(See if you can get the picture 2-35, it s of Christ and the children, for the child to display during their talk.)

Transcription

1 January Week 1: God is the Father of my spirit. Who are you? Do you know? You know your name, and you know you belong to a family here on earth. Your parents and family love you. You are special to them. You are also special to Heavenly Father. He is the father of your spirit. You lived with Him in heaven before you came to earth. Everyone born on the earth is a child of Heavenly Father. You do not remember living with Heavenly Father, but you are His child. The scriptures teach us that all of [us] are children of the most High. The most High means Heavenly Father. You might have the same color eyes as your mother? Or you might have the same color hair as your father. Children often are very much like their parents. The Bible teaches us that God created man in his own image. To be created in His image means that you look like your Heavenly Father. It also means you can become like Him. Prophets testify that we are children of God and that He knows and loves each one of us. Each time we sing I Am a Child of God, we are testifying that we know who we are. Heavenly Father loves us. He will answer our prayers and help us to become like Him. We are His children, and He wants us to return to live with Him again someday. Week 2: Jesus Christ is the Son of God Who is Jesus Christ? Why should we believe in Him? Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. He is kind, honest, helpful, intelligent, caring, loving everything good. He created this world for us, He died for our sins so that we can be forgiven when we repent, and He overcame death for us so that we can be resurrected and can return to live with Heavenly Father and Him. How can we know all this is true and have faith in Him? Jesus Himself told us one important way. He said to search the scriptures; for they testify of me (John 5:39). I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (Acts 8:37). Healing the sick Blessing the children Teaching the Sermon on the Mount, Calling the Twelve Apostles, Visiting the Nephites in America, Ascending to heaven, On the cross, Suffering for our sins in Gethsemane, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16). Week 3 & 4: Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me. AN IDEA FOR WEEK 3: (See if you can get the picture 2-35, it s of Christ and the children, for the child to display during their talk.) Today I am going to share a store that is found in the Bible. (Read Mark 10:13-15 aloud). The disciples were afraid that the children would interrupt and disturb Jesus while he was teaching. But the Savior wanted the children to come near Him. In this scripture, Jesus said, suffer the little children. Suffer means to allow or let it happen. So He is really saying, Let the little children come unto me.

2 (Read Mark 10:16 aloud). In this verse, Jesus blessed the children personally. Even though He was busy teaching the adults, Jesus took time to hold and bless the little children because of His great love for them. We, too, can receive of His love and comfort through blessings our fathers or other priesthood holders give us, similar to those that Jesus would give us. Heavenly Father and Jesus love us and want to bless us. AN IDEA FOR WEEK 4: Have the child read the lyrics to the song, I know that my Savior loves me A long time ago in a beautiful place, Children were gathered round Jesus. He blessed and taught as they felt of His love. Each saw the tears on His face. The love that He felt for His little ones I know He feels for me. I did not touch Him or sit on His knee, Yet, Jesus is real to me. Now I am here in a beautiful place, Learning the teachings of Jesus. Parents and teachers will help guide the way, Lighting my path ev ry day. Wrapped in the arms of my Savior s love, I feel His gentle touch. Living each day, I will follow His way, Home to my Father above. I know He lives! I will follow faithfully. My heart I give to Him. I know that my Savior loves me. (WORDS AND MUSIC BY TAMI JEPPSON CREAMER AND DERENA BELL) February Week 1: Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. Our Father in Heaven knew that while we were on earth we would not remember our life with Him. We would not know the things we needed to do to return to Him. He also knew we would sin. Because of our sins, we would be punished by being separated from Him forever. And when we died, we would not have our bodies of flesh and bones anymore. We would need someone to help us with these problems. This person would teach us what we would have to do to return to our Father in Heaven. He would help us overcome the wrong things we would do. He would also make a way for us to have our bodies of flesh and bones again after we die. This person would be called our Savior. Only He could save us from the punishment for the things we would do wrong. Only He could help us learn to be obedient to our Father in Heaven. Only He could make it possible for us to have our bodies of flesh and bones again after death. Because our Father in Heaven loves us, He chose Jesus to be our Savior. For this reason, Jesus is often called Jesus Christ. Christ means chosen by our Father in Heaven to be the Savior. Our Father in Heaven chose Jesus rather than Satan because our Father in Heaven did not want us to lose our right to choose for ourselves. He knew we must do good things because we want to, not because someone forces us to. Our Father in Heaven wants us to follow and obey Jesus. He knows that Jesus will always teach us our Father s way of doing things so we can return and live with Him again. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.

