1. Long ago in Galilee Jesus walked along the sea And told the fishermen To follow Him. Like the faithful long ago, I will choose to follow, For Jesus is calling me.
2. Jesus showed us long ago How to help the sick, the cold, To love and care for those Who need us the most. I will comfort those in need. I will strengthen feeble knees And show the love inside of me.
[Chorus] I will follow where my Savior leads. I will listen when He calls to me. I will live what I believe. And when I’m in need, He will carry me. He’s my Shepherd, and I’m His sheep.
1. The Shepherd loves His little lambs, And when they go astray, He seeks them as they wander; He calls each one by name. They listen for the Shepherd’s voice; They run to Him, and then He welcomes them with loving arms When they return to Him.
2. The Savior loves His little ones, And if I leave His side, He seeks me as I wander By day or darkest night. I’ll listen for the Savior’s call. I’ll come to Him, and then He’ll welcome me with loving arms When I return to Him.
3. The Savior marks the path for me; He shows me how to live. And if I stray or wander, I know He will forgive. So I will heed the Savior’s voice; I’ll turn away from sin, And He will fill my heart with joy When I return to Him.
Atonement
The Miracle
Friend June 2018 “The Miracle” Jesus did many miracles, but the most incredible is the one that rescued each of us. Music Video
1. From a babe laid in a manger, As the star in heaven shined; To a cross on which He suffered, Where He died for all mankind. To a tomb wherein they laid Him, When the sun withheld its light; To a risen Lord and Savior, Breaking bands of death with life.
Chorus: This is the day that changed ev’rything. This is the day that brought new life. For He who was dead now lives again In perfect, glorious light. This is the day the sun shined brighter. This is the day the earth rejoiced. With the heavens sing praise to God, our King, On this day that changed ev’rything!
2. He lives to heal the broken. He lives and knows my needs. He is my Friend and Savior, And loves me endlessly. With wounded hands He reaches To lead me safely home. He offers grace and mercy, And through Him I am whole.
Words: Jesus said that He would be my Shepherd. Jesus said that I would be His lamb. He calms my fears with tender words of comfort, So when He calls, I gladly follow Him. Jesus is my Friend; He’s like no other. Jesus is the Son, the Bread of Life. With Him, I’m not afraid; He is my Brother. He knows my heart. He helps me choose the right. Jesus said that He would be my Savior. Jesus said that He would be my Light. He made the stars, the oceans—my Creator, Redeemer, Lord, the Way, the Truth, the Life. So many names of Jesus, So many ways to know Him, And every name means, “I love you.” The Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ salvation brings.
1. I’m going to follow Jesus Christ today. I want to be like Him in ev’ry way. If I do what’s right, He will send His light As I read, pray, ponder, and obey.
2. I can be clean, brave, reverent, and kind. I can serve Him with body, soul, and mind. As a child of God, hold the iron rod And give charity to all mankind.
3. I can bear testimony pure and true, Be an example, do what He would do. I’ll proclaim the truth though I’m in my youth, So my friends can hear the gospel too.
1. There’s a light within me— The perfect light of Christ— And I have made a promise To keep it burning bright By walking in His footsteps And following His plan In every time and every place, In every way I can.
2. One simple act of kindness Will lift a lonely soul; One gentle word that’s spoken Turns sadness to hope. One choice to be like Jesus Will spread the love He gives, And one by one the world becomes A better place to live.
Chorus: I will shine like a candle in the dark; All it takes to make a difference is a spark. And it’s easy to see that the brightest I’ll be Is when I let His light shine through me. When I let His light shine through me.
1. Jesus walked in wisdom; Jesus grew in truth. He showed love to God and man while in His youth. Jesus wants to guide me. Jesus shows the way, Calling me to come and walk with Him each day.
2. I can grow like Jesus. I will try each day— Promising to walk His path and there to stay. Standing by my Savior, safe within His care, Step by step I’ll follow, and His love I’ll share.
3. I will trust in Jesus. I will hear His call. He will never leave me, even when I fall. Jesus gives me power, lifts and comforts me, Helping me to live and grow eternally.
Chorus: I will walk with Jesus to my home above. He will bless me with His Spirit and fill me with His love, Change my heart forever and help me clearly see. I will walk with Jesus, and He will walk with me.
Read 3 Nephi 17:21–25 with your family, which describes the Savior ministering to people after His Resurrection. Talk about what it might have felt like to be there.
Draw or write these body parts on pieces of paper: hands, feet, knees, arms, eyes, and mouth. Pass them out to different family members.
Whenever a body part is mentioned in the song, have the family member holding that paper lift it up for everyone to see.
Discussion: Talk about how Jesus has a resurrected body and how one day we’ll have a resurrected body too. Jesus used His body to serve others. How can we serve others and show them love?
“Had I Been A Child” Lyrics
1. Had I been a child when Jesus cameUnto the Nephites that blessed dayAnd showed them the wounds in his hands and his feetAnd knelt with them to pray.
2. Then he might have held me safe in his arms;He might have looked in my eyes and saidA word, with his blessing of kindness and love,His hands placed upon my head.
3. Someday, when the Savior comes again,Oh, how I hope that my heart will beAs pure as the hearts of the children that dayWho gathered around his knee.
