FHE LessonsLessons and ideas for family home evening!

Scripture

D&C 1:11

11 Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear:

Hymn

  The Prophet Said to Plant a Garden – Primary Songbook #237 or How Firm a Foundation - Hymn #85

The Prophet Said to Plant a Garden

1. The prophet said to plant a garden, so that’s what we’ll do.
For God has given rich brown soil, the rain and sunshine too.
And if we plant the seeds just right and tend them carefully,
Before we know, good things will grow to feed our family.

2. We’ll plant the seeds to fill our needs, then plant a few to spare,
And show we love our neighbors with the harvest that we share.
Oh, won’t you plant a garden, too, and share the many joys
A garden brings in health and love to happy girls and boys!

 Rolos Cake Mix Bars

Ingredients:

Activity

1- Play Follow the Leader.

2- Set up & go through an obstacle course.

3- Play the “I’m going on a picnic game...” but use this phrase instead: “I went to General Conference & I brought….”

Scripture

Amos 3:7

7 Surely the Lord will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Hymn

  Latter-day Prophets – Primary Songbook #134 or We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet - Hymn #19

Latter-day Prophets

1. Latter-day prophets are: number one,
Joseph Smith; then Brigham Young;
John Taylor came third, we know;
Then Wilford Woodruff; Lorenzo Snow;
Joseph F. Smith (remember the F);
Heber J. Grant; and George Albert Smith;
David O. McKay was followed by Joseph Fielding Smith,
Then Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball,
Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter.
Gordon B. Hinckley shows the way.
We hear and follow his words today.

1. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.

 Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies

Ingredients:

Activity

1- Decorate a notebook to use to make General Conference notes.

2- Memorize the order of all of the Latter-day Prophets.

3- Play Hide & Go Seek.

Scripture

D & C 1:38

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

Hymn

  Follow the Prophet - Primary Songbook #110 or Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice - Hymn #21

Follow the Prophet

1. Adam was a prophet, first one that we know.
In a place called Eden, he helped things to grow.
Adam served the Lord by following his ways.
We are his descendants in the latter days.

2. Enoch was a prophet; he taught what was good.
People in his city did just what they should.
When they were so righteous that there was no sin,
Heav’nly Father took them up to live with him.

3. 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.

4. Abraham the prophet prayed to have a son,
So the Lord sent Isaac as the chosen one.
Isaac begat Jacob, known as Israel;
Jacob’s sons were twelve tribes, so the Bible tells.

5. Moses was a prophet sent to Israel.
He would lead them to the promised land to dwell.
They were slow to follow, or so it appears.
They were in the wilderness for forty years.

6. Samuel was a prophet chosen as a boy.
Hannah promised God her son would serve with joy.
In the tabernacle, Samuel heard his name;
He was called by God and answered, “Here I am!”

7. Jonah was a prophet, tried to run away,
But he later learned to listen and obey.
When we really try, the Lord won’t let us fail:
That’s what Jonah learned deep down inside the whale.

8. 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 pow’r was great, for he obeyed God’s law.

9. 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.

Chorus
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; don’t go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; he knows the way.

1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.

As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. For example, you might yearn for direction and guidance by the Lord regarding challenges you are facing.

Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase. At other times answers may come in a seemingly unrelated word, phrase, or song. A heart filled with gratitude for the blessings of life and an earnest desire to hear and follow the words of counsel will prepare the way for personal revelation.

2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.

Prophets have always taught by repetition; it is a law of learning. You will hear repetition in themes and doctrines in general conference. Let me reassure you: this is not due to a lack of creativity or imagination. We continue to hear messages on similar issues because the Lord is teaching and impressing upon our minds and hearts certain foundational principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted upon before we can move on to other things. A wise builder first lays the foundation before erecting the walls and the roof.

3. The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months.

If we listen to and follow the promptings of the Spirit, they will serve as a Liahona, guiding us through the unknown, challenging valleys and mountains that are ahead (see 1 Nephi 16).

Since the world began, God has raised up prophets who speak the will of heaven to the people of their times. It is our responsibility to listen and then apply the messages the Lord provides for us.

Our merciful and loving Heavenly Father has not forsaken and will not forsake His children. Today, as well as in times past, He has appointed apostles and prophets. He continues to reveal His word to them.

What a marvelous privilege it is to hear God’s messages for each of us during general conference! Let us prepare well for this great blessing of divine guidance delivered by His chosen servants.

For this is no ordinary blessing.

1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease 12 muffin cups.

2. Combine sugar, butter and water in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute or until butter is melted. Add semi-sweet morsels; stir until melted. Add egg and vanilla extract and stir well. Add flour and baking soda and stir until blended. Allow to cool to room temperature. Stir in 1 cup Swirled morsels. Spoon a heaping tablespoon batter into each prepared muffin cup.

3. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top is set and wooden pick inserted center comes out still slightly wet. Place muffin pan on wire rack. Centers of brownies will fall upon cooling. If some do not, with back of teaspoon, tap center to make a hole.

