3.

    Sharing Light of Christ

    Friend December 2022 “Sharing the Light of Jesus Christ”

    I can shine the Savior’s light. (Jr)

    Revelation 1:20

    Ask the children to name things that give light. Talk with them about the benefits of light, like helping plants grow, allowing us to see, and giving warmth. To understand how Jesus brings us light, they could take turns shining a light at a picture of Jesus Christ as they say, “God is light” (1 John 1:5). Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can bring light into our lives when we try to follow what They say. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 1–5”)

    Friend December 2016 “A Shining Light”

    Friend December 2016

    The Red Crystal

    The Red Crystal

    Prepare the glow sticks before class, with the pictures on them. Have the students pick one out of a bag at a time and talk about how as members of Jesus’s Church, can be like the light. Then they can crack the glow stick and make it shine. They can put it in a vase or cup till later, when all the glow sticks are ignited. Turn out the lights and testify that all those small acts of kindness, made a big impact and chased away the darkness.

    Sing a song about being a light to others, such as “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61). Share ways you have seen the children living the gospel of Jesus Christ and being a light to those around them. Share how being a light to others has helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 1–5”)

    We Light the World When We Follow Jesus

    Friend January 2018 “Let Your Light Shine” President Monson discusses being a light to the world by following Jesus’s example. Activities: Trace this star, or draw your own, and write how you are shining brightly by being a good example or helping others. Also, color a star as you read each scripture about Jesus Christ’s example.

    Friend November 2015
    Friend November 2015
    May 31 2020

    Profanity: Lesson Ideas

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    For the Strength of Youth October 2023 “Why is it so important to control my language?”

    Your words show what is in your heart. Jesus Christ taught, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). “Make sure your language reflects love of God and others” (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices [2022], 12).

    Controlling your language shows self-discipline. James taught, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2).

    A disciple’s words should be uplifting. The Apostle Paul taught, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

    What you say affects your ability to have the Spirit. “Foul language is both degrading and harmful to the spirit” (Gospel Topics, “Profanity,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

    Friend August 2000 “Sharing Time: A Beautiful Tapestry” Ask several children how their parents chose their names. Say their names with varying voice inflections—excitement, annoyance, love, and so on. Ask how hearing their names said different ways made them feel. Display several names of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Remind the children that they are keeping their baptismal covenant as they speak reverently of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and never swear or use crude words.

    Ensign April 2017 “The Words We Use”

    The Lord taught that sacred things “must be spoken with care” (D&C 63:64). It’s so common to hear the Lord’s name misused that kids might not understand why it’s wrong. Talk about why we should speak respectfully of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
    Jean B. Bingham, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, taught: “Words have surprising power, both to build up and to tear down. … Choosing to say only that which is positive about—and to—others lifts and strengthens those around us” (“I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home,” Ensign, Nov. 2016, 7).
    Object Lesson Idea

    Place a clean sponge in clean water and another in dirty water. When the sponges are full, take them out and squeeze them to show what kind of water comes out. Explain that our minds soak up words and ideas; what we’ve soaked up is what comes out. What kind of language do you want to soak up? Using good language doesn’t mean just not swearing—it also means using language that’s honest, kind, and respectful. We can choose to soak up good things that please Heavenly Father so we can have the Holy Ghost with us. Explain how, with repentance, we can become clean from any bad influences we’ve soaked up.

    Friend April 2017 Read “Brock and the Bad Word.” Write a list of good ways to use language. What can you do when other people use bad language?

    Friend June 2023 “How Can I Learn to Use Good Language?” By Elder D. Todd Christofferson

    Profanity Used by Others

    Can’t get away from it? Ideas on what to do

    Friend August 2019 “Speaking Up” Sometimes people keep swearing, even after we ask them to stop. Or we’re in a situation where we can’t ask others to stop. Here are some things you can do:

    May 17 2020

    Sportsmanship: Stories

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    Table of Contents

    Happy for Others Accomplishments

    Friend September 2024 “Cheering for Both Teams” Jayne wanted to win the family game, but her team was losing. Everyone was surprised when she got angry and didn’t want to play anymore. Her uncle told her that winning is everything and she should just try to have fun. She watched her uncle and she realized he was cheering for both teams. She decided to do that too. She could be happy for her family members even if she lost. She then discovered she was having fun.

    Friend February 2016 & Friend March 2016 “Matt and Mandy” A really good player helps to beat Mandy’s soccer team. Mandy sees that player at church, but she doesn’t let competitive feelings interfere with being friends with the girl.