1. There is peace in Christ When we learn of Him. Feel the love He felt for us When He bore our sins. Listen to His words. Let them come alive. If we know Him as He is, There is peace in Christ.
2. There is peace in Christ When we walk with Him Through the streets of Galilee To Jerusalem. Mend the broken hearts. Dry the tear-filled eyes. When we live the way He lived, There is peace in Christ.
Chorus: He gives us hope When hope is gone. He gives us strength When we can’t go on. He gives us shelter In the storms of life. When there’s no peace on earth, There is peace in Christ.
Second ending: When there’s no peace on earth, There is peace in Christ.
1. Because He walked with men, I know the way. Because He calmed the storm, I’m not afraid. Because He bowed beneath all things, He lifted me above. Because I know He died for me, I feel His love.
2. Because He conquered death, I’ll live again. Because He is my Friend, I’ll follow Him. Because He felt all grief and pain, He calms and comforts me. And when He comes again, I’ll kneel before His feet.
Chorus: And I will praise forever The Savior of the world. And I will sing together With all the Saints on earth. Because He gave to me everything He had to give, I breathe, I see, I hope, I love, I live.
[Verse 1] Oh, how lovely was the morning! Radiant beamed the sun above Bees were humming, sweet birds singing Music ringing thru the grove When within the shady woodland Joseph sought the God of love When within the shady woodland Joseph sought the God of love
[Verse 2] Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing— ‘Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer— When the pow’rs of sin assailing Filled his soul with deep despair; But undaunted, still he trusted In his Heav’nly Father’s care; But undaunted, still he trusted In his Heav’nly Father’s care
[Verse 3] Suddenly a light descended Brighter far than noonday sun And a shining, glorious pillar O’er him fell, around him shone While appeared two heav’nly beings God the Father and the Son While appeared two heav’nly beings God the Father and the Son
[Verse 4] “Joseph, this is my Beloved; Hear him!” Oh, how sweet the word! Joseph’s humble prayer was answered And he listened to the Lord Oh, what rapture filled his bosom For he saw the living God; Oh, what rapture filled his bosom For he saw the living God
1. Joseph had a question about the way to go, So faithfully he studied to help his knowledge grow. A scripture struck his heart, inviting him to pray, And Joseph knew that he could ask for God to show him the way.
2. Seeking peaceful quiet, he chose a grove of trees And prayed with all his power for God to hear his plea. The Father and the Son descended from above To answer Joseph’s question and restore the gospel with love.
3. From that wondrous vision, more revelations flowed. The Lord restored the gospel so everyone can know: The heavens are not closed; the Savior speaks today. He calls a prophet in our time to guide our steps in His way.
Chorus: He prayed in faith and heaven answered. The Father and the Son knew his name. I kneel to pray. I know God loves me And hears my prayers the same.
This is My Beloved Son
Verse 3: Joseph saw two glorious beings Shining brighter than the sun. God again presented Jesus: “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”
Third Verse: On a golden springtime, in a forest glade, The Father and the Son appeared as Joseph knelt and prayed. Awake, awake, O nations all! Receive the gospel light! The gospel true is here for you. Receive its glorious light!
The Sacred Grove was green and fresh, The morning sun shone bright around, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer Upon that sacred ground.
The Father and the Son appeared. They spoke to him as with one voice. Their message answered all his fears, Their message answered all his fears And made his heart rejoice.
Joseph Smith went to a grove full of trees; Seeking Gods wisdom, he fell to his knees. As he pled with the heavens, the sky filled with light, And the Father appeared with His Son, Jesus Christ, Standing above in the air Coming to answer his prayer.
Chorus: I will find my own sacred grove. Away from all of the noise in the world. I will turn to prayer, For I know He’s there I will find my own sacred grove.
So many choices with so much at stake. Life’s full of pathways, but which should I take? If I lift up in prayer in the name of the Son, Through the pow’r of the Holy Ghost answers will come. Heavenly Father is there, Ready to answer my prayer.
1. An angel from on high The long, long silence broke; Descending from the sky, These gracious words he spoke: Lo! in Cumorah’s lonely hill A sacred record lies concealed. Lo! in Cumorah’s lonely hill A sacred record lies concealed.
2.Sealed by Moroni’s hand, It has for ages lain To wait the Lord’s command, From dust to speak again. It shall again to light come forth To usher in Christ’s reign on earth. It shall again to light come forth To usher in Christ’s reign on earth.
3.It speaks of Joseph’s seed And makes the remnant known Of nations long since dead, Who once had dwelt alone. The fulness of the gospel, too, Its pages will reveal to view. The fulness of the gospel, too, Its pages will reveal to view.
Jesus blessed the children when He walked in Galilee, He brought a young girl back to life. He blessed the blind to see. But some forgot! His Church was lost with its authority. Now priesthood pow’r is back on earth to bless a child like me.
Heav’nly Father and His Son came to the Sacred Grove. They brought the Church to earth again so all could feel Their love. Moroni and Elijah came—and Peter, James, and John—With precious keys and blessings that for centuries were gone.
Temples all around the world, Apostles, revelation: These all are part of God’s great gift—the gospel’s restoration. The sacrament I take each week, baptism, confirmation: I’m thankful for God’s gift to me—the gospel’s restoration.
