FHE LessonsLessons and ideas for family home evening!

Scripture

John 14:15

15 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Hymn

When I Am Baptized – Primary Songbook #103 or - Come, Follow Me Hymn #116

When I Am Baptized

1. I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.

2. I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,
And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

Chorus
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

Know That He Is the Way

It is worthwhile to ponder over those instances in our own lives when people have responded. Personally, I have seen a pattern when people have accepted that invitation. In each case the Holy Ghost has manifested at least three truths to them. The experiences have not always come in the sequence in which I will list them, but they all come to the hearts of those who truly come unto Christ.

First, they come to feel that the only way they can have the happiness they want most in this life and in the world to come is through Jesus Christ. They come to believe these words from the Book of Mormon: “Behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved.” ³

That assurance is not easy to feel in a world in which many voices say that there is no God, that there is no sin, and that happiness is found in pleasure. But our voices can be more powerful if we can get the gift of bearing a sure witness that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior of the world. That witness will come most powerfully out of your own experiences with the Atonement of Jesus Christ working in your life. If you reflect often on how His Atonement has changed you and if you give thanks often, you will find that your witness of Him gains power to touch the hearts of others. When those you invite out of your own testimony feel that witness, they will come to accept Him as their Lord and Savior. And that acceptance, when it comes, will warm their hearts and yours.

Covenant and Obey

Second, those I know who have truly come unto Him make covenants to obey and to follow Him. It may begin by keeping simple commitments, such as reading the Book of Mormon or going to a sacrament meeting. It must come out of their faith that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior. When they keep the commitment out of that faith, they feel something. They may not be able to identify the feeling in words, but they feel better. Obedience, even in small things, brings that blessing from God. And in time they begin to feel a repentant heart and with it a desire to make the covenant of baptism, to take the Savior’s name upon them, and to be cleansed from sin.

People come to make that crucial choice for many reasons. At first one man we taught could not see the need to be baptized. After all, he had tried to be good all his life. He had committed no serious sin. He had been baptized as a child in another church. But then two things came to his mind. One was that the Savior was baptized out of obedience, having never sinned. The other is that he wanted to make the commitment to the Savior through the authority of the true priesthood, just as the Savior went to John to be baptized.

Another young man we taught chose to be baptized out of a heart broken by the sorrow he felt for his sins. As he came up out of the waters ofbaptism, he threw his arms around my neck, tears streaming down his cheeks, and said in my ear, “I’m clean. I’m clean.”

Their choices to make the covenant of baptism sprang from a common faith. They knew that if they would keep a covenant to obey the Savior’s commandments, He would keep His covenant with them to lead them toward eternal life. They were ready to come unto Him that they might be changed and led by Him and, in time, become like Him.

Strive to Become like Him

That leads to the third thing I have seen in the lives of those who have truly come unto Him. They strive to become like Him. They begin to try to do unto others as they know He would do. You and I have seen that in faithful people soon after their baptism and receiving of the Holy Ghost. Once, I went with my missionary companion to visit a family we had taught and baptized just a few weeks previously. The parents took us down into their basement to show us a room. It had been the bedroom of one of their two daughters. But she had now moved in with her sister. The bedroom she vacated was filled with everything the family would need in an emergency.

We had not taught them anything about emergency preparedness. When we asked why they had done something so difficult so quickly, the reply was that they had read in a Church magazine that the Lord would like families to be prepared to take care of themselves and others. They said, “Isn’t that what Latter-day Saints do?”

That simple faith extended to everything they felt the Savior would have them do. And their desire to follow Him lasted. And it changed them. They had always been kind, trying to help others. But that ability to show charity grew. And that has been the pattern in all those I have known who continued to come unto Him over a lifetime.

We sometimes speak of retaining members as if we held them in. We can and we must be a friend to those who have made the choice to come unto Him. They can become discouraged when trials come, as trials always do. Yet we must remember that the best and surest friends they have are the Savior and His Father, who is also their Father. Heavenly Father and the Savior will send them the Holy Ghost to comfort them and confirm their faith if they are humbly obedient. So, for example, when going visiting teaching or home teaching with a new member, if you give him or her the chance to pray or to teach or to make the appointment, you may give him or her more strength than just your expressions of love. It will bring down the powers of heaven. And that will lift them through trials and protect them from pride when blessings begin to come to them, as blessings will.

