July 2015 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

The Sorrowful Christ, a statue at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in New York

Monthly Theme: I Can Follow Jesus Christ's Example.
Monthly Scripture:Jesus said, “Come, follow me” Luke 18:22

Week 1 Jesus Christ always obeyed Heavenly Father.

* John 8:29 "...For I do always those things that please him."
    Have sheets of paper with one different way, written and illustrated, that Jesus obeyed the Father. Cut each sheet into a few pieces to make a puzzle. Divide into groups and have them put together the puzzles. Have each group come up with 3 hints to give the primary so the primary can guess what their puzzle was about!
    HERE is a link to pictures and things Jesus did to show obedience!! It's EXCELLENT!!!!
    If there is time, have the children draw something they can do to show obedience like Jesus did. They can cut up their drawings into pieces and see if family members at home can put them together!

* "Our love of the Savior is the key to Savior-like obedience. As we strive to be obedient in today’s world, we declare our love and respect for all of Heavenly Father’s children." (“If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments” April 2014 Elder Robert D. Hales)
     Bring strips of paper with a secret message. That message should be things Jesus did to show obedience to Heavenly Father. Have a KEY to help decode the message. Break into groups to figure out the phrases. Have them share with the primary what they found out! Have pictures to go along with the phrases.
    Again.... HERE is the above mentioned link, it really is a helpful one for this week's lesson!!

* Lord, I Would Follow Thee Hymns #220 says,

" Savior, may I learn to love thee,

Walk the path that thou hast shown. …

Pause to help and lift another,

Finding strength beyond my own.

Savior, may I learn to love thee—

Lord, I would follow thee."

Sing this for the children, invite any children who know the verse to sing along with you.

   Have a path (you could use small strips of masking tape and arrows) throughout the primary room. Have different "stops" along the path with a picture of something Jesus did to show His obedience to Heavenly Father. Have a large heart drawn on the chalkboard. Invite a primary friend to share a reason why they love Jesus. Write it down in the heart, then invite them to follow the path to any stop they like.

     Have a couple of questions to go along with each stop. Invite the child to answer the questions, then choose another friend to come up and take a turn. Bear testimony that Jesus has shown us the path of obedience and we need to walk the path that He has shown.

* HERE is a reader's theater I wrote, however I only recommend doing it with the senior primary.

Week 2 Jesus Christ went about doing good.

* Play a game of charades with things that Jesus did as He went about doing good. The children are NOT acting the part of Jesus, they are acting out the things He did. Charades could include: giving blessings, helping the blind see, helping the lame walk, helping the deaf hear, healing the sick, teaching, going to the temple, reading the scriptures, listening to parents, sharing food with others, praying, fasting, was baptized, loved children.... have pictures of Jesus doing these things from the Gospel Art Book to show the children after they guess!

* "For the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do... Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” 3 Nephi 27:21, 27
    Have a discussion with the children and invite them to share some of their favorite stories about Jesus. Have them come up front as they share and also have a Gospel Art Book handy to show pictures as they talk. Make sure the children are facing forward, so everyone can see their beautiful face!
    Then do something good! Be like Christ.... make a card for someone sick, draw a picture for a missionary, write a thank you note to the Nursery leaders, write a poem to your grandma. Maybe you could even have the older kids make a list and see if they could come up with 50 GOOD THINGS TO DO this week! And remember, it's not always about baking cookies... sometimes just a smile to a grocery clerk or a compliment to a little brother could mean all the world!

* Matthew 7:17 "Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit."
    Have a paper apple tree with paper apples for the children to choose. On the apples have questions, scriptures, songs having to do with all the GOOD things Jesus did in His life.

* HERE is the link to the beautiful Bible Videos of Christ's life. You could always show a few and talk afterwards about how the children felt as they watched Jesus doing all these good things.

* "Do" drops. Take a turkey baster and let the children fill up a glass of water one or two "do" drops at a time. To earn a "do" drop they have to sing a song about Jesus, read a scripture or identify a GAK picture of something Jesus did in His life.
     John 4:13-15 "Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw"
      Let us always remember Jesus, our living waters who always went about doing good!!

Weeks 3 & 4 Jesus Christ's example teaches me how to live.

(Many of these ideas are recycled from previous posts or tweaked just a little)

* Bring in a mirror. What do we see? Jesus Christ set the perfect example for each one of us. We need to mirror and reflect what He did!
   Break into groups and play a game of reflection. Invite 2 primary children to reflect each other's movement. Have about 6 questions for the group to answer about the life and example of Jesus Christ. After each question, invite 2 more children from the group to play a round of reflection. Have an adult by each group to help ask the questions and pick children to play.
     "We also have a spiritual light within us... This spiritual light is a reflection‍ of the Savior’s light. Others will be attracted to this brightness."
Sharing Your Light Oct. 2014 General Conference by Sister Neill Marriot

* Have a thin piece of masking tape for a child to walk across without touching any other part of the floor and then have them squeeze in between two chairs to finish.
    2 Nephi 31:9, 16 " And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them"
     Have questions about the life of Christ prepared. Invite a child to answer a question and then see if they can walk the straight and narrow!

* 3 Nephi 18:16 "And as I have prayed among you even so shall ye pray in my church, among my people who do repent and are baptized in my name. Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you."
   Have some index cards with questions, scriptures, and songs about the Savior's life on them. Turn off the lights! Invite a child to hold a flashlight and shine it on the index card they'd like to pick. Then have them answer the question.
    Can you follow anything in the darkness? No! Jesus Christ's example teaches us how to live.

* Bring in some pictures of people you admire and are examples to you. Briefly share why. Ask the children to share some people in their lives who are good examples. Who is the greatest example? Jesus. Just like we follow His example, we're going to play a follow the directions game!! What is important when you are following? Good listening and actually doing what is said! Start at the back of the room and come up with directions for a primary child to follow to find a picture of a story from the life of Christ.
     For example, "Take 10 steps forward, jump twice and look under the front table. What is this a picture of? Jesus getting baptized! Great!! Why should we follow that example?" You could even have primary children make up the directions for another to follow!
      2 Nephi 31:10 "And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?"

