FHE LessonsLessons and ideas for family home evening!

Scripture

2 Corinthians 13:1

“This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”

Hymn

The Morning Breaks - Hymn #1 or The Golden Plates -Children’s Songbook #86

The Morning Breaks

1. The morning breaks, the shadows flee;
Lo, Zion’s standard is unfurled!
The dawning of a brighter day,
The dawning of a brighter day
Majestic rises on the world.

2. The clouds of error disappear
Before the rays of truth divine;
The glory bursting from afar,
The glory bursting from afar
Wide o’er the nations soon will shine.

3. The Gentile fulness now comes in,
And Israel’s blessings are at hand.
Lo, Judah’s remnant, cleansed from sin,
Lo, Judah’s remnant, cleansed from sin,
Shall in their promised Canaan stand.

4. Jehovah speaks! Let earth give ear,
And Gentile nations turn and live.
His mighty arm is making bare,
His mighty arm is making bare
His cov’nant people to receive.

5. –Angels from heav’n and truth from earth
Have met, and both have record borne;
Thus Zion’s light is bursting forth,
Thus Zion’s light is bursting forth
To bring her ransomed children home.

The Golden Plates

1. The golden plates lay hidden
Deep in the mountainside,
Until God found one faithful,
In shom he could confide.

2. A record made by Nephi,
Written in days of old;
Now, in the Book of Mormon,
The story is retold.

Lesson

*For Younger Children* 

Read and use the tips from “Special Witness: The Book of Mormon”  (taken from the Friend). Testify of the blessing it is to have the Book of Mormon and the importance of it in your lives.  

Did you know that Elder Russell M. Nelson has nine daughters and a son? He bears testimony that the Book of Mormon is true.

The King James Version of the Bible was produced by 50 English scholars who accomplished their work in seven years, translating at the rate of one page per day. Expert translators today do well if they can also translate scripture at the rate of one page per day.

In contrast, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon at the rate of about 10 pages per day, completing the task in about 85 days! (Many of us feel good if we can read the book in that time.)

Each individual who prayerfully studies the Book of Mormon can receive a testimony of its divinity. In addition, this book can help with personal problems in a very real way. Do you want to get rid of a bad habit? Do you want to improve relationships in your family? Do you want to increase your spiritual capacity? Read the Book of Mormon! It will bring you closer to the Lord and His loving power. He who fed a multitude with five loaves and two fishes—He who helped the blind to see and the lame to walk—can also bless you! He has promised that those who live by the precepts of this book “shall receive a crown of eternal life” (D&C 20:14).

The Book of Mormon is true!

Testify of the blessing it is to have the Book of Mormon and the importance of it in your lives. 

*For All Family Members* 
Read or summarize “Why We need the Book of Mormon” by Elder Tad R. Callister (taken from the April 2013 Liahona). Testify of the blessing it is to have the Book of Mormon and the importance of it in your lives. 

Some people may ask you why we need the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible. In fact, Jesus Christ testified that this would happen (see 2 Nephi 29:3). There are many reasons why the Book of Mormon is important in our day (for example, see 2 Nephi 29:7–11). Here are just a few reasons why it’s essential.

Testify of the blessing it is to have the Book of Mormon and the importance of it in your lives. 

Treat

Poundcake or Trifle

Poundcake with lemon cream and strawberries

Ingredients

1. 2 1/2 c. sugar
2. 1/2 c. shortening
3. 1/2 c. butter
4. 4 eggs
5. 1 tsp. vanilla
6. 1/2 tsp. lemon extract
7. 3 c. all-purpose flour
8. 1/2 tsp. baking soda
9. 1 c. buttermilk
10. Lemon Cream:
    1 pint heavy cream
    1/2 c. powdered sugar
    1 T. lemon extract (or to taste..I like it strong)
    Whip the cream until it’s starting to form soft peaks.  Add the powdered sugar, and then the lemon extract once the sugar is incorporated.

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, shortening (I use butter flavor), and butter. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and lemon extract.
2. Stir together flour and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture, alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. **You can substitute sour milk for buttermilk, if you don’t have any on hand. Just pour 1 T. vinegar into a 1 c. measuring cup, then fill the rest with milk. Let sit for a few minutes before adding to batter.
3. Spray a bundt pan or 10 inch tube pan with cooking spray, then coat with granulated sugar. Pour the batter in the pan, and bake in a 325 degree oven for 75 minutes (or until done–watch after 45 to 50 minutes). Cool 10 minutes before serving. Serve with lemon cream and sliced strawberries.

(Taken from Simply Kierste)

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

1. Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem!