A Change of Heart

Another wonderful thing will happen. When you give your heart to inviting people to come unto Christ, your heart will be changed. You will be doing His work for Him. You will find that He keeps His promise to be one with you in your service. You will come to know Him. And in time you will come to be like Him and “be perfected in him.” ⁴ By helping others come unto Him, you will find that you have come unto Him yourself. If you want to be near Him, to feel His peace, you can do it best in His service.

He is the one who said:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ⁵

I testify that He will keep that promise to those we invite for Him. And He keeps that promise to those who serve Him by doing the inviting.

“I will honor my parents and do my part to strengthen my family.”

Apple Enchiladas 

Ingredients:

Activity

1- Play Mother May I? & work towards a picture of the Savior.

2- Memorize your baptism covenants.

3- Have each individual share things they remember from their baptism.

Scripture

D&C 109: 14-15

14 And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those who shall worship in this house may be taught words of wisdom out of the best books, and that they may seek learning even by study, and also by faith, as thou hast said;

15 And that they may grow up in thee, and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost, and be organized according to thy laws, and be prepared to obtain every needful thing;

Hymn

Search, Ponder, and Pray - Primary Songbook #109 or As I Search the Holy Scriptures- Hymn #277

Search, Ponder, and Pray

1. As I search the holy scriptures,
Loving Father of mankind,
May my heart be blessed with wisdom,
And may knowledge fill my mind.

2. As I search the holy scriptures,
Touch my spirit, Lord, I pray.
May life’s myst’ries be unfolded
As I study day by day.

3. As I search the holy scriptures,
May thy mercy be revealed.
Soothe my troubled heart and spirit;
May my unseen wounds be healed.

4. As I search the holy scriptures,
Help me ponder and obey.
In thy word is life eternal;
May thy light show me the way.

How far away are these two places from each other? What would Jonah have to do to travel to each place? It was a long, difficult trip. How does this knowledge change your understanding of the story?

 **Share points from the article below**

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.

 Goblin Feet

Ingredients:

Activity

1- Make a Scripture Rock.
(See the Lesson for Younger Children above.)

2- Make a Bookmark for your scriptures.

3- Play Scripture Charades.
(Have everyone come up with several names of people from the scriptures & write on slips of paper. Place the pieces of paper in a cup or a bowl. Have everyone take turns drawing a slip of paper and acting out the person from the scriptures until someone guesses who it is. Take turns until all of the slips of paper have been acted out.)

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 18:10

10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

Hymn

My Heavenly Father Loves Me - Primary Songbook #228 or I am a Child of God – Hymn #301

1. Whenever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by our lilac tree,
I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heav’nly Father created for me.

2. He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him rev’rently
For all his creations, of which I’m a part.
Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Watch the Mormon Message “Child of God”.  Discuss how you felt and what it means to be a Child of God.  Have everyone write down things that make them unique and of worth.

Object Lesson

Start by holding up a relatively crisp bill. Ask how much this bill is worth. Then crumble it up into a ball, stomp on it, punch it down, do whatever you want to make it yucky. Finally, unfold the bill and hold it up again. Ask how much it is worth now. Is there anyone who wouldn’t want it now that is has been tarnished? Point out that this is similar to our worth in Heavenly Father’s eyes. Nothing we do can detract from our worth to Him.

Set a goal as a family and as an individual of how to increase your sense of self worth. Customize to the needs of your family.

Goal Ideas:

For two weeks, every negative thought you have about yourself, replace it with at least two positive thoughts.

For two weeks, every negative thought you have about others, replace it with at least two positive thoughts.

If you struggle with your worth, make it a matter of prayer for a certain amount of time. Pray to know that God loves you and pray to understand your mission on this Earth.

For two weeks, notice the worthwhile qualities in others and acknowledge them verbally or in writing.

*For Younger Children* 

Read the following story with them:

 The Worth of Eddie Porter

(Based on an experience from the author’s family)

I wanted to save more tadpoles, so Dad and I went to the creek near General Vallejo’s old historic adobe place. There wasn’t much water left in the creek, just puddles with tadpoles in them. When the water dried up, they would die—unless we rescued them. Dad and I caught hundreds of those tadpoles in our jars and took them to the lake. Dad said that God wouldn’t waste time creating anything He didn’t love. The least we could do was respect His creations and help whenever, wherever, and whatever we could—tadpoles included!

