FHE LessonsLessons and ideas for family home evening!

 Do What is Right

1. Do what is right; the day-dawn is breaking,
Hailing a future of freedom and light.
Angels above us are silent notes taking
Of ev’ry action; then do what is right!

[Chorus]
Do what is right; let the consequence follow.
Battle for freedom in spirit and might;
And with stout hearts look ye forth till tomorrow.
God will protect you; then do what is right!

2. Do what is right; the shackles are falling.
Chains of the bondsmen no longer are bright;
Lightened by hope, soon they’ll cease to be galling.
Truth goeth onward; then do what is right!

3. Do what is right; be faithful and fearless.
Onward, press onward, the goal is in sight.
Eyes that are wet now, ere long will be tearless.
Blessings await you in doing what’s right!

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or summarize points from the following article “Why Tithing Settlement?” (taken from December 2009 Ensign).  Testify of the importance of attending tithing settlement each year.

After commanding His people to pay their tithes, the Lord promised to “open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10; see verses 8–12). Those who have seen the fulfillment of this promise can testify that the blessings are often more spiritual than financial, but the Lord also promises, “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field” (Malachi 3:10).

Tithing is an important test of our personal righteousness. President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) said: “By this principle it shall be known who is for the kingdom of God and who is against it. … By it shall be known whether we are faithful or unfaithful.” ¹ If we are satisfied in our hearts that we have paid an honest tithing, why is it necessary to declare it to the bishop? There are several important reasons.

Declaration of tithing status. We are accountable for what we have been given by God. And we shall be judged “out of those things which [are] written in the books, according to [our] works” (Revelation 20:12; see also 3 Nephi 27:26). President James E. Faust said, “One of the great blessings the people of this Church have is to meet with the bishop once each year, settle their tithing, and report that what they had paid in contributions constitutes a tithe. It is also a great blessing for the bishops to have this experience.” ²

At the end of the year, the bishop or branch president is asked to record on the records of the Church the tithing status of each member in his unit. It is our privilege to exercise our accountability by declaring to him our own tithing status.

A time to show our commitment. Tithing settlement allows all members the chance to demonstrate their obedience to the principle of tithing. Parents can use it as a teaching time. Children who hear their parents’ declaration learn that paying tithing and fast offerings is important to their parents and to the Lord.

An audit of personal and Church records. Reviewing your records of contributions helps you ensure they are correct. An important part of the Church’s audit procedures is to have individuals check whether their personal records match the Church’s and whether contributions were properly distributed in the categories selected on the donation slips.

A time for commitment. If you are not a full-tithe payer or if you haven’t paid any tithes or offerings, the interview with the bishop can be the beginning of repentance, a time to commit to begin or to do better.

Great blessings come to those who faithfully pay tithing and to those who faithfully attend tithing settlement.

Testify of the importance of attending tithing settlement each year.

*For Younger Children* Read or tell the following story: “Is My Tithing Too Small?” (taken from the January 2009 Friend). Testify of the importance of paying tithing & attending tithing settlement, even when you are young.

Ali looked glumly at her tithing jar. Every time she earned money, she divided it into a jar for tithing, a jar for savings, and a jar for spending money. She had worked hard helping a neighbor stack firewood and pull weeds, but her older sister Carrie had tended the neighbors’ dog and worked picking raspberries for a whole week during the summer. Carrie had earned more money, and her tithing jar showed it.

Today the family would be attending tithing settlement and discussing whether or not they had each paid a full tithe that year. Before church, Ali watched Carrie pour her money into a tithing envelope and fill out the slip. Ali tried not to cry when she counted out her own tithing, but tears burned the corners of her eyes. She didn’t want the Lord to be disappointed in her for paying less. Maybe she could ask her parents for a little extra money to put in her tithing envelope.

Timidly, she crept into the den where Dad was reading.

Dad looked up and motioned for Ali to come and sit on his lap. “Tell me what’s on your mind,” he said.

Ali bravely held the tears back. “Daddy, is my tithing too small?” she asked in nearly a whisper. “I earned $22.50 this year, so I only have $2.25 in tithing to give the bishop today. Carrie has way more than I do. Will Jesus or the bishop be mad at me?”

Dad smiled and looked into her eyes. “Ali, tithing is one-tenth of what we earn. Carrie did a lot of different jobs over the summer. She worked hard for what she earned, don’t you think?”