Now gospel truths are back once more, For Jesus’ Church has been restored.
Friend July 2017 “Come, Come Ye Saints” Simplified sheet music and music video
Pioneer Song Review Games
Pioneer Choosing Activity
Since it was Pioneer Day this week, I decided to have the children sing pioneer songs for music time. I started out with a choosing activity. I used the crickets and seagull idea from Sugar Doodle. I covered the outside of a metal bowl with green tissue paper to make it look like a green hill. I printed off some crickets and a seagull from clip art on Microsoft Word. I used double sided tape and taped a strong magnet to the back of each cricket. I also wrote the name of a pioneer song on the back of each cricket. I put the crickets on the bowl. I taped one end of a string to the back of the seagull. I taped the other end to a dowel rod. On the back of the seagull’s beak I attached a paper clip.
In Primary I told the story of the crickets and the seagulls. After that I had a child “fly” the seagull to the crickets and pick one up with the beak. We sang what song was on the back. I chose the following songs to put on the back of the crickets:
Pioneer Children Sang as They Walked
For this song I had the senior primary children get up and move over one seat every time they sang the word “walked”. This only works if you have all the children sitting in an even number of rows and in one section with no aisles. The children in the front row will move to the left, the children in the second row will move to the right, and so forth. When a child comes to the end of their row, they will go to the row in front of them. If they are already on the front row, they will move to the back row.
The children loved this activity. The teachers even wanted to participate, which was good because they helped any children that were unsure of what to do. (I had pages of a flip chart made by Jolly Jen posted on the board just incase someone didn’t know the words.)
For junior primary have them slowly walk randomly around the room as they sing the first two lines. Then have them stop and do the following actions: rub their hands together for washing in the stream, hammering action for work, jumping rope for play, making a tent with finger tips pressed together for camped, making a book with open palms together for read, and making praying hands for the word prayed. Then have them start walking again as they sing the last line, but this time have them walk back to their seats. On the last walk word have them sit down.
The Handcart Song
For the handcart song, I used the hand cart racing activity -July Friend 1981 Funstuff. Since we aren’t supposed to use competition in Primary, I had the teachers do this activity. The kids thought that was funny. I tied the two strings to two empty chairs in the front row. I had the words/flip-chart made by Laurie Lee posted on the board. I told the teachers they could begin racing when we started singing the second half of the song. (The children knew the second half of the song better than the first, so they were able to watch the race and sing at the same time.)
It is really hard to get those pictures to move along the string, so it was funny watching the teachers try all kinds of ways to make them
To Be a Pioneer
For this song I used the pictures found on page 3 of the July 2010 Friend (flip-chart). I posted them on a display board. You could put the do’s and don’ts on different sides. I had a child wear a bonnet to represent a pioneer. She did the actions to the first part of the song such as: pretending to push a handcart, waving goodbye, walking. Then when it came to the part “to be a pioneer” she pointed to herself.
I told the childen they could develop the characteristics of a pioneer such as courage, faith, and working for a cause that is right. I used a boy with a missionary tag to be a modern pioneer. He pointed to himself when we came to the ending part “to be a pioneer”
We also did Sugardoodle pioneer actions to the song Fun to Do. I had them start off with bouncing on their chair to represent riding in a wagon (Riding in wagon is fun to do). Then I asked if they could think of any other actions pioneers did. I gave them some suggestions. They came up with “getting warm by the fire is fun to do”. They put their hands out like feeling the warmth and then rubbed their hands together. They also wanted to do milking a cow.
Lullaby, lullaby, my little one. Lullaby, my child so dear. Thy precious life has just begun; Thy mother holds thee near. While Joseph watches through the night, A star reflects thy radiant light.
Thy gentle head shall wear a crown, For thy Father is the King. Thy tender hands, so tiny now, Have blessings great to bring. Let all creation join my song, For peace and love this night are born.
Chorus: Lullaby, lullaby, my little one. Lullaby, my child so dear.
It’s true. I know What happened in that village long ago— How one bright star did light the way To where the infant Christ Child lay, So humbly in His bed of hay.
It’s true. I know— Because the holy scriptures tell me so— Of angels’ music in the air, Of Babe and mother sweet and fair, And shepherds sent to find them there.
It’s true. I know. The Holy Ghost has whispered that it’s so, That Jesus, born that holy night, Has filled the world with truth and light And showed us how to live what’s right.
Like the star that shone over the stable, Guiding Wise Men to Christ through the night, I’ll help to lead others to Jesus By reflecting His love and His light.
Like a lamp shining bright from a window Through the dark at the end of the day, With warm, caring friendship and service, I can help to show others the way.
Chorus: Like bright lights of Christmas that bring joy and cheer, Good deeds can spread happiness all through the year.
When Baby Jesus came to earth So many years ago, The inn was full, no room to spare, Poor Mary found no safe place there For our dear Savior’s birth.
Just like the inn of Bethlehem, Our lives can be so full Of all the busy things we do, That sometimes without meaning to We don’t leave room for Him.
We can’t go back to Bethlehem To let the Dear Child in. But we can open our heart’s door To young and old, to rich and poor. And share Christ’s love with them.