[Chorus]
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!

2. Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Ris’n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or summarize the following article “A Christmas Eve Transformation” (taken from December 2012 Ensign).  Watch the video: What Shall We Give? below. Testify of the true meaning of Christmas - giving, not receiving.

On Christmas Eve, I waited at the bus station in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, to pick up my parents after their five-hour bus ride from Vernal, Utah, to spend Christmas with my sister’s family and me. The bus arrived very late—two hours in fact.

While I waited, I thought about how difficult this holiday season had been for me. I had tried to focus on my preparations for Christmas, but this year my children were traveling with their own families and my husband had passed away, and I soon discovered that no amount of shopping and wrapping or beautiful Christmas music could lighten my heavy heart. However, I pushed these thoughts from my mind when I saw my parents get off the bus.

Soon my mother and I were chatting, waiting in line to pick up their baggage. She casually mentioned that a grandmother on the bus had traveled all the way from Chicago, Illinois, USA, to connect with another bus that would take her to her final destination in Pocatello, Idaho, USA. This traveler was sad and upset, however, because she had missed her connection. Even if she boarded the next bus to Pocatello, she would still miss Christmas with her daughter and new granddaughter.

I pictured in my mind a disappointed grandma alone in a hotel room in a strange city on Christmas Eve. I felt a terrible sadness for her and wanted to do something to help her.

I soon found her talking on a pay phone to her daughter. I walked up to her, gently tapped her on the arm, and asked if I could speak with her. She looked startled but put her hand over the receiver and said, “Yes?”

“Are you the lady who missed the connection to Pocatello?” I asked.

She responded, “Yes.”

The next words out of my mouth surprised both my mother and the stranger. “Will you ask your daughter if she is familiar with Tremonton, Utah?”

With hesitation in her voice, she asked her daughter the question. “Yes, she knows where that is,” came the reply.

“Ask her if she could drive there tonight. That is about halfway from Salt Lake City to Pocatello.”

She again relayed my question to her daughter, and again the answer was affirmative.

“You two decide on a time to meet,” I said, “and I will have you there—but give her this phone number in the event that something goes wrong and we need to communicate.”

I couldn’t hear any more of the conversation, but after she hung up, she looked at me in utter amazement. My mother, too, was in shock as she said to my stepfather, “Harold, make room in the back of Myrle’s car for this lady’s luggage. She is going home with us.”

I introduced myself and my parents to the stranger and learned that her name was Vanessa Black. My stepfather loaded Vanessa’s bags into my little car, Vanessa climbed into the only spot left, and then we all headed to my sister’s house for dinner before leaving for our destination. My heart was joyful as I kept reassuring her that she was no inconvenience (just 80 or so miles [130 km] out of the way).

Our arrival at Tremonton was greeted by an empty town. The service stations and restaurants were closed, and everything was dark as we looked for the place where we were to meet Vanessa’s daughter. Meanwhile, the daughter, who had understood that we would be arriving a half hour earlier, was anxiously trying to contact us by phone. We pulled up to a phone booth, and as my car lights shined into the booth, there stood Vanessa’s daughter. When she saw the lights of my car, she came running, and Vanessa jumped out of the car to embrace her sobbing daughter.

After a short introduction, I said, “Well, we both have a drive ahead of us, so we will leave you now. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.”

Her daughter threw her arms around me and in a teary voice responded, “We will, thanks to you! Merry Christmas to you too.”

When I look back on that Christmas, my heart warms at the memory of the most joyous, peaceful Christmas I ever had. My gift to Vanessa Black was a perfect way for me to remember the birth of the Savior, who said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). That Christmas, I received the best possible gift to brighten my Christmas—the gift of giving.

Testify of the true meaning of Christmas - giving, not receiving.

*For Younger Children* Read or tell the following story: “My Gift to Jesus”   (taken from the December 2012 Friend). Testify of the true meaning of Christmas - giving, not receiving.

“Time for family home evening!” Dad called.

I hurried to the living room. We always did fun things on the first family home evening of December.

My younger sister, Michelle, ran ahead of me and jumped into the soft blue armchair.

“No fair!” I exclaimed. “You got to sit there last week. It’s my turn.”

“I got here first, so I get to sit here,” she argued. “You can sit on the couch.”

“I don’t want to sit on the couch,” I snapped.

I stormed over to the rocking chair and turned it so I wouldn’t have to look at Michelle. She made me so mad sometimes! She thought she could have whatever she wanted. Whenever I complained, Mom told me I needed to be unselfish.