Ali remembered Carrie coming home from picking raspberries, looking tired and a little sunburned. She also remembered Carrie taking care of the Hamiltons’ dog. Ali nodded.

“You also worked really hard for your money,” Dad said. “Those pieces of firewood that you stacked were heavy and hurt your hands. You were even more tired after you weeded the garden. Isn’t that right?”

Ali easily remembered how heavy her arms had felt carrying all those huge pieces of wood, and how her hands had stung when she washed them after pulling weeds. She had worked hard.

“Ali,” Dad said, “it doesn’t matter to the Lord how much money a person earns as long as he or she works honestly for the money. Then He asks us to give back to Him just one-tenth of what we earned. It doesn’t matter if we earned a lot or a little, as long as we give 10 percent to the bishop.”

“So the bishop will be happy with both me and Carrie even though we have different amounts of tithing?” Ali asked.

“That’s right,” Dad said. “And Heavenly Father and Jesus will be pleased too.”

Ali could hardly speak because she was so happy. It all made sense. As long as she obeyed the commandments, the Lord would be happy with her. Now she could give the bishop $2.25 and feel just right about it in her heart.

Testify of the importance of paying tithing & attending tithing settlement, even when you are young.

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Read or summarize the following article “The 10 Percent Solution” by Douglas M Brown (taken from January 1990 New Era).  Testify of the importance of attending tithing settlement.

“I didn’t think that tithing settlement was such a big deal, but Brother Jacobs, our home teacher, seemed pretty excited about it. He and his son Brian were over and, like always, they asked for my dad’s permission to have a prayer. My dad grunted yes and Brother Jacobs gave the prayer. As he prayed, something he said caught my attention. Brother Jacobs said, “And bless Brother Johnson that he will respond to our message.”

My dad is really a good man, but he didn’t go to church or even want to talk about it. It had taken almost a year of the home teachers knocking on our door for my dad to let them in the house, but I’m glad he did.

I wondered what Dad would do. It was rare that he would even stay in the room when the home teachers were there, but he did nothing. Brother Jacobs was pretty brave to say what he did with my dad listening. He was lucky Dad didn’t leave the room.

Dad was his usual self. He was willing to talk about most things—sports, his yard, the weather—but not about the Church. We were talking about Dad’s favorite football team when Brother Jacobs blurted out, “Brother Johnson, we want you to come to tithing settlement.”

I thought Brother Jacobs had made a big mistake because Dad got very quiet and looked uncomfortable. Finally he said, “Why should I come totithing settlement? I don’t pay tithing.”

Now I got quiet and felt uncomfortable. How was Brother Jacobs going to answer Dad’s question?

Brother Jacobs said, “Because the Lord loves you.” Brother Jacobs said the bishop had asked all the home teachers to go to every member and invite them to tithing settlement. He told Dad that he wanted him to go because he wanted our family to have the blessing of going. My dad got quiet again.

Brother Jacobs told Dad that tithing settlement was a simple way for the Lord to bless our lives. If we paid tithing or not the Lord would bless us for going to tithing settlement. Tithing settlement only takes a few minutes, he said, and the bishop does not make anyone feel ashamed or guilty. Brother Jacobs also promised that if Dad took his family to tithing settlement, he would have a happier home and each one of his family would become a better person.

Dad didn’t say much. He really loves us and wants to do what is right for us. When Brother Jacobs asked if he would go to tithing settlement, Dad said yes.

The end of the month came, and my Dad took us to tithing settlement. Just before the bishop called us in, I wondered what Dad was thinking. He was awfully fidgety. I think he didn’t want to be there. I remembered Brother Jacob’s promise and wondered if our lives would change.

When the bishop asked us in, he greeted Dad like his best friend. I don’t know if that made Dad feel at ease or more uncomfortable. The bishop talked to us briefly, then asked my youngest sister, Suzie, if she knew what tithing was.

Suzie said yes, tithing was when you get ten coins, you give one to the bishop. The bishop said that was true, but it was the Lord’s money and he, as the bishop, received it for Him. The bishop asked Suzie if she had received any money this year. Suzie said she had gotten some money for her allowance. The bishop asked Suzie if she paid a full tithing. She said yes.

The bishop then asked Maggie, my older sister, if she was a full-tithe payer. Maggie said yes like she was Joan of Arc going off to be burned. She said every bit of money she got was tithed and she was a full-tithe payer. Maggie was always too dramatic.