Long ago, in Bethlehem, God sent His Holy Son; A precious Gift to save the world: The pure, Anointed One.
Every year, at Christmastime, The presents ‘round the tree Remind me to receive the Christ: The Gift God gives to me.
Jesus Christ gave His life; God planned it from the start. Each day I live, each gift I give Will show my thankful heart. Jesus is the Christmas gift God gives to you and me.
One little shepherd, two baby lambs, Three noble Wise Men with gifts in their hands; A shining angel watches above; I wish I’d been there to give Jesus my love.
Quick to the stable, shepherds make haste; A star through the desert the Wise Men have chased; And down from heav’n came angels to call; So I too will seek Him, the Savior of all.
Our Christmas Story Tree
“Our Christmas Story Tree” Sing before decorating tree.
The Way to Bethlehem
“The Way to Bethlehem” Sheet MusicFour verses: 1. shepherds 2. wiseman 3. Mary and Joseph 4. stars and angels.
Shepherds, shepherds, leave your lambs And find the way to Bethlehem, For the Baby sleeping there Is your Savior good and fair. Stars and angels shine His light. Find the way to Bethlehem tonight.
Wise Men, look up to the sky For one bright star to travel by. Bring your gold and precious things. Kneel before the King of kings. Stars and angels shine His light. Find the way to Bethlehem tonight.
See how Mary holds her Son, Jesus Christ, the Holy One. Joseph guards with tender care. Peace and gladness fill the air. Stars and angels shine His light. Find the way to Bethlehem tonight.
1. Somewhere a Baby sleeps, swaddled and warm. Angels watch over Him, keep Him from harm. Sweet little Jesus boy, born in a stall, Came down from heaven to rescue us all.
2. Mary, His mother fair, rests in the hay, Cradling the Holy Babe, newborn this day. Joseph stands over Him, watchful, serene, Guardian of Deity, earth’s infant King.
3. Sacred the stable there, peaceful and calm. Little Lord Jesus rests in loving arms. God’s love is over all, sweet and refined. His Son brings pure love so holy, divine. Jesus brings pure love, so Holy divine.
Games
Friend December 2019 “Christmas Clues” Can you figure out the names of all these Christmas songs?
Friend December 2018 “Have a Song-a-Day Christmas” Starting 12 days before Christmas, sing along each day with one of these Christmas songs on music.lds.org. Color the music notes when you hear each phrase!
Friend December 2018 “Funstuff” Have your family or a group of friends take turns unscrambling the titles of the Christmas songs below. (It’s fun to work in teams.) Then have everyone choose a favorite one to sing!
The Messiah by Handel
Friend December 2017 “Christmas Peace” Handel created beautiful music about Jesus. Scriptures were used for the words. Fill in the blank of the scripture. Also, we can create something beautiful to show our love for Jesus.
Friend December 1985 Story of George Frideric Handel the composer of the Messiah.
I may not be asked to build a great big ship, Or sail my family ’cross the ocean blue, But if I had the faith and courage Nephi did, Imagine all the great things I could go and do!
Chorus: The Lord has a special message for me In every scripture story I read, And I can become who I’m striving to be When I liken the scriptures to me.
I won’t raise a tent to hear the prophet speak, But I can listen when he speaks today. And I don’t have a sword to bury ten feet deep, But I can cast my selfish words and deeds away. Chorus
Bridge: Like Enos I will fervently pray. Like the stripling warriors, I will obey. Like Abish I will share what I know, And like Ammon I’ll go where I’m called to go. Chorus
Sing together a song about the scriptures, such as “Scripture Power” (music.ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and ask the children to listen for how the scriptures help us.
Friend November 1996 “For Little Friends: Window Picture” (Print the picture of the earth and the picture of Jesus back to back.) Show the picture of the earth and ask who created it. Have the children hold it up to a light or window to check their answer or find the answer. Explain that the earth was created by Jesus under the direction of Heavenly Father. Question: Why did Heavenly Father want the earth created? (See Abraham 3:24-26 – For us to gain a body and be tried and tested to see if we would learn to exercise control over our bodies and keep the commandments.)
1of3
2of3
3of3
Friend June 2003 “Sharing Time.” Discuss how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created the earth and all forms of life. Assign each class a scripture about something the Lord created: Gen. 1:11 (grass, herb, tree), Gen. 1:16 (sun, moon, stars), Gen. 1:21 (everything that lives in water and in air), Gen. 1:25 (animals on the earth, everything that creeps on the earth), Gen. 1:26–27 (man, male and female), Amos 4:13 (mountains, wind), John 1:3 (all things), Mosiah 2:23 (you). Have the children locate the scriptures, then take turns reading them aloud while you list the creations on the chalkboard. (Could do a game were the children name as many things as they can think of under each category, like different animals and insects.)
Weather permitting, and if safety is not an issue, have the children take a walk around the church to look for other creations. Or sing “All Things Bright and Beautiful” (p. 231) or “The World Is So Big” (p. 235).
Give each child paper and a pencil to draw something that the Lord created. Show and discuss the pictures by collecting them from the children and using a pretend fishing pond. Have the children take turns “fishing” out each other’s pictures. As a picture is drawn out, invite the child to tell something that he or she could do to treat that creation with respect. Invite the children to share their drawings with family members and discuss ways they can show respect for all of God’s creations.
