FHE (Family Home Evening) Ideas for 4 and Younger

I have an almost 4 year old who is brilliant, see here if you don't believe me, and a 17 month old who is just as quick. We have good times at our FHE's and I think there are a couple factors at work for success, as follows:

1. We pray for the spirit to be with us at Family Home Evening.

2. We keep it short.

3. We keep the girls moving.

I'm going to 2 baby showers within the next couple weeks for ladies that are having their 3rd child. I wanted to do something different so I'm giving them FHE ideas that would last for a month. Perhaps these could help you! They are specifically designed for 4 and under. Prayer is not included in the format because I usually assume that is a given to do!

I Have A Body FHE

Song: I am a child of God (p.2 CS)

Opening Activity: Have the children point to their eyes. Nose. Ears. Shoulders. Have them choose a body part to point to. Ask them why bodies are important. We have bodies, just like our Heavenly Father and Jesus!

Scripture: Read Genesis 1:27. Show GAK 403, picture of the first Vision. We have bodies, just like our Heavenly Father and Jesus! To be created in His image means that you look like your Heavenly Father. It also means you can become like Him.

Poem: Have the children do what they hear in the poem.
Jacqueline Schiff, “My Busy Body,” Friend, Nov 2007, 7

My face can smile.

My hands can clap.

My feet can dance.

My toes can tap.

My eyes can blink.

My knees can bend.

My nose can sniff

The garden scents.

My arms can reach.

My head can nod.

My body’s busy.

I thank Thee, God.

Activity: What was your favorite thing to do with your body in that poem? Now as a family go to each room in your house. Bring a camera! Take a picture of each person’s favorite thing to do with their body in that room. (E.G. The kitchen. Mom poses cleaning the counter. Dad poses doing the dishes. Children pose eating. Take pictures of each pose. Go to the living room. Take a picture of Mom playing the piano. Dad reading the newspaper on the couch. Etc. Be creative!)

Read 1 Cor. 6: 19 (Bodies are temples of God) Bear Testimony of the importance of our bodies.

As you enjoy your treat, look at the pictures you took on your computer or TV. You could even make a posterboard attaching some photos of the FHE and the words “We love (draw a big heart) our bodies!” and hang it up in the kitchen to enjoy over the week.

The City of Enoch FHE

Song: Give Said the Little Stream (p. 236 CS)

Opening Activity: Display GAK 600, the world. Ask the children if the world is a perfect place? Is the city we live in a perfect place? Ask the children if everyone in the world is happy? Are there some people who are sad? Have the children tell you what a perfect place would be like.

Scripture: Moses 7:18-19 Show GAK 120, city of Enoch. Summarize the story. “When Enoch was a young man the Lord told him to tell the people to repent. Enoch told the people what the Lord had said. Many believed Enoch's words, repented, and were baptized. These people built a city, Zion, where they lived together in peace, sharing all they had. The people in Zion became so righteous that they were taken up to heaven to live forever in the presence of God.” (From GAK Summary)

Activity:
Joyce Grisham, “The City of Enoch,” Friend, Apr. 2002, 41 click here for the print out page then

1. Trim the page along the heavy solid lines. Cut out the city on the broken lines.
2. Using the pencil point, punch small holes through the circles at A, B, C, and D. Thread one end of the string into B, down the back of the city, and out C. Then thread one end of the string through A, the other end through D, and tie the two ends together behind the page.

Play the Zion game. See if we can get the city up to heaven little by little by answering the questions.

1.In Zion people share all they have with each other. Can we share in our home?
2.In Zion there was no poor. What can we do for poor people?
3.In Zion they listened to the prophet Enoch. Who is our latter day prophet?
4.In Zion there was repentance and baptism. What can I do when I make a mistake? Who will baptize me and through what power?
5.Zion was full of righteous people. Can I be that good too?
6.Zion was taken up to heaven. What can I do to get to Heaven?

Song: I’m trying to be like Jesus (p.78 CS) Jesus was perfect. Zion was a place that lived as Jesus would live and made choices like Jesus would make.

Bear testimony of Jesus as our perfect example and of Zion. For treat, suggest sharing some with a neighbor, after all isn’t that what the people of Zion would do!


The Prophet Job FHE

In opening prayer, have a blessing on the treat, as it’s incorporated into lesson.

Opening Activity: Hold up a box of band-aids. Ask the children if they have ever been sick? Have they ever felt sad? Tell them tonight we will talk about a prophet who got really sick and really sad! But band aids, doctors, even his own friends- could not help him! Only His faith and the power of Jesus Christ could.

Song: Follow the Prophet (p.110 CS) with this made up verse
By Silly Ol' Me

Job was a prophet, tested, tried and true!
Faced with boils and blisters, just to name a few!
Even though he suffered, he would not give in.
Our Redeemer liveth! O’er trials we shall win!

Activity: Dress up a member of the family as Job. Have lots of props corresponding to the story. Have fruit by the foot to attach to the body as boils and sores. Act out the story.

Jane McBride Choate, “Scriptural Giants: Job—He Would Not Deny God,” Friend, Jun 1987, 48(See Job 1–42.)

In the land of Uz lived a faithful and obedient man named Job. Job had been greatly blessed by the Lord. He had seven sons and three daughters, whom he loved very much. He owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yokes of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and a great deal of property.

Job was grateful to God for all the blessings that he had received, and he worshiped God.
Satan was displeased because Job was so obedient and humble. So Satan complained to God, saying that Job was only righteous because he was so rich. If his riches were taken away, Satan argued, Job would quickly deny God. Then Satan challenged, “But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that [Job] hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.”

Because of His faith in Job, the Lord allowed Satan to test Job. Everything Job had, including his children, the Lord would allow Satan to destroy, but he was not to physically harm Job. Satan agreed.
One day a messenger came to Job and reported that all his oxen and donkeys had been stolen and that his servants had been killed. A second messenger immediately followed the first, carrying the news that Job’s sheep and shepherds had been struck by lightning. While Job was still speaking to the second messenger, a third arrived and said that Job’s camels had all been stolen and their caretakers killed.
Finally, a fourth messenger arrived and told Job that all his children had been killed when a wind blew down the house of Job’s oldest son while all Job’s children were inside.