Now it was my turn to say if I was a full-tithe payer. I was about to say yes, but then I remembered that I had done some yard work last summer and hadn’t tithed the money I got for it. I had to tell the bishop no, I wasn’t a full-tithe payer.

The bishop asked me if I wanted to be a full-tithe payer. I said yes, I guess so. Then he asked if I had the money now. I pulled out my wallet and gave him what I had. It still wasn’t enough. Then I felt some pressed into my hand. It was my dad giving me the money needed to pay a full tithing. I looked at my dad and he said I could pay him back later. I gave the bishop the rest of my tithing, and he wrote down that I was a full-tithe payer. It was a pretty good feeling.

The bishop then asked my mom if she paid a full tithe. She said yes. She had tithed the money she got for watching the neighbor’s children.

It was Dad’s turn to declare. He is a proud man, and I knew he hadn’t paid any tithing this year, so I was surprised that he had come at all. What really surprised me was when my dad pulled an envelope out of his pocket and gave it to the bishop. Dad said it wasn’t a full tithing but it was a start.

The bishop became quiet. He just stared at my dad. After what seemed to be forever, the bishop told my dad he was glad that my father had set a good example for his family and as long as my father kept his promise, the Lord would keep his.

We were all pretty quiet on the way back home. I wondered what the bishop meant about promises. My dad looked pretty surprised when the bishop said it. I didn’t find out what the bishop meant until three months later, but I did find out that Brother Jacobs was right almost right away. Two weeks after tithing settlement Dad came to church for the first time in years. And he has kept going. Just last fast Sunday I found out what had happened.

It was a real spiritual meeting. Even I got up to bear my testimony. And before I was able to sit down, Dad got up to bear his testimony. He told how five years ago he had got out of the habit of going to church. Back in November he began thinking seriously about his children and how the world would affect them as they were growing up. He saw how his children’s friends were influencing them to start to do things that he knew would lead to trouble. This is what he was thinking when the home teachers came over. When Brother Jacobs promised Dad that his family would be better people if he took them to tithing settlement, he knew he had to take the opportunity.

As the time for tithing settlement got close, my dad began to think about why he didn’t pay tithing. He used to pay it and didn’t miss it at all. He only stopped paying because he stopped going to church. My dad thought that if he could believe going to tithing settlement would help his family, then he could believe that paying tithing would also help. My dad said a silent prayer where he promised the Lord that he would start paying tithing and he expected the Lord to keep his promise. Right at that moment, my dad began to change.

My dad then told the ward that when he met with the bishop, it really felt good to give, even though it wasn’t a full tithing. He learned that starting was the important part. He also told the ward that when the bishop had told him the Lord would keep his promise, my dad knew the Lord had answered his prayer. He also found out what Brother Jacobs had said about tithing settlement was true. My dad said that if he hadn’t gone totithing settlement he would not be in church today. After going to tithing settlement my dad began to think where he was headed. He realized that it wasn’t too late to change his life, so he started by coming to church.

He told everyone that tithing was a true principle that had changed his life. And, you know something, he’s right.”

Testify of the importance of attending tithing settlement.

Treat

Thumbprint Cookies or Caramel Thumbprints

Thumbprint Cookies

Yields 6 Dozen Cookies

Ingredient

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar and stir in the vanilla extract. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the flour and salt. Combine the flour mixture and the butter mixture until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pinched.

2. Take a walnut-sized piece of dough in one hand. With the thumb of the other hand, gently knead it three times. Roll it into a ball and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. With your knuckle or thumb, press a well in the center and fill with 1/2 teaspoon of jelly.

3. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. (Taken from Spoonful)

Come, Follow Me

1. “Come, follow me,” the Savior said.
Then let us in his footsteps tread,
For thus alone can we be one
With God’s own loved, begotten Son.

2. “Come, follow me,” a simple phrase,
Yet truth’s sublime, effulgent rays
Are in these simple words combined
To urge, inspire the human mind.

3. Is it enough alone to know
That we must follow him below,
While trav’ling thru this vale of tears?
No, this extends to holier spheres.

4. Not only shall we emulate
His course while in this earthly state,
But when we’re freed from present cares,
If with our Lord we would be heirs.

5. We must the onward path pursue
As wider fields expand to view,
And follow him unceasingly,
Whate’er our lot or sphere may be.