4. Place peanut butter in small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 45 seconds; stir. While brownies are still hot, spoon a scant tablespoon peanut butter into center of each brownie. Top with remaining Swirled morsels. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Run a knife around edge and carefully remove from pan. (Taken from Very Best Baking)

 Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

15 Servings

Ingredients:

Activity

1- Invite a friend or family to listen to a session of General Conference.

2- Do a General Conference Activity.

3- Play Telephone.

Scripture

D&C 21:4-5

4 Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;

5 For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.

Hymn

I’m Trying to be Like Jesus – Primary Songbook #78 or Do What is Right – Hymn #237

1. I’m trying to be like Jesus;
I’m following in his ways.
I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,

2. I’m trying to love my neighbor;
I’m learning to serve my friends.
I watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again.
I try to remember the lessons he taught.
Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts, saying:

Chorus
“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Watch the Mormon Messages Video “Pass It On”. Discuss the teachings of President Thomas S. Monson that are learned from this video. Testify of the importance of following the counsel of our modern day Prophet.

Watch the Mormon Messages video “Pass it On”. This video shows how children around the world have taken President Thomas S. Monson’s counsel to find a way to serve others.

After watching the video, discuss the following questions.

• What did President Monson challenge primary children do do?
• How did one young girl show service to a family in her ward?
• In the video, what happened when one child showed service to another child?
• How can you show service to other people?

Testify of the importance of following the counsel of our modern day Prophet.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Watch the Mormon Messages Video “Dare to Stand Alone”. Discuss the teachings of President Thomas S. Monson that are learned from this video. Testify of the importance of following the counsel of our modern day Prophet.

Watch the Mormon Messages video “Dare to Stand Alone”. In this video, President Thomas S. Monson shares an experience he had in the Navy when he had to stand alone and reminds us that “we are never alone when we stand with our Father in Heaven.”

After watching the video, discuss the following questions

• What did President Monson experience in the Navy on the day they were instructed to go to church?
• How did President Monson react when the Mormons were not instructed to go anywhere? How did he feel?
• Was he really alone?
• Discuss some of the examples shown in the video of how youth dared to stand alone.
• What does President Monson teach about standing alone?
• In what ways can you “Dare to Stand Alone” in your own lives?

Testify of the importance of following the counsel of our modern day Prophet.

Activity

1- Play your family’s favorite card game!

2- As a family, come up with a service project. It can even be something small like simply visiting another family in your ward!

Scripture

Psalms 118:24

24 - This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Hymn

I Will Follow God’s Plan – Primary Songbook #164 or Press Forward, Saints- Hymn #81

Lesson

*For Younger Children*Read the First Presidency Message from the July Ensign. Make a list of  your gifts and abilities. Add your testimony to President Uchtdorf ‘s, that we are “Always in the Middle”.

Read all, or part, of the First Presidency Message from the July Ensign.

Always in the Middle

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

By many world calendars, July marks the middle of the year. While the beginnings and endings of things are celebrated and remembered, the middle of things often goes unnoticed.

Beginnings are times for making resolutions, for creating plans, for bursts of energy. Endings are times for winding down and may involve feelings of completion or loss. But with the proper outlook, considering ourselves as in the middle of things can help us not only to understand life a little better but also to live it a little more meaningfully.

The Middle of Missionary Work

When I speak to our young missionaries, I often tell them they are in the middle of their missions. Whether they just arrived the day before or are to depart for home the day after, I ask them to think of themselves as always being in the middle.

New missionaries may feel they are too inexperienced to be effective, and so they delay speaking or acting with confidence and boldness. Seasoned missionaries who are close to completing their missions may feel sad their missions are coming to a close, or they may slow down as they contemplate what they will do after their missions.

Whatever the circumstances and wherever they serve, the truth is that the Lord’s missionaries are daily sowing countless seeds of good tidings. Thinking of themselves as always being in the middle of their missions will embolden and energize these faithful representatives of the Lord. As it is with full-time missionaries, so it is with all of us.

We Are Always in the Middle

This change in perspective is more than a simple trick of the mind. There is a sublime truth behind the idea that we are always in the middle. If we look at our location on a map, we are tempted to say we are at a beginning. But if we look more closely, wherever we are is simply in the middle of a larger place.

As it is with space, so it is with time. We may feel we are at the beginning or end of our lives, but when we look at where we are against the backdrop of eternity—when we realize that our spirit has existed for time beyond our capacity to measure and, because of the perfect sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ, that our soul will exist for an eternity to come—we can recognize that we are truly in the middle.

Recently I felt impressed to redo the headstone on my parents’ grave. Time had not been kind to the grave site, and I felt that a new headstone would be more fitting for their exemplary lives. When I looked at the birth dates and death dates on the headstone connected by the usual insignificant little dash, this small symbol of a lifespan suddenly filled my mind and heart with an abundance of rich memories. Each of these treasured memories reflects a moment in the middle of my parents’ lives and in the middle of my life.