Heartbroken, Job tore his clothing and shaved his head, as was the custom then, to show his great sorrow. But despite his grief, Job did not blame God. Instead, he continued to worship Him, saying, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Job’s faithfulness angered Satan. He now claimed that if Job were to suffer physically, he would deny God. But the Lord still had faith in Job. He allowed Satan to afflict Job with pain and suffering, but not death.
Satan caused boils to break out all over Job’s body, and they pained him continually. His friends told Job that he must have sinned terribly, or such a punishment would never have been sent from heaven. Even Job’s wife told him to curse God and die. But Job knew that he had been obedient, and he would not deny God. He held fast to his faith and said, “I know that my redeemer liveth, …

“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”
The Lord was very pleased with Job’s faithfulness. He healed his sores and blessed him with another seven sons and three daughters and with twice as many animals as he had previously owned.

As you enjoy your treat, (the fruit by the foot boils that came off when God healed him) ask the children what they’ve learned about the prophet Job. Listen to the hymn, I know that My Redeemer Lives while looking at different pictures of the Savior.

Bear testimony that even though we are sad and have problems, God is watching over us and we should always have faith in Heavenly Father, just like Job.

I Can Have Peace FHE

Song: I feel my Savior’s Love (p.74 CS)

Opening Activity: Turn on the radio loudly and the TV and anything else that can make noise. Ask the children if they can hear you? Should we have FHE with all this noise? Turn off everything. Sit and listen to the silence. Isn’t that more peaceful?

Activity: Have a couple cardboard boxes and tell the children they are boats. Show them the picture of Jesus Stilling the Storm (GAK 211). Talk about that story. Tell them we are in a storm and we’re going to have to find stories about peace and calm. Take some masking tape with you also. You can make X’s on things that are noisy and that can distract us from peace. (Like the TV or radio or video games... talk about Why too!) Take them in their boats to different parts of the house where the following pictures and scriptures are hanging up;

GAK 307 (King Benjamin “The Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come” Mosiah 4:3)

GAK 311 (Anti-Nephi-Lehites “And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace” (Alma 24:19).

GAK 602 (Gift of the Holy Ghost) “Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).

A picture of Mommy and Daddy at the temple. Talk about what it feels like in the temple.**

A set of scriptures (on a table). Talk about how the scriptures can help us feel peace.

End with the following scripture D&C 19:23. Bear testimony that though storms can happen in life and it can get really noisy at times, we can find happiness and joy through the peace of Jesus Christ.

** I know not everyone has had the opportunity to be sealed in the temple. Please, I do not mean to offend or hurt anyone. One of my favorite scriptures of all times is Isaiah 55:8-9, God's ways are higher than our ways! It will all work out in the end, Heavenly Father knows what he's doing.

August 2008 Primary Sharing Time Ideas and Helps

August Theme: I will show my faith in Jesus Christ by being baptized and confirmed.

August Scripture: “And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands” (D&C 68:27).

( Scarlet White Image courtesy Flickr by Marie Eve)

Sharing Time Ideas

Week 1. I will show my faith by being baptized and confirmed and keeping my baptismal covenants.

* The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost” (History of the Church, 5:499). We were baptized by immersion in water for the remission of sins. We must also be baptized by and immersed in the Spirit of the Lord, “and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost” (2 Ne. 31:17). (This has been taken from a talk from Elder Bednar 2006, see here for the full talk)

Have a small container half full of sand. (I'm thinking the size of a shoe box... we don't want sand all over!) Hide small objects in the sand having to do with baptism. The objects could include a white cloth, a plastic tube of water, a piece of wood (because gates are built out of wood and baptism is the gate), a packet of seeds (to represent our faith as we commit ourselves to baptism), a CTR ring (because the Holy Ghost helps us to choose the right), a key (to represent the keys of priesthood as the proper authority wherewith to baptize), a small soap. I'd also intersperse some scriptures on baptism and songs on cardstock folded up (or in a small plastic egg) in the sand.

Remind the children that when we get baptized we don't want to be like a bag of sand! We need to know what covenants we will be making (or have made) for baptism and be faithful to obedience! We need to live worthy of the Holy Ghost!

AND this activity can be done without a MESS, but of course all Primary's are different! Know your children and what they are like. You could put a small plastic table cloth under the table if you felt you really needed it. Just tell the children before you start that they need to be very very careful to keep the sand in the box!! Gentle touching to find out more about baptism!

* Make up a reader's theatre of the experience of Alma and the waters of Mormon (found in Mosiah 18).

* "Covenant Catch". Have 2 pictures of baseball mitts posted on opposite ends of the chalkboard. It's all about the give and take to win!

Have the words My Baptismal Covenants under one and The Lord's Covenants When I'm faithful. Have the following on individual baseballs:

1. Come into the fold of God (become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ).

2. Be called his son or daughter (take upon me the name of Christ).
3. Bear others’ burdens, that they may be light; mourn with those that mourn; and comfort

those in need of comfort (help others).

4. Stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things an din all places (testify of Christ

and set a good example at all times).

5. Serve God and keep his commandments.
1. Forgive my sins.

2. Pour his Spirit more abundantly upon me (give me the companionship of the Holy Ghost).

3. Redeem me that I might be numbered with those of the first resurrection and have eternal life (permit me to enter the celestial kingdom to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ).

Have the children come up and match the baseballs to the mitt. You could throw a soft ball (Or beanbag) to a child for them to come up to choose a ball. For older primary you could use only scripture references on the balls.

I got the specifics of the baptismal covenant (-the balls- from here, Primary Manuel 4, which would also make a great handout or visual aid)

Week 2. The Holy Ghost will prompt me to repent and live righteously after I am baptized and confirmed.