3 Weeks 2 and 3: Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind may be saved. One night when a family was having scripture time, they read about the Savior and talked about how He never made any mistakes. Later that night the mom tucked in the three-year-old daughter, Susie, into bed. Susie looked up at her mother and said, Mom, Jesus did make a mistake. What do you mean? her mother asked. He broke something, Susie said. Somewhat puzzled, her mother asked, What did He break? Jesus broke the bands of death, Susie answered. The mom realized that she and Susie had sung the Primary song On a Golden Springtime many times, and Susie had learned the words On a golden springtime, Jesus Christ awoke and left the tomb where He had lain; the bands of death He broke. Susie s mother explained that breaking the bands of death means that Jesus was resurrected so that we can all live again after we die. Knowing that the end of His life was near, Jesus Christ led His Apostles to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. He told them, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder (Matt. 26:36). Then, after He left them and kneeled to pray, He suffered great pain for our sins. The pain was so great that He pleaded, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:42 44.) Heavenly Father sent His Son Jesus Christ to earth to save us from our sins. If we repent of what we have done wrong, we will be forgiven because of the atoning sacrifice of the Savior. Because of this great act of love, all of us can return to live with Heavenly Father someday. Week 4: Jesus Christ was resurrected, and I will be too Jesus was the firstborn of Heavenly Father s children. He always obeyed His Father. He was like Heavenly Father. He accepted Heavenly Father s plan. One of the other spirit children of our Heavenly Father, Lucifer, rebelled against the plan. He said we shouldn t be able to choose between right and wrong. Heavenly Father said that for His plan to work, someone needed to go to earth to help us learn how to get back to heaven. Someone needed to show us how to follow Heavenly Father. Who was obedient enough to do it? Someone needed to atone for our sins so we could repent when we made mistakes. Who was good enough to do it? Someone needed to die and be resurrected so we could all be resurrected and return to heaven. Who was brave enough and loving enough to do it? Was anyone willing to do all this for us? One person was. Our oldest brother, Jesus, said, Here am I, send me (Abraham 3:27). How we loved Him for that. Because of Jesus, everyone will be resurrected. March Week 1: Prophets are called by God We get to hear the prophet speak today! Chase said to his little sister, Megan. Megan was excited too. They had learned about prophets in family home evening just last Monday. A prophet is a person who has been called by God and speaks for Him. The prophet receives commandments and revelations from God and then shares them with Heavenly Father s children. Mom had shown Chase and Megan pictures of President Monson. They decided to draw their own pictures of the prophet too. Now Chase and Megan were going to a devotional to hear President Thomas S. Monson speak to them. Let s bring our pictures, Chase said.

4 Chase and Megan took their pictures of President Monson off the refrigerator door. This is going to be more fun than the circus or the zoo! Chase said. When they got to the devotional, Chase and Megan stared at all the people in the huge stadium. Almost all of the seats were filled. Chase and Megan sat behind the stand. All they could see was the back of President Monson s head. President Monson spoke about prophets God had called in the latter days. The prophets were righteous men who followed God. After the closing prayer, President Monson turned to leave the stadium. He headed right toward Chase and Megan! They excitedly held up their pictures so President Monson could see them. President Monson smiled when he saw their pictures. Oh, how nice, he said. How about a high five? President Monson held up his hand to Chase and Megan. They each gave him a high five. They were so happy to meet the prophet. They truly knew that he was a prophet of God. Week 2: Prophets testify of Jesus Christ From the time of Adam, righteous men looked forward to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The prophets taught that Jesus Christ would come to save all of Heavenly Father s children from death. They also taught that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, men could be forgiven of their sins and return to Heavenly Father. The most important knowledge that a prophet can reveal to us is that Heavenly Father lives and that Jesus is the Christ. A prophet helps us to know that we are children of Heavenly Father and that He and Jesus Christ love us. A prophet teaches us how we can show our love to Them. From prophets we learn about how to live the gospel, how we can be happy, and what we need to do to return to Heavenly Father. When prophets share their knowledge and experiences with us, they are bearing testimony, or, in other words, they are giving witness to what they have seen or heard. When we listen to prophets testimonies about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost can help us know that the prophets words are true. Week 3: There is safety in following the prophet (Have the child read the following lyrics to the song, Follow the Prophet ) Noah was a prophet called to preach the word, Tried to cry repentance, but nobody heard. They were busy sinning Noah preached in vain. They wished they had listened when they saw the rain. Daniel was a prophet. He refused to sin; So the king threw Daniel in the lion s den. Angels calmed the lions, and the king soon saw Daniel s power was great, for he obeyed God s law. Now we have a world where people are confused. If you don t believe it, go and watch the news. We can get direction all along our way, If we heed the prophets follow what they say. Follow the prophet; don t go astray. Follow the prophet; he knows the way.