Teaching the Scripture Readers
Teaching the Scripture Readers
Friend September 1999 “The World Jesus Made” Poem about appreciating the wonderful things in the world
Friend September 1999 “The World Jesus Made” Poem about appreciating the wonderful things in the world
Take the children for a walk outside. Let the children take turns describing a creation they see, and ask the class to guess what they are describing.
Friend January 2023 Take your little ones for a walk outdoors. Look at the amazing things in nature—like the trees, birds, wind, or sky. Let your children pick up rocks or smell flowers. Tell them, “Jesus loves you and created this beautiful world for you.”
If the weather is not conducive for a walk, try showing pictures. The link below has some images that might work. Or you could bring in some items they could smell and touch.
How will you make learning about the Creation fun for your children? You could take them on a search outside for the kinds of things that were made during each period of Creation. Your children might also look at pictures of things Jesus created (see “The Creation of the Earth” in Old Testament Stories, 8–12). Then you and your children could talk about how you feel about Jesus Christ after reading about the Creation.
Consider singing a song together about our beautiful world, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Maybe your children could add to the song other things God has created that help them feel His love.
Show the children pictures of things that represent different periods of the Creation (as described in Moses 2; see also “The Creation of the Earth” in Old Testament Stories), and help the children think of actions to go along with the pictures. For instance, they could make a fist to represent dry land or wave their arms like waves of water (see Moses 2:9–10). Share your testimony that Jesus Christ made these things because He and Heavenly Father love us.
How can you make learning about the Creation fun for your family? You could take your family on a search outside for the kinds of things that were made during each period of the Creation story, such as stars, trees, or animals. You might also show pictures of things created in each period and invite family members to put the pictures in order after reading one of the accounts of the Creation together. What do these creations teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?Genesis 1; Moses 2; Abraham 4.
Sing a song about things Jesus Christ created for us, such as “The World Is So Lovely” (Children’s Songbook, 233). Ask the children to draw pictures of the creations described in the song.
Help the children think of times when they made something by following another person’s directions. For example, maybe they have made a recipe with a parent or sibling guiding them. Write Who created the earth? on the board, and invite the children to find the answer in Moses 2:1. Testify that Jesus Christ created the earth under the direction of Heavenly Father.
Assign each child verses in Moses 2 related to one of the days of creation, and ask him or her to draw a picture of the things Heavenly Father and Jesus created on that day. Ask the children to hold their pictures and stand in the order of the days of Creation, and then invite each child to teach the rest of the children what happened on the day they were assigned. What do we learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ from the story of the Creation?
Friend March 2002 “For Little Friends” Place the correct picture and label on the chart according to which “day” it took place in the creation (one square will get two pictures). Check your answers in Genesis 1:1-27, and move pieces to their correct position as needed (Visuals: Black and white game board. Note: Color cardstock can be used for the game boards.)
The earth was created by Jesus Christ under Heavenly Father’s direction so that we could have a place to live, learn, and use our agency to make good choices (see Abraham 3:24–26).
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that to “create … does not mean to create out of nothing; it means to organize, the same as a man would organize materials and build a ship.”1 The Hebrew word for “create” means to shape, fashion, organize, and form (see Genesis 1:1; Abraham 3:24).
President Russell M. Nelson explained that “the physical Creation itself was staged through ordered periods of time,” not calendar days. “Whether termed a day, a time, or an age, each phase [of the Creation] was a period between two identifiable events—a division of eternity.”2
While there’s a lot we don’t know about exactly how the world was created, ponder what you learn about the Creation from what God has revealed in Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; and Abraham 4:1–25. What do you notice in these accounts that is similar? What do you notice that is different?
One way to approach the Creation story is to invite your family to find how many times in Genesis 1 or Moses 2 God calls the things that he made “good.” What does this suggest about how we should treat God’s creations—including ourselves? What do we learn from the way these events are worded in Abraham 4?
Story: Heavenly Father told Jesus Christ to create the earth for us to live on (see Genesis 1–2). Jesus created plants and animals for us to take care of. We can be thankful for the earth.
Song: “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook,228–29)
Activity: Now play a game! The first person says, “I am thankful for …” and then says something Heavenly Father and Jesus created. The next person repeats it and then adds something new. Keep going around in a circle as long as you can.
Stewards over the Earth: Moses 2:28 explains that humankind was given dominion over all living things. President Russell M. Nelson said, “We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations” (“The Creation,” Liahona, July 2000, 104).
Go on a short walk around the area you live in or look at pictures and videos of beautiful landscapes.
Point out different parts of the environment that you notice. This could be plants, animals, or landforms.
Notice each living thing and discuss specific ways we can take care of them and the environment around them.
Discussion: In what ways do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ take care of us? How can we follow Their examples as we take care of the living things around us? In what ways can our actions show our gratitude for God’s creations? (Submitted by Mitzi Schoneman)
Creation Charades: President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Grand as it is, planet Earth is part of something even grander—that great plan of God. Simply summarized, the earth was created that families might be” (“The Creation,” Liahona, July 2000, 104).
Study the days of Creation with your family (found in Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; or Abraham 4–5). See “The Creation” from this issue for a summary.