* Bring in a battery powered weather radio (if possible). Show the kids that even though we can't see the radio signals, they are there telling us what's going on outside. Wouldn't this be very important if there was a tornado or hurricane!! Bruce R. McConkie in the Promised Messiah, p.16, has said, " 'And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.' (Moroni 10:5) He is broadcasting all eternal truth out into all immensity all of the time."

The radio can help us to safety and so can the Holy Ghost. He's there, we just need to be in tune!!

* "The Holy Spirit of Promise is the Holy Ghost who places the stamp of approval upon every ordinance: baptism, confirmation, ordination, marriage. The promise is that the blessings will be received through faithfulness." (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:45) Make up some case studies (e.g. Sherry was with friends who were drinking alcohol. They told her to try some. She thought, well... a little can't be too bad? So she drank.) Post them on the black board so children can come up and choose. Bring a stamp and ask the children if this would merit/get a stamp of approval. Was she making a righteous choice? How could she repent? Once they give answers on what she should do, stamp the paper and the primary friend who came up to choose it.

Another example, Tim saw an old man crossing the street. He was carrying a large bag of groceries. Tim offered to help him even though it meant he would be late to Cub Scouts. What he making a righteous choice? Did he honor his baptismal covenant? How? Do you think the Holy Ghost was with him?

* Drop a pin to the floor. See if the children can hear it drop. Tell them that the Holy Ghost whispers to us truth and can prick our hearts right to the center!

* Have a "whisper walk". Invite a child to come up to the front of the room and as you whisper, direct them to a picture of Christ. If the room is a little noisy, all the better to the point. Invite another child to come up, by now the room will be a little quieter to see what you are doing. Tell the children, the Holy Ghost softly directs and leads us to Jesus Christ. His chief mission is to testify of the Father and the Son. (Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual p.11) But he also does many other things. Brainstorm all the things the Holy Ghost does and scriptures pertaining to it. Try to see if you can fill up the entire black board. (And as a tip, have kids who can write come up to the board to help. For Jr. Primary have 2 or 3 adults up to write down all the children's ideas... just keep it moving! Standing with your back to them is stagnant, enlist other's help to keep the flow)

Week 4. Heavenly Father forgives all who truly repent.

* Off of sugardoodle.net I saw this science type experiment. See here for visual aid, scroll down a bit to Wednesday. You bring in dirty pennies, stick them in ketchup and after a while, they are clean. Hmmmmm, Atonement anyone? Ps. 51: 7, 107 " Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

* Have GAK 220 (The Prodigal Son), 227 (The Atonement), 309 (Alma baptizing in the waters of mormon), 310 (Ammon defends the flocks), 311 (Anti-Nephi-Lehies), 321 (Conversion of Alma the Younger). Divide the children into groups with a teacher. Have them answer the following questions:

1. What is the story behind the picture?

2. What does this picture tell us of repentance?

3. How does this picture/story bear testimony of Heavenly Father truly forgiving those who repent.

Close with Isaiah 1:16-18. Power scripture.

* Have the words sin, iniquity, wrong, evil doings written in chalk on the board. Then make a big sign, REPENTANCE. Have the words prayer, sincere, humble, forsake/give up on separate paper on the board. Talk about true repentance. Read the following scriptures and have the children demonstrate with the eraser what happens to the words sin, iniquity, wrong evil doings when we truly repent. Great scriptures to go along with this lesson. Nice and short too for the children to read! And you can never get too much repitition of a good thing!

Heb. 10: 17
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Heb. 8: 12
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Jer. 31: 34
34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Alma 36: 19
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.

D&C 58: 42
42 Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.

August 2008 When Jesus Christ Was Baptized Song Helps and Ideas

What a beautiful song! Hope the following can be of some help.

1. To introduce the song you could have a glass basin/bowl of water (when Jesus was baptized), a large #3, some sort of 3-d heart to represent love,a play microphone (Because Heavenly Father had spoke from heaven announcing to the world This was His Son and to hear Him), a small dove (I think that you can find these at Michael's craft store), mirror (for when I am baptized and also you can turn the mirror so you are seen as well as a picture of Jesus in the reflection on the words for I'll follow His example), a can of Mr.Clean (for sacred priesthood power... because through the power of the priesthood and ordinance of baptism we become clean), a crown (because Heavenly Father and Jesus are our Kings and we will belong to their kingdom when baptized), and a clock.

Without explaining to the kids, see if anyone can guess what the song will be about? As the children learn the song, have them choose things to take away/hide to solidify the words.

2. Display the GAK of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. Have a pieces of paper with the letters J-O-R-D-A-N. (or O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E) Children can come choose letters which will have a short description of someone who has been baptized in your Primary. They can then guess whose baptism experience it was. (E.G. " This person was baptized in December. They said that they were a little nervous to have to go under water. But when they entered the font, they were no longer afraid. They had to be baptized twice because their toe came out of the water.") You will of course have to call up some of your kids and get quotes from them to make this work. As children sing the song well, they get to come up and choose a letter.

3. As the children learn the song, you can walk around holding a dove (it could even be a paper dove on a popsicle stick) to children that are singing especially well. You could have a child walk around with the dove and if the singing isn't as strong or clear the dove will stand until the singing is heartier.

(Image courtesy flickr by knowhimonline)

**As the primary leadership manuals say, food should not be at church unless it has to do with the lesson! On that note, I think that a Dove chocolate would help them to associate and remember some words to this song. Please, take these ideas at your discretion. As the (adult) dove walks around, they can hand out the chocolates. And if memory serves me correct (Thank you Iron Chef) I think the word Dove or a picture of the dove is actually on the chocolates. Could be wrong though... must go buy chocolate to check! Yum! My thighs will thank me for it in the morning. Why do I babble so!

4. As the children learn the song, you can fill up a glass square basin with water. As they sing well you can pour water inside from a pitcher. By the glass basin you could also have a clip art picture of a priesthood holder and a child ready for baptism (to compare water level and see if there would be enough water for them).