* Have a large plastic bowl and a wash towel. Tell the children that you are going to read a scripture passage to them and you want them to picture themselves at that place with a bowl of water and wash towel. You can also have a primary friend hold a picture of Jesus washing His disciples feet. It's a longer passage, so make sure when you are reading, you read with expression and move around a little. John 13:1-15 emphasizing the last verse, "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
     What does this scripture mean? How did you feel as you heard these words? Remind the children that when we have feelings of peace, this is the Holy Ghost confirming truth to us.
      Have children write down ways that they can be like Jesus on strips of paper. Have them put them in the bowl. Pass around the wash towel reverently as you sing a song about Jesus. When the music stops, whoever is holding the towel can draw a paper or 2 from the bowl and share what other friends have written.
      "Jesus wanted the Twelve—and He wants each of us—to learn that humility and service are worthy characteristics we should seek to obtain. He taught that no one is too important to serve others." Barbara Thompson As I Have Loved You Ensign 2011

* Sing "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" (CS 78-79).
      President Eyring had an experience one time as he watched other children sing this song. He said, " It seemed to me that they were not just singing; they were declaring their determination. Jesus Christ was their example. To be like Him was their fixed goal. And their eager looks and their shining eyes convinced me that they had no doubts. They expected to succeed. They believed that the instruction of the Savior to be perfect was not a hope but a command. And they were sure He had prepared the way.
     That determination and confidence can and must be in the heart of every Latter-day Saint. The Savior has prepared the way through His Atonement and His example. And even the children who sang that song knew how.

      Love is the motivating principle by which the Lord leads us along the way towards becoming like Him, our perfect example." Our Perfect Example General Conference October 2009

     Have a small ball with a paper heart on it. Have 2 children put the ball between their sides (like they are making a ball sandwich) and work together to walk across the room without dropping it! Once on the other side of the room, have some prepared questions on the life of Christ and how we can follow His example. Some questions could include: Can you name a time in Jesus' life when He gave us the example to share? What were some of the things Jesus said from the cross and why do you think He would have said those things? How did Jesus react when people didn't treat the temple with respect? How do you think Heavenly Father felt about all the things Jesus did? What is something you can do right now at this very minute to follow the example of Jesus? (Smile, be happy are good answers!)

Father's Day Primary Gift Idea

I've been reading talks that Elder L. Tom Perry gave. What a blessing to humanity he was, and is! His messages were always clear and spirit filled.

I found a talk entitled, Father-Your Role, Your Responsibility. He was a champion of women. I felt so uplifted by the encouragement he gave men. I especially liked the quote (in regards to loving your wife), "...It is a twenty-four-hour-a-day job to show appreciation and consideration for her."

A quote from the above mentioned talk was the inspiration for a SIMPLE Father's Day Gift. Just attach an Almond Joy to the following printed on cardstock and have the children draw a picture of something that they do with their dad/grandpa that brings them joy. I always glue their art on construction paper to make a nice mat finish.

I'm not a very tech savvy person. I tried my best to get it so you could print by yourself. (Mouse over the right hand corner, click on the box with the arrow, it will direct you to googledocs where you can then click print)

But if that doesn't work, please feel free to email me and I'll get you a PDF copy if you'd like.

Happy Father's Day!!!

June 2015 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

Celestial Fireworks Nasa.gov Hubble Space Telescope Image

Monthly Theme: The Holy Ghost Testifies of the Truth of All Things
Monthly Scripture: “By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” Moroni 10:5

Week 1 The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead.

* Make a memory match game, but with a twist. Make it all over the room instead of having everything up front. Have some papers on the backs of chairs, some on the floor, some on the walls, one on the piano, one on Sister Lovely's church bag....
     Some things that could go on your matches could be:
- a picture of Jesus & Heavenly Father appearing to Joseph Smith, Who is the third member of the Godhead? What did Joseph Smith's first vision teach us about the Godhead?
- a picture of the angel Moroni, "By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things"
- a picture of a hand, What type of body does the Holy Ghost have? (Hint: D&C 130:22)
- a picture of Adam, How long has the Holy Ghost been on earth to help guide men? (Hint: 1 Nephi 19:10)
- a picture of a baptism, When does one receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?
(Remember, the power of the Holy Ghost anyone can experience, but the gift comes after baptism.)
- a picture of fire, "For those who receive this gift, the Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent to purify them and sanctify them from all sin. Thus it is often spoken of as “fire”." (From the Bible Dictionary)
- a picture from Jesus' mortal ministry, Was the Holy Ghost working among the Jews on earth when Jesus was on earth? This is a tricky one!
"For some reason not fully explained in the scriptures, the Holy Ghost did not operate in the fulness among the Jews during the years of Jesus’ mortal sojourn. Statements to the effect that the Holy Ghost did not come until after Jesus was resurrected must of necessity refer to that particular dispensation only, for it is abundantly clear that the Holy Ghost was operative in earlier dispensations.Furthermore, it has reference only to the gift of the Holy Ghost not being present, since the power of the Holy Ghost was operative during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus; otherwise no one would have received a testimony of the truths that these men   taught. " (Again Bible Dictionary)
- a picture of a brain, What does the Holy Ghost know? D&C 35:19 says, "All things."
- a picture of a number 5, What are some other names for the Holy Ghost?
Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Comforter, and Spirit.
    You can make the matches just pictures, or a picture and then the question..... just go with what the spirit tells you!

* HERE is an excellent link to The Godhead, a sharing time from The Friend. I like the idea at the bottom of having 3 groups sing the 3 different songs (I Know My Father Lives, He Sent His Son, The Holy Ghost) and asking what they learned from those songs about that member of The Godhead. The mosaic would also be a great activity to take home!

* Invite 3 children up front who really love to play soccer. Have a soccer ball. Invite the 3 children to work together to score a goal (you can be the goalie). What are some of the different positions in soccer? Forward, goalie, defenders..... they are all separate people, but one in purpose! Just like the Godhead! The Godhead is unified/one in their purposes and goal of helping man achieve happiness and eternal life, but they are separate and distinct individuals. Break into 3 groups and sit in a circle. Have 3 soccer balls with 5-6 questions attached on them. Each ball's questions/scriptures should focus on a member of The Godhead.
   After a few minutes invite a child from each group up front to share something about that member of The Godhead.
   Bear testimony that The Godhead works as a team to help us. They love us very much!