Each person can take a turn acting out a day or part of the Creation.
The rest of the family members guess the day or the part of Creation that was chosen.
Discussion: Follow up by reading Abraham 3:22–27 together. How can knowing God’s purpose for creating the earth affect our daily lives? How can we better show appreciation for God’s creations?(Submitted by Brenda Slade)
Pictionary Game: Divide the chalkboard into seven sections and number them 1 through 7. Have the children draw cards labeled with the day number and the creation event that happened on that day. Going in order, have the child with number one draw their item and have the other children guess what it is. Read the scripture to the children after the children guess what it is.
Friend August 1999 “Days of Creation” Trying to pull creation cards from a bag in the right order.
Friend May 1986 “Bobby’s Creations” This story has a Family Home Evening idea a child could do.
Individual Days
Day 1: Light and Dark
Day 2: Clouds and Sky
Friend March 2017 “Raining!” Rain makes the earth clean and beautiful. Water helps us in many ways.
Day 3: Oceans, Rivers, Land, Plants
Friend August 2017 “My Favorite Tree” Action Rhyme about a favorite tree. (Could be used in Sunbeams Lesson 10: I Am Thankful for Trees, Plants, and Flowers)
Friend June 2025 “For Little Ones” Heavenly Father gave us a beautiful world with many kinds of plants. How many cactus flowers can you count?
Friend September 2020 “Find It” These kids love watching birds with their aunt! Find 15 birds and 10 eggs. Then find the other objects. Bonus: How many times are birds (or “fowls”) mentioned during the Creation, in Genesis 1? ______. (6)
Friend August 2022 “Miguel and the Worm” As Miguel helped his mother with the garden he found a worm. He didn’t want to hurt it but he didn’t want it to hurt the plants. His mother explained that worms were helpful to gardens because they beak up the dirt. Miguel liked the worms. He wanted to treat all of Heavenly Father’s creatures with respect.
Friend July 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Animal Actions” Under God’s direction, Jesus Christ created every creature on earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 77:2). Play an animal guessing game! One person pretends to be a certain animal. Everyone else tries to guess what animal they are. Once you guess it right, say something you like about that animal.
For younger children: Go on a walk with your little ones and point out animals you see. Or look at pictures of animals. Teach them that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created every creature on earth.
Your children can develop a sense of reverence and respect for their own and others’ bodies as they learn that we were all created in God’s image. To help them understand what this means, you could let your children look at their image in a mirror or picture while you read Moses 2:26–27 to them.
You could also show them how baby animals are often in the “likeness” of their parents (see the picture in this outline, for example). This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to you to know that you are created in your Heavenly Father’s image.
You and your children might enjoy drawing a human body and cutting the drawings into puzzles. As your children put their puzzles together, they could talk about ways they can show Heavenly Father that they are thankful for their bodies. (or invite the children to choose a part of the body and write next to it why they are thankful for it.) Express your gratitude for your body, and testify that we were created in God’s image.
[Using the picture below, invite the children] to point to His eyes, mouth, and other parts of His body. Then invite them to stand and point to those same parts of their own bodies. Read from Doctrine and Covenants 130:22: “The Father has a body of flesh and bones … ; the Son also.” Testify that our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s bodies.
LessonPix “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” Song idea. Print the pictures, cut them apart into cards, and then use them to sing the song. To make the song more interesting, have the children mix up the pictures on the top two rows and/or the bottom two rows and then have them do the actions and sing the words in their mixed up order.
Read together Moses 2:26–27. What do these verses teach us about our bodies? Show the video “God’s Greatest Creation” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or play the game “Your Body Is a Temple” (Friend, Aug. 2019, 24–25). You could also read together related quotations from President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Your Body: A Magnificent Gift to Cherish” (New Era, Aug. 2019, 2–7) that will help the children feel gratitude to Heavenly Father for their bodies.
Friend August 2019 “Your Body is a Temple” Activity comparing how the body is like a temple.
Show a picture of the Savior, and invite the children to point to various parts of His body. Read Ether 3:13 and 15, and explain that when the brother of Jared saw Jesus Christ, he learned that we all look like Jesus. As you point to a body part in the picture, invite them to point to the same part of their own bodies. Testify that we were created to look like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Sing together a song related to our bodies, such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” (Children’s Songbook, 275). Help the children talk about why they are grateful for different parts of their bodies.
When we understand that God the Father and Jesus Christ have bodies like ours, we feel closer to Them, and our relationship with Them is strengthened.
Show the children a picture of Jesus Christ, and invite them to point to His eyes, mouth, and other parts of His body. Then invite them to stand and point to those same parts of their own bodies. Read from Doctrine and Covenants 130:22: “The Father has a body of flesh and bones … ; the Son also.” Testify that our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s bodies.
Sing together a song about our bodies, such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” (Children’s Songbook, 275), and invite the children to do actions that go along with the words. Ask the children to tell you some things they can do with their bodies. Express your gratitude for the body God has given you. How can we show we are thankful for this special gift?
Invite the children to draw pictures of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and themselves. Help them see how our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s.
Friend August 2016 “God is Our Father” God our Father has ears with which to hear our prayers. He has eyes with which to see our actions. He has a mouth with which to speak to us. He has a heart with which to feel compassion and love. He is real. He is living. We are his children made in His image. We look like Him and He looks like us.