One day while we were taking tadpoles out of the creek, Dad looked troubled. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I’m worried about Eddie Porter,” Dad replied. Dad was Brother Porter’s home teacher, and he and his companion could never get Brother Porter to let them into his home. “He doesn’t come to church,” Dad said. “He’s getting old, lives alone, and has a lot of problems. He seems depressed most of the time, and I think he believes that God has given up on him.”

Dad scooped out three tadpoles and dumped them into a pail of water. “He never says much when Brother Phillips and I talk to him at the door. Just nods and says he has things to do. But last month when we stopped by, he had moved. Where, I don’t know.” Dad looked up the creek bed as if he hoped he might spot Brother Porter coming out of the heat rising from the rocks like a thin, wavy wall. “I doubt he moved out of town, because he has lived here all his life,” Dad continued. “I’ve got to find him, Matt.”

“Why, Dad?” I was confused. “If Brother Porter wants to be alone, why worry about it?”

“He’s my responsibility, son,” Dad explained. “And I feel that he’s in real need. Brother Phillips is out of town for a couple of months, so I’ll try to find Brother Porter on my own.” Dad smiled at me. “Unless, of course, you’d like to help.”

“But what about these tadpoles, Dad? If we don’t get them moved, they’ll die. They want to be helped. Brother Porter doesn’t.”

“They have enough water to last a few more weeks. But I don’t know if Eddie Porter has the same amount of willpower,” Dad said. “Besides,” he added in a voice that made me look straight at him, “like you and me, Brother Porter is a child of God. The scriptures teach us that the Savior spent His entire life loving, lifting, and healing others. These little critters are important, but what is more important than all these tadpoles?”

“Brother Porter?” I guessed.

For the next two weeks, Dad and I were like detectives. We searched for clues, asked questions, and talked to people. But most of all we prayed that Heavenly Father would lead us to the right house.

Then one evening Dad and I walked up to a little old place, kind of jammed between two warehouses near the canal. Dad knocked on the rusty screen door, and we waited.

We were about to leave when the door opened. The old man standing behind the screen seemed like a ghost—kind of there and not there at the same time. He had whiskers and wore rumpled, worn-out clothes.

“Brother Porter,” Dad said.

The old man’s eyes looked sad and surprised, maybe even angry. “How did you find me?” he asked.

Dad smiled. “It wasn’t easy, Eddie. It’s taken us two weeks.”

Brother Porter looked at me. I guess I was nervous because my voice was shaky. “Hi, Brother Porter.”

Brother Porter looked back up at Dad. “Why?” he said. “Why did you want to find me? I’ve never—”

“Because you’re important, Brother Porter,” I said. “You’re a child of God. He loves you. And so do we. Yep, we do.” I said it again because he looked so surprised. It was quiet for a little bit, so I said, “Dad and I were saving tadpoles from the creek that’s drying up, but Dad wanted to start looking for you instead. You’re more important than all the tadpoles that ever hatched. Mom thinks so, too.” I held out a lunch bag. “She made some cookies for you.”

Brother Porter turned away from us. I thought he was still mad at us for bothering him, but when he turned back, he was crying. He pushed open the door. “Won’t you come in?” Dad didn’t say anything. He was crying, too.

We went inside, and Dad squeezed my hand. Suddenly I knew how important Eddie Porter—and everyone else—was. Jesus wouldn’t have spent His whole life helping others if it weren’t so.

The tadpoles could wait. They would be all right. Dad and I needed to make sure that Brother Porter would be all right first.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read or watch the talk “You Matter to Him”,  by Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Use this as an opportunity to express your love and appreciation to your children and how special each one is to you. Consider writing a letter to each one telling them of their unique spiritual gifts and qualities that you love about them and then give it to them at the end of the lesson.

Testify of the value that each child has in God’s eyes as well.

1. Heat the oven to 375. Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl and blend with an electric mixer.

2. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, combining thoroughly. In a separate bowl, combine the salt, baking soda, and flour, then mix them into the wet ingredients.

3. Shape the dough into 1 1/4-inch balls and bake for 8 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet. Meanwhile, your child can break the chocolate bars into small squares and use kitchen shears (with your supervision) to snip the marshmallows in half lengthwise.

4. Remove the cookies from the oven, top each one with a marshmallow half, and return the tray to the oven for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.

5. Finally, remove the cookies from the oven and place a piece of chocolate atop the marshmallows. Allow the cookies to remain on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks. Makes 3 1/2 to 4 dozen cookies.