Whatever our age, whatever our location, when things occur in our lives, we are always in the middle. What’s more, we will forever be in the middle.

The Hope of Being in the Middle

Yes, there will be moments of beginnings and moments of endings throughout our lives, but these are only markers along the way of the great middle of our eternal lives. Whether we are at the beginning or the end, whether we are young or old, the Lord can use us for His purposes if we simply set aside whatever thoughts limit our ability to serve and allow His will to shape our lives.

The Psalmist says, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we [should] rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Amulek reminds us that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors” (Alma 34:32; emphasis added). And a poet muses, “Forever—is composed of Nows.”1

Being always in the middle means that the game is never over, hope is never lost, defeat is never final. For no matter where we are or what our circumstances, an eternity of beginnings and an eternity of endings stretch out before us.

We are always in the middle.

President Uchtdorf teaches that no matter your age, you can do something to help others. In your journal or on a piece of paper, list or draw your gifts or abilities. Children may want to ask their parents what they think their gifts are.

Decide how you could use your gifts to help others in the situations below.

At the end of your list of gifts, write or draw one way you can use those gifts to help others this week.

 Add your testimony to President Uchtdorf ‘s, that we are “Always in the Middle”.

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Read the First Presidency Message from the July Ensign. Make a list and discuss things you can do “in the middle” of your missionary preparation. Add your testimony to President Uchtdorf ‘s, that we are “Always in the Middle”.

Together as a family, read the First Presidency Message from the July Ensign.

Always in the Middle

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

By many world calendars, July marks the middle of the year. While the beginnings and endings of things are celebrated and remembered, the middle of things often goes unnoticed.

Beginnings are times for making resolutions, for creating plans, for bursts of energy. Endings are times for winding down and may involve feelings of completion or loss. But with the proper outlook, considering ourselves as in the middle of things can help us not only to understand life a little better but also to live it a little more meaningfully.

The Middle of Missionary Work

When I speak to our young missionaries, I often tell them they are in the middle of their missions. Whether they just arrived the day before or are to depart for home the day after, I ask them to think of themselves as always being in the middle.

New missionaries may feel they are too inexperienced to be effective, and so they delay speaking or acting with confidence and boldness. Seasoned missionaries who are close to completing their missions may feel sad their missions are coming to a close, or they may slow down as they contemplate what they will do after their missions.

Whatever the circumstances and wherever they serve, the truth is that the Lord’s missionaries are daily sowing countless seeds of good tidings. Thinking of themselves as always being in the middle of their missions will embolden and energize these faithful representatives of the Lord. As it is with full-time missionaries, so it is with all of us.

We Are Always in the Middle

This change in perspective is more than a simple trick of the mind. There is a sublime truth behind the idea that we are always in the middle. If we look at our location on a map, we are tempted to say we are at a beginning. But if we look more closely, wherever we are is simply in the middle of a larger place.

As it is with space, so it is with time. We may feel we are at the beginning or end of our lives, but when we look at where we are against the backdrop of eternity—when we realize that our spirit has existed for time beyond our capacity to measure and, because of the perfect sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ, that our soul will exist for an eternity to come—we can recognize that we are truly in the middle.

Recently I felt impressed to redo the headstone on my parents’ grave. Time had not been kind to the grave site, and I felt that a new headstone would be more fitting for their exemplary lives. When I looked at the birth dates and death dates on the headstone connected by the usual insignificant little dash, this small symbol of a lifespan suddenly filled my mind and heart with an abundance of rich memories. Each of these treasured memories reflects a moment in the middle of my parents’ lives and in the middle of my life.

Whatever our age, whatever our location, when things occur in our lives, we are always in the middle. What’s more, we will forever be in the middle.

The Hope of Being in the Middle

Yes, there will be moments of beginnings and moments of endings throughout our lives, but these are only markers along the way of the great middle of our eternal lives. Whether we are at the beginning or the end, whether we are young or old, the Lord can use us for His purposes if we simply set aside whatever thoughts limit our ability to serve and allow His will to shape our lives.

The Psalmist says, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we [should] rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Amulek reminds us that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors” (Alma 34:32; emphasis added). And a poet muses, “Forever—is composed of Nows.”1

Being always in the middle means that the game is never over, hope is never lost, defeat is never final. For no matter where we are or what our circumstances, an eternity of beginnings and an eternity of endings stretch out before us.

We are always in the middle.

President Uchtdorf tells missionaries to think of themselves as being in the middle of their missions. You can also apply this idea to your mission preparation: whether you are 12 or 18, you can prepare to serve a mission.

Discuss and make a list of some things you can do “in the middle” of your mission preparation? The following is a list of ideas you may discuss.

• Always be worthy to attend the temple.
• Learn to recognize promptings from the Holy Ghost by writing down your promptings and acting on them.
• Pray for the missionaries.
• Ask the missionaries in your area what they recommend you do to prepare to serve a mission.
• Learn to manage your time effectively, including important activities such as service, scripture study, and journal writing.
• When talking with a family member, share a scripture that inspired you recently. Explain what you think about the scripture.
• Ask your friends about their religions and what they believe. Be willing to share your beliefs. Invite them to church or activities.