* Good information about spirits to know:
"Remind the young men that a spirit looks like a body and is composed of matter....Explain that before Jesus Christ was born on earth, he had a spirit only. Before he was born, he appeared to the brother of Jared. The brother of Jared was surprised he could see the Savior. Jesus Christ showed his spirit, which looked like the physical body he would receive on earth. Ether 3:6–17" (From Aaronic Priesthood Manual 3 Lesson 1)

Week 2 The Holy Ghost speaks in a still, small voice.

* " I want to see men and women breathe the Holy Ghost in every breath of their lives, living constantly in the light of God’s countenance." President Brigham Young (Teachings of Brigham Young, Chapter 4)
    Take a minute to focus on our breathing. Have the children take a few deep breaths. Have them picture themselves under a giant oak tree, with sunlight coming through. Have them take their pointer finger and close off one nostril while they breath in, then switch their finger to their other nostril while they breath out.
     Does everyone feel peaceful right now? What do you think Brigham Young meant by that quote (there is no right or wrong answer!!)? Today in sharing time we are going to use still, small voices... which means we'll have to be extra reverent to be able to hear!!
     Have about 10 different pictures of things that are loud. A drum, a microphone, a lion, lightning/thunder.... on the back have questions, scriptures, or songs about the Holy Ghost. Once they have answered, have them put a large X over the picture.... because how does the Holy Ghost speak? In a still, small voice!
      Take a few more deep breaths. Repeat the Brigham Young quote. End the lesson by bearing testimony that we need to make sure we take the time to feel the Holy Ghost! Sometimes we really need to slow and down and listen... and breath!! He will speak to us in a still, small voice.

* 1 Kings 19:9-12 Have a few primary friends act out this story while you read. Have simple costumes: prophet robe and head covering, a few fans for the wind, a few rocks for the earthquake, a red & a yellow bandana to wave for fire. Have Elijah go under a table (his cave, you could even bring in a tablecloth to cover the back and sides) while you read.
     Sing Listen, Listen (CS 107). Have some small papers with questions or information about the Holy Ghost on them in a jar. Invite a reverent person to come to Elijah's cave and sit inside and read a paper from the jar. Or HERE is an easy fill in the blank activity from The Friend.

* HERE is a story about a little boy who listened to the still, small voice. You can read it or tell it in your own words to the children.
      Dig out a ball of white yarn. Create a primary spider web by having the children share something they know about the Holy Ghost, holding the yarn, then tossing the ball to another friend who can share something else about the Holy Ghost. The kids might need prompting, so have some questions or scripture stories in mind to help them move things along. Don't forget to have anyone share any personal experiences!!
    At the end, remind the boys and girls how the Holy Ghost can speak to us through a still, small voice... just like the boy in the story who didn't run into the spider's web!

* HERE is an excellent read for the week's lesson!! It has some great descriptions about how the Holy Ghost feels and EXCELLENT suggestions on how we can help our children hear the still, small voice!!! It's a MUST READ to prepare!!!

Week 3 The Holy Ghost can guide and protect us.

* To go along with the sharing time outline, my thoughts are the adults could dress SIMPLY as characters from The Book of Mormon who were guided or protected by the Holy Ghost. They would act in character, tell their story, and answer any questions from the children. Divide the children into groups. With 4-5 adults, you'd have about 2 minutes at each person. The adult would have to tell their story 4-5 times.
   Some ideas for people are Nephi (when he was able to get the brass plates 1 Nephi 4:6), Abish (the spirit guided her to tell the people what was going on with Ammon, the king, and queen Alma 19), Aminadab (he was in prison and saw Nephi & Lehi's face shine. He also witnessed the still, small voice Helaman 5:30), Aaron (son of Mosiah, guided by the spirit to the king of the Lamanites, the father of Lamoni. Helped to convert him Alma 22:1), Samuel the Lamanite (taught the word of The Lord and was protected from the stones and arrows, Helaman 16:2)
   
* HERE is a story (scroll down almost to the end) about personal protection from the life of Elder Oaks. I don't know if I'd share it in primary, but I would definitely share it in Family Home Evening. To quote him, "Just as I was about to make my move, I had a unique experience. I did not see anything or hear anything, but I knew something. I knew what would happen."

* If it is pouring rain outside, what will protect us from getting wet? An umbrella! Have an umbrella and choose a reverent child to come up front and choose a paper raindrop. HERE is a myriad of things President Woodruff went through as he was protected from death, put them on the paper raindrops.
     There are some excellent discussion questions at the end! He still had to endure many hardships, but his life was protected. The Holy Ghost can guide and protect us. Have a paper with an umbrella on it for the children to color and decorate. Have them write things they know to be true about The Holy Ghost.

* HERE is a story about a primary leader who was guided and protected by the Holy Ghost.
     Have about 10-12 paper fires. Bring in a toy fire truck. Sister Esplin says, "I know I had Heavenly Father’s help in knowing what I needed to do to put out the fire that day." The Holy Ghost can help us!! On the paper fires put questions, songs, scriptures having to do with the Holy Ghost. Let a child drive the truck to a fire and answer the question.
     When we are worthy, the Holy Ghost will help to put out our fires and problems. Make a goal to do something this week that will help invite the spirit to be felt!

Week 4 By the power of the Holy Ghost, we may know the truth of all things.

* HERE is an excellent poem from The Friend that would make a good handout.

* D&C 91:4 "Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth."
     Make bookmarks with this scripture on it!
   
* Break into groups and read the following. For younger children, teachers can read:
President Uchtdorf has said, "It was less than a century ago that most astronomers assumed that our Milky Way galaxy was the only galaxy in the universe.They supposed all that lay beyond our galaxy was an immense nothingness, an infinite void—empty, cold, and devoid of stars, light, and life. As telescopes became more sophisticated—including telescopes that could be launched into space—astronomers began to grasp a spectacular, almost incomprehensible truth: the universe is mind-bogglingly bigger than anyone had previously believed, and the heavens are filled with numberless galaxies, unimaginably far away from us, each containing hundreds of billions of stars.
     Scientists were struggling to understand the breadth of the universe until instruments became sophisticated enough to gather in greater light so they could understand a more complete truth.

     The Apostle Paul taught a parallel principle regarding spiritual knowledge. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God,” he wrote to the Corinthians, “for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” In other words, if you want to recognize spiritual truth, you have to use the right instruments...

     I offer you my personal witness that spiritual truth will fill your heart and bring light to your spirit. It will reveal to you pure intelligence with wonderful joy and heavenly peace. I have experienced this for myself by the power of the Holy Ghost.