5. THIS GREAT PICTURE is from the Friend Magazine (January 2000). It could definitely be adapted to use with this song. Try to white out all the lines on the signs and blow it up as large as you can. Then in the signs, put pictures that have to do with words in this song. Or you could go the other route and make it a normal 8 1/2 X 11 paper and give it to the kids as a help while they sing. Try to have them point to each picture as they sing. Explain BRIEFLY (no more than 1 minute!!) that Baptism is the gateway to the path of eternal life. As we learn this song, we can feel the spirit and understand a little better what eternal life will be like... very joyful and happy!

Monthly Primary Newsletter Ideas

In our Primary we have a monthly newsletter. Our newsletter is called "Primarily Yours". The basic parts of the newsletter include:

1. The month's theme and scripture (From the 2008 Sacrament Meeting and Sharing Time Booklet)
2.Presidency Message
*** 3. Children of God, Children of the scriptures ***
4. Monthly Birthdays
5. Spotlight on a Primary Child or sometimes an adult member of Primary
6. Some sort of activity they can do with their family based on the month's theme
7. A song to learn (what the month's song is to learn)
8. Any contributions from Activity Day Girls or Scouting, any announcements for the month

I think doing a newsletter can seem overwhelming, but really it's not. Here are a couple tips that help me out a lot.

*Take pictures of the children at church in January for the spotlight section so you don't have to ask parents to email you and have all that technical fun. Of course, to do so you need all parent's permission!

*Don't sweat it if you don't get it done the first week. There's always the next.

*LDS.ORG-searching the Friend, using "Fun Stuff" as key words with the theme you want, always produces an activity that is suitable to do with their parents.

*If possible, have the Primary Secretary make copies of the newsletter at church while you give sharing time. If not possible, learn to love Kinko's for the magnificent place it is.

My favorite part of the newsletter is by far "Children of God, Children of the Scriptures". What I do for this section is ALWAYS keep my eye out for experiences having to do with children in the scriptures or church history. It is an ode to children and their EXTREME importance. It is a good food for thought section that also includes reference to our yearly theme of "I am a child of God."

So here are a couple examples of what the section would include:

(This image and following information taken directly from the GAK 420)

** “Wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love.” Moroni 8:17
Joseph Smith tried to keep all of Heavenly Father's commandments. He wanted to be kind to everyone, especially children. Joseph knew that Jesus Christ wants all His disciples to have the faith and humility of little children (see 3 Nephi 9:22). Joseph taught the people about God's love for children (see Moroni 8:17) and showed them, through his example, how to treat children.
Joseph loved to be around children and often took time to play with them or help them. One girl, Margarette Burgess, remembered a time when Joseph Smith helped her and her brother, Wallace. They were walking to school on a very muddy road when they got stuck in the mud and could not get out. The harder they tried to get loose, the deeper they went in the mud. They grew very frightened and became worried that they would be forever stuck in the muddy road. They began to cry.

The children saw Joseph coming from his store. He pulled them out of the mud, put them on drier ground, and cleaned the mud from their shoes. The prophet talked to them kindly and used his handkerchief to wipe the tears from their faces. Soon Margarette and Wallace stopped crying and were able to go off to school.

** Jacob, Lehi’s firstborn in the wilderness, grew up to be an awesome prophet! He wrote many things that are of great worth to us in the Latter Days. He was the first Nephite prophet to deal with an Anti-Christ named Sherem. What else do you know about Jacob? Read 2 Nephi:1-4 (especially verse 4) to see what made Jacob a very special Child of God.

**(This taken directly from the Friend. Pictures go along with the story, but alas, my computer is going really slow tonight... sorry!)

Jesus feeds 5,000 thanks to the help of one selfless little boy.

Some friends of John the Baptist came to Jesus and told Him that John had been killed. He had been killed because he had told the king to repent. Matt. 14:1–12

When Jesus heard this, He went to a place near the Sea of Galilee to be alone. Many people knew He was there and went there, too, hoping that He would teach them. More than five thousand people went to hear Him. Matt. 14:13; Mark 6:44

After He had taught them, it was time to eat, and most of the people did not have any food. His disciples wanted the people to go to the villages, where they could buy food. Mark 6:36

The Savior, however, told the disciples to see if anyone had brought food with them. They found a boy who had five loaves of bread and two small fish. Mark 6:37–38; John 6:9
Jesus told all the people to sit down. Then He blessed the bread and the fish and divided the fish and broke the bread into pieces. Mark 6:39–41

When the disciples gave the food to the people, there was more than enough for all of them! Mark 6:41–44

How can you be like the boy who helped feed 5,000?

** Are you 10 years old? Are you close to 10? When the prophet Mormon was only 10 years old he had a special experience. In Mormon 1:2-4 it says, "And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto to me: I perceive that thou are a sober child, and art quick to observe... And behold, ye shall take the plates of Nephi unto yourself... and ye shall engrave on the plates of Nephi all the things that ye have observed concerning the people." Because of Mormon and his obedience as a child of God we now can enjoy the Book of Mormon!!

Newsletters are a great way to involve parents and keep kids updated. Do what you can! Keep it simple. Include pictures of Primary Activity Days. Have fun with it. Newsletters are not mentioned in any official Church Primary documentation, so don't feel like it's necessary.

----Pioneer Songs---- Music Teaching Helps and Ideas

( Picture From the Friend July 1984)

(Picture From the Friend July 1982)

These ideas could be used for either sharing time or a fun family home evening.

Pioneer Children Sang as They Walked p. 214 Children's Songbook (CS)

Make finger puppets where 2 holes can be cut out and fingers are used as the pioneer children's legs. As the children sing, they walk their pioneers! You can decide whether you only want them to walk on certain words or let them have fun the whole song.

Pioneer Children Were Quick to Obey p.215 CS

Find as many pictures as possible of pioneers. Plaster the wall with all the pictures. Sing a line, then see if a child can find a picture having to do with that phrase. Sing the next line, find a picture. In my head I see this as a "where's waldo" type activity. Make the pictures so it's like a collage. A pioneer search and find!!