After our family sang a hymn and prayed, Dad said, “Christmas is an exciting time, and we need to remember the true meaning of the holiday. Tonight we are going to start with our gifts to Jesus.”

Our gifts to Jesus. I had forgotten about that! We did it every year.

“We celebrate Christmas because Jesus was born,” Dad continued. “He made it possible for us to receive the greatest gift—eternal life with Heavenly Father.”

“And what has He asked us to do in return?” Mom asked.

“To follow Him and keep His commandments,” my brother answered.

Mom gave us each a card and pen. We were supposed to write how we would show Jesus we love Him. That was our gift—to choose something we would do to be more like Jesus.

I knew immediately what my gift should be. Jesus taught us to love others, even if they made us angry. I knew Jesus wanted me to love my sister. I wrote, “I will be nice to Michelle.”

We put our cards in a box wrapped in gold paper. We put the box under the Christmas tree. Every time we looked at the box, we were supposed to remember the Savior’s gift to us and our gift to Him.

A few days later, I saw that Michelle had taken my favorite shirt without asking. I wanted to yell at her. Then I looked at the gold box and remembered how much I loved Jesus. I could show Him love by being kind to my sister. I said, “You look really pretty today, Michelle.”

She smiled. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask to wear your shirt. You weren’t here when I got dressed, and I wanted to look extra nice for my class Christmas party today.”

I felt warm inside. I was glad I had chosen to be nice to Michelle instead of getting angry at her.

For the rest of the month, I tried to remember that good feeling and my goal to be like Jesus. I got better at being patient and loving.

On Christmas Eve, Dad read the nativity story, and the rest of us acted it out. I decided to be the angel instead of arguing with Michelle over who got to play the part of Mary.

Next we opened the gold box and read our gifts to Jesus out loud. When I read mine, Mom said, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been extra nice to Michelle. I’m so proud of you!”

I was proud too. I hadn’t unwrapped any presents yet, but I had already received something special: a feeling from the Holy Ghost telling me I had done the right thing.

Testify of the true meaning of Christmas - giving, not receiving.

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Read & share points from the following article “Gifts You Can’t Wrap” by President Monson (taken from December 2012 New Era).  Testify of the true meaning of Christmas - giving, not receiving.

At Christmastime we often focus on giving gifts to those we love. But remember that some of the greatest presents are those you can’t wrap. Here are some unforgettable gifts you can give your parents.

Testify of the true meaning of Christmas - giving, not receiving.

Treat

Grasshopper Chocolate Bark or Candy Cane Crinkles

Grasshopper Chocolate Bark

Yields 24 Pieces

Ingredient

Instructions:

1. Line the bottom of a baking sheet with wax paper.

2. Melt white chocolate or white baking chips in the microwave or a bowl set over simmering water (see tips above).

3. Add food coloring, mint extract, and then 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, stirring just until smooth and uniformly green.

4. Pour the green chocolate into the baking sheet and spread it evenly almost to the edge of wax paper.

5. Lift the pan a few inches above the countertop and let it fall back onto the counter. Repeat a few times to bring any air bubbles to the surface.

6. Let cool for ~10 minutes in the fridge.

7. Melt remaining chocolate in the microwave.

8. Stir in the vegetable oil.

9. Pour over the green mint layer and spread it evenly, almost to the edge of the green layer.

10. Drop the pan onto the countertop to get rid of any air bubbles.

11. Sprinkle the chopped mints over top and refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes.

12. Cut or break into pieces.

13. Store in an airtight container in a cool place. I loosely wrapped several pieces in wax paper before gifting. (Taken from Confections of a Foodie Bride)

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

1. I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

2. I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

3. And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

4. Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

5. Till, ringing, singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or summarize the following article “Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit” by President Monson (taken from December 2012 Ensign).  Watch the video: Christmas Spirit below. Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.

Years ago as a young elder, I was called with others to a hospital in Salt Lake City to provide blessings for sick children. Upon entering, we noted a Christmas tree with its bright and friendly lights and saw carefully wrapped packages beneath its outstretched limbs. We then went through corridors where small boys and girls—some with plaster casts upon an arm or leg, others with ailments that perhaps could not be cured so readily—greeted us with smiling faces.

A young, desperately ill small boy called out to me, “What is your name?”

I told him my name, and he inquired, “Will you give me a blessing?”

The blessing was provided, and as we turned to leave his bedside, he said, “Thank you very much.”

We walked a few steps, and then I heard him call, “Oh, Brother Monson, merry Christmas to you.” Then a great smile flashed across his countenance.

That boy had the spirit of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives—not only at this particular season but also throughout the year.

When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating the Christmas season. I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?

May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift of obedience. I also feel that He would ask us to give of ourselves and not be selfish or greedy or quarrelsome, as His precious Son suggests in the Book of Mormon:

“Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who … stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Nephi 11:29–30).

In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to love and give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. Today there are hearts to gladden, kind words to say, deeds to be done, and souls to be saved.

One who had keen insight into the Christmas spirit wrote:

May we each discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit of Christ.

Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.

*For Younger Children* Read or tell the following story: “Getting Ready for Christmas”  by President Dieter F Uchtdorf (taken from the December 2012 Friend). Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.

As an old tradition, our family has always celebrated the Advent of Christmas. Starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, we would get together on Sunday afternoons, light wax candles on a pine Advent wreath, enjoy delicious homemade cookies, and read passages of scriptures that center on the Christ.

We read accounts of ancient prophets who yearned for the coming of the Messiah. We read scriptures that proclaim the wondrous story of His birth. Each week by singing beautiful Christmas songs and having a fun time together, our family tried to refocus on the true meaning of the season. I must admit that delicious hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and tasty homemade cookies helped a lot to catch the joyful feeling of the Christmas season!

While celebrating the Advent of Christmas is not part of all cultures around the globe, there is something we can learn from this widespread Christian tradition. Perhaps even this year we might carve from our busy schedules some time to study and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—personally and as families.

When we prepare for Christmas by pondering its real meaning, we prepare to experience the Christ and His message. May I suggest three things we may want to study, ponder, and apply in this season of preparation.

First, rejoice in the birth of our Savior.

Second, ponder His influence in our lives today.

Third, look steadfastly for His coming.

I pray that each and every one of you will have a wonderful and merry Christmas season.

Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Read or summarize the following article “Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit” by President Monson (taken from December 2012 Ensign).  Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.

Years ago as a young elder, I was called with others to a hospital in Salt Lake City to provide blessings for sick children. Upon entering, we noted a Christmas tree with its bright and friendly lights and saw carefully wrapped packages beneath its outstretched limbs. We then went through corridors where small boys and girls—some with plaster casts upon an arm or leg, others with ailments that perhaps could not be cured so readily—greeted us with smiling faces.

A young, desperately ill small boy called out to me, “What is your name?”

I told him my name, and he inquired, “Will you give me a blessing?”

The blessing was provided, and as we turned to leave his bedside, he said, “Thank you very much.”

We walked a few steps, and then I heard him call, “Oh, Brother Monson, merry Christmas to you.” Then a great smile flashed across his countenance.

That boy had the spirit of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives—not only at this particular season but also throughout the year.

When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating the Christmas season. I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?

May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift of obedience. I also feel that He would ask us to give of ourselves and not be selfish or greedy or quarrelsome, as His precious Son suggests in the Book of Mormon:

“Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who … stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Nephi 11:29–30).

In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to love and give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. Today there are hearts to gladden, kind words to say, deeds to be done, and souls to be saved.

One who had keen insight into the Christmas spirit wrote:

May we each discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit of Christ.

Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.

Treat

Microwave Caramels or White Chocolate Popcorn

Microwave Caramels

Yields 12-24 Caramels

Ingredient

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients.

2. Cook 6 minutes, stirring every two minutes.

3. Stir and pour into lightly greased dish.

4. Let cool.

5. Cut, wrap in wax paper & store in air tight container. (Taken from Food)

High on the Mountain Top

1. High on the mountain top
A banner is unfurled.
Ye nations, now look up;
It waves to all the world.
In Deseret’s sweet, peaceful land,
On Zion’s mount behold it stand!

2. For God remembers still
His promise made of old
That he on Zion’s hill
Truth’s standard would unfold!
Her light should there attract the gaze
Of all the world in latter days.

3. His house shall there be reared,
His glory to display,
And people shall be heard
In distant lands to say:
We’ll now go up and serve the Lord,
Obey his truth, and learn his word.

4. For there we shall be taught
The law that will go forth,
With truth and wisdom fraught,
To govern all the earth.
Forever there his ways we’ll tread,
And save ourselves with all our dead.

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Watch the video “By Small & Simple Things” below as a family. Brainstorm ideas of how each member of the family can share the gospel with those they come in contact with daily. Visit Mormon.org & watch  / view a few members Mormon.org profiles. Testify of the importance of missionary work.

• Brainstorm ideas of how each member of the family can share the gospel daily
• Visit Mormon.org – Browse the website as a family
• Testify of the importance of missionary work

*For Younger Children* Read or tell the story “Missionary Friend” (taken from the Sept 2012 Friend magazine). Share ideas that we can each do to be a missionary to those around us. Testify of the importance and simplicity of missionary work.

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.

“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.”

Share simple ideas of how we can be a missionary to those around us everyday.

Testify of the importance & simplicity of missionary work.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Watch the video below: “By Small & Simple Things“. Then read / share points from “Sharing the Gospel Through Social Media” (taken from the Sept 2012 New Era). Make a list of things family members can do with social media to share the gospel. Testify of the importance & simplicity of sharing the gospel.

 Sharing the Gospel Through Social Media

How many times have you heard how important it is to share the gospel? The prophets have taught “every member a missionary.” In the scriptures, the Lord declares that everyone should have the opportunity to hear the gospel: “For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every [person]” (D&C 58:64).

“The uttermost parts of the earth” may sound huge, but reaching every person has become easier thanks to technology such as the Internet and social media. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, “We are blessed to be living in such an exciting gospel dispensation. God is inspiring the minds of great people to create inventions that further the work of the Lord in ways this world has never known.”¹

The Internet and social media allow free and fast communication, but it can be easy to forget that the Lord has given us these tools to share the gospel with people we know. Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught, “Today’s ‘manner of conversation’ seems to involve the Internet more and more. We encourage people, young and old, to use the Internet and the social media to reach out and share their religious beliefs.”²

To help you reach out and share your religious beliefs in this way, the Church created Mormon.org, a website for those interested in learning about the Church. There, Church members 14 years old and older can create an online profile, sharing their feelings about the gospel with the world. For step-by-step instructions, visit Mormon.org/create. Once you create your profile, you can share the link on blogs and social media pages.

Mormon.org is also a place where those not of our faith can learn more about our beliefs and our people and can even chat with full-time missionaries. If your non-LDS friends ever want to learn more, you can invite them to visit Mormon.org.

A more personal way to share the gospel and invite your friends to learn more is through social media. Mormon.org has pages on Facebook (facebook.com/mormon), YouTube (youtube.com/mormon), Google+ (gplus.to/mormon), and Twitter (twitter.com/mormonorg).³ On each of these social media sites, uplifting content about the gospel is posted (like videos, pictures, posts, and status updates). If your parents have given you permission to use these social media tools, you can share this content on your personal social media page.

On Facebook, YouTube, and Google+, you can leave comments on each post with your testimony, engage in online conversation with other users from around the world, and share the content on your own page. Sharing lets all your friends see the posts and learn more about the gospel. On Twitter, you can reply to posts and “retweet” them so others learn what you believe.

Be sure to add your own testimony when you share the Mormon.orgupdates, videos, pictures, and posts on your personal social media pages.

The Internet and social media are tools the Lord has given us to live His commandment that the gospel be taken to the “uttermost parts of the earth.” They make sharing the gospel so easy; anyone can do it. It’s never been easier for every member to be a missionary.

Make a list of things family members can do with social media to share the gospel.

Have each family member pick one thing from the list to do this week.

Testify of the simplicity & importance of sharing the gospel.

Treat

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars or Lemon Crisps

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

24 Servings

Ingredients

1 3/4 sticks salted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for greasing pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
One 10 to 12-ounce jar strawberry preserves

Instructions:

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Treat

Creamy Pear Pie or Strawberries and Cream Pudding Pops

Creamy Pear Pie

Ingredients:

pie crust
About 1 1/2 lb. firm (not too ripe, not too green) pears, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
3 oz. cream cheese (from a block, not from a tub)
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Topping
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 450.

Roll the bottom of the pie crust into the pie plate.

Toss the sliced pears in the flour. Arrange them evenly over the pie crust in the pie plate. Set aside.

In the jar of a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and cream cheese. Blend until smooth. Pour evenly over the pear mixture. Use the remaining pie crust to form the top of the pie (we like to make a lattice top crust). Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

Bake at 450 for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 and bake for another 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the creamy mixture has thickened but not solidified. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. This pie can be served warm or cold, preferably with ice cream or sweetened whipped cream.

Strawberries and Cream Pudding Pops

Ingredients: 

1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1 C milk
6oz vanilla yogurt (strawberry is great too)
12 medium strawberries (about 1 3/4-2 C roughly chopped)
2-3 T sugar

Instructions:

Remove stems from berries and pulse with 2 T sugar in a food processor until completely smooth. Taste and add more sugar if needed. You should have just over a cup of puree. Set aside.

In a blender combine pudding, yogurt, and milk and blend until combined. Layer or swirl the pudding mixture with the strawberry mixture in popsicle molds and freeze until solid.