     If you seek God’s truth, that which now may appear dim, out of focus, and distant will gradually be revealed and clarified and become close to your heart by the light of God’s grace. Glorious spiritual vistas, unimaginable to the human eye, will be revealed to you." (Oct. 2014 General Conference Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth)

   The Holy Ghost is the telescope that helps us to see all the stars! It helps us to know the truth of all things! Bring in some pictures of other galaxies, nebulas.... how does it make you feel to know that God has given you a way to know truth?

    Bring in some yellow paper stars. Let the children write down some things they know to be true on them. Have them put in a box and share a few! Challenge the children to take 2-5 minutes on a warm night and look up into the stars. What truth will the Holy Ghost tell them as they look up??

 

* Jacob 4:13 "For the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls..."

   Play a game called, TELL THE TRUTH! Invite each child to write down something TRUE about themselves, with their name on the back. Younger children will need help writing down their idea. Put all the TRUTHS in a small bag. Draw out a couple truths and have the primary children guess who that truth is about.

    In between each round of the game/drawing out truths, have questions and scriptures about the Holy Ghost for the children to answer or read. At the very end, share your truth. My truth is that I know the Holy Ghost will help us know the truth of all things. He is our special friend! He will help, guide, and comfort us!

Mother's Day

I was asked to give a talk in Relief Society on Sunday. It was a busy day and a wonderful day!!

By Marci Oleszkiewicz

 
      My dearest sisters, it is such a privilege to be able to speak to you this day. I have prayed that the spirit will direct me in what I should say and that we can be edified together.
      In the Book of Matthew Chapter 12: 46-50, it says, "While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his breathren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
     There can be no doubt of the love Jesus felt for His mother. His first miracle to turn water into wine was at the request of His beloved mother. From the Liahona (March 2015), “ Jesus Christ said, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come” (John 2:4). In Joseph Smith’s inspired rendering of this verse, the Savior asks Mary what she wants Him to do and promises to do it. The title woman may sound harsh and disrespectful to a modern reader; however, its use here by the Savior was likely meant to convey the opposite meaning. One scholar explains, “‘Woman,’ or, rather, ‘Lady,’ is in Greek a title of respect, used even in addressing queens.” It was as though He said to His mother, “My lady, whatsoever you ask of me in faith, I will grant it unto you.” Of the very few words He spoke dying on the cross, one matter was that of making sure His mother was taken care of. How can the Savior have spoken of others and compared them to His very own mother?
      And yet, "He seeth not as a man seeth." [1]. So often it is easiest to love those closest to us. Yet the Savior of man gave His life for not just his mother, earthly father and brethren, He gave it for all. There is an eternal family and we can be part of it with Heavenly Father at the head. How does it make you feel to hear the words of our Lord Himself as He says that whosoever will do the will of The Father is the same as the chosen and blessed Mary herself? A virgin most beautiful and fair above all others[2]… “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
     Today is a day to honor mothers. What a glorious gift and opportunity! We all have different backgrounds. We all have different experiences. Whatever our current circumstance is, Elder Ballard in April 2010 conference said, “all women have within their divine nature both the inherent talent and the stewardship to mother…”[3] Today I’d like to remind us that whatever situation we find ourselves in, we are women of faith. We are disciples of Christ.  We have a divine spark inside us. (I was getting teary eyed at this point, so I eloquently added in: Actually, you aren’t sparks, you’re flamers. Giant bonfires lighting me daily. Because who doesn’t want to be called a flamer on Mother’s Day, right?)
     President Joseph F. Smith said: “It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the … women of the world, in everything that is praise-worthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and … purifying to the children of men” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 184).
     What are we doing in our lives to help with the uplifting and purifying of the children of men? How are we aligning our lives and choices with the will of The Father? Again I quote Elder Ballard, “There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman.”
     When I was in 6th grade it was the Renaissance fair at school. I wanted a costume that would be unique and stand out. My mother and I spent a lot of time on it, her more so than me. We've never been good at sewing. She took me to the copy shop, the fabric shop... to this day if you were to ask anyone about that fair, my costume would be the thing that they remembered! I was a full fledged dragon with a 3 foot head, gold shimmering neck, and huge faux-leather body.
       My Yaya is my get out of jail free card. She has helped me and given me so much, in fact our air conditioning just broke and she was the one who made it so I didn’t have to worry in the slightest. I was in an MRI machine and her words were what gave me comfort…. She told me of the many times she was in an MRI for 3 different brain tumors… just pray. Say your prayers and it will pass by. I said my prayers, and it did.
      We have the example of many righteous women around us. Their sacrifice, their devotion, their endurance. I could easily tell you many stories of those sitting right here and all they have done to inspire me to be a better person. You all are a reflection of Christ. We are to lead the women of the world. We are to uplift and strengthen. On this day, let us celebrate what is in each woman… goodness. Love!!! Let us commit ourselves to choosing what is right. To making and keeping covenants. To praying to know what God would have us do, then doing it. Ralph Waldo Emerson is believed to have said, “What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say” (see Ralph Keyes, The Quote Verifier [2006], 56).
    I’m so very grateful for my children. They will be singing We’ll bring the World His truth. As is mentioned in the song, the armies of Helaman were taught in their youth. Alma 56: 47-48 says, “Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.  And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.”  
            Let us be women of strong faith. Women who are true disciples of Christ. I want my daughters to know that I do not doubt.  I bear my testimony that I know God lives. He will be there for us in our greatest triumphs and our darkest moments. He loves us dearly. He is mindful of us and His angels are with us at this very moment keeping watch.  I know He has a plan for each of us. I know that He gave His Only Begotten as a sacrifice for all, that all might return to Him. I know that Jesus Christ is our very best friend. I bear testimony that we have a sacred responsibility to stand as witnesses of our Savior. I know that each woman is a beloved daughter of God, and as such has great power to do brilliant things in this life and in the next to come.
     In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

---

[1] 1Samuel 16:7

[2] 1Nephi 11:15

[3] Mothers & Daughters April 2010 Conference

May 2015 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

The Invitation by Jenedy Paige

For more information about this artist click HERE

Monthly Theme: Principles ad Ordinances of the Gospel Lead Me to Jesus Christ.
Monthly Scripture: “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” Articles of Faith 1:4

Week 1 My faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened when I obey.

* We know what is right. We know the things we can do to show obedience and return to Heavenly Father. THIS is a story about a horse who was not obedient. It's a little sad what happens to him... warning!! Share the story with the primary children.
     2 Nephi 2:27 "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."
    Because the horse would not be obedient, what did he end up choosing?
     Have 3 pictures of beautiful strong horses. On the chalkboard draw 3 lines horizontal with 15 notches vertical on each line for the horses to move according to a roll of the die. Which horse will be first?? Can we get them all to the finish by working as a team?? (Magnets work better than tape for moving!!)
     Make about 20 index cards with scriptures, questions, and/or songs about faith and obedience. Let a child come up front, choose a card and answer the question. If they get it right, they can roll a die and choose a horse to move forward that many notches.
     Have a handout for them to take home, fill out, and color. It can be a picture of a horse. On the bottom can be the words, I will show obedience this week by _____________________ and my faith will be strengthened! If you want to adapt this idea for Family Home Evening, HERE is a link on how to draw a horse.

* Have a small obstacle course. Bring in a blindfold. Have one child give directions for the other child to get through the course blindfolded.

     Our faith is strengthened when we are obedient and listen to the word of God! We will make it as long as we listen and do what is right! You can rearrange the course a few times and repeat. Have some questions for the children to answer before you switch up the obstacle course. They could include:
What is faith?

Who are some examples of people who were obedient in the scriptures? What about some examples of people who were NOT obedient in the scriptures?

What are some things we can do to show obedience?

Can you share an example of a time in your life when you were blessed for listening and following the commandments?

Why is it important to have a strong faith?

* HERE is a great link from The Friend. It has 5 examples from The Book of Mormon of people who were obedient. Bring in some SIMPLE dress up costumes. Invite a few children up front to put on the clothes and stand reverently holding a sign with the name of the person they are dressed up as. You'll be giving some clues (Read the lettered clue from The Friend) and will call on a reverent friend to share who they think it is. How was the faith of that person from the scriptures strengthened by their obedience? How were they blessed?
     You might have time for another round! Make up 3-4 more clues for some modern day examples of obedience and bring in dress up for those. Dress up could be as simple as a hat or a scarf with gloves!

* I really like THIS story from April 2002 General Conference. To paraphrase, a man and his family went out fishing in the ocean on a beautiful sunny day. Out of nowhere, an 8 foot tall wave crashed into the boat! Their uncle was slammed out of the boat. Fortunately, they were able to rescue him. But where did this wave come? It was a thing called a sneaker wave. 5 people had died that very same day because of that very same wave.
    Elder Schultz says, "As we make our way through this life’s journey, we must continually be on guard and watch for those things which are deceptive and not what they appear to be. If we are not careful, the sneaker waves in life can be as deadly as those in the ocean.

      One of the sneaky ploys of the adversary is to have us believe that unquestioning obedience to the principles and commandments of God is blind obedience. His goal is to have us believe that we should be following our own worldly ways and selfish ambitions. This he does by persuading us that “blindly” following the prophets and obeying the commandments is not thinking for ourselves. He teaches that it is not intelligent to do something just because we are told to do so by a living prophet or by prophets who speak to us from the scriptures.

      Our unquestioning obedience to the Lord’s commandments is not blind obedience."

     Have 3 spray bottles filled with water. Have all the primary children close their eyes. NO PEEKING!!! Choose 3 friends to spray a sneaker wave on another primary friend's HAND. Then have them come up front. Whoever was sprayed can stand up to answer a question about faith/obedience and guess who sprayed them. If they guess right, then they can be the next sneaker wave.

     Bear testimony that there will be times in life when sneaker waves will come. If we are obedient and faithful, we will be safe!!

Week 2 I can repent.

* Invite 5 friends up front. They are going to choose an action to do for the person next to them to follow. They will say, "I can..... can you?" They will each have to repeat the action from the people in front of them, so the fifth person will be busy! After the 5th person adds their action, have the entire primary do all the actions together! (It's nice to get up and move around!!)
    Some friends were able to do the actions, some maybe weren't. Some people can jump rope, some can't. Some people can build bridges, others can swim, even some others can run a mile in 6 minutes. One thing that EVERYONE 8 years old and older can do is REPENT!!!! If we're under 8 we can definitely practice for when we are older by saying sorry for our mistakes!!!
     Play a few rounds of "I can.... can you?" You're looking for reverent friends who can come up front to help! Friends that are listening, participating, keeping hands to self, and not talking so that the spirit can be felt. In between each round have questions about the repentance process. What do we have to do to repent? For your final round, have a picture of Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. Bear your personal witness of The Atonement.

* I always love the visual demonstration of putting a really old/dirty penny completely into a small cup of ketchup. After letting it sit for 5-10 minutes, you can take it out and wipe it off and it will be shiny and like new. Practice this though before you do it in primary!
    I don't want any of the children to misunderstand this quote. Obedience is very important, but just doing good things would never be enough in life. The Atonement of Christ should be at the center of our lives. President Uchtdorf from our last general conference said, "Salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience; it is purchased by the blood of the Son of God. Thinking that we can trade our good works for salvation is like buying a plane ticket and then supposing we own the airline. Or thinking that after paying rent for our home, we now hold title to the entire planet earth."  (The Gift of Grace)
     We must repent!!! But repentance is only possible because of the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for us!!!

* Have a child stand on one side of the room. Have a trash can all the way on the other side of the room. Can they toss a piece of trash into the garbage?
  President Thomas S. Monson has taught, “One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final....
     Who among us cannot remember moments of failure?

One such moment came to me as a young basketball player. The game was close—hotly contested—when the coach called me from the bench to run a key play. For some reason which I shall never understand, I took the pass and dribbled the ball right through the opposing team. I jumped high toward the basket; and, as the basketball left my fingertips, I came to the abrupt realization that I was shooting for the wrong basket. I offered the shortest prayer I have ever spoken: “Dear Father, don’t let that ball go in.” My prayer was answered, but my ordeal was just beginning. I heard a loud cheer erupt from the adoring fans: “We want Monson, we want Monson, we want Monson … OUT!” The coach obliged.” (The Will Within,” Ensign, May 1987)

    Let the friend try again a little closer until they make it! We can repent!!! When we make a mistake, it's not the end. We can try again!! Have each class come up with 3 True/False questions about repentance and write them down. Invite a primary friend to toss a piece of trash into the garbage, but first have them answer one of the true/false questions.
   End with a final thought from President Monson's above mentioned talk, “Change for the better can come to all." Repentance is a gift from God. We don't ever need to think that if we make a mistake, that's it. Bear testimony that you know we can repent.

Week 3 When I am baptized I make a covenant with God.

* What is a covenant? Good insight HERE. (Bible Dictionary)

* "Baptism symbolizes our birth into the kingdom of God. It is a pivotal event in our eternal progress. Just as we cannot have mortal life without physical birth, so we cannot enter the kingdom of God except by being born of the water and of the Spirit (see John 3:5). Thus it is very important to thoroughly understand the covenant of baptism." (From Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual)
    Bring in a couple birthday presents, a birthday hat, a mini-piñata, a mini birthday cake, a balloon, a party favor bag.... (about 10 items) Make a nice little display on your front table of birthday things you can think of!
   Say the following words, "You've had a birthday, shout hooray! When you were baptized, at age 8! Born of water and spirit too, you made a promise, it's true!" ( I AM NOT SUGGESTING IN ANY WAY TO HAVE YOUR PRIMARY CHANGE THE WORDS TO THE SONG AND SING IT. I'm merely trying to illustrate in a different way what the above quote talks about.)
     Have questions, scriptures, and songs about baptism and the baptismal covenant on the different birthday items. Have a reverent child come up front and choose a birthday item and answer the question. Just as our birthdays are special days, our Baptismal day is one of extreme importance. It's the day we are born into the kingdom of God! End with singing, I Like My Birthdays (Children's Songbook pg. 104)

* See if you can gather about 7-8 pictures of people that were baptized in your ward when they were children, e.g. the bishop, the primary pianist. It will take some work and preparation beforehand! Ask them to briefly tell a little bit about what they remember from their baptism. Share that with the children, and have them guess who said it and what picture matches! Have other questions and scriptures prepared for children to answer/read before you give the next hint! Ask if a child who was recently baptized would be willing to share a little bit about their special day and a picture too!

* HERE is a great story from The Friend with a Covenant Keeper certificate! After you talk about baptism and the covenants associated with it, spend some time to make cards for anyone that may be mourning or need a lift!

 

Week 4 When I am confirmed I receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

* Share this quote from conference with the children, " Years ago I listened to a radio interview of a young doctor who worked in a hospital in the Navajo Nation. He told of an experience he had one night when an old Native American man with long braided hair came into the emergency room. The young doctor took his clipboard, approached the man, and said, “How can I help you?” The old man looked straight ahead and said nothing. The doctor, feeling somewhat impatient, tried again. “I cannot help you if you don’t speak to me,” he said. “Tell me why you have come to the hospital.”

     The old man then looked at him and said, “Do you dance?” As the young doctor pondered the strange question, it occurred to him that perhaps his patient was a tribal medicine man who, according to ancient tribal customs, sought to heal the sick through song and dance rather than through prescribing medication.

     “No,” said the doctor, “I don’t dance. Do you dance?” The old man nodded yes. Then the doctor asked, “Could you teach me to dance?”

The old man’s response has for many years caused me much reflection. “I can teach you to dance,” he said, “but you have to hear the music.”

      Sometimes in our homes, we successfully teach the dance steps but are not as successful in helping our family members to hear the music. And as the old medicine man well knew, it is hard to dance without music. Dancing without music is awkward and unfulfilling—even embarrassing. Have you ever tried it?

       In section 8 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord taught Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, “Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart” (verse 2). We learn the dance steps with our minds, but we hear the music with our hearts. The dance steps of the gospel are the things we do; the music of the gospel is the joyful spiritual feeling that comes from the Holy Ghost." (From The Music of the Gospel by Elder Wilford Anderson)

     Time to learn some dance moves!!! Have a paper bag with pieces of paper including simple dance steps you can teach or do WITHOUT MUSIC!!- grapevine, cha cha, waltz, animal dance move (e.g. how would an elephant dance?), disco, twist, freeze dance, moonwalking, Charleston, robot, running man, sprinkler.....

ONLY DO THIS ACTIVITY IF THE CHILDREN ARE ABLE TO CALM DOWN QUICKLY!!! If you have a really reverent group that can handle this and have fun great, if not, DON'T do it!! This could easily get out of control if you don't have good behavior management. With that said, it would be a great family home evening!!

      In between choosing dance moves, have questions, scriptures, and songs about the Holy Ghost.

     REPEAT OFTEN through the lesson "The dance steps of the gospel are the things we do; the music of the gospel is the joyful spiritual feeling that comes from the Holy Ghost."

 

* Bring in about 3 gifts that you have received in your life that are very special to you. Show the children and share the stories behind them. But there is one gift that is the most special you have been given. It's not a gift you can see. It is one that helps you daily and a gift that helps you feel peaceful and happy. Can the primary children guess what that gift is?

     Invite the children to write down or draw a picture of a time they have felt the Holy Ghost. For little Sunbeams and CTR 4 children... have them draw a picture of happy people. The Holy Ghost can help us feel happy. Teachers can help them write a sentence about what their picture is.

     Take all these papers and put into a box. Wrap or add a bow. Give it to the missionaries to share with a person they are teaching. We know that when we are confirmed, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!!!

     Don't forget to talk about what it means to receive!! The Holy Ghost is never something that is forced on us, we must be willing to invite Him into our lives!

 

* HERE is a very simple matching game that children could do in small groups from The Liahona.

 

* Sometimes it's good to just get moving around. Have 4 stations in the room. At each station, invite a member to share a personal story of how the Holy Ghost has helped them. (You will need the Bishop's approval beforehand) Divide into groups and rotate stations every 2 1/2 minutes. Gather together and invite any children to share an experience of how the Holy Ghost has helped them, or some feelings they have felt because of the Holy Ghost. Bear testimony that when we are confirmed, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

April 2015 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

The First Vision, by Kenneth Riley found on lds.org media library

Monthly Theme: Jesus Christ Restored the Fulness of the Gospel Through Joseph Smith.
Monthly Scripture: “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church” Articles of Faith 1:6

 

Week 1 Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.

* HERE is a Joseph Smith shoe-box panorama children can make. You'll need shoe boxes! (From The Friend Jan. 2001)

* HERE is an activity where children can make paper puppets of the First Vision. You'll need to print on heavy paper and have brass fasteners. (From The Friend March 2008)

* HERE is a WONDERFUL read aloud of The First Vision. You be the narrator, assign a child the part of Joseph. Give him the words ahead of time so maybe he can memorize!!! Have a simple costume and a few props. You could even assign someone to read the scripture James 1:5. You could print off the papers for children to read at night 2 times this upcoming week. Challenge them to pray to gain the knowledge that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and really did see Heavenly Father and Jesus.

*HERE is The Restoration video. It is such a beautiful video!! However, keep in mind it is 19 minutes long. At the 10 min. 30ish second mark we start with Joseph reading James 1:5, FYI.

* "Joseph Smith’s testimony of seeing the Father and Son towers like the arching trees of that sacred setting." Elder Richard L. Anderson April 1996 Ensign
    How many of us have been camping in an area with lots of trees? Is it pretty peaceful? Who has a favorite tree they like to climb in? Trees are beautiful. In one grove of trees, a sacred experience happened. Brainstorm some ideas of all the truth that came from The First Vision... have a couple children write down the ideas from primary friends on the chalkboard.
     Heavenly Father and Jesus are 2 separate individuals. God still speaks to man. Jesus Christ lives. Heavenly Father knows us by name. We need to listen to Jesus. Heavenly Father will protect us from evil and He is the most powerful. Heavenly Father answers prayers.
    We have a few kids who really love origami in Senior Primary! Bring in some paper and have them write down something about the first vision that is sacred or important to them. Then teach them how to make a simple origami tree. Directions HERE.

* How many of us have done Elder Anderson's challenge from last general conference?
1. "Find scriptures in the Book of Mormon that you feel and know are absolutely true. Then share them with family and friends in family home evening."
2. "Read the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith...(HERE).... Read it often. Consider recording the testimony of Joseph Smith in your own voice, listening to it regularly, and sharing it with friends. Listening to the Prophet’s testimony in your own voice will help bring the witness you seek."
     I really love his visual of how if something happens in an airplane, we have to put the oxygen mask on ourselves before we help the person next to us. Similarly, we must be firm in our knowledge and testimony of Joseph Smith! Elder Anderson says, "There will be family members and friends who will need your help. Now is the time to adjust your own spiritual oxygen mask so that you are prepared to help others who are seeking the truth." HERE is the full talk! It's excellent!

Week 2 Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God.

* THIS is a must read to prepare for this week!! Did you know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon in 63 working days?

* Have a blow dryer unplugged and invite a child to press the on button. What happens? Now plug it in and get the power going. What happens? And so it is by the power of God that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon.

* Elder Boyd K. Packer shared this story, "A 15-year-old son of a mission president attended high school with very few members of the Church.

     One day the class was given a true-or-false test. Matthew was confident that he knew the answers to all except for question 15. It read, “Joseph Smith, the alleged Mormon prophet, wrote the Book of Mormon. True or false?”

     He could not answer it either way, so being a clever teenager, he rewrote the question. He crossed out the word alleged (definition of alleged: said, without proof, to have taken place) and replaced the word wrote with translated. It then read, “Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, translated the Book of Mormon.” He marked it true and handed it in.

     The next day the teacher sternly asked why he had changed the question. He smiled and said, “Because Joseph Smith did not write the Book of Mormon, he translated it, and he was not an alleged prophet, he was a prophet.” He was then invited to tell the class how he knew that." (From The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, General Conference Oct. 2001)

      Do we know that Joseph Smith TRANSLATED the Book of Mormon, not wrote it?? The Book of Mormon is a miracle and we love to read it! Have each primary class come up with 2 questions about the Book of Mormon. It can be questions about stories or teachings, whatever they like! Have the missionaries come in and invite the children to quiz the missionaries!!

     Thank the missionaries for being good sports! The most important knowledge we can have about the Book of Mormon is knowing that it is true. Invite the missionaries to briefly share their testimony.

 

* Invite about 10 people in who speak a different language. See if they can bring in a Book of Mormon written in another language. Ask them beforehand to say "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ". If children would like they can try to repeat! What did all these wonderful people say? The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ! Pass around the Book of Mormons very carefully!! Take a look at the different languages and ways people write.

     Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God!!

HERE is an EXCELLENT video to show!! If you still have time have a couple Book of Mormon facts written in code (first letter switched with last). See if the primary can figure them out!

Here are a few facts:

 The Book of Mormon was first published in English in New York in 1830

Eht kooB fo NormoM saw tirsf dublishep ni Hnglise ni WeN KorY ni 0831

     In 1851 the Book of Mormon was translated into Danish, its first translation to a non-English language.

    Ni 1851 eht KooB fo NormoM saw dranslateT onti HanisD sti tirsf nranslatiot ot a hon-englisn eanguagl 

     3 men saw and 8 men handled the plates... they give their witness at the beginning of the Book of Mormon

     3 nem was dna 8 nem dandleh eht slatep.... yhet eivg rheit sitnesw ta eht geginninb fo eht Koob fo NormoM

Weeks 3 & 4 Jesus Christ restored the gospel through Joseph Smith.

Recycled from Previous Posts:

* HERE is an excellent resource from The Friend. It talks about a mom and child restoring a piece of furniture. There is a puzzle activity included that you could attach questions, scriptures, and songs to about The Restoration. You could put pieces under primary friends' chairs. Have primary friends try to put the puzzle together one piece at a time as they come to the front and answer the question on back. (Or scripture...etc.)

* HERE is a ready to use sharing time!! It is called "Partial Pictures". Have the children look up the scripture and match it to the picture. You can always show them the complete picture after!
Some questions to go along with the #'d pictures:
1.What priesthood did Peter, James, and John restore?
How does the Melchizedek priesthood bless our lives?
2. Sing An Angel Came to Joseph Smith (CS #86 )
Why do you think Heavenly Father sent the angel Moroni to Joseph?
What would you do if an angel came to you? Can you think of any scripture stories where an angel came to deliver a message from Heavenly Father?
3. How does it make you feel to know that God appeared to a young boy?
Why do you think Joseph Smith was chosen to help restore the church?
(Look carefully at that question, why do "you"- this isn't about being right or wrong, encourage the children to really think about things and value their answers!)
What did Heavenly Father say to Joseph?
4. What temple did Elijah appear to Joseph?
What did Elijah restore to Joseph and Oliver?
Sing The Hearts of The Children ( CS #92)
5. Read James 1:5
What are things we can do to gain wisdom?
Can anyone give ideas or tips on how to make scripture study meaningful?
6. What are some of your favorite stories from The Book of Mormon?
Why do you read The Book of Mormon?
What knowledge did The Book of Mormon restore?