Divide a piece of paper into a bingo type sheet. With about 12 squares have a picture in each square. The pictures (clip art) you will need are: pioneer children, wagon, fire, kneeling in prayer, pot of water (some sort of water carrier), pile of wood, no picture-the word BEST, modern day children, smiley face, path, picture of Jesus. (This is going above and beyond... but make a popsicle stick pioneer person with a picture of the child's face glued on. It's quite easy, find a clip art pattern you like. Color. Cut it out, put on popsicle stick. Use as a marker.) Use some sort of marker or they could just use their fingers to point to the picture that they sing about in the song.

Little Pioneer Children p.216-217 CS

Have the senior primary prepare this song to present to the younger primary. Use costumes and actions and props! As they learn the song invite a few of the younger primary members to be included in the act!

Westward Ho! p. 217 CS

Make a large map and at the top put Westward Ho! Add a winding trail, a large rattlesnake (for dangers are many), a wagon, different cutouts of pioneer people that are sad, mountains, grass for the prairies, big heart. And of course, I'd recommend lots of marching in place and sally ho! motions!

Also, you could use the first picture in this post and make a circle to go underneath with corresponding pictures as mentioned in the above suggestion for Westward Ho! (Like the rattlesnake, etc.) As they turn the wheel, they see the pictures in the hole. Make sure to add a brack in the middle (where the black dot is) so it turns easy.

The Oxcart p.219

Bring in a measuring tape to show how big an Ox is. See if all the kids together weighed as much as an ox. For Ox statistics see here. (scroll down a bit)


Covered Wagons p.221 (CS)

This will be noisy. Prepare yourself and the kids. (As in forewarn the kids if anyone is whacking each other with sticks or putting the plastic where they could get hurt like over the face, it's bye bye to the wagon cover) Take a plastic bag and attach a couple sticks so it's like the cover of a wagon that they can put over their heads. Not by their faces! You could arrange the chairs so there is a make shift wagon in front. Children can each get a turn in the wagon as they sing!

Whenever I Think about Pioneers p.222 (CS)

I think this would be a fun song to make a slide show presentation out of. If you could gather a bunch of pictures from any pioneer activities of the kids dressed up or doing the activities, or pictures of their parents dressed up... etc...and then use Microsoft Power Point to put it all together. Of course, you'd need a lap top to bring to church to show the kids.


Come, Come Ye Saints Here is a link from the friend magazine! Wonderful ideas!

10 Tips for Making Nursery a Happy Place

The first time I took my daughter to Nursery, I was a bit overwhelmed. We lived in Northern California and there were about 800 kids in the nursery. Ok. I exaggerate. But it was a small area for about 30 kids. The nursery leaders were wonderful. But I was afraid... of the biters. Of the snotty noses. Of the screaming. I decided that the handbooks said nursery was optional, so off to gospel doctrine we went. I think a week later I was called as an assistant. In we went. I didn't know if we'd return. But we did! And it was awesome!

So here are some thoughts on one of the most wonderful callings I’ve ever had in the church. How do we make nursery a happy place?

Benjamin Bloom (from Stability and Change in Human Characteristics. New York: Wiley, 1964.) has said, "...from conception to age 4, the individual develops 50% of his mature intelligence, from ages 4 to 8 he develops another 30%, and from ages 8 to 17 the remaining 20%. ...As much of the development takes place in the first 4 years of life as in the next 13 years."


1. Pray for Nursery to be a happy place.
Pray for Nursery to be a place where children will want to come. Where children will have their first formal experiences with the gospel and the spirit will attend. PRAY!

2. Try, try, try... and if you don't succeed, don't force the kid.
Some children are tender souls. They love their parents, and with good reason they want to stay close by! Often, you can find a child who doesn't want to go to nursery and will let the whole nursery know so.
*If you have enough workers, try taking the kid out for a walk to the drinking fountain. Let him (I know perfectly well it could be a girl, I choose not to write him/her though every single time I use a pronoun) play with the handle and squirt some water. Show him the pictures, have him touch the wall and try to pick out some of the loose stringy things... DEVELOP a RELATIONSHIP!! DEVELOP TRUST!! It will take time. Often parents will stay, this may help, it may make things worse. If you are a nursery leader, pray and ponder about it. Decide what you want while you are in nursery, then make sure the parents know. I think at one time there were about 5 little ones in our nursery that just couldn't handle other mommy's and daddy's being around and their's weren't there. 1 little one crying = Woah. 5 little ones crying = I am a child of God singing time! Here's my point, in the Primary 1 manual (ix) it says, "Children who are at least 18 months old but who are not yet 3 years old on 1 January may attend nursery a
the discretion of their parents." Try the best you can. Use all the resources and creativity you can muster. Pray! Fast! (Don't forget those 2 very important things!) And then if you have exhausted every single means possible and the child still does not want to come-Don't force him. Hello, remember the little thing called agency that Heavenly Father gave us?

3. BAN DISEASE!! BAN PESTILENCE AND SICKNESS!
Post notes, send notes home to parents, bear testimony of the importance of spreading the gospel, not the snots. I cringe when I see boogers handing down to a kids toes and the nursery leader is wiping their nose. In one nursery we were in there was an outbreak of German Measles and Roseola.... BABESTER! Make it known that nursery is not a festery. Keep sick kids at home or with parents.

4. Be organized. Have a schedule and a plan.
The best nursery experience is one that has purpose. DO LESSONS! Have singing time- wands with ribbons, instruments, carpets for them to sit on. Have some sort of activity they can participate in. Bubbles, sticker art, book time, puppets, a stroll around the church using rope for them to hold on to. See what they like. Ask parents for suggestions. Personalize the nursery. READ your Primary Manual!!

5. Invite the elderly once in a while to read a story or do a puppet play or sing a song.
Ahhhh the lessons we can learn from those of the aged and matured. How sacred an experience to watch as children develop respect and love for those senior in life.

6. Talk to the children not the other adults.
Perhaps you are tempted to catch up on all the happenings in Sister Excitement's life, but really at what cost. Am I saying never talk to the other adults? NO. Please. Read on. All I'm saying is watch that you are interacting PLENTY with the kids. Joy is found through them, and the key to it all is talking and acknowledging them. They have wonderful things to say, listen. And if they don't talk, well teach them!

