FHE LessonsLessons and ideas for family home evening!

Scripture

Russell M Nelson Quote

” This Christmas season, through all of our various Christmas traditions, I hope that we are focused first upon the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Hymn

 Picture a Christmas- Primary Songbook #50-51 or Hark! The Herald Angles Sing- Hymn #209

Picture a Christmas

1. Picture a stable in Judea.
Picture a sacred, silent night.
And can you hear
The angels near
And see the star so bright?

Picture the little baby Jesus.
Think of his life and words so dear.
Sing praise to him;
Remember him,
As you picture Christmas this year.

2. Picture the kind and gentle Joseph.
Picture the mother, Mary, fair.
And can you see
So rev’rently
The shepherds kneeling there?

Service

One of the greatest gifts you can give is service.

• Clean the house.
• Offer to babysit.
• Set and clear the table.
• Make dinner for your family.
• Do the dishes or sweep the floor.
• Help a sibling with his or her homework.
• Depending on the climate where you live, shovel the walkway or weed the garden.

Family Time

Even though you have a busy schedule, make time for your family. Your presence will help support your parents, and they will thank you for your efforts.

• Participate in family home evening (without having to be reminded about it).
• Play with your siblings.
• Be on time for family dinners.
• Talk with and listen to family members.
• Participate in family prayer and scripture reading.
• Spend time with your family instead of just your friends, or invite your friends to family activities (with your parents’ permission).

Commitment

Let your parents know you are committing to something important. The best way to show your commitment is to start now and keep going.

• Prepare to serve a mission (for young men). Start now by building up a mission fund if possible.
• Study the scriptures daily.
• Save some of your earnings.
• Go to school without complaint and do your homework on time.
• Attend seminary. If you go to seminary in the morning, wake up on your own.
• Prepare for temple marriage. Make a list of important qualities to look for in a future spouse and then develop those qualities in yourself.

Attitude

Your parents will appreciate a good attitude toward them and your other family members.

• Have a positive attitude.
• Don’t point out flaws in your parents or siblings.
• Make a habit of saying thank you, even for the small things.
• Write a thank-you letter to your parents for all they’ve done for you.
• Resolve conflicts with your parents or siblings without anger or argument.
• Count your blessings—literally. Create a list of things you’ve been able to do because of your parents’ support, and share the list with them.

Candy Cane Crinkles

Ingredients:

Activity

1- Do a secret act of service for a neighbor or friend.

2- Go Christmas caroling.

3- Print, Cutout & make the Nativity.

Scripture

Luke 2:11

11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Hymn

 Christmas Bells – Primary Songbook #54 or I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day- Hymn #214

Christmas Bells

1. Christmas bells are ringing.
Hear what they say to you:
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, in Bethlehem.

2. Christmas bells, ringing, singing:
Jesus is born, is born
in Bethlehem, born in Bethlehem.

White Chocolate Popcorn

Ingredients:

Activity

1- Five Christmas Gifts activity page –

President Monson said that we might want to think about which gifts the Lord would want us to give to Him or to others.

Circle the five children in the picture who are serving others. How are their actions gifts to Jesus?

2- Go Christmas Caroling as a family.

3- Make a Christmas countdown chain, with a scripture on each day. Here are some examples:

Jesus is born. (Luke 2:1–21)

Jesus calms the storm. (Mark 4:35–39)

Jesus feeds five thousand people. (Matthew 14:13–21)

Jesus teaches about the good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25–37)

Jesus heals the ten lepers. (Luke 17:11–19)

Jesus atones for our sins in Gethsemane. (Luke 22:41–45)

Jesus appears to the Nephites in the Americas after His Resurrection. (3 Nephi 11:8–17)

Jesus teaches the Nephites about the sacrament. (3 Nephi 18:1–12)

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

1 Timothy 4:12

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Hymn

  I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus - Primary Songbook #78 or  Lord, I Would Follow Thee- Hymn #220

I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus

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

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

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

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13×9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.

2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.

3. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature. (Taken from All Recipes)

 Marshmallow Pops

20 Servings

Ingredients:

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

D&C 18:10-14

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

11 – For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

12 – And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.

13 – And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!

14 – Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.

Hymn

Repentance- Primary Songbook #98 or Come Unto Jesus – Hymn #117

“I am sorry” is not always easy to say
When I know I’ve been thoughtless and done something wrong.
I’ll try to repent, to do better, to pray
That Heavenly Father will help me be strong.

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Read “Making Things Right” (Friend, April 2012). Discuss the story. Testify of the power of Repentance.

 Read or retell “Making Things Right” (Friend, April 2012).

Making Things Right

“I need to tell you something, Mom,” Melissa said, looking at the floor. She took a deep breath and started to cry.

“My teacher is really mad because someone wrote on the bathroom wall,” Melissa said. “I know I shouldn’t have done it, but someone else started writing and I thought it was funny, so I did too. I feel so bad inside. What can I do?”

Mom gave Melissa a hug and pointed to a picture on the shelf. It was taken on the day Melissa was baptized. “Do remember what Uncle Brett talked about at your baptism?”

Sniffling, Melissa nodded. “That the Holy Ghost can help us know what is right and wrong,” she said. “He said if I did something wrong I would get a bad feeling. Is this what he was talking about?”

“Yes,” Mom said. “What else did he say?”

Melissa thought for a moment. “When we mess up we can repent by asking for forgiveness and fixing what we did wrong,” she said. “And promising to never do it again.”

As Melissa said those words, she knew what she needed to do.

Before the school bell rang the next morning, Melissa was at her teacher’s desk.

“Mrs. O’Dell, I wrote on the bathroom wall,” Melissa said, her heart pounding. “I’m really sorry, and I will clean it up.”

Mrs. O’Dell looked at Melissa for a moment. “You’ll have to stay after school to clean it,” she said. “And you need to tell your mother what you have done.”

“I know, I already told her. I promise to never do anything like this again,” Melissa said.

Melissa smiled as she walked to her desk. The bad feeling she had yesterday was gone.

Discuss the following questions after reading the story.

• Why did Melissa feel bad inside?
• What did Melissa’s mom remind her about?
• What does the Holy Ghost help us to know?
• Can we do anything if we mess up?
• What did Melissa decide to do?

Testify of the power of Repentance

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read “Repentance and Conversion”, from April 2007 General Conference. Discuss the talk given by Elder Nelson and it’s meaning to your family. Testify of the power of Repentance.

Read “Repentance and Conversion”, a talk given by Elder Russell M. Nelson in April 2007.

Repentance and Conversion 

Russell M. Nelson

Last year while Elder David S. Baxter and I were driving to a stake conference, we stopped at a restaurant. Later when returning to our car, we were approached by a woman who called out to us. We were startled by her appearance. Her grooming (or lack of it) was what I might politely call “extreme.” She asked if we were elders in the Church. We said yes. Almost unrestrained, she told the story of her tragic life, swamped in sin. Now, only 28 years old, she was miserable. She felt worthless, with nothing to live for. As she spoke, the sweetness of her soul began to emerge. Pleading tearfully, she asked if there was any hope for her, any way up and out of her hopelessness.

“Yes,” we responded, “there is hope. Hope is linked to repentance. You can change. You can ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.’”  We urged her not to procrastinate. She sobbed humbly and thanked us sincerely.

As Elder Baxter and I continued our journey, we pondered that experience. We recalled the counsel given to a hopeless soul by Aaron, who said, “If thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, … then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.”

Now, at this closing session of general conference, I too speak on repentance. I do so because the Lord has commanded His servants to cry repentance unto all people.  The Master has restored His gospel to bring joy to His children, and repentance is a crucial component of that gospel.

The doctrine of repentance is as old as the gospel itself. Biblical teachings from the books of Genesis to Revelation teach repentance. Lessons from Jesus Christ during His mortal ministry include these warnings: “The kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” and “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

References to repentance are even more frequent in the Book of Mormon. To the people of ancient America, the Lord gave this commandment: “Again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.”

With the Restoration of the gospel, our Savior has again stressed this doctrine. The word repent in any of its forms appears in 47 of the 138 sections of the Doctrine and Covenants!

Repent from Sin

What does it mean to repent? We begin with a dictionary’s definition that to repent is “to turn from sin … to feel sorrow [and] regret.” To repent from sin is not easy. But the prize is worth the price. Repentance needs to be done one step at a time. Humble prayer will facilitate each essential step. As prerequisites to forgiveness, there must first be recognition, remorse, then confession. “By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.” Confession is to be made to the person who has been wronged. Confession should be sincere and not merely an admission of guilt after proof is evident. If many persons have been offended, confession should be made to all offended parties. Acts that may affect one’s standing in the Church or the right to its privileges should be confessed promptly to the bishop, whom the Lord has called as a common judge in Israel.

The next step is restitution—to repair damage done—if possible. Then come steps to resolve to do better and refrain from relapse—to repent “with full purpose of heart.” Thanks to the ransom paid by the Atonement of Jesus Christ, full forgiveness is given to the sinner who repents and remains free from sin. To the repentant soul, Isaiah said, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

The Lord’s imperative emphasis on repentance is evident as we read from section 19 of the Doctrine and Covenants: “I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.

“For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

“But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I.”

While the Lord insists on our repentance, most people don’t feel such a compelling need. They include themselves among those who try to be good. They have no evil intent. Yet the Lord is clear in His message that all need to repent—not only from sins of commission but from sins of omission as well. Such is the case in His warning to parents: “Inasmuch as parents have children in Zion … that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost … , the sin be upon the heads of the parents.”

Broader Meaning of the Word Repent

The doctrine of repentance is much broader than a dictionary’s definition. When Jesus said “repent,” His disciples recorded that command in the Greek language with the verb metanoeo. This powerful word has great significance. In this word, the prefix meta means “change.” The suffix relates to four important Greek terms: nous, meaning “the mind”; gnosis, meaning “knowledge”; pneuma, meaning “spirit”; 28 and pnoe, meaning “breath.”

Thus, when Jesus said “repent,” He asked us to change—to change our mind, knowledge, and spirit—even our breath. A prophet explained that such a change in one’s breath is to breathe with grateful acknowledgment of Him who grants each breath. King Benjamin said, “If ye should serve him who has created you … and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath … from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.”

Yes, the Lord has commanded us to repent, to change our ways, to come unto Him, and be more like Him. This requires a total change. Alma so taught his son: “Learn wisdom in thy youth,” he said. “Learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God. … Let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.”

To repent fully is to convert completely to the Lord Jesus Christ and His holy work. Alma taught that concept when he posed these questions: “I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?” That change comes when we are “born again,” converted and focused upon our journey to the kingdom of God.

Fruits of Repentance

The fruits of repentance are sweet. Repentant converts find that the truths of the restored gospel govern their thoughts and deeds, shape their habits, and forge their character. They are more resilient and able to deny themselves of all ungodliness. Moreover, uncontrolled appetite, addiction to pornography or harmful drugs, unbridled passion, carnal desire, and unrighteous pride are diminished with complete conversion to the Lord and a determination to serve Him and to emulate His example. Virtue garnishes their thoughts, and self-confidence grows. Tithing is seen as a joyful and protective blessing, not as a duty or a sacrifice. Truth becomes more attractive, and things praiseworthy become more engaging.

Repentance is the Lord’s regimen for spiritual growth. King Benjamin explained that “the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” 45 Brothers and sisters, that means conversion! Repentance is conversion! A repentant soul is a converted soul, and a converted soul is a repentant soul.

Repentance for Those Who Are Dead

Each living person can repent. But what about those who have died? They also have opportunities to repent. Scripture declares that “the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance … among those who are … under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.

“The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God,

“And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, [they] shall receive a reward according to their works.”

The Prophet Joseph Smith further revealed that “the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children. … We without [our dead] cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. … [This] dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place.”

“Jesus wants me for a sunbeam”? Yes! And you too! He also wants us as bonding blacksmiths—creating celestial welding links—to curb the curse of family fragmentation. The earth was created and temples provided so that families can be together forever. Many, if not most, of us could repent and be converted to more temple and family history work for our ancestors. Thus, our repentance is necessary and essential for their repentance.

For all our kindred dead, to the 28-year-old woman mired in the swamp of sin, and to each one of us, I declare that the sweet blessing of repentance is possible. It comes through complete conversion to the Lord and His holy work.

I know that God lives. Jesus is the Christ. This is His Church. His prophet today is President Gordon B. Hinckley. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Discuss the article as a family. You can direct the conversation in any direction you wish. You might consider the following questions as you lead your discussion.

• What are the 4 different aspects of repentance that Elder Nelson mentioned in his talk?
• What are the steps of repentance?
• Discuss the broader meaning of the work “Repent”
• Based on the broader meaning of the word “Repent”, would consider repentance as periodic events, or as an ongoing process?
• What is something new you have learned about repentance after studying this conference talk?

Testify of the power of Repentance.

Optional Toppings:

canned pie filling
fresh berries
whipped cream
chocolate sauce
caramel sauce
lemon curd

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375. Soften cream cheese if needed. With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar. Add in flour and baking powder and beat to combine. Then add in eggs, one at a time, lemon juice, and vanilla. Beat to combine.

Fill a muffin pan with cupcake liners and place one vanilla wafer at the bottom of each one. Divide batter between 12 muffin papers, filling each cup up to about 1/4 inch from the top. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. They’ll puff way up during baking, but they’ll settle after being chilled.

When you take them out of the oven, place them on a cooling rack and let them cool completely. While they cool, they will sink down in the center. Don’t worry- that’s normal! It makes the perfect little well to fill up with the fruit filling. Before you top them, chill in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours or preferably over night. Then top and serve. You can be creative and top with whatever you like, like chocolate, caramel, lemon curd, whatever! Makes 12 cheesecakes.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

Ingredients:

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought.
2 large eggs
1/2 C flour
1/2 C white granulated sugar
1/2 C packed brown sugar
3/4 C real butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
1 C chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark works best, you might find milk too sweet)
1 C chopped pecans (if desired)

Vanilla ice cream, or sweetened whipped cream for serving
optional: chocolate sauce

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325° F.

Beat eggs in large mixer bowl on high speed until foamy. Beat in flour, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat in butter. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into pie shell.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted halfway between edge and center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack or serve slightly warmed. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

(Recipes taken from www.OurBestBites.com )

Scripture

 John 8:12

12 – Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Hymn

Teach Me to Walk in the Light – Primary Songbook #177 or Come Follow Me – Hymn #116

Teach Me to Walk in the Light 

1. (Child) Teach me to walk in the light of his love;
Teach me to pray to my Father above;
Teach me to know of the things that are right;
Teach me, teach me to walk in the light.

2. (Parent) Come, little child, and together we’ll learn
Of his commandments, that we may return
Home to his presence, to live in his sight
Always, always to walk in the light.

3. (Both) Father in Heaven, we thank thee this day
For loving guidance to show us the way.
Grateful, we praise thee with songs of delight!
Gladly, gladly we’ll walk in the light.

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 Younger Children*  Teach using the “I Am the Light of the World” object lesson. Tell the story “John Was Happy” Make a chart to help follow Christ’s Example. Testify of the perfect and wonderful example of Jesus Christ.

Demonstrate how Jesus Christ is the light of the world through the “I Am the Light of the World” object lesson.

Turn out all the lights in the house, or use a blindfold if it is still light. Ask one of the family members to perform a difficult task, such as writing a sentence on a piece of paper or finding several household items and putting them in one place. Then turn on the lights or remove the blindfold, and show how easily the same task can be done in the light.

Have a family member read aloud John 8:12.

• How is Jesus the Light of the World? (He is the one who lights our way.)
• How does he give us light? (He gave us his example and teachings.)
• Why is it easier to make the right decisions with the aid of Jesus’ light? (His examples and teachings light the way for us. We can see the paths we should take more clearly.)

John Was Happy

John was on his way to school. He was hurrying because he wanted to have fun playing before school began. He passed Jenny. She was on her tricycle. But she was not riding. She was just sitting there. Jenny was only three, and John was six.

John said, “Hello, Jenny.” Then he saw that Jenny was crying. John stopped. “What is the matter, Jenny?” he asked.

“I can’t find my house,” Jenny cried. John knew where Jenny’s house was, but if he stopped to take her home, he wouldn’t get to school in time to play.

• What would you do if you were John?
• What would the Lord want John to do?

John didn’t want to stop, but when he saw the tears on Jenny’s face, he couldn’t leave her there lost. He said, “Don’t cry anymore, Jenny. I’ll take you home.” He helped her turn her tricycle in the right direction and walked beside her. Jenny stopped crying. When she saw her house, she looked happy.

• How do you think John felt?
• How do you think he would have felt if he had left Jenny crying and had gone to school in time to play?

Following Christ’s Example

You may wish to display a picture of Jesus on a chart. Below it, down the left side, write the name of each child. Draw a line across the paper separating each name.

When a child does something to make someone happy, let him paste or tape a happy face in his space.

Let the children make the happy faces during the home evening. The outline can be made by tracing around a coin or button.

Testify of the perfect and wonderful example of Jesus Christ.

Turn out all the lights in the house, or use a blindfold if it is still light. Ask one of the family members to perform a difficult task, such as writing a sentence on a piece of paper or finding several household items and putting them in one place. Then turn on the lights or remove the blindfold, and show how easily the same task can be done in the light.

Have a family member read aloud John 8:12.

• How is Jesus the Light of the World? (He is the one who lights our way.)
• How does he give us light? (He gave us his example and teachings.)
• Why is it easier to make the right decisions with the aid of Jesus’ light? (His examples and teachings light the way for us. We can see the paths we should take more clearly.)

Memorize John 8:12 together as a family. Then sing “Teach Me to Walk in the Light.”

What are some of the things for which Jesus has given us his example, things that apply to our own lives?

Direct your discussion according to the needs of your family. Following are some examples:

1. He showed us the way to be baptized (Matthew 3:13–17).
2. He loved little children (Mark 10:13–16).
3. He helped the sick and the handicapped (Mark 6:53–56, 7:31–35).
4. He was kind (John 4:6–10).
5. He did not get angry with those who offended him (Matthew 27:29–31).
6. He forgave those who were cruel to him (Luke 23:34).
7. He showed us how to pray (Matthew 6:5–13).
8. He taught the importance of truth (John 8:32).
9. He resisted all temptation (Matthew 4:2–10).

In your discussion, show how Jesus always chose to do the will of the Father. He exemplified the principle of love toward others.

(Recipes taken from www.OurBestBites.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

John 11:25-26

25- Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

26- And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Hymn

He Died, That We Might Live Again – Primary Songbook #65 or He is Risen! – Hymn #199

He Died, That We Might Live Again

He died that we might live again,
Lord Jesus, our Redeemer true.
He died on Calv’ry’s lonely hill.
His life he gave for me and you.
He rose from the grave on Easter morn,
Our Savior and our King.
He showed his love for all mankind.
For his great love, give thanks and sing.
Rejoice! Rejoice! and sing, sing, sing.

He is Risen!

1. He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three days’ prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice.
Death is conquered; man is free.
Christ has won the victory.

2. Come with high and holy hymning;
Chant our Lord’s triumphant lay.
Not one darksome cloud is dimming
Yonder glorious morning ray,
Breaking o’er the purple east,
Symbol of our Easter feast.

3. He is risen! He is risen!
He hath opened heaven’s gate.
We are free from sin’s dark prison,
Risen to a holier state.
And a brighter Easter beam
On our longing eyes shall stream.

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Explain and discuss what Jesus did for us at Easter time. Talk about the importance of the Atonement. Testify of the Atonement and the true meaning of Easter.

Preparation: Bring a picture of someone you love that has died. Prepare three word strips that say “Suffered for our sins,” “Resurrection,” and “Atonement.”

Testify of the Atonement and what it means to you. Testify of the true meaning of Easter.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read Matthew 26:36-45. Discuss D&C  19:16-18. Watch “None Were With Him” – a powerful Mormon Messages Video on Jesus Christ’s Atonement. Testify the Atonement and the true meaning of Easter.

Read aloud Matthew 26:36–45.

36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called^aGethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and ^bpray yonder.

37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and^abegan to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is ^aexceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and ^bwatch with me.

39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and ^aprayed, saying, O my ^bFather, if it be possible, let this ^ccup pass from me: nevertheless not as I ^dwill, but as ^ethou ^fwilt.

40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them ^aasleep, and saith unto Peter, What, ^bcould ye not watch with me one hour?

41 ^aWatch and ^bpray, that ye enter not into ^ctemptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy ^awill be done.

43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is ^abetrayed into the hands of sinners.

Then read and discuss Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–18.

16 For behold, I, God, have ^asuffered these things for all, that they might not ^bsuffer if they would ^crepent;

17 But if they would not repent they must ^asuffer even as I;

18 Which ^asuffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might ^bnot drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

Watch the following Mormon Messages Video on the Atonement and the true meaning of Easter. Then discuss and share what the Atonement means to each of you, personally.

Testify of the Atonement and what it means to you. Testify of the true meaning of Easter.

Treat

Strawberry Pretzel Squares or 3-Step Mini Cheesecake Baskets

Strawberry Pretzel Squares

Ingredients:

2cups finely crushed pretzels
1/2cup sugar, divided
2/3cup butter or margarine, melted
1-1/2pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2Tbsp. milk
1cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
2cups boiling water
1pkg. (6 oz.) JELL-O Strawberry Flavor Gelatin
1-1/2cups cold water
4cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions:

HEAT oven to 350°F.

MIX pretzel crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and butter; press onto bottom of 13×9-inch pan. Bake 10 min. Cool.

BEAT cream cheese, remaining sugar and milk until blended. Stir in COOL WHIP; spread over crust. Refrigerate.

ADD boiling water to gelatin mix in large bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water. Refrigerate 1-1/2 hours or until thickened.

STIR berries into gelatin; spoon over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.

3-Step Mini Cheesecake Baskets

Ingredients:

2pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2cup sugar
1/2tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
12 NILLA Wafers
1-1/2cups BAKER’S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut, tinted green
36small jelly beans
12pieces shoestring licorice (4 inch each)

Instructions:

HEAT oven to 350°F.

BEAT cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs; beat just until blended.

PLACE wafer on bottom of each of 12 paper-lined muffin cups. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over wafers.

BAKE 20 min. or until centers are almost set. Cool. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Top evenly with coconut and jelly beans just before serving. Bend each licorice piece, then insert both ends into each cheesecake to resemble the handle of a basket. Keep refrigerated.

(Recipes taken from www.KraftRecipes.com)