6. For thrones, dominions, kingdoms, pow’rs,
And glory great and bliss are ours,
If we, throughout eternity,
Obey his words, “Come, follow me.”

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or summarize the following article “Come Unto Christ” by President Henry B Eyring (taken from March 2008 Ensign).  Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ and being baptized.

The words “come unto Christ” are an invitation. It is the most important invitation you could ever offer to another person. It is the most important invitation anyone could accept. From the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel in this dispensation, it has been the charge given by Jesus Christ to His representatives. Their charge has been “to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.” ¹

Every member of the Church, upon accepting the baptismal covenant, becomes a disciple who has promised to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ at all times in any place he or she may be in. ² The purpose of our witness is to invite people to come unto Him.

All of us should be intensely interested in learning how to issue that invitation effectively. We know from experience that some will not respond. Only a few responded when the Savior Himself offered this invitation during His mortal ministry. But great was His joy in those who recognized His voice. And great has been our joy when those we have invited have come unto Him.

Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ and being baptized.

*For Younger Children* Read or tell the following story: “What My Father Gave Me” (taken from the Nov 2012 Friend). Testify of the importance of being baptized.

I’ve gotten lots of great birthday presents in my life, but what I got from my dad on my eighth birthday takes the cake. And it all started when he asked me a single question in a room full of people.

That room was in our church building, and the people filling it were myfamily members. I had never seen so many of them in church at one time! We were all there to see my cousin Bre get baptized.

As I watched Bre’s parents take pictures of her in her white dress, I started feeling really excited about my own baptism.

I went over to look at the font, thinking about what my special day would be like. Would the water be warm? Would all my family be there? I hoped I would feel the peaceful, clean feeling that I had heard other people tell about. All of these thoughts were tumbling around in my mind when Dad walked over and asked the question that changed everything.

“Chris, who do you want to baptize you?”

Here’s the thing: my dad couldn’t baptize me because he wasn’t a member of the Church.

My mom is a convert, which means she got baptized later in life. But my dad never seemed to want to be baptized, and that made me sad sometimes. I didn’t talk about it very much because I didn’t want to make him feel bad. But this time, I decided to tell him.

“I want you to baptize me. You’re my dad!”

I still remember the look on his face. First he was surprised. Then he looked kind of sad. Then his expression turned thoughtful, as if he were thinking about something important.

“C’mon, buddy. We’ll talk about it later,” he said, wrapping his arm around me as we headed to our seats.

The next day, I stood with my dad again—this time in front of the bishop’s office. It was time for me to meet with the bishop for my baptismal interview. I was pretty nervous, and it seemed like Dad was too. He kept pacing back and forth in front of the office door. After I had my interview, Dad walked right up to the bishop.

“What do I have to do to be able to baptize my son?” he asked.

The bishop froze, right in the middle of his handshake. You should’ve seen the smile that came across his face! He told my dad that he needed to be baptized and receive the Aaronic Priesthood. My dad said that he was finally ready to make these special promises with Heavenly Father.

You can probably guess how this story ends. A month later, I stood in the baptismal font dressed in white. The water was warm. My family was there. Best of all, my dad was standing next to me, ready to baptize me.

I know that lots of kids are still waiting and praying for a family member to get baptized. It’s hard to wait, but we can keep being good examples and never give up hope. Knowing this makes me feel even more grateful for the decision my dad finally made—the decision that gave me the best birthday of my life.

Testify of the importance of being baptized.

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Read or summarize the following article: “An Empty Font” (taken from the February 2012 New Era). Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ & being baptized.

It was 7:45 a.m. on a rainy August morning here in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. We (the full-time missionaries in the Freetown District) had planned a baptismal service and were determined to hold it, rain or shine. It was then I received a call from Brother Allieu, a member from our branch, but I could not totally understand what he was saying, as he was speaking rapidly in Krio, the local language. I told him to take a deep breath and speak slowly. He did so and said, “Elder Naeata, there is no water for the baptismal font. I am sorry. There is no water.”

I thanked him for the call and then announced the bad news to the other elders. Immediately we began to think of how we could still perform this sacred ordinance. It was then that Elder Agamah reminded us of the waterfall and pond up the mountain nearby in a place called Mellow. The elders all agreed we should try and hold the baptism there, so we obtained permission to do so.

As everyone gathered later that morning at the bottom of the mountain, the group came to a stark realization of the formidable task looming ahead. However, the determined company had no sign of hesitation to press forward. Men and women and even children walked and talked happily up the wet and slippery trail. Gradually ascending, we took a short detour to cross the river.

As we hiked, the zeal of some in the party began to fade when the rain picked up, but we pressed forward with hope. Still, the rugged path seemed to have no end. Finally we arrived at our destination. Our hearts were happy, but the rain persisted to beat down upon us. As we prepared for the baptismal service, we took refuge from the rain under a large mango tree.

We opened by singing the hymn “The Spirit of God” (Hymns, no. 2). After the opening devotional we went to the baptismal site. The water was rushing off the falls and into the pond where we would perform the sacred ordinance.

A father entered the pond and helped his son into the water when, suddenly, the rain stopped. The rays of the sun broke through the clouds and illuminated the pond. We could feel the presence of the Spirit. After the father baptized his son, a husband baptized his wife, and then the elders baptized their investigators. The sun continued to shine, as did the smiles on our faces.

We closed the service by singing “Come, Follow Me” (Hymns, no. 116). Yes, indeed, we did follow Him. We followed our Savior up and down the mountain, across full, flowing creeks, up the steep and wet trails, and through the rain. And those who were baptized truly followed the Savior’s example as they entered the waters of baptism.

Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ & being baptized.

Treat

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate or Apple Enchiladas

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Yields 3 Servings

Ingredients

Instructions:

1. In a medium sauce pan over medium low heat whisk together your milk and hot cocoa mix.

2. Add your canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice.

3. Heat until desired temperature is reached.

4. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and/or marshmallows and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. (Taken from Cookies & Cups)

How Firm a Foundation

1. How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
Who unto the Savior, who unto the Savior,
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

2. In ev’ry condition—in sickness, in health,
In poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth,
At home or abroad, on the land or the sea—
As thy days may demand, as thy days may demand,
As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.

3. Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

4. When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow,
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee, and sanctify to thee,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume,
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

6. E’en down to old age, all my people shall prove
My sov’reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs shall they still, like lambs shall they still,
Like lambs shall they still in my bosom be borne.

7. The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Watch the following video on Highlights from the October 2012 General Conference.  Testify of the importance of applying the things we learn from General Conference.

Testify of the importance of applying the things we learn from General Conference.

*For Younger Children* Discuss the following questions as a family. Testify of the importance of applying the things we learn from General Conference.

-What is General Conference?

-Who talks at General Conference?

-What do they talk about?

-How do/did you feel when we watch/watched General Conference?

-Did the prophet talk?

Discuss some of the topics that were discussed during General Conference.

Testify of the importance of applying the things we learn from General Conference.

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Watch the following video on Highlights from the October 2012 General Conference. Recall conference talks that stood out to you. Testify of the importance of applying the things we learn from General Conference.

Set goals on how you would like to improve over the next 6 months.

Testify of the importance of applying the things we learn from General Conference.

Treat

M&M Bark or Rolo Cake Mix Bars

M&M Bark

Ingredients

Instructions:

1. Line an 8 X 8 inch pan with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

As I Search the Holy Scriptures

1. I love to read the holy scriptures,
And, ev’ry time I do,
I feel the Spirit start to grow within my heart—
A testimony that they’re true.

2. So, prayerfully I’ll read the scriptures
Each day my whole life through.
I’ll come to understand.
I’ll heed the Lord’s command
And live as he would have me do.

Chorus
Search, ponder, and pray
Are the things that I must do.
The Spirit will guide, and, deep inside,
I’ll know the scriptures are true.

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read & discuss the article listed below (taken from the October 2012 Ensign).  Apply points from the article. Testify of the importance reading scriptures.

Do you sometimes find it hard to study—really study—the scriptures? Here are some ideas you can use to add more life to your scripture study and make the most of your reading time.

 **Have each individual pick something from the article/ list that they would like to implement into their scripture study.**

Testify of the importance reading scriptures.

*For Younger Children* Read & discuss the story listed below (taken from the October 2012 Friend). Discuss the questions below. Testify of the importance reading scriptures.

Abby stared at the pile of rocks on the table. Her Primary teacher, Sister Knecht, had set them down without any explanation. After the opening prayer, Sister Knecht put a beautiful illustration on the board. “Who can tell me what this is a picture of?”

“That’s what the Newport Beach California Temple is going to look like when it’s finished,” Abby said.