Pineapple Coconut Sherbet

Ingredients:

1 quart cultured buttermilk
1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
1/3 cup canned cream of coconut
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the buttermilk, sugar, and cream of coconut in a large mixing bowl until it is evenly blended. Stir in the pineapple and vanilla extract.

2. Cover the bowl with foil and place it in the freezer for 1 hour. Then remove the bowl and stir the mixture briefly, scraping the sides well. Return the sherbet to the freezer for another 45 minutes and then stir it again. Repeat this process once more, then let the mixture freeze overnight. When you’re ready to serve it, allow the sherbet to soften slightly, then process it briefly in a chilled blender to make it smooth and easy to scoop. Serve it at once in chilled dishes. Makes 6 to 8 servings

(Recipes taken from www.familyfun.go)

Scripture

1 Nephi 1:20

20 –  And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had castout, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

Hymn

I Feel My Savior’s Love - Primary Songbook #74 or Tender Mercies of the Lord- Janice Kapp Perry

1. I feel my Savior’s love
In all the world around me.
His Spirit warms my soul
Through ev’rything I see.

2. I feel my Savior’s love;
Its gentleness enfolds me,
And when I kneel to pray,
My heart is filled with peace.

3. I feel my Savior’s love
And know that he will bless me.
I offer him my heart;
My shepherd he will be.

4. I’ll share my Savior’s love
By serving others freely.
In serving I am blessed.
In giving I receive.

Chorus
He knows I will follow him,
Give all my life to him.
I feel my Savior’s love,
The love he freely gives me.

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Watch the video clip of Elder Bednar’s talk on Tender Mercies. Discuss the key points. Testify of the tender mercies in your life.

Read the following story with them:

Warning in the Night

Lorenzo Snow, the fifth President of the Church, had many frightening experiences as a young man while serving as a missionary.

While preaching the gospel in Ohio, Lorenzo had a dream one night in which he saw an angry mob attacking him in a schoolhouse. He awoke frightened and prayed for the Lord to protect him as he preached the gospel.

Later that same day, two well-dressed men came to Lorenzo and asked him to come to a schoolhouse where a crowd was waiting to hear him preach. Remembering the dream, Lorenzo refused to come. The men tried harder and harder to get him to come, but Lorenzo would not. The men finally left, shouting angry words at him. Lorenzo soon found out that they weren’t really wanting to hear him preach. Instead, they and a group of other men were waiting to attack Lorenzo at the schoolhouse.

Another time, while serving a mission in Kentucky, Lorenzo was warming himself by a fire one evening at the end of a church meeting. An unfriendly man standing beside him (who was part of a gang waiting to attack him) accidentally bumped against Lorenzo and felt his scriptures in the pocket of his jacket. The scriptures were a gift from Joseph Smith, Sr., father of the Prophet Joseph Smith. However, thinking the object in Lorenzo’s jacket was a gun, the man immediately left without causing a fight. Lorenzo said a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for taking care of him while he preached the gospel.

 (Reference)

Print off the worksheets from the link below and have each member of the family write down the special blessings that they have received. This will help children recognize them and more easily understand what a tender mercy is.

Worksheets

 Testify of the tender mercies in your life.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read the talk “The Tender Mercies of the Lord”, from April 2005 General Conference. Discuss the blessings you have seen in your life. Testify of the tender mercies in your life.

The same video and worksheets can be used for additional material.

Testify of the tender mercies in your life.

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and the melted butter. Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture, then press the remainder into the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch pan.
2. Place the bananas in a single layer over the crust. Spread the softened ice cream on top and smooth. Sprinkle the nuts on the ice cream, then cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup butter and stir until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar and evaporated milk. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until slightly thickened and smooth, about 8 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Cool the mixture, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour the mixture over the ice cream and freeze until firm, about 45 minutes.
4. Spread the whipped topping over the chocolate layer and sprinkle with the reserved crumbs. Freeze for at least 3-1/2 hours. Remove the dish from the freezer 10 to 20 minutes before slicing. Serves 18.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Melon

Ingredients:

1 honeydew
Raspberry sorbet
Chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Halve the honeydew, discard the seeds, and chill it overnight in the fridge.
2. The next day, put the halves in the freezer for 15 minutes, pull them out, and pack them with sorbet, gently evening off the top.
3. Using a chilled knife, slice each half into halves again (make sure the melon is sorbet side up).
4. Finally, insert a row of chocolate chip seeds and serve immediately.