Beautiful Creations of God: Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:17–19 about how God created “heaven and earth, and all things which are in them.”
Take a moment to look out a window or go on a walk.
Point out the creations of God that you see.
Verse 18 tells us that God “created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them.” We are some of God’s creations too! Take a moment to admire all the things your body can do. What are your talents?
In verse 19 we are commanded to “love and serve him, the only living and true God.” How can you use your talents to serve Him?
Show the children pictures of animals, including insects and birds. As you read the words “beasts,” “creeping things,” and “fowls of the air” from Doctrine and Covenants 77:2, invite the children to point to the related pictures. Testify that God created all of these things because He loves us and wants us to be happy (see also Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–20).
Friend July 2021 “Find It” Julia and Leo went on a nature walk with their dad and stepmom. They loved seeing all of God’s creations! Find the hidden objects below.
After reading this verse, family members could draw pictures of their favorite “beasts, … creeping things, … [or] fowls of the air” created by God. What do we learn about God’s creations from this verse? (see also Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–20). You could also sing a song about God’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook,228–29), and display the painting that accompanies this outline.
Friend June 2021 “A Day at the Beach” Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ made a beautiful world for us to enjoy. When we look around, we can remember how much They love us!
Friend November 2021 “Find It! These children like to find fun shapes in the clouds! The beautiful world reminds them how much Heavenly Father loves them. Find the hidden items.
Friend March 2023 “Margo and Paolo” Seeing Heavenly Father’s amazing creations (such as a meteor shower) helps Margo and Paulo feel God’s love.
Sing with the children a song about God’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook,228–29). Ask the children how the things they are singing about help them feel God’s love.
PSALM 8 A messianic psalm of David—He says that babes and children praise the Lord—He asks, What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?
Reading Psalms 8; 19; and 33 may inspire you to consider the Lord’s many wonderful creations. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings as you do. How do the Lord’s creations “declare the glory of God” to you? (Psalm 19:1).
“The heavens declare the glory of God.”
PSALM 19 David testifies, The heavens declare the glory of God, the law of the Lord is perfect, and the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Psalms 19 and 33 teach that we can find evidence of the glory and goodness of God all around us in His beautiful creations. Help the children learn to see God’s hand in the world around them.
Show the children some pictures of beautiful things God has created, or look out a window together to see these things. Ask the children what they love about Heavenly Father’s creations. Read either Psalm 19:1 or 33:5, and ask the children how they feel about Heavenly Father when they see His creations.
Sing together a song about God’s creations, such as “The World Is So Lovely” (Children’s Songbook, 233). Invite the children to pick something God has created (such as something mentioned in the song) and draw a picture of it to share with their families
Appreciating God’s Beautiful Creations
Friend June 2020 “Want to Go on a Walk?” As Abby and her little sister, Sophie, go on a walk, Sophie sees many pretty things. Abby begins to realize how many wonderful creations there are just in their yard.
Friend September 2019 “A Beautiful World for Mason” Mason draws pictures of wonderful things he sees on his nature walk. Mason is glad Jesus made such a beautiful world for him. Can you find the things he saw in the picture below?
Friend April 2019 “The Creations” Poem written by a child about his love of the the wonderful creations.
Go for a nature walk. Wrap a section of duct tape, inside out, around your child’s wrist. Let her collect little treasures along your walk and stick them to her nature bracelet. At home, you can cut off the bracelet and discuss them further.
Friend July 2016 “A Beautiful World” Go for a walk and fill this booklet with the things you see, touch, smell, and hear.
Friend June 2020 “Thankful for Jesus” Brynn loves to draw. One day her art teacher tells the class that she wants them to draw something they are grateful for. Brynn decides to draw Jesus because he created the earth and all the wonderful things in it.
Friend October 2019 “Beautiful World” Action Rhyme: Gratitude for this beautiful world that Heavenly Father made for us.
Friend July 2025 “Our Beautiful World” Bishop Gérald Caussé (Presiding Bishop) tells about visiting a beautiful garden that once belonged to Claude Monet the artist. He created hundreds of paintings that were inspired by his garden. Our Heavenly Father also invites us to join in His creative work. We can create art, music, and other things to brighten our lives and bless others.
Torn-Paper Art: Bishop Caussé taught that we can become creators too! Here’s a craft you can make to remind you of Heavenly Father’s beautiful creations.
Taking Care of the Earth
Friend May 2021 “Jesus Helped Create the Earth” Jesus Christ helped Heavenly Father create the world we live in. They told Adam and Eve and their children to take good care of the earth. We should also treat all of Their creations with kindness and respect.
Friend April 2024 “Bottles of Love” Isabela helped with a project at school to make “bottles of love,” which are plastic bottles filled with single-use plastics. The bottles were sent to an organization that made them into plastic bricks. The bricks could be used to build outdoor benches and houses for people in need.
Friend January 2019 “Food and Fun” Make paper using paper scraps -how recycling works.