“That’s right, Abby. This is an artist’s drawing of the Newport Beach Temple.”

The temple had been announced last year, and Abby was excited for when it would be finished. She wasn’t old enough to participate in baptisms for the dead now, but she would be when the temple opened. She knew that having a temple so close was a special blessing. Some people had to travel days and days to get to a temple!

“Right now they’re laying the foundation for the temple,” Sister Knecht said. “The temple will be built on a strong foundation in case an earthquake happens.”

“Like it says in the song, ‘The wise man built his house upon a rock,’” Abby’s friend Hayley said.

“Exactly,” Sister Knecht said.

Sister Knecht held up one of the rocks. “This is a special rock,” she said. It was round and smooth and was about the size of Abby’s fist. Abby found rocks like this in the stream near her house. What was so special about a regular rock?

“This rock will be used in building part of the foundation for the temple. The architect has asked that each Primary child write his or her favorite scripture on one of these rocks before they are put in place.”

Abby grinned. She was thrilled to be a part of building the temple. But Abby liked lots of scriptures. She wasn’t sure which one she wanted to put on the rock.

“If you don’t know what you want to write on your rock yet, you can think about it during the week and write your scripture in class next week,” Sister Knecht said.

On her way home from church, Abby talked with her family about the temple. Her brothers and sisters were excited about the scripture rocks too.

“What scripture do you want to write on your rock, Abby?” her brother Nathan asked.

“I don’t know yet, but I want to pick a good one!” she said.

While she was reading her scriptures that night, Abby read, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

Nephi was talking about Heavenly Father’s instructions to return to Jerusalem for the brass plates. Abby knew that Heavenly Father wanted her to go to the temple. He was providing a way for her to do that by building a temple close to her home.

The next week Abby wrote 1 Nephi 3:7 on her rock and gave it back to Sister Knecht. Abby felt good inside. She knew that when the temple was finished, every time she went inside it she would think of her scripture rock. It felt good to be a part of building the temple.

Discuss the following questions:
What picture did Sister Knecht show the primary class?
Sister Knecht gave something to Abby to write her favorite scripture on. What was it?
How did Abby feel when she gave the scripture rock to Sister Knecht?
What is your favorite scripture story?

Testify of the importance reading scriptures.

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Watch the video below. Read & discuss the article listed below (taken from the October 2012 Ensign).  Apply points from the article. Testify of the importance reading scriptures.

Testify of the importance reading scriptures.

Treat

Halloween Chex Mix or Goblin Feet

Halloween Chex Mix

9 Servings

Ingredients

Instructions:

1.  In medium microwavable bowl, microwave chopped baking bars uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.

Lord, I Would Follow Thee

1. Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown,
Pause to help and lift another,
Finding strength beyond my own.
Savior, may I learn to love thee—

[Chorus]
Lord, I would follow thee.

2. Who am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can’t see.
Who am I to judge another?

3. I would be my brother’s keeper;
I would learn the healer’s art.
To the wounded and the weary
I would show a gentle heart.
I would be my brother’s keeper—

4. Savior, may I love my brother
As I know thou lovest me,
Find in thee my strength, my beacon,
For thy servant I would be.
Savior, may I love my brother—

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or tell the story of Abinadi (Mosiah 11:20 – 13:25;  17:1-20). Discuss the story of Abinadi & how he was an example of the believers. Brainstorm ways we can be examples of the believers. Testify of the importance of being an example of the believers.

Read or tell the story of Abinadi (Mosiah 11:20 – 13:25; Mosiah 17:1-20).

How was Abinadi an example of the believers?

What things can we do to be an example of the believers?

Re-read 1 Timothy 4:12.

Testify of the importance of being an example of the believers.

*For Younger Children* Share different stories from “Take the Lead” (Sept 2012 Friend). Discuss ways we can be an example. Testify of the importance and simplicity of being an example.

Share simple ideas of how we can be an example.

Testify of the importance & simplicity of being an example.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Watch the video below “Charity: An Example of the Believers“. Re-read 1 Timothy 4:12. Brainstorm ways we can be examples of the believers. Testify of the importance & simplicity of being an example of the believers.

Re-read 1 Timothy 4:12.

Brainstorm ways we can be examples of the believers and live a more Christlike life.

Testify of the simplicity & importance of being an example of the believers.