(Recipes taken from www.familyfun.go)

Scripture

Joseph Smith History 1:71

71 – Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me—after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were commanded.

Hymn

The Priesthood is Restored – Children’s Songbook #89 or Hark All Ye Nations – Hymn #264

The Priesthood is Restored

The priesthood is restored,
The truth made known to man,
That God has spoken to the earth,
His pow’r is here again.

Hark All Ye Nations

1. Hark, all ye nations!
Hear heaven’s voice
Thru ev’ry land that all may rejoice!
Angels of glory shout the refrain:
Truth is restored again!

[Chorus]
Oh, how glorious from the throne above
Shines the gospel light of truth and love!
Bright as the sun, this heavenly ray
Lights ev’ry land today.

2. Searching in darkness, nations have wept;
Watching for dawn, their vigil they’ve kept.
All now rejoice; the long night is o’er.
Truth is on earth once more!

3. Chosen by God to serve him below,
To ev’ry land and people we’ll go,
Standing for truth with fervent accord,
Teaching his holy word.

(Recipes taken from www.TastyKithcen.com)

Scripture

Mosiah 3:12 and Articles of Faith 1:4

12- But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

4- We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ…

Hymn

He Sent His Son – Primary Songbook #34 or I Believe In Christ – Hymn #134

He Sent His Son

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?
He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.
How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?
He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.
How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?
He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.
What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?
Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.
What does he ask? Live like his Son.

I Believe In Christ

1. I believe in Christ; he is my King!
With all my heart to him I’ll sing;
I’ll raise my voice in praise and joy,
In grand amens my tongue employ.
I believe in Christ; he is God’s Son.
On earth to dwell his soul did come.
He healed the sick; the dead he raised.
Good works were his; his name be praised.

2. I believe in Christ; oh blessed name!
As Mary’s Son he came to reign
’Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,
To save them from the woes of sin.
I believe in Christ, who marked the path,
Who did gain all his Father hath,
Who said to men: “Come, follow me,
That ye, my friends, with God may be.”

3. I believe in Christ—my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I’ll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan’s grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.

4. I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I’ll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Tell stories of Jesus. Make a list of things we know about Jesus Christ. Testify of your faith in Jesus Christ.

Stories of Jesus: Tell your children that you are going to talk about having faith in Jesus.

Faith means believing that Jesus lives and loves us and that he will bless us if we do what is right. If we trust him and follow his teachings, we will be happy. Our faith in Jesus can grow by learning about him.

Share some stories about Jesus and what kind of person he is with your children. Choose your favorite stories, and retell their favorites. After each story, tell them what it teaches you about Jesus and why it helps you to have faith in him. Your children may not yet understand what faith is, but they will benefit from hearing the stories about Jesus, and their faith will grow.

The following is an example of a story you might tell your children:

Jesus Blesses the Children

One day Jesus was teaching people. Some of the people wanted Jesus to bless their little children, and they started to take their children to where Jesus was sitting. Jesus’ disciples, who were the men who helped Jesus, tried to keep the people from bringing the little children to Jesus.

Jesus saw this and told the disciples to let the children come to him. He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14).

The children came and climbed on Jesus’ lap, and he blessed them and showed them how much he loved them. (See Mark 10:14–16.)

• How do you think Jesus felt about little children?

Testify of Jesus Christ and express the faith you have in his Atonement.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Discuss the meaning of “Faith”. Have a discussion about how we can each grow our faith in Jesus Christ. Listen to the modern day apostles and prophets testify of Jesus Christ. Testify of your faith in Jesus Christ.

Tell your family that one of the best ways to prepare yourself to face life successfully is to develop faith in Jesus Christ. Have someone quote or read the fourth article of faith. Faith in Jesus is the first principle of the gospel.

• What is faith? (A belief in something that can’t be seen or proved by scientific methods. A trust that is so strong it causes us to act on it.)
• Why is faith in Jesus Christ so important?

• What does way mean?
• What did Jesus mean when he said that he is the way?

Discuss each step as you read it, using the following ideas:

1. Prayer is important in making our faith grow because the feeling of sureness or testimony of Jesus Christ can come only from Heavenly Father. It comes by revelation through the Holy Ghost. We need help from our Heavenly Father to know Jesus and to understand and have faith in the things we learn about him.

2. We must continue to learn all we can about our Savior. We have the scriptures to teach us about his life and teachings. We have our Church classes and sacrament meetings. We also have seminary, family home evening, and the Church magazines to teach us about him and what he wants us to do.