7. Make sure there is enough space and room to play.
No one likes to be caged or trapped. We had a nursery in an overflow and I guess a few people complained that it distracted from Gospel Doctrine. Our 1st counselor in the bishopric said if anyone had a problem with the placement of the nursery they needed to A-stop having kids or B- deal with it. The nursery was to stay in a place where the kids could have an open and free experience.

8. Check yo' attitude.
Do you dread going to nursery? Does the screaming and crying just make you want to not come to church? 3 words. Check yo' attitude. I feel like if I have to explain the meaning of check yo' attitude, it just loses all meaning and flavor. So.... check yo' attitude.
* And as a side note to this, what can you do to magnify your calling. Send home letters with FHE ideas for young children!! Tell the parents what they learned so they can reinforce at home!!

9. Ban the biters.
This is personal to me. My baby was bit. Hard. There was red teeth marks. My daughter cried for a minute, I cried for 5 in the bathroom. I say biting warrants immediate attention and banning to outer darkness. Nursery needs to be a safe place and parents need to teach their children not to bite. Since the handbook doesn't specify whether muzzles can be used in nursery, I won't comment further.

OK. I will. Muzzles completely out of the question and aside, hitting, kicking, biting DO need to be addressed. It happens, you are a teacher. Decide what your policy will be on things like that (like will you ask the kid to leave nursery for the rest of the day or allow him back in), but make sure to ALWAYS teach proper behavior and kindness, don't ignore it. It's not just going to go away magically. And it's not fair to the victims.

10. Love, love more, then love until your heart is so full you can't love any more, but you still love more.
This is charity. This is the key to nursery, this is an opportunity to come closer to the Savior and grow in wisdom and knowledge. Beauty is when you can look at a child and feel the spirit whisper to your heart, "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and fatling together; and a little child shall lead them."

July 2008 Sharing Time Living the gospel standards helps me be a missionary now.

July 20, 2008 Sharing Time

Living the gospel standards helps me be a missionary now.

Opening Activity: Invite a child up to the front of the room and ask them to show you what to do in an earthquake. (They need to get under a chair and cover their head) Ask another one to come up and tell us what to do if you catch on fire. (Stop, Drop and Roll) Ask one more child to come up and have them show you what to do if someone asks about the gospel. (Let them be creative, but in case someone is stumped… perhaps handing out a Book of Mormon, saying a prayer, motioning them to follow you as in coming to church)

Read D&C 88:80 “ That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.”
POINT: It is extremely important to know what to do in an emergency AND it’s extremely important to know what to do to be a good missionary!

Sharing Time Lesson: On the board have the words, beginner, getting there/intermediate, expert. Have little markers in between. Explain to the kids that just like in an emergency, we’ve got to do some training to do today to make sure we know how to be good missionaries! Have 2 neon orange vests or some other simple training type gear for the kids to put on when they come to the front. They will pick a gospel standard strips from a cup and have to show us/demonstrate how to do this. (For senior primary, I’d let them be creative but for junior some actions are included) As they demonstrate and answer some questions, a star or missionary marker representing the primary will be moved slowly up the beginner/expert path. Make sure the primary does the actions of those demonstrating.

This is my format for the following: Gospel Standard (ACTION) Question

I will follow Heavenly Father's plan for me. (Point to eyes and then a picture of Jesus, walk in place…. We look to His example and follow Him!) How does knowing we are children of God make you feel? How do you think it’d make someone else feel?

I will remember my baptismal covenant and listen to the Holy Ghost. (Pinch your nose, pretend to hold breath then point to ears and heart) How can the Holy Ghost help me to be a good missionary?

I will choose the right. I know I can repent when I make a mistake. (Hold up hand and point to ring finger where we’d wear a CTR ring.) Do you think it’s OK to make a mistake? Why?

I will be honest with Heavenly Father, others, and myself. (Point to lips, point to heaven, point to others and point to self) What would happen if you told a lot of lies? Would a person believe you if you told them the church was true?

I will use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reverently. I will not swear or use crude words. (Fold arms, alternate touching mouth with each hand then putting them back into folded position) Tell them about a recent commercial I saw about Secret Deodorant! Deodorant! And the whole idea was that you should use that deodorant in moments when you’d sweat a lot. Only in the advertisement they use the Lord’s name in vain. (Not nicely, not with respect) How do you think that commercial makes Heavenly Father feel?

I will do those things on the Sabbath that will help me feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. (Hold up 7 fingers and wave them up and down 7 times) How does keeping the Sabbath make us different from others? If you don’t play sports on Sunday and someone asked you why, how could you be a good missionary?

I will honor my parents and do my part to strengthen my family. ( Make muscles with your arms and a big hug motion) Can we be missionaries in our own families? Remember, even if our parents are members and brothers and sisters… we have cousins! We have neighbors and close friends that are a lot like family. We should always help everyone.

I will keep my mind and body sacred and pure, and I will not partake of things that are harmful to me. (Pretend like you are eating, rub tummy and smile) If someone offered you drugs or alcohol, what would you say? Why is this important?

I will dress modestly to show respect for Heavenly Father and myself. (Smooth out clothes along arms, tummy, legs) How does dress affect us being missionaries? **As a tidbit, remember though that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. While WE need to dress properly, some investigators (People interested in the church) might not. We’re not to judge them, but love them. They’ll learn why it’s important, but no matter what we need to share.

I will only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father. (Make a book with hands, point to eyes, point straight ahead and make a thumbs up) How could watching a good TV program or reading a good book help us as a missionary?

I will only listen to music that is pleasing to Heavenly Father. (Pretend to put on headphones, turn on the radio and groove to music… reverently :) ) Why do you think on a person’s mission generally they aren’t allowed to listen to any music other than church music and classical music? What are some of your favorite songs? How does music bring us closer to the Savior?

I will seek good friends and treat others kindly. (Pat neighbor on the back and shake their hand) Why would people want to join our church if they came and nobody was nice to them? They wouldn’t! What are other ways we can show visitors at church kindness? Is it possible to be kind to a person and have them wonder where we learned how to be so nice? Could we tell people where we learn how to be so nice? Home and church! Could we invite friends to FHE and church?

I will live now to be worthy to go to the temple and do my part to have an eternal family. ( Make a house with your hands, then draw a circle… because it goes on forever) What do you think the inside of the temple is like? If someone asked you about death, what would you say?

Closing: Congratulate the primary for becoming experts! Now they know what to do to become wonderful missionaries! Live the gospel standards! Since they are all so smart, they get a certificate of completion on their training and their own gospel standard poster. Invite 2 or 3 kids to demonstrate what we can do to be great missionaries (based on the actions we did). Bear testimony that Living the Gospel standards is knowledge that is just as important as knowledge in what to do in an earthquake or fire! Living the gospel standards helps me be a missionary now!

(pardon my crookedness... I'm still getting the hang of using a scanner)

** Along with the certificate of completion I’m also going to issue a challenge to see if anyone can memorize D&C 4 by the end of August for a special treat. (The special treat will be asking them where they want to serve their mission one day and getting them a Book of Mormon in that language)

Music Leaders - Ideas for teaching Called To Serve

Picture Courtesy The Friend July 2008

1. Have a missionary backpack. Put things inside that have to do with each line.

Called to serve him Heavenly King of Glory… an envelope to represent mission call,

Chosen Ere to witness for His name... missionary tag showing name of the church ,

Far and Wide… Book of Mormons in a couple different languages,

Far and Wide love proclaim.. a Heart,

Onward Ever Onward… a pair of shoes,

Forward as a triumph song we sing… a trophy,

God our Strength… small dumbbell.

2. Have some return missionaries come in to introduce the song to the kids in the language they served their mission. This will help the kids get familiar with the tune and get them excited about the song.

3. As the children are more comfortable with the song bring in some missionary attire to dress up a child as they sing each line correctly.

4. Have the ward missionaries come in to help lead the song.

5. Make a missionary on a bicycle picture. Have 2 kids hold a string and guide the missionary along as they sing. He rides his bike to success as they sing with the spirit!

6. Make a large posterboard picture of a missionary. Make the chest area large enough to fit a growing, burning bosom of sorts. Start with a small heart then add a larger layer heart behind, then another larger heart behind that as the children sing. Explain that as they sing sometimes you can feel the warmth of the spirit in your heart. When they learn the song, try singing without the visual, have them close their eyes and see if they can feel that warmth growing in their hearts.

7. Have different pictures of fun shoes, about 5. Post them on the board and have a child come pick one. Each one will have a different action involving feet to do while you sing. Ahhhhh repetition! That's how we learn! (The actions could include, marching, tapping toes, kicking lightly, jumping on certain words, walking slowly, drawing the letter M with your foot for Mission!, rolling your foot in a circular motion, standing on one foot...etc.) Remind the children that you don't have to have church shoes to spread the gospel. Any shoes will do! We are to be witnesses at all times and in all places!

And of course, throwing my two cents in, Music time should be a time when children are excited to sing! This should be a time where they learn to love the songs! I've OFTEN heard such expressions :
Nobody's singing!
Why aren't you singing?
That wasn't good enough.
If nobody is going to sing, then we're going to sing again till we do it right.
Oh, that wasn't very good.

BOOOOOO!!! Garbage!!! Keep it positive!!! First of all, they can't learn the songs in one sitting. They need lots of practice at home! Everyone forgets! Encourage the love of the song through your excitement and memorization and you'll have better results than using the above mentioned phrases that need to go straight to the can! The more positive words you use, the better the singing will be.

A couple common phrases I love to use with our primary friends are:

Wow! Am I at a Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice?

Thank you. Now I know what the angels in heaven sound like!

Do you guys have a CD out at Deseret books I could buy?



Also, Singing time doesn't have to be glitz, glamour and buzzers. Make it simple. Focus on the song and actually singing it. Does anyone ever notice how much we explain the song rather than singing it? Let us sing, the song will explain itself to the children by the spirit felt. (Except of course for defining hard to understand words...)

2008 Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation/ Program

Just to be clear.... I post this for my own records and also for people to look at and use bits and pieces. I feel very strongly that you as a primary worker should pray to Heavenly Father for exactly what you should write for your primary (EVERY PRIMARY IS DIFFERENT!! KNOW YOUR CHILDREN!!)! Our sacrament program is at the end of September... but what can I say... I like to be prepared, AND open for further inspiration and insight. I prayed a lot about this, including the words and placement of our little friends. I put in experiences that were personal to the kids, things they had said from talks or comments from sharing times- as well as heavily adhered to the main points of the 2008 outline.

*'d (starred parts) are for less active children who may or may not come. Will not be read if the children are not there.

I also wanted to mention why every child says I am a child of God (to which they will pause and continue with their part) I had a friend whose brother was in and out of jail. Many years later, he went to church for Christmas. As a hardened criminal he sat emotionless and lifeless during the entire meeting, until the end when they sang I am a child of God... to which he knew every single word. In every branch or ward there are members who are strong and solid, others who are barely hanging on.... Knowing we are children of the Most High is a powerful phrase.

Teachers and Bishopric Member will be keeping testimonies brief so as to keep the focus on our children.

Primary Sacrament Presentation
September 21, 2008

Song: I am a child of God (CS p.2)
1.C: I am a child of God. “All human beings- male and female- are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.” This is from the family proclamation.

2.E: I am a child of God. I lived with Him before I came to my dad, mom, and sister on earth. This is where I got my body. I am grateful for every part from my head to my toes!

3.Cr: I am a child of God. I know that I can follow His plan and be happy!

4.J: I am a child of God. Heavenly Father has given me a very special gift. This gift lets me choose what I want to do. This gift is called agency.

* E: I am a child of God. While I’m on earth I need to prepare for eternal life.
5.C: I am a child of God. Jesus created our beautiful world for all of God’s children. I love everything he created! Especially dogs!