Treat

Magic Cookie Bars or Goldfish Marshmallow Pops

Magic Cookie Bars

36 Servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions:

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:

Repentance

Come Unto Jesus

1. Come unto Jesus, ye heavy laden,
Careworn and fainting, by sin oppressed.
He’ll safely guide you unto that haven
Where all who trust him may rest.

2. Come unto Jesus; He’ll ever heed you,
Though in the darkness you’ve gone astray.
His love will find you and gently lead you
From darkest night into day.

3. Come unto Jesus; He’ll surely hear you,
If you in meekness plead for his love.
Oh, know you not that angels are near you
From brightest mansions above?

4. Come unto Jesus from ev’ry nation,
From ev’ry land and isle of the sea.
Unto the high and lowly in station,
Ever he calls, “Come to me.”

Treat

Mini Cheesecake Tarts and Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

Mini Cheesecake Tarts

Ingredients:

12 Nilla Wafer Cookies
2 8oz packages cream cheese
3/4 C sugar
2 Tbs flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 Tbs fresh lemon juice
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Foil cupcake liners

I’m Trying to be Like Jesus

Do What is Right

1. Do what is right; the day-dawn is breaking,
Hailing a future of freedom and light.
Angels above us are silent notes taking
Of ev’ry action; then do what is right!

[Chorus]
Do what is right; let the consequence follow.
Battle for freedom in spirit and might;
And with stout hearts look ye forth till tomorrow.
God will protect you; then do what is right!

2. Do what is right; the shackles are falling.
Chains of the bondsmen no longer are bright;
Lightened by hope, soon they’ll cease to be galling.
Truth goeth onward; then do what is right!

3. Do what is right; be faithful and fearless.
Onward, press onward, the goal is in sight.
Eyes that are wet now, ere long will be tearless.
Blessings await you in doing what’s right!

Treat

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup & Chocolate Cheesecake Bars and Lemon Triangles

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup & Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

7 whole Graham Crackers, Broken Into 1-inch Pieces
6 Tablespoons (3/4 Stick) Unsalted Butter, Melted And Cooled
3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
⅛ teaspoons Salt
2 packages (8 Oz. Each) Cream Cheese, Softened
⅔ cups Granulated Sugar
2 whole Large Eggs
¼ cups Sour Cream
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
12 whole (0.75 Oz Each) Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Divided, Cut Into 6 Pieces Each
2 ounces, weight Bittersweet Chocolate, Chopped

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining the pan with aluminum foil, leaving 3-4 inches of foil draping over the sides of the pan.

The crust:

Place graham crackers into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the crackers form fine crumbs, about 30 seconds. To the crumbs, add butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Pulse until the ingredients are fully combined. Using the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers, press the crumbs into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake until the crust is beginning to brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Let the crust cool on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes.

The filling:

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it is very smooth, about 3 minutes. Scrape the beaters and sides of bowl frequently. Gradually beat in granulated sugar until the mixture is combined, about 1 minute. Beat in eggs, one a time, making sure that each is fully incorporated. Beat in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined, about 30 seconds.

Unwrap and cut 9 Reese’s peanut butter cups (0.75 ounce each) into 6 pieces. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture. Scrape the cream cheese mixture into the baking pan, over the top of the cooled crust. Spread evenly.

Bake until the edges are set but the middle still jiggles slightly when the pan is shaken slightly, about 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking.

Place the pan on a cooling rack and allow the bars to cool for 2 hours. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, and up to 24 hours.

Using the overhanging foil, lift the bars from the pan. Gently remove the foil and cut into 16 bars.

Place bittersweet chocolate in a small bowl. Microwave on 50% power until melted, stirring every 15 seconds. Drizzle the chocolate over the bars, top each with a small chunk of a Reese’s peanut butter cup and serve.

Lemon Triangles

Ingredients:

FOR THE CRUST:
1-¾ cup Flour
⅔ cups Powdered Sugar
¼ cups Cornstarch
¾ teaspoons Salt
1-½ stick Unsalted Butter

FOR THE FILLING:
6 whole Eggs, Room Temperature
3 cups Sugar
2 whole Lemons, Zested
1 cup Lemon Juice (from About 7 Lemons)
1 cup Flour
Powdered Sugar, For Dusting

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°. Lightly butter a 13 x 9 inch baking sheet and line with parchment paper, allowing the paper to come up the sides of the pan.