3. The best way we can develop faith in Jesus is to live his teachings. This is how we learn that they bring good results and joy to us. In fact, faith is believing and trusting him enough to do what he wants us to do even when it is difficult. By using our faith in this way, it will grow. We will also find that we know and understand the Savior better.

If time permits, watch the following video of Modern Day Apostles and Prophets testifying of Jesus Christ

Testify of Jesus Christ and express the faith you have in his Atonement.

Treat

Easy Creamy Fruit Mousse or Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodles

Easy Creamy Fruit Mousse

Ingredients:

1 small (3 oz) box fruit flavored gelatin, regular or sugar free
1 cup boiling water
8 ounces cream cheese, divided
1/2 cup cold water
8 ounce container COOL WHIP, divided
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 small orange

Instructions:

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Place in blender and add 4 ounces (half of the package) cream cheese. Process until smooth. Add cold water and pulse blender to stir. Add half of the container of COOL WHIP (about a heaping cup) to the blender and process just until combined and mixture is free of lumps.

Pour mixture into one serving bowl, or several smaller individual sized dishes. Refrigerate until firm, 3-4 hours. Either top with remaining COOL WHIP or continue on with topping recipe.

To make topping, beat remaining 4 ounces cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, about 1 teaspoon orange zest (more if desired) and one teaspoon of the orange juice. Blend until creamy and smooth and then add more orange juice if needed for consistency. Dollop, pipe, or spread topping over chilled mousse just before serving. If you refrigerate the mousse with the topping on, it will harden, so it’s best to whip it up just before serving. Makes about 6, 1/2 cup servings.

Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodles

Ingredients: 

1 3/4 cups sugar (12.25 oz), divided
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 1/2 cups (12.5 oz) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt*
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter* (not margarine) at room temp
8 tablespoons vegetable shortening
2 large eggs
*if using salted butter, just omit table salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in shallow dish and set aside. Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt together in medium bowl.

Beat butter, shortening, and remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3-6 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated, about 30 seconds, scraping down bowl as needed.

Reduce speed of mixer to low and slowly add flour mixture until combined, about 30 seconds. Give dough final stir to ensure that no flour pockets remain.

Working with 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, roll into balls. Working in batches, roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat and set on prepared baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart.

Bake 1 sheet at a time until edges of cookies are set and just barely beginning to brown, but centers are still soft and puffy, about 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look raw between the cracks and seem underdone. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature. Makes about 2 dozen 3-4 inch cookies.

(Recipes taken from www.OurBestBites.com)

Scripture

D&C 121:7-8

7- My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8- And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Hymn

Nephi’s Courage Children’s Songbook 120 or Be Still My soul - Hymn 124

Nephi’s Courage

1. The Lord commanded Nephi to go and get the plates
From the wicked Laban inside the city gates.
Laman and Lemuel were both afraid to try.
Nephi was courageous. This was his reply:

2. The Lord commanded Nephi to go and build a boat.
Nephi’s older brothers believed it would not float.
Laughing and mocking, they said he should not try.
Nephi was courageous. This was his reply:

3. The Lord gives us commandments and asks us to obey.
Sometimes I am tempted to choose another way.
When I’m discouraged, and think I cannot try,
I will be courageous, and I will reply:

Chorus
“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.
I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.”

Be Still My Soul

1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Lesson

*For Children and Adults of All Ages* Use the “Sandpaper” Analogy to demonstrate how trials strengthen and polish us. Watch “David and Goliath: One Smooth Stone”. Discuss how David faced his trials and how the smooth stones he used relate to our experiences. Testify of how trials polish and strengthen us. 

Teach the principle of trials using the “Sandpaper” Analogy

Sandpaper Analogy

• Purpose: This demonstration shows how trials help strenghten and polish us, just as rough sandpaper smooths wood.
• You will need: A piece of sandpaper, Two pieces of wood with rough edges

Hold up the piece of sandpaper. Ask what it is and what it does, and then pass it around so others can feel its rough, scratchy surface. Show the pieces of wood and note the edges, which are raw. This represents us with all of our uneven surfaces.

Explain that the sandpaper represents trials that we encounter in our lives. The trials do not necessarily feel good when they rub against us. Show this by sanding the first block of wood. As you sand the board ask questions about different trials we might have or share some of your own.

When you have sanded the piece of wood and it is smooth, stop talking and pass it around so everyone can see the difference between it and the block that has yet to be sanded. Express your gratefulness for trials in our lives, which can help develop our spirits and strengthen us.

Watch “David and Goliath: One Smooth Stone” – this weeks featured movie on Liken TV! – Click the movie title for the link. **This video will only be available to watch for free until March 11th, so be sure to watch it while you can! If you missed this opportunity, you can purchase a downloadable copy or the DVD.**

After watching the movie, discuss how the the smooth stones used by David to kill Goliath relate to the “Sandpaper Analogy” and ultimately to each of us.

Testify of how trials polish and strengthen us.

Treat

Make it your way Cookie Cups or “Lucky You” Mint Pie

Make it your way Cookie Cups

Ingredients:

Instructions:

PREHEAT oven to 325° F. Grease twelve 2 1/2-inch muffin cups.

PRESS two squares of dough together. Place in prepared muffin cups.

BAKE for 20 to 24 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack*. Center of cups will indent slightly upon cooling. With tip of butter knife, remove cookie cups from muffin pan.

“Lucky You” Mint Pie

Ingredients:

1 cup (6 oz.) NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels
1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ CARNATION Evaporated Milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 prepared 9-inch (6 oz.) chocolate crumb crust
1 package (3.4 oz.) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 to 4 drops green food coloring (optional)
1 container (8 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
Additional NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels, fresh mint sprigs (optional)

Instructions:

MICROWAVE 1 cup morsels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 45 seconds; stir until smooth. Stir in butter; pour into crust. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until cool to the touch.

MEANWHILE, BEAT remaining evaporated milk, pudding mix, water, peppermint extract and 3 dropsfood coloring in medium bowl until combined. Gently stir in 2 cups whipped topping and additional drop of food coloring, if desired. Spoon over chocolate layer.

REFRIGERATE for 2 hours or until set. Sprinkle with additional morsels. Spoon remaining whipped topping in center of pie. Garnish with fresh mint.

(Recipes taken from verybestbaking.com)

Activity

1- Movie Night! – Enjoy watching “David and Goliath: One Smooth Stone”.  This movie entertaining as well as spiritually uplifting. Everyone of all ages will love it!

2- Word Scramble - Take some words out of the lesson – for example: TRIALS, DAVID, STONE, GOLIATH, etc. Scramble up the letters and put each one on a a piece of paper. Let everyone have a word to unscramble and have them tell how that word fit into the lesson. (Use short words if you can. Long words are pretty tough)

Scripture

Abraham 1:18

18 Behold, I will lead thee by my hand, and I will take thee, to put upon thee my name, even the Priesthood of thy father, and my power shall be over thee.

Hymn

Stand for the Right- Children’s Songbook 159 or Hark, All Ye Nations Hymn – 264

Stand for the Right

Our prophet has some words for you,
And these are the words:
“Be true, be true.”
At work or at play,
In darkness or light,
Be true, be true,
And stand for the right.

Hark, All Ye Nations 

1. Hark, all ye nations!
Hear heaven’s voice
Thru ev’ry land that all may rejoice!
Angels of glory shout the refrain:
Truth is restored again!

[Chorus]
Oh, how glorious from the throne above
Shines the gospel light of truth and love!
Bright as the sun, this heavenly ray
Lights ev’ry land today.

2. Searching in darkness, nations have wept;
Watching for dawn, their vigil they’ve kept.
All now rejoice; the long night is o’er.
Truth is on earth once more!

3. Chosen by God to serve him below,
To ev’ry land and people we’ll go,
Standing for truth with fervent accord,
Teaching his holy word.

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Tell the story “Abraham Received the Priesthood”. Talk about how the Priesthood blesses your family. Tell the story “Tommy’s First Day at School.” Testify of the sacred power of the Priesthood.

Tell the picture story, “Abraham Received the Priesthood”.

Explain how your family has been blessed by the priesthood. Tell the children about the day they were blessed and given a name by a priesthood holder as suggested in the regular lesson. With younger children, this part of the lesson could be expanded so that you take time telling each child about his birth and your special love for him. Describe other priesthood blessings you may have had, such as a father’s blessing or a blessing during illness. Help the children realize that having the priesthood to bless them is like having Heavenly Father close by us all the time.

Tell the story “Tommy’s First Day at School” and discuss it.

Tommy was getting ready to go to school for the first time. He had been excited about beginning school, but now that the first day had finally come, he was frightened.

Tommy was quiet all morning. His mother had made his favorite breakfast, but Tommy did not smile when he saw it. He picked up the spoon and tried to eat, but could not.

His mother asked, “Do you feel sick, Tommy?”

Tommy answered, “I think so. At least I don’t feel like going to school.”

Tommy’s mother felt his head to see if he had a fever. She looked in his throat, but it was not red. She said, “I can’t see anything wrong, Tommy. Show me where it is that you don’t feel well.”

Tommy said, “I just feel funny inside.”

Tommy’s father looked at him and said, “I think I know what might be wrong with you, Tommy. This is your first day of school. Maybe you feel funny inside because you will be away from home all day and you don’t know what to expect. Are you a little frightened? I know that feeling, too, Tommy. I had the same feeling when I started my new job last week.

“I can do something to help you if you would like. I can give you a special blessing before you go to school today. This blessing can help take away that frightened, funny feeling you have inside.”

“I’d like that, dad,” said Tommy.

Tommy’s father placed his hands on Tommy’s head and gave him a special blessing.

That afternoon Tommy came bounding in the door calling, “Mom, mom, I’m home.”

“How did you like school, Tommy?” asked his mother.

“Well, it was better than I thought it would be. My teacher is nice,” said Tommy.

“Dad said you would feel better after he gave you a special blessing, didn’t he? I’m glad your father knew just what to do to help you.”

Sharing these experiences should remind each family member what a great blessing the priesthood can be. The Lord has given us the priesthood because we are his children and he loves us. It is our Heavenly Father’s way of blessing his children, and he wants us to receive every blessing we are worthy to have.

Let the children make a poster that says, “The Priesthood Blesses Our Family.” Let each family member sign or print his name around the edges of the poster. Then write by each name the priesthood blessings that person has received.

Put up the poster somewhere so that your family will see it each day at dinner time. Discuss the different blessings during dinner each day.

Testify of the sacred power of the priesthood.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read  from the scriptures and discuss how Abraham received the priesthood. Watch the video “Sanctify Yourselves” and discuss the importance of being prepared to give and receive priesthood blessings. Testify of the sacred power of the Priesthood. 

Turn to Facsimile No. 1 in the book of Abraham, and discuss what you see. Then read the explanation printed below it.

• How did Abraham get into this perilous situation?

Read Abraham 1:5–7.

•  How was he rescued?

Discuss the importance of being prepared to give and receive priesthood blessings

Testify of the sacred power of the priesthood.

Treat

Caramel Apple Cupcakes or Oreo Truffles

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Ingredients: 

1 (18.25-ounce) package spice cake mix
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apple (about 1 large apple)
35 caramels
1/4 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream (or regular milk)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
24 wooden craft sticks

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vegetable oil until incorporated (about 30 seconds). Scrape sides of bowl and then beat on med-high speed for 3 minutes. Stir in chopped apple.

2. Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin pans, filling two-thirds full. Bake 18-20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not overbake. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

3. Meanwhile, combine caramels and milk in a medium saucepan over very low heat; stir 4 minutes or until smooth. It’s very important to keep the heat very low because if the caramel gets too hot it will become really hard when cooled.

4. Spread caramel mixture over cupcakes being careful to not touch the caramel to the paper liners or it will stick to the liners; immediately sprinkle with pecans, pressing in slightly. Insert a wooden stick into center of each cupcake. Store covered in an airtight container. It’s best to serve the cupcakes the same day that you add the caramel topping. Caramel will soften if kept at room temperature for too long so store in the refrigerator until ready to serve then let come to room temperature to let caramel soften up a bit.

Makes 20-24 cupcakes.

Oreo Truffles

Ingredients: 

1 package (18 oz.) Oreo cookies (or Nutter Butters or Grasshopper cookies), crushed into small pieces
1 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened
White or Chocolate melts for dipping

Instructions:

Mix crushed Oreos and cream cheese until well-combined. Either use a food processor or a ziplock and blend with your hands (a lot harder but all I had). Roll into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet or tray. Refrigerate until firm, 3-4 hours (or stick in the freezer for about an hour). Using 2 forks (or a spoon, but forks always work better for me), dip Oreo balls into chocolate coating and place onto waxed paper to harden. Chill and serve cold or room temperature. Makes about 30 truffles.

(Recipes taken from the-girl-who-ate-everything.com)