Ensign March 2004 Read the section “Attendant Responsibilities.” Discuss ways we can care for our beautiful home on earth. Plan an activity, such as cleaning up a nearby park, that helps preserve the earth’s beauty. 3. Have family members take turns describing something in nature while the others try to guess what it is. Example: It falls from the sky and makes plants grow. Answer: Rain. Read and discuss Doctrine and Covenants 59:20–21 [D&C 59:20–21]. How can we show our appreciation for the beauty of nature?
Challenge: Look for living things in a pond, river, or ocean near you. You can help protect them by picking up trash near water and not putting harmful chemicals down drains.
Friend June 2024 “Planting Trees” Falefatu’s Primary got to do community service to help the environment by planting trees. They also learned why trees are so important. Trees help protect the earth. They give us fruits, medicine, and wood. They also give us oxygen to breathe. Falefatu wants everyone to plant more trees.
Friend June 2024 “What We Can Give” Aliya’s class went on a school trip to a nature preserve. She was excited to learn about the animals, but she was new and didn’t know how to make a friend. The class helped clean the ponds because they learned It’s about what we can give. She remembered that saying and met a girl named Zoe by complimenting her shirt. They became friends and had lots of fun together. She was thankful to Heavenly Father for the beautiful world and for her new friend.
Yard Work
Friend November 2024 “Gardening with Mum” Emily wants to help with the garden, but then she gets tired of pulling weeds. It’s hard work taking care of a flower garden and Emily wants to know why they planted so many flowers. Her mom explains that Heavenly Father created flowers so we could have joy, and that it makes her happy when she sees them. They remind her of Heavenly Father’s love.
Being Kind to Animals and Insects
Friend September 2018 “Cole Helps the Baby Birds” When a wind storm knocks a blows a bird nest out of the tree, Cole helps put it back in.
Lesson 3: The Creation,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 9–12 Purpose: To increase each child’s appreciation for the earth that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created for us.
Friend July 2025 “For Older Kids” God’s Colorful World: Heavenly Father gave us a beautiful world full of colors. Color the picture using the key below. Look up each scripture to know which number the color goes to.
Friend January 2022 “The Rainbow Hello” Darcy had a fun day playing in the rain and watching the sunset. Her mom said Heavenly Father could see her so she waved at the sky. The rainbow they saw was like a wave back from Him.
Ideas: Have children each hold one of the song pictures (in random order). Have the children guess what song it is based on the pictures. Ask: Looking at these pictures, why do you think this song is called “My Heavenly Father Loves Me”? Play a recording of the song. Afterwards, have the other children place the children holding the pictures in the correct order. Play the recording again and see if they got it right.
I want to be a missionary now. I don’t want to wait until I’m grown. I want to share the gospel while I’m young. For I have a testimony of my own.
2. I want to tell my friends about our church And the happiness it brings to me. I’ll tell them how the gospel was restored, Tell them how the Book of Mormon came to be.
3. Then I can be a missionary now. I don’t have to wait until I’m grown. I’ll live each day the best that I know how, And they’ll see I have a testimony of my own, A testimony of my very own.
1. When Lehi listened to the Lord, And his family left their home and riches, His sons returned back home again So they could get the scriptures.
2. So Lehi’s people knew the Lord, As the plates of brass helped them remember. When they obeyed the prophet’s voice, They prospered all together.
3. The Savior visited their land After He had risen in His glory. He blessed the children just like me; I love to read their story.
Chorus: The Book of Mormon tells of Christ And helps me feel the Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father’s voice is calling me, And the scriptures help me hear it.
Lord commanded Nephi to go and get the plates From the wicked Laban inside the city gates. Laman and Lemuel were both afraid to try. Nephi was courageous. This was his reply:
“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands. I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey. I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands. I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.”
The Lord gives us commandments and asks us to obey. Sometimes I am tempted to choose another way. When I’m discouraged, and think I cannot try, I will be courageous, and I will reply:
“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands. I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey. I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands. I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.”
Words and music: Bill N. Hansen Jr., b. 1952, and Lisa T. Hansen, b. 1958.
1. The Book of Mormon teaches me That Jesus is the Christ. He lived and died for you and me; With love He sacrificed. It says I must have faith, repent, And live the Savior’s word. It is another testament Of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
2. The Book of Mormon helps me see That truth has been restored, That Joseph Smith was called to be A prophet of the Lord. The book reveals God’s covenant, The fulness of His word. It is another testament Of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
3. I’ll read the Book of Mormon, then; I’ll pray and ponder too. I’ll put my faith in Jesus when I ask if it is true. And when I pray with pure intent, I’ll hear the Spirit’s word: It is another testament Of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Jesus Appears to the Nephites
Had I Been a Child
Friend September 2016 “Had I Been a Child” Video and Music. What it might have been like to have been a child when Jesus appeared to the Nephites and blessed the children.
Had I been a child when Jesus came Unto the Nephites that blessed day And showed them the wounds in His hands and His feet And knelt with them to pray.
Then He might have held me safe in his arms; He might have looked in my eyes and said A word, with His blessing of kindness and love, His hands placed upon my head.
Someday, when the Savior comes again, Oh, how I hope that my heart will be As pure as the hearts of the children that day Who gathered around His knee.
Music Game
Friend October 1988 “Sharing Time: Fun with Favorites” print several copies of the Liahono and put a song title and a question about the song on the back. Children can move across the board as they guess the correct song.