As you recognize that you are in the middle of your mission preparation, you can live your life to be more worthy of the Lord’s trust and the Spirit’s companionship.

Add your testimony to President Uchtdorf ‘s, that we are “Always in the Middle”.

(Lesson outline taken from the July 2012 Ensign)

Scripture

D&C 44:2

2- And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together.

Hymn

Seek The Lord Early – Children’s Songbook #108 or Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice – Hymn #21

Seek The Lord Early

I’ll seek the Lord early while in my youth,
And he will help me to know the truth.
I’ll search the scriptures and find him there,
Then go to our Father in fervent prayer.
I’ll seek the Lord early, and I’ll obey
His living prophets in all they say.
I’ll keep his commandments; his love will abound.
I will seek the Lord early, and he will be found.

Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice
1. Come, listen to a prophet’s voice,
And hear the word of God,
And in the way of truth rejoice,
And sing for joy aloud.
We’ve found the way the prophets went
Who lived in days of yore.
Another prophet now is sent
This knowledge to restore.

2. The gloom of sullen darkness spread
Thru earth’s extended space
Is banished by our living Head,
And God has shown his face.
Thru erring schemes in days now past
The world has gone astray;
Yet Saints of God have found at last
The straight and narrow way.

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Show pictures of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles. Discuss ways to prepare for General Conference and and create a list of questions your family has as you approach General Conference. Testify of the living prophets and the importance of listening to their words in General Conference.

Show pictures of each member of the First Presidency as well as each of the Twelve Apostles. (Can be found on here.) Together as a family, try and identify each one. If time permits, you may even want to read or tell stories or fun facts about some of your family’s favorite Apostles (Can also be found here).

Brainstorm different ways we can each prepare for General Conference.

Create a list of questions, as a family or individually, that you have as you approach general conference. Young children can even draw pictures of things they want to hear the Apostles and Prophets speak about in General Conference.

Testify of the living prophets and the importance of listening to their words in General Conference. 

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read and discuss President Uchtdorf’s three basic steps of preparing for General Conference. Create a list of questions you would like to have answered during General Conference. Testify of the living prophets and the importance of listening to their words in General Conference.

Read and discuss President Uchtdorf’s three basic steps of preparing for General Conference. For the full talk, click here. 

1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.

As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. For example, you might yearn for direction and guidance by the Lord regarding challenges you are facing.

Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase. At other times answers may come in a seemingly unrelated word, phrase, or song. A heart filled with gratitude for the blessings of life and an earnest desire to hear and follow the words of counsel will prepare the way for personal revelation.

2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.

Prophets have always taught by repetition; it is a law of learning. You will hear repetition in themes and doctrines in general conference. Let me reassure you: this is not due to a lack of creativity or imagination. We continue to hear messages on similar issues because the Lord is teaching and impressing upon our minds and hearts certain foundational principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted upon before we can move on to other things. A wise builder first lays the foundation before erecting the walls and the roof.

Testify of the living prophets and the importance of listening to their words in General Conference.

Treat

Lucky Green Velvet Baby Cakes or Brownie Batter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Lucky Green Velvet Baby Cakes

Ingredients:

1 Box yellow cake mix
4 eggs
1/2 Cup water
1/2 Cup vegetable oil
1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix
1/2 Cup plain yogurt or sour cream
5-8 drops Green decorating paste (food coloring will work, just won’t be as bright green)

Frosting:

8 oz softened cream cheese
1 stick softened butter
1 lb powdered sugar
Yellow food coloring or decorating paste is what I used
Gold Pearl Dust or Sprinkles if desired

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer, add cake mix, eggs, water, oil, pudding, and yogurt. Beat on medium for 1 1/2 minutes. Slowly beat in 5-8 drops of green decorating paste until you get desired color of green. Scoop batter into paper lined mini cupcake tins. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool completely.

2. To prepare frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar until creamy and thick. Divide frosting into 2 bowls then add in a few drops of yellow food coloring or decorating paste into one.

3. Frost cupcakes and sprinkle with gold pearl dust or sprinkles if desired.

Makes 36 mini cupcakes

Brownie Batter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup prepared brownie mix, chilled
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a large baking sheet with a silpat liner or parchment paper.

2. In a stand or electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla until well combined. Add brownie batter, mixing until well combined.

3. Place flour, salt and soda into a large bowl, mixing to combine. Add to wet ingredients mixing to combine then add chocolate chips to combine. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until cookies are cooked through. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Let cool completely then enjoy with a large glass of milk.

Makes 3 dozen cookies

(Recipes taken from picky-palate.com)

Scripture

D&C 135:3

3- Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!