* Invite a primary friend to the front. Ask them if you are standing in front of them. Are they sure? Well, that isn't the only thing we can be sure of!! Elder Holland in our last conference said, "I bear witness of that gospel and that Church, with a particular witness of restored priesthood keys which unlock the power and efficacy of saving ordinances. I am more certain that those keys have been restored and that those ordinances are once again available through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than I am certain I stand before you at this pulpit and you sit before me in this conference." (The Cost & Blessings of Discipleship, April 2014, such a great talk!!)
     Time to play... Are you sure?? Have about 20 statements, either fact or fiction/true or false, in regards to The Church being restored!! Make sure to have plenty of visuals to go along with statements. Have a child come up front and draw a statement from a bag. Then have the primary stand up if they are sure the statement is right!
Some sample statements:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized April 6, 1830. (true)
Joseph Smith had a vision of only an angel. (FALSE!!! He saw God the Father and Jesus)
Why is this so important to know??
The Aaronic Priesthood was restored by John the Baptist. (True)
Could you be baptized if this hadn't have happened?? Read D&C 22:2
     It's OK if we aren't sure about some things in life. But if we seek, we will find. Bear testimony! I am sure that God the Father lives and that He loves us. I am sure as the keyboard I type on that Christ is my best friend. The Gospel is restored!!

* What does the dictionary define restored as? Ask a child to come and help you demonstrate. Give them a book or a toy. Now have them give it back and return it to you. Key words: "Give back and Return". Now have the child hold a picture of the earth. Have a sign that says "TRUTH". Have the child with the earth picture hold the truth sign, then you take it away. (Apostasy!!) Return the truth or restore it back.
 * Joseph Smith and The Restoration Jeopardy!!
Categories and ?'s :
He was  a child too!!
100 When Joseph was small (7 years old) he had to have surgery on this part of his body. He wouldn't drink alcohol to ease the pain and held his father's hand while enduring the hurt. His leg
200 What month was Joseph Smith born? December (right before Christmas, the 23rd!)
300 How many brothers and sisters did Joseph have? 10
400 What was the name of Joseph's mother? Lucy
500 True or False: Joseph had to work hard as a child on the family farm. True!

The Early Church
100 Sing the 6th Article of Faith Song
200 After the church was organized on April 6, a miracle happened! The Prophet Joseph met a man named Newel who was possessed of a devil. Acting on Newel's faith as well as his own, Joseph cast out the devil in this name? Jesus Christ
300 At the first conference of the church, the sustained leaders by doing what we do today. What do we do? We raise our right hand to the square in support.
400 Emma Smith, Joseph's wife was called "An Elect Lady" of the Lord. She was commanded to do something special and put together this book. A hint: It's often green! The first hymn book.
500 True or False: When Brigham Young was introduced to the church he immediately joined. False!! He studied and pondered the church for 2 years before joining.

Truth Restored!100 Read 2 Nephi 3:24
200 True or False: The church started in 1830. False!! The church started with Adam and was restored many times, including the last dispensation with Joseph Smith.
300 Sing the Priesthood is Restored (CS pg. 89)
400 Name a witness of the Book of Mormon. Answers can include the 8 witnesses from the beginning of the Book of Mormon, to prophets to even children who have a testimony it's true.
500 True or False: All truth has been revealed!! False: Much truth has been revealed, but there is a lot more that is yet to come!

Final Jeopardy Question: What is something you've learned about Joseph Smith or the Restoration?

THE PERFECT SUBSTITUTE INCENTIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who here by raise of hands has ever had a phone call or two (or 6) on Sunday morning saying that the teacher can't teach primary that day?

Substituting and Primary go hand in hand. And how do we make sure that we give a good lesson even without proper preparation?We say a couple prayers and have faith!

Another thing I have found is keeping the kids involved and motivated for a final activity. Usually it's art!!! What can we draw to reinforce part of the day's lesson?

Disclaimer: I am not an artist. The extent of my capabilities are sticks and circles with smiley faces.

Whatever my artistic handicaps may be, I still realize that children LOVE TO CREATE! When they are engaged they learn better. So that's where this BRILLIANT AMAZING FABULOUS AWESOME WOW WOW WOW website comes in:

http://artforkidshub.com/

 

 

Rob is a BYU grad (Rise and shout!!!!!!!) and shares the most easy to follow tutorials for drawing. His kids do a great job too!! You can scour his site for ideas.

 

I matched a couple of friend articles with Rob's tutorials for quick reference... for "those" Sunday mornings!! Or even for a fun Family Home Evening!!!

Just click on the links.

 

Topic Compassion: Harry, the Helper Rabbit (Friend Aug. 1997) & Rabbit Tutorial

 

Topic General Conference:

Quote from President Hinckley- " While we were at lunch, we sat with a man who is now a grandfather who said that his little four-year-old grandson came to him the other day and said, “Grandpa, why do the hummingbirds hum?” Grandpa said, “I don’t know. Why?” The little boy said, “Because they don’t know the words.”

       It is unlikely that we will remember very many of the words that we’ve heard during the meetings of this conference. But I hope that we shall be able to “hum” the spirit of this conference and that we shall carry with us a great feeling of uplift because of our participation together. It has been a glorious time. The Spirit of the Lord has been with us. We have every reason to be grateful. We have been refreshed in our testimonies and strengthened in our faith." Let Us Go Forward & Hummingbird Tutorial

 

Topic Being Cautious:
Spiritual Crocodiles & Crocodile Tutorial or Alligator Tutorial

 

Topic Love/Protection:

Chicks and Hens & Chicken Tutorial

 

Topic Lost Sheep:

Finding the Sheep (Friend Feb. 2007) & Lamb Tutorial

 

Topic Temptations:

Beware the Wolves (New Era July 2012) & Wolf Tutorial

 

Topic Clean Speech:

Mormonad Foul Language & Parrot Tutorial