5 Week 4: God speaks through prophets How do you know what Heavenly Father would say to you if He were here? God speaks through a prophet today just as He did in the past. The prophet President Thomas S. Monson teaches you what Heavenly Father wants you to know and do and become. You are blessed when you listen to and follow the prophet. President Monson s directions help us become more like Jesus Christ. Here are some things you can know from what President Monson has said. You can know that Heavenly Father loves you. President Monson said: I assure you that our Heavenly Father is mindful of the challenges we face in the world today. He loves each of us and will bless us as we strive to keep His commandments and seek Him through prayer. You can know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. President Monson said: God does live. Jesus is His Son. He is our Redeemer. He loves us. He gave His life for us. You can know how to help your family. President Monson said: May we demonstrate kindness and love within our own families. You can know how to help the world you live in. President Monson said: May we be good citizens of the nations in which we live and good neighbors in our communities, reaching out to those of other faiths, as well as to our own. April Week 1: Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. One day Joseph read in the Bible, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5). Joseph decided to do what the scripture said. He decided to ask Heavenly Father which church was right so that he would know which one he should join. Joseph had never prayed out loud before. He decided to go to a grove of trees near his home to ask Heavenly Father his question. On a beautiful spring morning, he walked into the grove, looked around to be sure that he was alone, and knelt in prayer. As he began his prayer, a terrible feeling of darkness surrounded him. It was so strong that he thought it was going to destroy him! He prayed with all his heart to Heavenly Father for help. At that moment, a pillar of light appeared over his head and came down and rested on him. The darkness left him, and he saw two Heavenly Beings standing above him in the air. One spoke to him, saying, This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! The two Heavenly Beings were Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The Savior told Joseph that he should not join any of the churches because they were all wrong. Joseph had the answer to his question. Later, he received visits from other heavenly messengers and learned what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ wanted him to do to help restore the gospel to the earth. He followed Their directions. Week 2: Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God Joseph Smith organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became the first prophet and President of the Church. By the power of God, he translated the Book of Mormon, built the first latter-day temple, and received most of the revelations found in the Doctrine and Covenants. We are grateful to him for helping to restore the gospel to the earth. And we should be thankful for the example of faith and courage he set for all of us. What a blessing it is that Joseph Smith prayed to Heavenly Father when he needed an answer. We, too, can go to Heavenly Father in prayer and receive answers to important questions in our lives. Through prayer we can also receive a testimony from Heavenly Father that Joseph Smith was a prophet.

6 Weeks 3 and 4: Jesus Christ restored the gospel through Joseph Smith AN IDEA FOR WEEK 3: Have you ever really wondered about what to do in a certain situation? Or really wanted to know the answer to a question? Perhaps you asked your parents or your friends or your teachers about it but were still not sure what you should do. When Joseph Smith was fourteen years old, he had a question. He was living on his family s farm in Palmyra, New York. In the town where they lived, there was a great deal of excitement about religion. There were many preachers from many different churches. Each said that he had the truth and tried to convince people to join his church. Joseph wondered which of the churches he should join. He asked himself, What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it? Joseph prayed and two Heavenly Beings, Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ appeared to him. The Savior told Joseph that he should not join any of the churches because they were all wrong. Joseph had the answer to his question. Joseph Smith organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became the first prophet and President of the Church AN IDEA FOR WEEK 4: What are some important things to know? We need to know how to tie our shoes. We need to know how to write our names. There is one thing that is more important than anything else. We find this in John 17:3. John records the words that Jesus spoke to His Father, our Heavenly Father: And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Knowing our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, is the most important knowledge you will ever have. This knowledge is called a testimony. How can we find things out? We are blessed to have two sets of parents earthly parents and heavenly parents. When you need to know something like how to tie your shoes, your earthly parents can help. They can also use dictionaries, science books, and the scriptures to help answer your questions. To have a testimony of sacred things, you can ask Heavenly Father. He usually uses the third member of the Godhead the Holy Ghost to answer you. The Holy Ghost bears witness of the Father and the Son. Through His still, small voice, the Holy Ghost can witness to you that Jesus is the Son of God. He can witness to you that Joseph Smith restored the gospel and that we have a prophet today. In the Book of Mormon, Moroni tells us that through the power of the Holy Ghost, we can know the truth of all things (see Moroni 10:5). As you listen to the still, small voice, you can have a testimony. Your faith in Jesus Christ will grow when you listen to the Holy Ghost. May Week 1: My faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened when I obey You can feel the Savior s love for you through the Holy Ghost. When do you feel the Savior s love? When you are saying your prayers or reading the scriptures or singing a Primary song? Do you feel His love when you take the sacrament? What happens when you feel this love? Is your heart warm? Do you feel peaceful? Feeling the Savior s love makes us want to show our love for Him. Heavenly Father s goal is our eternal happiness. His commandments are the road map to return to Him. We must not pick and choose which commandments we think are important. We should obey all of God s laws because when we do, our faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened.