Hymn

Latter-day Prophets- Primary Song 134 or Praise to the Man Hymn 27

Latter-day Prophets

Latter-day prophets are: number one,
Joseph Smith; then Brigham Young;
John Taylor came third, we know;
Then Wilford Woodruff; Lorenzo Snow;
Joseph F. Smith (remember the F);
Heber J. Grant; and George Albert Smith;
David O. McKay was followed by Joseph Fielding Smith,
Then Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball,
Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter.
*Gordon B. Hinckley shows the way.
We hear and follow his words today.

Praise to the Man

1. Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.

[Chorus]
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.

2. Praise to his mem’ry, he died as a martyr;
Honored and blest be his ever great name!
Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins,
Plead unto heav’n while the earth lauds his fame.

3. Great is his glory and endless his priesthood.
Ever and ever the keys he will hold.
Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom,
Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.

4. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;
Earth must atone for the blood of that man.
Wake up the world for the conflict of justice.
Millions shall know “Brother Joseph” again.

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Read or tell the story “A Special Guest” (Dec 2010 Friend). Testify of the prophet Joseph Smith.

“We’ll be having a special guest tonight at family home evening,” Dad announced at breakfast.

Daniel looked up in surprise. “Who’s coming over?” he asked.

“Someone you know a lot about,” Mom said. “A person you’ll be excited to meet!”

All day Daniel wondered who was coming to family home evening. Christmas was only a few days away. Maybe the special guest had something to do with Christmas.

Finally, the family gathered in the evening. Dad said, “Tonight Joseph Smith is going to be our special guest. His birthday is on December 23. As a family we’re going to role-play the story of Joseph Smith’s First Vision.”

Everyone collected props and costumes for their assigned roles. Daniel rehearsed his part with Dad while the others practiced with Mom. Soon they were ready.

Little Matthew was excited to play the role of Joseph Smith. Daniel and Elizabeth played Joseph’s family. Mom and Dad pretended to be preachers from different churches.

“Join our church and be saved!”

“No, come with us! We’re right!”

“The Bible says this!”

“But that’s not what it means!”

“Now, how do you think Joseph Smith felt?” Dad asked. “Do you think he might have wondered why the preachers all said different things and who was right?”

Daniel, Matthew, and Elizabeth all agreed that Joseph must have wondered about that.

Then Dad lit a candle. Daniel felt as if he were right there with Joseph Smith as Dad read from James 1:5 by candlelight, “‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.’” Then Dad started reading the story of the First Vision.

Matthew knelt down as if he were praying. Suddenly the light of a flashlight shone brightly on him, and Daniel reverently recited the lines Dad had helped him to memorize: “‘This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!’” (Joseph Smith—History 1:17).

Dad explained how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and told him that he should not join any of the churches then on the earth.

“The Lord chose Joseph Smith to be His prophet to restore the true Church of Jesus Christ to the earth,” Dad said.

“Joseph faithfully carried out that mission.”

A few days later Daniel’s neighbor Andy came over to play. Daniel was still thinking about family home evening with Joseph Smith.

He turned to Andy and said, “I know a prophet who lived a long time ago—Joseph Smith. Do you know who he is?”

Testify of the prophet Joseph Smith.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read the story of Joseph Smith (Joseph Smith–History). You may also want to watch some of the following videos. Testify of Christ’s birth.

Read Joseph Smith–History.

Testify of the prophet Joseph Smith.

Treat

Doughnut Snowmen or Muddy Snowballs

Doughnut Snowmen

Ingredients:

Small powdered doughnut
Powdered doughnut hole
Decorators’ gel
Pretzel or potato stick
Haviland Thin Mint
Reese’s peanut butter cup miniature

Instructions:

1- Set a powdered doughnut hole atop a mini powdered doughnut. (For a taller version, use a pretzel stick or a potato stick to secure a second doughnut hole atop the first.)

2- Use decorators’ gel to add a face, buttons, and a carrot nose. (If the gel won’t stick, try smoothing the powder with a dab of water first.)

3- To add a top hat to a shorter snowman, stick a small piece of a pretzel or potato stick through a Haviland Thin Mint and into a Reese’s peanut butter cup miniature, then secure the hat in place on the snowman.

Muddy Snowballs

Ingredients:

COOKIES
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
2/3 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 egg yolk
11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

DUST
3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions:

1- In a large bowl, using a wooden spoon, cream the butter until smooth. Stir in the melted chocolate and blend well.

2- Add the 2/3 cup of confectioner’s sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and stir until combined. Stir in the flour and salt until smooth.

3- Add the walnuts and stir until combined. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 to 2 hours or until it is firm enough to roll into balls.

4- Heat the oven to 350. Form scant tablespoonfuls of the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on two ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops of the cookies are set. Cool on the baking sheets for about 3 minutes. Repeat until all the dough has been used.

5- Meanwhile, stir together the 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar and cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Carefully dip the warm cookies into the dust (that is, throw them in the mud) to coat.

6- Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack. Roll again in the cocoa-confectioner’s sugar dust. These snowballs don’t need refrigeration — just store in an airtight container. Makes about 4 dozen Muddy Snowballs.

(Recipes taken from Familyfun.go.com)

Scripture

Leviticus 25:18

18- Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety.

Hymn

The Wise Man and the Foolish Man- Primary Song 281 or Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice Hymn 21

The Wise Man and the Foolish Man

1. The wise man built his house upon the rock,
The wise man built his house upon the rock,
The wise man built his house upon the rock,
And the rains came tumbling down.

2. The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
And the house on the rock stood still.

3. The foolish man built his house upon the sand,
The foolish man built his house upon the sand,
The foolish man built his house upon the sand,
And the rains came tumbling down.

4. The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
And the house on the sand washed away.

Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice

1. Come, listen to a prophet’s voice,
And hear the word of God,
And in the way of truth rejoice,
And sing for joy aloud.
We’ve found the way the prophets went
Who lived in days of yore.
Another prophet now is sent
This knowledge to restore.

2. The gloom of sullen darkness spread
Thru earth’s extended space
Is banished by our living Head,
And God has shown his face.
Thru erring schemes in days now past
The world has gone astray;
Yet Saints of God have found at last
The straight and narrow way.

3. ’Tis not in man they put their trust
Nor on his arm rely.
Full well assured, all are accursed
Who Jesus Christ deny.
The Savior to his people saith,
“Let all my words obey,
And signs shall follow living faith,
Down to the latest day.”

4. Then heed the words of truth and light
That flow from fountains pure.
Yea, keep His law with all thy might
Till thine election’s sure,
Till thou shalt hear the holy voice
Assure eternal reign,
While joy and cheer attend thy choice,
As one who shall obtain.

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Share the article by President Thomas S Monson, Safe on the Sea (taken from the Friend, Oct 2011) and testify of the importance of keeping the commandments and following the prophet.

We live at a time when many in the world have slipped from the safety found in keeping the commandments. It is a time when many people are breaking the laws of God.

I am reminded of the words of the Lord found in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Said the Lord, “Ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come” (Ether 2:25).

The Lord has prepared us. If we heed His words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of wickedness—a time which can be compared with the waves and the winds and the floods that can destroy. He is ever mindful of us. He loves us and will bless us as we do what is right.

Tell the story of the brother of Jared (you may want to use clipart). You can read about their journey in Ether 2:16–25; 3:1–6; and 6:1–12.

If you had to cross a deep ocean with strong winds and big waves, how could you do it safely?

(Have a strong boat. Follow the instructions of someone who knows how to steer it.)

President Monson said the world today is like a stormy, dangerous sea. But we can be safe if we listen to Heavenly Father and follow His commandments. The prophets and apostles also tell us what we need to do to be safe.

Testify of the importance of keeping the commandments and following the Prophet.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read the Ensign Article “A General Conference Just for Me” by Ann Singleton (Sept 2011). Testify of the importance of general conference and the safety, as well as peace, we can find from following the prophet.

I grew up in a home where general conferences were as much anticipated as a holiday. I remember as a young girl being given a Sunday School assignment to match the pictures of the General Authorities with their television appearances as they spoke during conference. As I grew older, I learned to recognize those Brethren not just by physical appearances but also by their voices and the messages they gave. As a university freshman, I was thrilled when our institute of religion choir was invited to sing at a session of conference in the Tabernacle. In short, by age 20 I already had a special feeling about those first weekends of April and October each year.

But I was yet to learn how significantly personal general conference could be. Our stake received tickets for the general Relief Society meeting in September 2008 at the Conference Center. I was excited to mingle with the sisters in our stake, anticipated the inspiring music and talks, and was especially humbled to think that we would hear a message from PresidentDieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency. I hung on every word, vigorously took notes, and committed to put into practice what we were charged to do. I felt this was a wonderful prelude to the general sessions to follow the next weekend.

Then my world shattered. While at work the following Thursday, I received a telephone call from my doctor informing me that the tests I had had the previous week indicated cancer.

The next days were a blur of doubts, fear, anxiety, sadness, despair, and agony. So many emotions churned inside me that sleep did not come and my tears flowed constantly. I had never felt so afraid.

When Saturday morning came, I intended to listen to conference while doing other tasks. Staying busy, I hoped, would help focus my mind away from my trial. But I found myself putting down the laundry and letting the dishes sit in the sink as I was drawn to the television. My heart almost skipped a beat as Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles began the first session with this statement: “We can’t predict all the struggles and storms in life, not even the ones just around the next corner, but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond the shadow of any doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come.”¹

Surely, I thought, the next topic would be on moral cleanliness or the Sabbath day. But each succeeding message was also one of hope in times of trial!

Sunday was a peaceful day as our family united in prayer and fasting on my behalf. I continued to hear words of hope just as I had the previous day, with a powerful concluding message in the afternoon from ElderQuentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ covers all of the trials and hardships that any of us will encounter in this life,” he said. “At times when we may feel to say, ‘Hope you know, I had a hard time,’ we can be assured that He is there and we are safe in His loving arms.”²

Perhaps it was the fasting or the prayers or simply my humble emotional state, but from beginning to end, I felt this was my own personal general conference with an audience of one.