6.C: I am a child of God. I read the scriptures everyday with my family. Because I do this, I learn about the life of Jesus and His many stories. I learn about His love for me and for you too!

Song: Tell Me the Stories of Jesus (CS p.57)

7.A: I am a child of God. 2 Nephi 4:15 says, “For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.”

8.M: I am a child of God. The scriptures teach me about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and how to return to them.

9.K: I am a child of God. The Bible and Book of Mormon testify of Jesus Christ and the stories in them teach me how to live the gospel.

* W: I am a child of God. Joseph Smith received important commandments that help us to be better. The book of Doctrine and Covenants is very important.

Sister L: I am a child of God. Testimony of scripture study.

Song: We thank Thee of God for a Prophet (Hymns p.19)
10.C: I am a child of God. I know the prophet holds all priesthood keys and leads the church the right way.

11.K: I am a child of God. President Hinckley died this year. It made me sad, but I am glad that President Thomas S. Monson is our prophet now. He teaches me what I must do to live with Heavenly Father again and how to have a happy family and home.

*C: I am a child of God. I can and will follow the prophet. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)

*K: I am a child of God. The prophet tells me what I need to be doing by revelation from God. Whether it is reading and praying about the Book of Mormon or loving and forgiving others, I am grateful his words can strengthen my life and my family’s.

Song: Home (CS p.92)
Sister C: I am a child of God. Testimony of family.

12. C: I am a child of God. The proclamation says, “The family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” I know that I have a divine destiny. That means I know I’m going to do a lot of good in this world!

13. J: I am a child of God. Some things that make our home strong are scripture study, family prayer and family home evening. Is your home strong? Do you do these things?

14. H: I am a child of God. In the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel is my name! Hannah could not have children but prayed in faith and made a vow that if Lord would help her she’d give her son to him as a servant of the Lord all the days of his life. My mom helped prepare my brother David to be a missionary. She helps all of our family to be servants of the Lord. I know I can be a great mom just like her!

15. R: I am a child of God. I am grateful for a father who holds the priesthood. I can get blessings from him whenever I need one. I love my dad.

16. N: I am a child of God. I am grateful for families and that they can be together forever. The temple is a holy place where we can be sealed for eternity.

Sister B: I am a child of God. Testimony of temples.
Song: I love to see the temple (CS p.95)
17. L: I am a child of God. The temple is a blessing for me and my family. D&C 124:40 says, “And verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people.”

18. M: I am a child of God. I know that I have to be kind to my mother and a good listener to my father. I know that I have to be loving to my sister and share with my brothers. When I do these things, I do my part to have an eternal family.

19. A: I am a child of God. Paying our tithing is very important. Tithing helps to build temples. It is a commandment and if we don’t do it, we can’t go inside the house of the Lord. Heavenly father has given us everything, we need to give back to Him!
20. I: I am a child of God. I am not quite 12 yet, so I can’t go into the house of the Lord. But I can still do many things to prepare to go inside. One important thing I can do is my family history work.

21. R: I am a child of God. When I learn about my ancestors, I learn their stories and learn to love them. Love and service go hand in hand. Just like temples and missionary work!

Sister B: I am a child of God. Testimony of Missionary work.

Song: Called to Serve (Hymns p. 249)
22. B: I am a child of God. And I love to do missionary work! This year I gave my school teacher a Book of Mormon and invited her to a ward activity. When we share the gospel, we share happiness. One day I will serve an honorable full time mission, I may have lots of success, I may not. But I know D&C 18:15 is true, “And if it so be that you should… bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy.”

23. C: I am a child of God. I can prepare to be a missionary by praying and reading the scriptures daily. There are strict expectations of what an emissary of the Lord should be like. Obedience, faithfulness and diligence are all part of the armor of righteousness. As Captain Moroni fought many battles, raising the title of liberty, so do I hope to be able to fight the battle of good verses evil. I know that, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.

24. B: I am a child of God. D&C 59:7 says, “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.” I am thankful to know that we are ALL children of God! We are all different, yet we are all the same. We all have bodies and should treat them like the temples they are. Heavenly Father loves us and I can show respect and kindness to all of God’s children.

Sister T: I am a child of God. Testimony of Baptism.

Song: When Jesus Christ Was Baptized (CS p.102)
25. R: I am a child of God. (Still getting info on her personal experience of when she was baptized)

26. B: I am a child of God. The 4th article of faith says, “We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.” I have received these ordinances and continue to strengthen my testimony of these principles.

27. S: I am a child of God. When my dad laid his hands upon me to confirm me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and for me to receive the Holy Ghost, I was very happy. The Holy Ghost will prompt me to repent and live righteously. When I do these things I am closer to the Saviour.

28. M: I am a child of God. I make many mistakes and so do you! But I am very grateful that Heavenly Father forgives all who truly repent. Alma the Elder was a wicked follower and priest of King Noah. But when he heard the words of the prophet Abinadi, he changed and became a great strength in the Lord’s kingdom. Changing is a good thing. You could even do it today- starting with a little bit of sincere prayer!

Sister L: I am a child of God. Testimony of Prayer.

29. J: I am a child of God. I can pray to Heavenly Father, and He will hear and answer my prayers. Mark 11:24 says, “Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” I learn so much from the scriptures about prayer. My loving Heavenly Father wants me to pray to Him often- anytime, anywhere. He knows me and will answer my prayers in ways that are best for me, whether it be through the Holy Ghost, scriptures or others.

30. M: I am a child of God. Because I am His child, I will serve God with all my heart, might, mind and strength. The prophet Elijah was filled with the spirit of God. With that spirit and power of the priesthood he called down fire from heaven to engulf a water drenched alter, he commanded the rains to cease and as he was hidden in the cavity of a rock learned one of the greatest lessons of life. 1 Kings 19:11-12, “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” Have you felt this still small voice today? Jesus Christ is my Savior and the Savior of all mankind. He lives and it is my testimony that He does stand by us.

Song: If the Savior Stood Beside Me
Close with possible remarks from a member of Bishopric