7 Week 2: I can repent I need to tell you something, Mom, Melissa said, looking at the floor. She took a deep breath and started to cry. My teacher is really mad because someone wrote on the bathroom wall, Melissa said. I know I shouldn t have done it, but someone else started writing and I thought it was funny, so I did too. I feel so bad inside. What can I do? Mom gave Melissa a hug and pointed to a picture on the shelf. It was taken on the day Melissa was baptized. Do remember what Uncle Brett talked about at your baptism? Sniffling, Melissa nodded. That the Holy Ghost can help us know what is right and wrong, she said. He said if I did something wrong I would get a bad feeling. Is this what he was talking about? Yes, Mom said. What else did he say? Melissa thought for a moment. When we mess up we can repent by asking for forgiveness and fixing what we did wrong, she said. And promising to never do it again. As Melissa said those words, she knew what she needed to do. Before the school bell rang the next morning, Melissa was at her teacher s desk. Mrs. O Dell, I wrote on the bathroom wall, Melissa said, her heart pounding. I m really sorry, and I will clean it up. Mrs. O Dell looked at Melissa for a moment. You ll have to stay after school to clean it, she said. And you need to tell your mother what you have done. I know, I already told her. I promise to never do anything like this again, Melissa said. Melissa smiled as she walked to her desk. The bad feeling she had yesterday was gone. One day in school we had a spelling test. Some people cheated, but I didn t because I know cheating isn t right. It made me sad to see other kids in my class cheating. I m in grade 1. Because I m not cheating in grade 1, it will help me not cheat in grades 2 and 3 and the rest of my life. When I choose to be honest, I feel happy. By choosing the right we become like Jesus. And being honest helps me become more like Him. (Tegan B., age 6, Queensland, Australia) Week 3: When I am baptized I make a covenant with God A covenant is a two-way promise between Heavenly Father and us, His children. The covenants He makes with us are sacred and holy. In them He promises glorious blessings to us. When we make covenants with Him, we show our love for Him and promise to keep His commandments. The baptism covenant is the first gospel-ordinance covenant you make with Heavenly Father. When you make this sacred covenant, you show your love for Him. You also promise, or covenant, to take the name of Jesus Christ upon you, to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments. You should also be willing to bear testimony of Him, and to love and serve Him by loving and serving others. After you make your baptismal covenant, which is when you are baptized, you are confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father always blesses you with His spirit when you keep your baptismal covenant. Each Sunday you can remember and renew your baptismal covenant as you partake of the sacrament. Week 4: When I am confirmed I receive the gift of the Holy Ghost What happens when you turn eight? That s right! You can be baptized. A glorious part of your baptismal day or of a day soon after is to be confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That ordinance gives you the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. Unlike Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost does not have a body of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost is a spirit personage who will speak to you in your mind and in your heart and will show you what ye should do (2 Ne. 32:5). The Holy Ghost will help you keep your baptismal covenant and guide you to choose the right. He bears witness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost can give you comfort and guide you away from danger.

8 When you are baptized and when you take the sacrament, you promise to take the name of Jesus Christ upon you, to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments. Then Heavenly Father promises you that the Holy Ghost may always be with you. You will know the Holy Ghost is with you by the way you feel. President Ezra Taft taught, When you do good, you feel good, and that is the Holy Ghost speaking to you. Truly, the Holy Ghost who is also called the Spirit is a wonderful gift from a loving Heavenly Father. June Week 1: The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit, without a body of flesh and bones. He is often referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter. The Holy Ghost works together with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They help us live righteously and receive the blessings of the gospel. He witnesses of the Father and the Son (2 Nephi 31:18) and reveals and teaches the truth of all things (Moroni 10:5). We can receive a sure testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ only by the power of the Holy Ghost. His communication to our spirit carries far more certainty than any communication we can receive through our natural senses. As we try to stay on the path that leads to eternal life, the Holy Ghost can guide us in our decisions and protect us from physical and spiritual danger. Week 2: The Holy Ghost speaks in a still, small voice To have a testimony of sacred things, you can ask Heavenly Father. He usually uses the third member of the Godhead the Holy Ghost to answer you. The Holy Ghost bears witness of the Father and the Son. Through His still, small voice, the Holy Ghost can witness to you that Jesus is the Son of God. He can witness to you that Joseph Smith restored the gospel and that we have a prophet today. In the Book of Mormon, Moroni tells us that through the power of the Holy Ghost, we can know the truth of all things (see Moroni 10:5). As you listen to the still, small voice, you can have a testimony. Your faith in Jesus Christ will grow when you listen to the Holy Ghost. Here are words from a song about the Holy Ghost: Through a still small voice, the Spirit speaks to me To guide me, to save me from the evil I may see. If I try to do what's right, he will lead me thru the night, Direct me, protect me, and give my soul his light. Listen, listen. The Holy Ghost will whisper. Listen, listen to the still small voice. Week 3: The Holy Ghost can guide and protect us. By Marianne Sorensen Lemon (Based on a true story) Let s get off the train here and walk home, Kate, Mary suggested. She put away her knitting, zipped her coat, and stood up. We can be home before the train even starts for the next station. Sure. Why not? Kate said. She pulled on her warm knitted cap and followed Mary off the train. The two girls

9 had often walked from this station to their family s small apartment in Switzerland. They went down the stairs to the walkway under the tracks. As they got to the bottom and turned toward the exit, they both stopped. We have to go back, Mary whispered. I know, Kate said, nodding solemnly. We have to get back on the train. Together, they climbed the stairs, got back on the train, and waited. They were quiet, each thinking about what had happened. At last, the train started, and they rode to the station near their home. They walked home in silence. Girls, what happened? Mom asked, seeing the serious look on their faces. Mom, the Holy Ghost prompted us not to walk home, Mary said. Yes. We had to stop, Kate said. It seemed like there was a wall blocking the exit, but it wasn t a wall we could see. We both knew immediately that we had to get back on the train. Mary shook her head. I never knew the Spirit could be so strong. Oh, my girls! Mom cried. She gathered them into a big hug. I m so glad you are in tune with the Spirit so He can prompt you and keep you safe. But what would have hurt us? Kate asked. We ve walked home from that station lots of times. We ll never know, Mom said. She smiled. I m so grateful you are all right! As they knelt to give thanks for their protection, Mary said, I will never forget how it feels to listen to the Spirit and do exactly what He says. Week 4: By the power of the Holy Ghost, we may know the truth of all things Jeff enjoyed listening to the missionaries when they came to his home. They told wonderful stories to him and his family. He especially liked the stories they told about Jesus Christ. When the missionaries told him that the true Church of Jesus Christ had been restored to the earth, he thought it was the most exciting idea he had ever heard. The missionaries told him and his family that if they would pray to Heavenly Father, they would find out if what the missionaries taught was true. The missionaries quoted Moroni 10:5: By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. Jeff wasn t sure how he would know that the message the missionaries had brought was true, but he did what they asked. As Jeff prayed to Heavenly Father to help him know the truth and as he listened to the teachings of the missionaries, a warm, comfortable feeling began to grow within him. Soon Jeff had no more doubts. He felt sure that what the missionaries taught was true. He had received a good feeling, a testimony, from the Holy Ghost. Sometimes the Holy Ghost is referred to as the Spirit. You might hear people pray to have the Spirit of God with them. They are asking to have the Holy Ghost with them. His presence helps us feel close to Heavenly Father, choose the right and know the truth of all things. July Week 1: Jesus Christ always obeyed Heavenly Father We learn obedience throughout our lives. Beginning when we are very young, those responsible for our care give us guidelines and rules to ensure our safety. No greater example of obedience exists than that of our Savior. He was always obedient.

10 When faced with the agony of Gethsemane, He said, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done (Luke 22:42). As the Savior instructed His early Apostles, so He instructs you and me, Follow thou me (John 21:22). Are we willing to obey? The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet our challenges can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord s commandments. Week 2: Jesus Christ went about doing good Jesus is a Miracle Worker He healed the blind, He raised the dead hungry souls He fed. He only had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. He stilled the storm on the raging sea. He gave His life for you and me. He walked on water and even turned water into wine. He did all of this in His short life time. He healed the sick and even raised the dead. He did everything that he said. He cast demons out of possessed souls. Can I tell you our Lord Jesus was bold. He performed these many miracles for you and I. Now we need to do our part before we meet Him in the sky. We need to lead others to this miracle man. We need to all just take a stand, And let others know they can have eternal life too. For this is what He wants all of us to do. Yes, Jesus is still a miracle worker for you see, He worked a mighty miracle in you and me. (by Bobbie J. Davis ) Weeks 3 and 4: Jesus Christ s example teaches me how to live AN IDEA FOR WEEK 3: When Jesus Christ was on the earth, He taught many wonderful things. He taught about being kind when He healed people who were sick. He taught about forgiving when He ate dinner at a Pharisee s house. He taught about faith when He walked on water. He taught about love when He gathered children around Him. He taught about service when He washed His disciples feet. You can be like Jesus by doing the things He taught. You can be kind and look for the good in others. You can be polite. You can say, I m sorry. In these small ways you can make a difference in your family. Living the teachings of Jesus can help make you and others happy. By following His example, you can help strengthen your family. Jesus said that we should never be tired of doing good because great things grow from small things. Strengthening your family is a great thing! AN IDEA FOR WEEK 4: Jesus taught us how to live by the way He lived His own life. When He was little, Jesus learned to pray. We can pray when we're grateful, or when we might need help. Two little boys were driving with their mother in a snowstorm when suddenly, their mother realized she was lost. She was far away from home, and didn't know which way she should go. She was scared, so pulled over and said a prayer. She

11 asked Heavenly Father to please send someone to help her find her way home. After a few cars passed, one car stopped nearby. In the car was a kind lady who showed the family how to get back to their home. Heavenly Father answered their prayer. But before the family drove back home, they said another prayer, thanking Heavenly Father for sending them help. Jesus was also kind to others. He showed his disciples that He loved them by washing their feet. He helped people who were sick, or who were feeling sad. I can show my love for others by helping them and by being kind. When I share or play kindly with others, I feel good. Jesus ended up dying for us because He loves us, and wants us to live with Heavenly Father again. I can show my love for Jesus by being obedient to all of the commandments. By living like Jesus did, I can live with Him and Heavenly Father again. August Week 1: Jesus Christ is a God of miracles While Jesus was on the earth, He worked many miracles that showed His power as the Son of God. One day, a large crowd of people followed Jesus into the desert. They brought their loved ones who were sick, and Jesus healed all who came to Him. The people stayed all day to be close to Jesus and to hear Him teach. When evening came, Jesus s Apostles told him that the people needed to eat. No one had any food, except for one boy who had five loaves of bread and two fishes. Perhaps they should send all the people back to the villages so they could eat. Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down on the grass, and they would be fed. The Apostles were astonished. There were 5,000 men, plus women and children. How could they feed all those people? But the Apostles did as Jesus commanded them. They broke the boy s bread and fishes into pieces and put them in 12 baskets. The baskets of food were passed around the crowd. Everyone ate and felt full, and yet when they were done, more food was left in the baskets than when they began. It was a miracle. The people understood that Jesus Christ had the power to help them. The miracles Jesus performed showed His love for the people. They showed His power as the Son of God and Redeemer of the World. Week 2: Jesus Christ can heal the sick Jesus and His disciples walked on dusty roads from village to village, where Jesus taught the gospel. When they reached Capernaum, they went to stay for the night at the home of Peter and his brother Andrew. Peter s wife greeted them with sad news. Her mother was sick in bed with a fever. Jesus went to the sick woman. He took her by the hand and lifted her up. Immediately the fever was gone and she was well. People in Capernaum soon heard about the miracle and found out where Jesus was staying that night. By the time the sun went down, it looked like the whole city was gathered at the door of Peter and Andrew s house. That night Jesus healed many sick people. Early the next morning Jesus left the house to find a quiet place to pray. Then He left with His disciples to preach in other towns. Days later when Jesus came back to Capernaum, curious crowds followed Him everywhere. Many people knew Jesus made sick people well with the power of God. One man was paralyzed and could not move his arms and legs. He could not go anywhere unless four friends carried him on a small bed. The four friends decided to take the paralyzed man to see Jesus.

12 When they got to the house where Jesus was teaching, it was filled with people. There was not even room to squeeze in the doorway. The men had faith that Jesus could heal their friend if only Jesus could see him. How could they get in? They carried their friend up to the flat roof on top of the house. Then they took part of the roof off! They lowered their friend on his bed down into the room where Jesus was teaching. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man who could not walk, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way. Immediately the man stood up, picked up his bed, and left. The people were amazed and gave glory to God. Many times as Jesus entered villages, cities, or the countryside, crowds of people came to Him. They carried beds and brought their sick so that Jesus could make them well. Many times Jesus made the blind see, the deaf hear, and the crippled walk. When people saw Jesus heal the sick, their faith grew, and they knew He was the Christ. Week 3: Jesus Christ has power over death Sister Nielson was teaching the Sunbeam class. She held a picture of Jesus showing His wounds after He had been resurrected. You mean He lived again after He was dead? Heather asked. Jake exclaimed, Yes, He did! We will live again too! How did three-year-old Jake know that Jesus lived again? How did he know that he too would live again? Each week Jake listened to Sister Nielson's lessons. She taught about Jesus and bore her testimony. Jake listened to his parents during family home evening and at other times. They taught about Jesus and bore testimony of Him. The feeling in Jake's heart told him to believe the words of his teacher and parents. After Jesus was resurrected, He showed Himself to His disciples. Thomas was not with them. The other disciples told Thomas they had seen Jesus. But Thomas said, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. Eight days later Jesus did show Himself to Thomas. Jesus let Thomas feel the nail prints in His hands and touch His side. Then Jesus said, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. Like Jake, we can believe in Jesus even though we do not see Him. Our faith will grow when we know, without seeing, that Jesus is our Savior. Week 4: Miracles come to those who have faith And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith shall cause the blind to receive their sight (D&C 35:9). She can t see! The fever has left Sister Stratton completely blind! The news swept rapidly through the little pioneer town of Virgin, Utah. Sister Emily Amanda Gardner Stratton, beloved Primary president in the Virgin Ward, had lost her sight following a sudden illness. She had lovingly and faithfully served the children in the southern Utah town for fifteen years, and she had helped many of the ward members in times of trouble. Now it was she who needed help. But how could they help her? The local doctor had done everything he could for her and had advised her family to take her to the nearest hospital, which was in St. George, Utah. It was her only hope if she was to see again. For weeks, the doctors in St. George tried every treatment that they knew, but nothing seemed to work. When their last treatment failed, Sister Stratton sent word that she wanted to come home. The children and Primary workers in Virgin had prayed diligently for her recovery. When they heard that the doctors had given up, they were even more determined to do whatever they could to help their dedicated Primary president.