Pulse the flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch and salt in a food processor. Slice the butter into 1-inch pieces. Add the butter to the processor and process to blend, about 8 to 10 seconds, and then pulse until the mixture is pale yellow and resembles coarse meal, about three 1-second bursts. Sprinkle the mixture into the lined pan and press firmly with your fingers to form an even, 1/4-inch layer over the entire pan bottom. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and flour. Pour over the warm crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature (or refrigerate overnight in the pan). Using the parchment to pull it out of the pan, transfer to a cutting board and peel the paper down. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 20 squares. Then cut each square diagonally to form 40 triangles. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

(Recipes taken from www.TastyKitchen.com )

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Demonstrate Eternal Marriage using the Ripple object lesson. Highlight the marriage of grandparents or other family member. Discuss Eteranl Marriage. Testify of the sacred sealing power of an Eternal Marriage.

Ripple Object Lesson

Fill a large bowl, or even the sink, with water. Drop a small pebble in, showing the rippling effect. Point out to family members that many of the decisions they make in their lives will have an effect similar to the effect of the pebble on the water. The effects of these decisions will continue on and on, touching other people’s lives besides their own.

Highlight the marriage of grandparents or other family member

Briefly, tell the story of how your grandparents or other married family members met. Show pictures taken throughout their marriage. Discuss and show pictures of what has come out of their marriage (rippling effect). Make the point that because they married the right person, at the right time, in the right place, wonderful blessings have come from it.

Discuss the following questions about Eternal Marriage

• Why is temple marriage so important?
• How will it affect your life now and in the future?

Discuss how deciding early in your life that you want a temple marriage could help you make many correct decisions in the future.

Testify of the sacred sealing power of an Eternal Marriage

*For Teenagers or Adults* Demonstrate Eternal Marriage using the Ripple object lesson. Highlight the marriage of grandparents or other family member. Read Quote on Eternal Marriage. Testify of the sacred sealing power of an Eternal Marriage

Ripple Object Lesson

Fill a large bowl, or even the sink, with water. Drop a small pebble in, showing the rippling effect. Point out to family members that many of the decisions they make in their lives will have an effect similar to the effect of the pebble on the water. The effects of these decisions will continue on and on, touching other people’s lives besides their own.

Highlight the marriage of grandparents or other family member

Briefly, tell the story of how your grandparents or other married family members met. Show pictures taken throughout their marriage. Discuss and show pictures of what has come out of their marriage (rippling effect). Make the point that because they married the right person, at the right time, in the right place, wonderful blessings have come from it.

Read and discuss the following quote:

“Probably the most consequential event in your lives takes place when you are united in marriage. It will have a far reaching effect upon your future. Like the ripples caused by a pebble cast upon a placid pool, the decision you make in regard to where, with whom, and by whom this event will take place will affect not only you, but the lives of many others, especially your children.” (ElRay L. Christiansen, in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, p. 34; see also Ensign, May 1974, p. 25.)

Discuss ways children can prepare now to be married in the temple someday.

Testify of  the sacred sealing power of an Eternal Marriage

Treat

Pear-Cinnamon Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream or Coconut Oatmeal Chewies

Pear-Cinnamon Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:

Filling Ingredients:

4 whole (to 5) Large Pears (Bosc Work Well)
⅔ cups Sugar
¼ teaspoons Salt

Topping Ingredients:

1-½ cup All-purpose Flour
⅓ cups Sugar
⅓ cups Firmly Packed Brown Sugar
½ teaspoons Cinnamon
½ cups Pecans, Very Finely Chopped
1 stick Butter, Melted

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Peel, core, and dice pears. Place into a bowl and stir together with 2/3 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Stir together. Drizzle melted butter gradually, stirring with a fork as you go until all combined.

Pour pears into a baking dish; top with crumb topping.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Place pan on top rack of oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until topping is golden brown.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Coconut Oatmeal Chewies

Ingredients:

1 cup Granulated Sugar
1 cup Brown Sugar
2 whole Large Eggs
1 cup (2 Sticks), Butter, Softened To Room Temperature
2 teaspoons Vanilla
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
½ teaspoons Salt
2-½ cups All-purpose Flour
1 cup Shredded Coconut
1 cup Quick Oats

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased or lined (Silpat or parchment) baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes, until the cookies are set but not overly browned (bake a few minutes longer for a crispier version).

Come Follow Me

Testify of the perfect and wonderful example of Jesus Christ.

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.