    Friend February 2016
    Friend February 2016
    Friend March 2016
    Friend March 2016

    Encourage Each Other

    Friend February 2020 “Keep Going, Josie” Josie had been sick and was tired, but she needed to run in the big race with her teammates. She was worried about letting them down. In her first race, others kept passing her and she felt like giving up.  But as her teammates passed her they encouraged her to keep going. Their words gave her strength and she was able to finish the race.

    Clipart

    Friend May 2022
    May 11 2020

    Mosiah 18-24

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    Table of Contents

    Mosiah CHAPTER 18 Alma preaches in private—He sets forth the covenant of baptism and baptizes at the waters of Mormon—He organizes the Church of Christ and ordains priests—They support themselves and teach the people—Alma and his people flee from King Noah into the wilderness. About 147–145 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 19 Gideon seeks to slay King Noah—The Lamanites invade the land—King Noah suffers death by fire—Limhi rules as a tributary monarch. About 145–121 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 20 Some Lamanite daughters are abducted by the priests of Noah—The Lamanites wage war upon Limhi and his people—The Lamanite hosts are repulsed and pacified. About 145–123 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 20 Some Lamanite daughters are abducted by the priests of Noah—The Lamanites wage war upon Limhi and his people—The Lamanite hosts are repulsed and pacified. About 145–123 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 21 Limhi’s people are smitten and defeated by the Lamanites—Limhi’s people meet Ammon and are converted—They tell Ammon of the twenty-four Jaredite plates. About 122–121 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 22 Plans are made for the people to escape from Lamanite bondage—The Lamanites are made drunk—The people escape, return to Zarahemla, and become subject to King Mosiah. About 121–120 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 23 Alma refuses to be king—He serves as high priest—The Lord chastens His people, and the Lamanites conquer the land of Helam—Amulon, leader of King Noah’s wicked priests, rules subject to the Lamanite monarch. About 145–121 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 24 Amulon persecutes Alma and his people—They are to be put to death if they pray—The Lord makes their burdens seem light—He delivers them from bondage, and they return to Zarahemla. About 145–120 B.C.

    Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon

    Mosiah 18

    Friend May 2020 “Alma Believed Abinadi” VIDEO

    • In the Book of Mormon, we learn about a prophet named Abinadi. God sent him to teach the wicked people of King Noah.
    • Abinadi told the king and his followers to repent and keep God’s commandments. They didn’t listen. They were angry with the prophet! They didn’t want to change.
    • But one person believed the prophet. His name was Alma. He decided to repent and leave the wicked king.
    • Alma wrote down what Abinadi had taught. He started teaching other people about the gospel.
    • I will listen to the prophet. Even if other people make bad choices, I can always choose to follow God.
    Friend May 2020 “Coloring Page: Alma Followed the Prophet”

    Book of Mormon Stories “Alma Teaches and Baptizes” Images and Video

    Friend April 2016 “Alma Baptizes Many People” For Young Readers VIDEO

    • Abinadi was a prophet. He taught people to believe in Jesus and to stop doing bad things. A wicked king named Noah was angry with Abinadi. Noah didn’t want to repent.
    • A man named Alma believed Abinadi. He ran away and hid from the angry king. He felt sorry for doing wrong things, and he repented, just like Abinadi had taught.
    • Many people came to hear Alma teach about Jesus Christ. Alma taught that if they repented and followed Jesus, they could be baptized.
    • The people clapped with joy. They promised to comfort others. They promised to love God and tell other people about Him. They were ready to be baptized.
    • One by one, Alma baptized the people. They were very happy to be part of Jesus’s Church. When we are baptized, we make the same promises that Alma’s people did. And we become part of Jesus’s Church too!

    Friend April 2000 “Covenants at the Waters of Mormon:”

    Introduction Ideas

    Give each child a copy of the nine-dot diagram, or draw it on the chalkboard. Tell the children that they are to connect all the dots by drawing four continuous straight lines without lifting the pencil off the paper or chalk off the chalkboard. After they have tried several solutions, show one child the correct solution without telling the others. Have that child show another child, and so on until all the children can connect the dots. Explain that when we learn something, we can help other people when we teach them what we know. When we learn about Heavenly Father, we can help other people by telling them about him. Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 11- Abinadi and King Noah”

    There is a saying that you can count the seeds in an apple, but you can’t count the apples that come from one seed. Only one person was receptive to Abinadi’s testimony, but that one person—Alma—influenced generations of Nephites. Perhaps you could use a fruit with seeds to demonstrate this principle. What can we do to share our testimonies with others?(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24”)

    The Cozy Red Cottage

    When I am baptized, I make a covenant with God.

    Mosiah 18:7–17

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 18-24”

    • One important way to help your children prepare for baptism is to teach them about the covenant they will make when they are baptized. This could be as simple as showing the picture at the end of this week’s outline and reading about the covenant with them in Mosiah 18:9–10. Consider inviting a child who has already been baptized to teach this to the younger children. Your children might enjoy hearing about your baptism. How has keeping your covenants with God blessed your life?

    Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 12: Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon” Display a key. Ask the children what a key is used for. You might have a child use the key to open a lock. Hold the paper key so the children cannot see the word Covenant, and tear it in half. Explain that a key would not work if you had only half of it. Turn the pieces of the key over to show the word Covenant. Ask the children if they know what this word means. Explain that in the gospel a covenant is a sacred agreement or promise between Heavenly Father and his children. When we keep our covenants with Heavenly Father, he will always fulfill his part. But if we do not keep our covenant promises, the covenant is broken. Keeping our baptismal covenants is a key to blessings and eternal life. Explain that eternal life is becoming like Heavenly Father and living with him forever. 

    Teaching Children the Gospel “Alma Baptizes at Waters of Mormon” Lesson ideas

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

    The Red Crystal

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24”

    • Older Kids: Give each child a piece of paper. Read together Mosiah 18:8–10, and invite the children to write or draw on one side of their paper the promises we make at baptism and, on the other side, the blessings Heavenly Father promises us. Let them share with the class what they find. As they share, ask questions like these: How can we “mourn with those that mourn”? What does it mean to be a witness of God “in all places”? (verse 9). What can we do to keep our covenants?

    Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 12: Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon”

    Bear One Another’s Burdens

    Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 12: Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon” Ask a child to hold on one hand a moderately heavy book with his or her arm straight out while you talk to the class about the baptismal covenants. Ask the child holding the book if his or her arm is getting tired. Have another child help hold the book. Explain that one of the promises we make when we are baptized is to “bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light.” Discuss some burdens children their age might feel, such as being made fun of, being sick, having problems with family members, wanting to belong, or having difficulties in school. Ask the children how they can help make each other’s burdens lighter.

    The Cozy Red Cottage

    Fill a bag with heavy objects (to represent burdens), and invite a child to hold the bag. Explain that when we are sad, sick, or have other troubles, it can feel like carrying something heavy. Invite the children to take turns helping the child carry the bag so that it becomes lighter. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24”

    Stand as a Witness

    The Cozy Red Cottage

    Comfort those that stand in need of comfort

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24”

    They will promise to follow Heavenly Father and Jesus by comforting people who are sad. Share a story of how you or someone you know has kept these promises. (See also Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79; Carole M. Stephens, “We Have Great Reason to Rejoice,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 115–17.)

    Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Care Package

    Friend May 2020 “Doing What Jesus Would Do” When Julia heard that her friend’s beloved dog had died, she was sad. She wanted to do something to help her friend feel better, so she made her a care package. (Article also includes ideas for care packages.)

    Friend February 2019 “Promise to Try” Tatsuki‘s teacher came to his house to talk to him about his upcoming baptism. He became concened when he learned about the covenants he would be making. He didn’t think he would be like Jesus every day. Then his mom reminded him of the kind things he had done and told him that he was following Jesus by doing those things. He also learned that he could repent and be forgiven if he made mistakes. He was then happy that he could be baptized and try to be like Jesus.

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    For younger children: Ask your child one thing they love about each person in the family. Tell your child something they do that shows love to others!

    We renew our covenants during the sacrament

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 18-24”

    Children who have been baptized could use frequent reminders about the covenants they made and renew each week with the sacrament. Perhaps your children could compare the baptismal covenant described in Mosiah 18:8–10 with the sacrament prayers (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79). How can we make the sacrament a special, reverent time, just like our baptisms were?

    The Red Crystal

    Explain that each Sunday they renew their baptismal covenant when they partake of the sacrament. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah)

    Friend May 2020 “Alma’s Baptismal Talk” Wouldn’t it be amazing if a prophet gave a talk at your baptism? In Mosiah 18:7–11, Alma talked to a group of people who wanted to be baptized. Here’s what he taught them.

    Come Follow Me Kid Below is an easier version of the above article for younger children.

    Gospel Art Book

    Friend May 2024

    Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon: Alma Baptized at the Waters of Mormon

    Friend May 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones: Joy in Baptism” Read Mosiah 18:10–11 about how Alma’s people clapped for joy when they learned about baptism. Find a picture of someone being baptized and point out what is happening in the scene. Then take turns hiding the picture and finding it. Whenever your child finds it, help them say, “I’m happy I can be baptized” and clap together for joy!

    When I am baptized, I become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.

    Mosiah 18:17–28

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 18-24”

    Do your children know what it means to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Consider helping them find pictures that represent things Church members did in Mosiah 18:17–28. For example, the pictures Ordination to the Priesthood and Payment of Tithing (Gospel Art Book, nos. 106, 113) might represent verses 18 and 27–28. Tell them why you are grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.

    The Red Crystal

    Sing with the children or read the words to “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77), and invite them to listen for things that we promise to do as members of the Church. Help them think of ways they can keep these promises.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 18-24”

    Helping children feel “knit together in unity and in love” (Mosiah 18:21) helps them stay connected to the Church throughout their lives. Consider inviting your children to read Mosiah 18:17–28. What did members of Christ’s Church in Alma’s day do to love and serve one another? How can we do this in our ward, branch, or community? A song about love, such as “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 140), could reinforce this message.

    Friend May 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Hearts Knit in Unity” Alma taught us to have our “hearts knit together in unity and in love” (Mosiah 18:21). That means we should work together and show love to others. Make a string of hearts to remind you! Cut out some paper hearts and write a family member’s name on each one. Poke a hole in each heart and put a string through them so the hearts are connected. Hang up your string of hearts where you will see it often!

    The Cozy Red Cottage

    King Noah is Put to Death by His People

    Mosiah 19

    Book of Mormon Scriptures Stories “King Noah and King Limhi”

    • King Noah ruled a group of Nephites. He did many bad things, and some people were mad at him. A man named Gideon fought Noah with a sword. Noah ran away and climbed a tower. From the tower, he saw an army of Lamanites coming. Noah pretended he was afraid for his people, so Gideon let him live.
    • Noah and his people ran away. But the Lamanites chased them and began attacking them. Noah told the men to leave their families behind and go with him.
    • Some men left with Noah. But many of the men chose to stay with their families. Noah’s son Limhi also chose to stay.
    • Many daughters stood in front of the army and asked the Lamanites not to hurt their families. The Lamanites listened to the daughters and let the Nephites live. Instead, the Lamanites captured the Nephites.
    • The men who ran away wanted to go back to their families. Noah tried to stop them, so the men put him to death. Then they went back to their families.
    • The men were very happy that their families were safe. They told Gideon what happened to Noah.
    • The people chose Limhi to be their new king. Limhi promised the Lamanite king that they would pay the Lamanites half of everything they owned. In return, the Lamanite king promised he would not hurt Limhi’s people.

    The People of Limhi

    Mosiah 20-22

    Book of Mormon Scriptures Stories “King Noah and King Limhi”

    • They lived in peace for several years. Then the Lamanites started to treat Limhi’s people badly. The people wanted to be free again. They tried to fight the Lamanites, but they lost. The people prayed to God for help.
    • One day, a Nephite named Ammon visited Limhi and his people. Ammon came from a land called Zarahemla. Limhi was happy to see Ammon.
    • Ammon could lead Limhi’s people to Zarahemla, but they had to escape from the Lamanites first. Gideon had a plan.
    • At night, Gideon gave the Lamanite guards extra wine to make them fall asleep. While the guards slept, Limhi and all of his people escaped the city.
    • They went to Zarahemla and joined the Nephites there. Limhi and his people learned more about God. They made a covenant, or special promise, to serve God and obey His commandments. They were baptized and became part of God’s Church. They remembered that God helped them escape from the Lamanites.

    Book of Mormon Stories “King Limhi and his People Escape” Video and Images

    Teaching the Scripture Readers

    The People of Alma

    Mosiah 23-24

    Book of Mormon Stories “Alma and His People”

    Book of Mormon Stories “Alma and His People Escape” Video and Images

    God can make my burdens light.

    Mosiah 24:8–17

    Friend May 2024 “Alma’s People Pray in Their Hearts”

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 18-24”

    • A simple object lesson can make learning more memorable. Consider filling a bag with heavy objects (to represent burdens) and inviting a child to hold the bag. As you read Mosiah 24:8–17 with your children, ask them to remove an item from the bag every time they hear about something Alma and his people did to seek God’s help with their burdens. You could then talk with them about how Heavenly Father can make our burdens lighter when we seek His help.
    Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24” The story of Alma’s people can show the children that sometimes God helps by strengthening us to endure our trials instead of taking them away.

    • Help the children identify main events from the accounts of Limhi’s people in Mosiah 21:1–5, 13–16; and 22:1–11 and Alma’s people in Mosiah 24:8–22. Then ask each child to draw one of these events. Invite the children to put their drawings in the correct order to tell the story. As they do, emphasize that God helped the people bear their burdens.

    Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 13 – The People of Alma and the People of King Limhi”

    • Invite the children to read Mosiah 21:14–15 and 24:13–14. How did the Lord respond to the prayers of Limhi’s people and Alma’s people? Ask the children to share times when they prayed for help with a trial and Heavenly Father helped them, or share your own experience.

    Additional Resources

    The Red Crystal

    Friend August 1988 “Scriptural Giants: Gideon” part two

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