The following days, weeks, and months brought many challenges as I faced tests, surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. I wish I could say that I never felt despair during those 12 months. I did. But during those times, I also felt sustained by the prayers and fasting of ward and family members, priesthood blessings given by my father, and the faith of my mother. I read the Book of Mormon completely during the first few months of treatments, knowing that comfort can come through the word of God.

But on the darkest days, I always went to my well-worn copy of the November 2008 Ensign and reread those words that came from a loving Father through inspired servants and directly to my fearful heart. I was amazed at a phrase I hadn’t remembered President Thomas S. Monsonsaying in his opening address: “Our Heavenly Father is mindful of each one of us and our needs. May we be filled with His Spirit as we partake of the proceedings of this, the 178th Semiannual General Conference.”³

I had gained a testimony of that truth. Heavenly Father was mindful of me that weekend in October. He knew of my need of hope in His love and hope in His plan for me. He spoke and I listened.

Testify of the importance of general conference and the safety, as well as peace, we can find from following the prophet.

Treat

Applesauce Cake or Apple Dumplings

Applesauce Cake

Ingredients:

3/4 cup raisins or sweetened dried cranberries
1 2/3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup smooth, sweetened applesauce, at room temperature
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
Confectioners’ sugar

Instructions:

1- Butter a 9-inch cake pan (we used a springform pan) and set it aside. Place the raisins or dried cranberries in a small bowl and add enough hot tap water to cover them. Set them aside to soften. Heat the oven to 350º F.

2- Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until it’s soft and fluffy. Beat in the sugars G cup at a time, then beat in the egg and yolk, and lastly, the vanilla extract.

3- Using a wooden spoon, stir a third of the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until it’s smooth. Add half of the applesauce, another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining applesauce, and the final third of the dry ingredients, stirring well after each addition.

4- Thoroughly strain the water from the raisins or cranberries. Then stir them and the pecans into the batter until they are evenly distributed.

5- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spoon. Bake the cake on the center rack until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes.

6- Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for 1 hour. Then run a knife around the edge of the pan and remove the cake (or the sides of the pan, if using a springform pan). Let the cake cool for another hour or so. Finally, to enhance the flavor of the cake and to allow it to become moist and dense throughout, cover it snugly with plastic wrap and let it sit for another 2 hours.

7- Before serving the cake, generously dust the top with confectioners’ sugar. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Apple Dumplings

Ingredients:

1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried, sweetened cranberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Premade pastry for an 8- or 9-inch 2 crust pie
4 small, cored baking apples
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water

Instructions:

1- Combine the raisins, cranberries, walnuts and spices in a bowl and set aside. On a lightly floured cloth-covered surface, roll out the pastry into a 14-inch square, then cut it into 4 squares. Place a cored apple on top of each square and fill the center with the raisin and cranberry mix.

2- Cover each apple with its pastry square by bringing the opposite corners up over the fruit and pinching them together. Then, seal together all of the pastry edges, moistening them with water if needed. Place the dumplings in a glass baking dish.

3- In a saucepan, bring the brown sugar and water to a boil, and then pour it over the dumplings (a parent’s job). Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven, spooning the syrup over the dumplings a few times, until the crust is golden (about 40 minutes).

(Recipes taken from Familyfun.go.com)

Scripture

D & C 1:38

38- What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

Hymn

Come, Sing to the Lord Hymn 10 or The Prophet Said to Plant a Garden–Primary Song #237

Come, Sing to the Lord Hymn 10

1. Come, sing to the Lord, his name to praise.
He in these latter days did raise
A prophet to his name,
The blessed gospel to restore.
Come, sing to the Lord, his name adore!

2. The prophets of old beheld this day,
Its glory told in wondrous lay.
They saw our prophet dear,
Who times of fulness ushered in.
Come, sing to the Lord, his praises ring!

3. The keys of the priesthood of our Lord
To us in fulness are restored,
Their blessings to bestow,
And pow’rs divine are manifest.
Come, sing to the Lord, his name be blessed!

The Prophet Said to Plant a Garden–Primary Song #237

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Display pictures the General Authorities  (pictures can be found on LDS.org or any past General Conference Ensigns). Circle the General Authorities who spoke in General Conference.

Discuss these questions as a family:
What did we listen to/watch yesterday?
Who spoke?
What did they speak about?
Who was your favorite? Why?
What did you learn from General Conference?

Testify of the importance of apostles, prophets and general conference.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Discuss General Conference. Share favorite talks and topics from General Conference. It may also be fun to circle all of the General Authorities from an old General Conference Ensign that spoke in General Conference.

*Discuss these questions as a family*
What did President Monson speak about?
Where there repeated topics? What were they?
What was your favorite talk?
What did you learn from General Conference?
What did the prophet council us to do in his General Conference talks?
What can we do or change to follow the prophet?