13 Someone suggested that they hold a special fast for her. They knew that if they had faith and fasted and prayed, Heavenly Father would help her in ways they could not. It was difficult to go without food all day, but even the youngest Primary children fasted and prayed for their beloved leader. That evening, they all met at the tiny meetinghouse to close their fast with prayer. Afterward, they felt great peace and joy and knew that Heavenly Father had heard their prayers. The sunset was glorious, casting rays of red and gold throughout the western sky as they went to their homes. A few days later, Sister Stratton s wagon creaked as it rolled along the dusty road toward Virgin. The children and Primary leaders hurried to greet her and tell her of their special fast. What time was your fast meeting, children? Sister Stratton asked. It was at sunset! one child exclaimed. Sister Stratton sat back. Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke. At sunset on that day, I was sitting in a chair by the west window of my hospital room. As I looked up, I saw the sunset for the first time since the fever stole my sight. Yes, children, I can see! The loving prayers and faith-filled fasting of the Virgin Ward Primary had been answered with a miracle. For the rest of Sister Stratton s life, she was blessed with perfect eyesight. I know that if I have faith in the Lord, He will bless me. Miracles come in all shapes and sizes. The Lord blesses us according to our needs. There are miracles all around us, every day we need to have faith in Heavenly Father, open our eyes and our hearts, and believe in the miracles. September Weeks 1and 2: I show love for Jesus Christ when I keep the commandments AN IDEA FOR WEEK 1: Jesus Christ loves little children. When He lived on the earth, He blessed them. When He prayed for the Nephite children, angels ministered to them (see 3 Ne. 17). When someone loves us that much, we want to love that person back. How can we show the Lord that we love Him? Jesus said, If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). Here are some commandments all of us can keep: Pray - Heavenly Father hears our prayers. We can talk to Him in the morning and ask for His help during the day. We can talk to Him before going to bed and thank Him for the day s blessings. We can pray to Heavenly Father in Jesus Christ s name anytime, anywhere. We show our love when we pray. Keep the Sabbath Day Holy - The Sabbath is holy to Heavenly Father, and it should be holy to us. There are many good things to do on the Sabbath; other things are better to do on other days. How do we know the difference? The key is to do only those things on the Sabbath that help us feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Wearing our best clothes and not spending money are good ways to start. Attend Church and Take the Sacrament - When we go to church, we learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel and we take the sacrament to help us remember His Atonement. When we partake of the sacrament, we promise to keep His commandments and always remember Him. He promises us that if we do these things, we will always have His Spirit to be with us. With the help of the Lord s Spirit, we are able to keep the commandments even when it is hard. The scriptures promise that the Lord will provide a way for us to keep His commandments.

14 AN IDEA FOR WEEK 2: Love one another is the second great commandment. I show my love for Jesus when I keep His commandments. I try to obey Jesus Christ because I love Him and I know that He loves me too. I have a poem I want to read called, "Let's Be Kind to One Another" by Evan Stephens: Let's be kind to one another, Let us win each other's love, Let each be a sister, a brother, As the angles are above. Though we can't be pure and holy While as mortals here we stay, Yet we can shed love and kindness 'Round our pathway every day; Yes, we should let love and kindness Be our motto day by day. Many hearts are sad and weary Of the world with all its toil. And this gloom, however, dreary, Could be banished by a smile. And that smile would cost you nothing, Nothing more than would a frown; One would raise them up to heaven, While the other casts them down; Let us then make earth a heaven Turn to kindly smiles, our frown. When we are kind to each other we are showing each other and Jesus how much we love him. I pray that we will always try to show kindness to everyone we meet and especially our friends and family. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Week 3: My love for Jesus Christ grows when I pray I can get answers to my prayers with I pray with faith. Joseph sought his answer in a grove. I kneel by my bed. Joseph saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. I listen to the whisper of the Holy Ghost. Joseph s prayer began the restoration of the gospel. My prayer taught me Joseph s answer was true. We are two boys with two prayers Answered by the same listening Father. I feel love for Jesus Christ when I pray, because I know He will hear and answer my prayers, just like He did for Joseph Smith. Week 4: My love for Jesus Christ grows when I study the scriptures Because Heavenly Father and Jesus love us, they gave us the scriptures so that we can learn about the gospel and how to live it. The word scripture means a holy writing. When we read the scriptures, we learn what Heavenly Father expects of us, what He will do if we obey Him, and what will happen if we disobey Him.

15 There are many different ways to study the scriptures. Some people like to read it as a history book. Others enjoy the beauty of the language and the poetry of the scriptures. However, the most important reason for studying the scriptures is to find out how to live your life so that you can be happy and return to live with our Heavenly Father. The lessons from the Scriptures are timeless and clearly teach that living the principles of the gospel brings eternal happiness and increases our love for Jesus Christ. Our scriptures contain some of the most exciting stories ever written, and the best part of all is that these stories are true! Once you really get into reading the scriptures, you will want to study them every day. October Week 1: Following the prophet will help us come unto Christ Prophets are sent to protect and guide the children of Heavenly Father. There has always been safety in following the prophet. In the days of Joseph Smith, many learned this important truth. On April 6, 1830, the day The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally organized, at least 30 people were in attendance. One of them was an 11-year-old boy named David Lewis. As the events of that day unfolded, David became convinced of the truthfulness of the gospel. He approached the Prophet Joseph Smith and asked to be baptized. Joseph was happy for him but felt that it was important for him to get permission from his parents first. Following the Prophet s counsel, David went home to discuss his feelings with his parents. They gave him permission, and he was baptized 29 days later, on his 12th birthday. Soon after his baptism, clouds outside darkened. Thunder and lightning cracked through the sky. Joseph suggested that David might want to stay overnight and wait out the storm. David replied that he had promised his mother that he would return that night. Joseph told David that it was important to keep the promise to his mother and that if he left right away, the Lord would protect him. David followed the counsel of the Prophet and hurried off into the downpour. He hadn t gone far before he became confused, and he realized that he was lost. Remembering the Prophet s words that he would return home in safety, David knelt under a tree and prayed for the promised protection and guidance. After the prayer, he started on his way again. He saw a faint light through the trees. It looked like a person with a lantern in the distance. Something in his heart told him to follow it. It led him down a path through the trees. After he followed the light for some time, it suddenly disappeared. What had happened to it? He looked around and saw that he was now in front of his own house! Our prophet today may not give us advice on bending carriage axles or getting home in a storm, but the instruction he gives us is important for our own situations. We should seek to follow his counsel in all things. By following the prophet, we will be prepared against the dangers that we face today. Week 2: Sharing the gospel helps others come unto Christ Alex asked his friend Jake to play at his house on Saturday. They were having fun with race cars when Jake noticed a picture hanging on the wall. Who s that? he asked, pointing to the picture of Thomas S. Monson. That s President Monson, Alex said. Jake didn t say anything.

16 You know, the prophet of our Church, Alex said. Jake looked embarrassed. We don t go to church anymore, he said. Why did you stop going? Alex asked. Jake shrugged. I don t know. Do you want to come with me on Sunday? Alex asked. We could go to Primary together. My teacher is really great. Jake s eyes brightened. I ll have to ask my mom, but I think she ll let me go, Jake said. At lunchtime, Alex asked his mom, Can Jake go to Primary with me tomorrow? We have to check with Jake s mother, Mom said. If she says yes, then of course he can go. Later that day, Jake s mom came to pick him up. Can Jake go to Primary with me tomorrow? Alex asked. Can I, Mom? Jake said. Alex says Primary is really great. They read stories, sing songs, and learn about people in the scriptures. I don t know, Jake s mom said, looking uncertain. We haven t been to church for a long time. Please, Mom, Jake said. I want to go. Jake is welcome to come with us, Alex s mom said. Are you sure you want to go? Jake s mom asked. I m sure! Jake said. Then I guess it s OK, Jake s mom said. Jake gave his mom a quick hug. Thanks, he said. On Sunday morning, Alex s family picked up Jake. He was dressed in his Sunday clothes. After sacrament meeting the boys went to Primary. When they got to class, their teacher said, We re so glad to have you here, Jake. After church, Alex s family took Jake home. Thanks for taking me to church with you, Jake said. Alex s mom smiled at him. You re welcome, Jake. We hope you ll come with us again, she said. That evening at dinner, Alex asked, Can I invite Jake to go to church with us next Sunday? Mom nodded. I m going to follow your example and invite his mother to go with us too, she said. You re a good missionary, Alex, Dad said. Alex was surprised. I was just being a friend, he said. That s what a missionary is, Mom said, a friend.

17 Week 3: We come unto Christ by repenting when we make a mistake There was a girl who got a splinter in her finger. Her dad took his pocketknife, cleaned it, and gently scraped it across her finger to catch the end of the splinter and pull it out. Even though her dad was gentle, it hurt to have the splinter removed! The next time the girl got a splinter, she didn t tell anyone. After a few days, her finger became infected. It hurt so much that she wanted the splinter removed no matter what. Her dad gently removed it. After the splinter was gone, her finger began to heal. Repentance is a way of removing and healing from a sin that hurts us spiritually. The first thing we need to do is to realize that we have done something wrong and to feel sorry that we did it. This feeling comes from the Holy Ghost. We must ask Heavenly Father and any people we have wronged to forgive us. We need to do the best we can to correct any problems caused because of our wrong choices. We must also decide not to do the wrong thing again. After we have done all that we can to repent, because of Christ s Atonement, Heavenly Father will forgive us. Repentance makes us happier now and makes it possible for us to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus forever. It makes me happy to know that if I make a mistake and commit a sin, I can repent and Heavenly Father will forgive me. I know that repenting isn't always easy but I know that it is worth it because it takes away the bad feelings we have when we sin. I know that because of Jesus Christ, repentance is possible for all of us. Week 4: Temple work helps me and my family come unto Christ One Sunday in testimony meeting, nine-year-old Angie told the congregation that her favorite song was Families Can Be Together Forever. Angie said how great it is that Heavenly Father has a wonderful plan for us to be together forever. Angie s parents had not been sealed in the temple. Soon after that day, Angie s sister Katie left a letter on their parents pillow, urging them to go to the temple. Angie and Katie wanted so much for their family to be sealed together. Their parents prayed about going to the temple. Their family worked hard to prepare. When the time was right, their family was able to go to the temple and be sealed together forever. Even if your family has not been sealed, someday you will be able to go to the temple. After you turn 12, you can perform baptisms for the dead in the temple. You can begin preparing now by keeping the commandments and living My Gospel Standards. Temple work helps me and my family come unto Christ. November Weeks 1 and 2: Jesus Christ taught us how to serve others. AN IDEA FOR WEEK 1: My talk today is about service. Jesus taught many lessons about serving others. One of those lessons came one day right after he had dinner with his Apostles. Jesus got a basin of water and a towel and started washing the feet of the Apostles. It was not unusual for people to have their feet washed in Jesus time, because most people wore sandals and their feet became very dusty and dirty. But usually a servant did this job. Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet because he thought it was not right for Jesus to act as a servant. Jesus explained to the Apostles that even though he was the Savior, he still served them. He wanted them to understand that they should serve each other. Jesus wants us to follow his example and serve others. We can all serve others by doing nice things for our family and friends, doing service projects or helping those in need. When I serve others, I feel good and know that I am following the example of Jesus.