~Set Goals~

Treat

(April Fool’s Treats) Chicken Not-Pie or Fried-Egg Sundae

Chicken Not-Pie

Ingredients:

Scripture

Luke 6:13

13- And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Hymn

Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice Hymn 21 or Follow the Prophet–Primary Song #110

Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice Hymn 21

1. Come, listen to a prophet’s voice,
And hear the word of God,
And in the way of truth rejoice,
And sing for joy aloud.
We’ve found the way the prophets went
Who lived in days of yore.
Another prophet now is sent
This knowledge to restore.

2. The gloom of sullen darkness spread
Thru earth’s extended space
Is banished by our living Head,
And God has shown his face.
Thru erring schemes in days now past
The world has gone astray;
Yet Saints of God have found at last
The straight and narrow way.

3. ’Tis not in man they put their trust
Nor on his arm rely.
Full well assured, all are accursed
Who Jesus Christ deny.
The Savior to his people saith,
“Let all my words obey,
And signs shall follow living faith,
Down to the latest day.”

4. Then heed the words of truth and light
That flow from fountains pure.
Yea, keep His law with all thy might
Till thine election’s sure,
Till thou shalt hear the holy voice
Assure eternal reign,
While joy and cheer attend thy choice,
As one who shall obtain.

Follow the Prophet–Primary Song #110

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Display pictures the Latter-Day Apostles (pictures can be found on LDS Church News or LDS.org). While looking at the pictures of the apostles, discuss some of the questions listed below.

Discuss these questions as a family:
What is an apostle? (a special witness of Jesus Christ)
How many apostles are there?
Are apostles important? Why?
Do they teach us? When?

Ask Questions about our current Apostles:

1- How many apostles have glasses?
2- What color are the apostles ties?
3- Who is the oldest?
4- Who is the youngest?

Testify of the importance of apostles and the opportunity we get to listen to them teach us this weekend.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Begin by asking questions about apostles & then read the Bible Dictionary’s definition. Talk about the current Apostles (LDS.org). Testify and acknowledge the privilege we have of listening to them this weekend.

Start by asking the questions:

What is an Apostle?
What does an Apostle do?
How do you become an Apostle?
Who chooses Apostles?
What is the difference between an Apostle and a Disciple?

Read Apostle & Disciple under the Bible Dictionary. Discuss the questions listed above again.

Can you name the original 12 Apostles? They can be found in Luke 6:13-16.

Can you name the current 12 Apostles?

Name as many current apostles as you can as a family. Display pictures of the Latter-Day apostles (pictures can be found on LDS Church News). Share several highlights from the apostle’s lives.

Boyd K Packer
Ordained 1970
Artist, painter, Woodworker
Pilot in WWII
Educator of the Church Education System
Father of 10
Defender of the Faith

L Tom Perry
Ordained 1974
Marine in WWII
Tallest Apostle
Domestic Businessman
1st Wife, Virigina, passed away in 1972
Motivator, Enthusiastic

Russell M Nelson
Ordained 1984
World renowned Heart Surgeon
Father of 9 daughters and 1 son
Operated on President Kimball

Dallin H Oaks
Ordained 1984
Father died when 7 (difficult youth)
1st Wife, June, passed away in 1998
Utah Supreme Court Justice

M Russell Ballard
Ordained 1976
Auto Dealer
Direct Descendant of Hyrum Smith
Expert on Counseling and Councils

Richard G Scott
Ordained 1977
Nuclear Physics in Navy
Wife, Jeanene, passed away in 1995
Soft-Spoken, loving yet direct leader

Robert D Hales
Ordained 1994
Harvard graduate: International Business
Heart Attack in 1991
Coordinate Church Olympic events in 2002
US Air Force Jet Fighter Pilot

Jeffery R Holland
Ordained 1994
Yale Graduate: American Studies
Great Orator
Only Apostle called by President Hunter

Henry B Eyring
Ordained 1995
Son is Famous Scientist Henry Eyring
Stanford Professor
Educator

Dieter F Uchtdorf
Ordained 2004
Born in Czechoslovakia
Part of a Convert Family
German Airline Pilot

David A Bednar
Ordained 2004
Raised in Part-member family
Taught at several Universities
First President of BYU-Idaho

Quentin L Cook
Ordained 1996
President & CEO of the California Healthcare System
Managing Partner of San Francisco Bay area law firm

D Todd Christofferson
Ordained 1993
Former Associate General Counsel of NationsBank Corp (Bank of America)
Practiced Law & was a Law Clerk

Niel L Andersen
Ordained 2009
Received Masters from Harvard
Speaks French, Spanish & Portuguese

*Discuss these questions as a family*
Who is your favorite apostle? Why?
What do apostles teach us?
Are apostles important? Why? (Testify & acknowledge the privilege we have of listening to them this weekend.)

Treat

Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes or Sweety Bird

Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes

Ingredients: