FHE: A Living Prophet

Discussion:
With General Conference approaching, we'll be talking about the significance of having a living Prophet and Apostles on the earth today and the blessings that come from following their counsel.

Activity:
Then we'll play a matching game to learn more about the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  (I pulled pictures and information from lds.org--look for the General Authorities section and you can read through their biographies.  Maybe one of these days, I'll figure out how to post the pdf here, but in the meantime, not that anyone actually reads this blog, but if you're interested in a copy of the game, leave a comment with your email and I'll send it to you.)

Testimony:
Bear testimony of the reality of a living prophet and the blessings that come from being able to receive direction from the Lord during General Conference.

FHE: Love at Home

Discussion:
Home should be a place where we feel safe and happy--a place where we know we are loved and accepted, a place where we can learn from one another and enjoy each other's company.  What are some words that describe how you would like our home to feel?  (make a list together)

Activity:
Take turns acting out scenarios and deciding how we could deal with these problems differently to create a loving atmosphere in our home.  (Make it a "movie night" and have one person be the director for each scenario.  After acting it out, the director gets to say "cut" and tell the "actors" how to change the scene to make it better.  Then change roles, so everyone gets a turn to be the director.)

#1:  Josh and Tyson came running through the front door, obviously upset.  Josh is yelling about Tyson kicking the soccer ball right at him and hitting him in the stomach.  Tyson is yelling about how he made a goal and Josh said it didn't count. 

#2:  Allison's Dad asked her to come brush her teeth, but she was too busy telling a joke to her brother to hear him.  When Allison's Dad finally got her attention, she got upset because she didn't like having him tell her what to do so she screamed and stomped down the hall. 

#3:  Sam loved to play baseball.  It was his favorite game.  As soon as he got his homework done, he went outside to practice hitting the ball.  When Mom called him to come in and clean up for dinner, he was still having a great time.  Sam was so upset about having to leave his favorite game, that he slammed the door and kicked the wall on his way in to make sure everyone knew he was upset.  When Mom asked him to pick up his things and come to dinner, he yelled, "No" and slumped down on the couch, refusing to do anything. 

#4:  Cami and Jessica are getting ready to play a game and Cami wants to go first.  She tells Jessica that she won't play anything with her unless she gets to go first.

#5:  Mom asked Aaron to straigten the family room before it was time for dinner.  As he was cleaning, he found a piece of paper that would be perfect for a paper airplane, so he stopped what he was doing to make one.  When Mom came back and asked him to finish quickly, Aaron got upset and told her if she didn't always bug him about cleaning up, it would get done faster. 

Dicsussion:
The way that we deal with situations affects the atmosphere of our home.  Each of us can make a difference in our home by taking a minute to think about how we want to react.  We can think about the example of the Savior and how we would want others to treat us. 

Testimony:
-We can make our home a place of happiness and love as we treat each other kindly. 
-Heavenly Father wants us to become like Him.  We can pray for His help to be more kind and loving, more patient and forgiving.

Father's Blessings

One of the things I loved growing up was receiving a Father's blessing at the beginning of every school year.  I remember how it felt to sit in the chair when it was my turn and feel my dad's hands on my head as he gave a blessing of counsel and encouragement specifically for me.  I looked forward to that special time each year and wanted to carry that tradition into our family.  So at the beginning of each school year, we have a Family Home Evening devoted to giving Father's blessings.  Hopefully it's something that our children will look forward to as well.

FHE: Trying to Be Like Jesus

Discussion:
(from May 1999 Friend http://lds.org/friend/1999/05/sharing-time-follow-jesus-christ?lang=eng)
We talk a lot about trying to be like Jesus and following His example, so how do we really do that?

When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, He set a perfect example for us to follow in treating other people. He said, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). He showed us at least three things that each of us can do: He was kind. He loved everyone. He served others.

I can be kind. Jesus taught that we can share what we have with others. We can visit people who are sick. We can make someone who is new feel welcome. Jesus did these things, and we can, too. He said that when we do these things for others, we are doing it for Him (see Matt. 25:40). When we share with others, we are not just sharing with them—we are sharing with Him. When we visit others, it is as if we are also visiting Him. When we make others feel welcome, we are making Him feel welcome, too. Surely that is why being kind helps us to have a good feeling and to feel close to our Savior.

I can love everyone. When Jesus knew that He was about to be crucified, He gave His disciples a most important commandment—to love one another the same way He loved them. He told them that people would know that they were His disciples if they followed this commandment. People will know that we are followers of Jesus Christ when they see that we are trying to love everyone.

I can serve others. Jesus spent His whole life serving others. He even gave His life for others—for us. He taught that the greatest among us would be those who serve others as He did (see Matt. 23:11). That is hard for some people to understand. They think that if everyone serves them, it means that they are very important. Jesus Christ taught a better way—to serve others by helping them, by comforting them, by treating them as He treated others.

Activity:

Read the scenarios and scripture references from the September 1990 Friend http://lds.org/friend/1990/09/sharing-time-try-to-be-like-jesus?lang=eng and decide how to follow the example of Jesus Christ.

Story:

Read about how being kind and unselfish makes us happy in "The Best Summer Day". http://lds.org/friend/2009/06/the-best-summer-day?lang=eng

Testimony:

-We can follow the example of Jesus Christ by being kind, by showing our love to others, and by serving.

-As we follow the example of Jesus Christ and try to make others feel good, we will be happy also.

FHE: Love

Activity:
Introduce the topic of Home Evening by giving these clues from pages 76 & 78 of the Family Home Evening Resource Guide.  Have everyone raise their hand when they think they know what we're talking about and let people guess after each clue.
1. We cannot see it.
2. We can feel it, but not with our hands.
3. It can be divided up indefinitely.
4. We will never run out of it.
5. It makes us happy.
6. It makes us want to do things for others.
7. It makes us humble.
8. It gives us patience.
9. It makes us want to avoid unrighteous actions.
10. It helps us to be contented with what we have.

Discussion:
Tonight we're talking about showing love in our home.  Why do you think it's important to show love?  (helps us to be happy and invite the Spirit into our home, etc.)  Who set an example for us of how to show love?  (Jesus Christ)  Think of a couple examples of times when Jesus showed love & discuss how we can follow His example.

Activity:
Play "spin the bottle" and have whoever it points to share a way that they can show love in our home.  (sharing, saying "I love you", giving hugs, letting someone else go first, listening and being obedient, being reverent, forgiving, etc.)  Then that person spins the bottle to see who will go next.

Testimony:
-We can follow the example of the Savior by showing love in our home.
-Showing love in our home helps us to invite the Spirit and be a happy family.

FHE: Testimony

Discussion:
What is a testimony?
A testimony is a spiritual witness of the truthfulness of the gospel and the reality of Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ given to us by the Holy Ghost.  Testimony means to know that something is real.

You can know that this table is real because you can touch it.  You can know that the sun is real because you can see it and feel it's warmth.  But how can you know that something is real when you can't see or touch it?  The Holy Ghost can help us to know that something is true by the way we feel.  When we do what is right or learn about something that is true, we feel good, warm or peaceful inside.  This is the witness of the Spirit that what we're doing or learning about is true.  Even though we haven't seen Jesus Christ, we can know that He is real and that He loves us.

A testimony doesn't come all at once.  President Uchtdorf talked about this in General Conference.  He said that instead of being one big event, gaining a witness or testimony, "often comes in the form of a puzzle--one piece at a time."  (May Ensign, p. 70)  As we learn about the gospel and try to do what is right, the Spirit will witness to us little by little that the things we are learning and doing are true.   

Activity:
How can you gain a testimony and help it grow? (pray, read the scriptures, attend Church, etc.)
Print out a picture from lds.org to cut it into a 9 piece puzzle.  (It could be a picture of the Savior, the First Vision, a child bearing testimony, etc.)
On the back of each piece, write one thing you can do to gain a testimony and help it grow: 
-Pray sincerely
-Read the Scriptures
-Attend Sacrament Meeting & Primary
-Follow the Prophet
-Obey the Commandments
-Try to be like Jesus
-Repent of any wrongdoing (so that you can have the Spirit with you)
-Participate in Family Home Evening
-Share your testimony with others
Then discuss each action as you put the puzzle together.  (You could hide the pieces around the room and reiterate how we gain our testimonies one piece at a time.)

Unlike this puzzle, though, our testimonies are never finished.  We need to strengthen our testimonies throughout our entire lives by continuing to learn and do what is right.

Discussion:
How can you share your testimony?
-There are many ways we can share our testimonies.  A testimony doesn't have to be formal or use certain words.  We can bear our testimony with simple statements.  We may talk about things that we know or believe with our family members or friends.  We can also bear our testimony through our actions--by living in accordance with what we believe or know is true.

-When we bear our testimonies in Sacrament meeting, we should keep them simple and focused on the Savior and the things that we know are true.  Sometimes it is appropriate to share an experience that helped to strengthen our testimony, but we shouldn't tell stories to entertain or draw attention to ourselves.  Testimonies are heartfelt expressions of the things we know to be true.  As we bear pure testimony, we will invite the confirming witness of the Holy Ghost.  Our own testimonies will be strengthened as we bear them.

Activity:
Use this activity from the October 2008 Friend to review the essential parts of a testimony.  You can attach the pictures to a glove, or make them into finger puppets.  Or simply trace a hand and glue the pictures onto the fingers as you discuss what each one represents and how you could share that part of your testimony. 
http://lds.org/friend/2008/10/testimony-glove?lang=eng&query

Each person can try on the glove and tell about the five parts of a testimony or bear their testimony of these things if they'd like to.  (Don't pressure anyone to bear their testimony as they should be heartfelt and personal.)

Testimony:
-Each one of us can gain our own testimonies of the gospel.  As we learn about Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ and try to do what is right, the Holy Ghost will witness to us that the things we are learning and doing are true.
-We can strengthen our testimonies each day as we try to live the gospel.  Little by little, our testimonies will continue to grow stronger throughout our lives.

FHE: Forgiveness

Discussion:
Sometimes in life others will hurt or disappoint us.  Whether their actions were accidental or on purpose, we are the only ones that can choose how we will act or how we will feel.  We can choose to let things bother us and get upset or we can choose to let things go and forgive others.  If we choose to focus on a problem, it can seem worse or bigger than it really is.  We start to see only the negative.

President Boyd K. Packer talked about forgiveness this past General Conference.  (Briefly tell the story from his talk about the man who lost his wife and had to learn to forgive and "leave it alone".)
 http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/guided-by-the-holy-spirit?lang=eng

President Packer taught that when we refuse to forgive or "leave it alone", "that attitude is somewhat like a man being hit by a club.  Offended, he takes up a club and beats himself over the head with it all the days of his life.  How foolish!  How sad!  That kind of revenge is self-inflicting.  If you have been offended, forgive, forget it, and leave it alone."

Activity:
When we are hurt by someone, we may have feelings of anger and hurt.  We might feel like seeking for revenge or hurting them back.  (As you talk about this, fill a backpack with five heavy objects--books, rocks, etc.--labeled: hurt, anger, resentment, revenge, and hate.)

Have each family member take turns carrying this heavy load.  Explain that carrying these feelings is an even greater burden than carrying the heavy bag.  When we forgive, we can forget all these feelings and are free from the burden of carrying them.

Discussion:
-Who is hurt the most when we choose not to forgive?  (ourselves)

-What difference does it make when we forgive?  (We can let go of angry and hurt feelings and be happy instead.  We can also be forgiven of our own sins.)

Read D&C 64:10
-Why do you think the Lord commanded us to forgive everyone?  (Forgiveness allows us to feel peace and happiness.  We may not understand why others do things that are unkind, but we are responsible for our own actions and decisions.  When we are holding grudges or feeling upset with others, we can't invite the Spirit to be with us.  By forgiving others and letting go of hard feelings, we are able to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and focus on things that are truly important.)

Activity:
Make a simple obstacle course.  Have each person go through it while looking backwards, then let everyone go through it looking forward.  Discuss how doing the obstacle course while looking forward is like forgiveness.  When we forgive, we can forget about the hurt feelings and problems of the past and focus on the future, which makes getting through life much easier.

Testimony:
-We will all have times in our lives when we are hurt by things that others do or say, but we can decide for ourselves how we will act.  When we choose to forgive and let things go, we can find peace and have the companionship of the Holy Ghost to help us in our lives.  Our lives will be much happier when we choose to forgive.

Additional Activities:
-Read this story from the June 2009 Friend
http://lds.org/friend/2009/06/let-it-go?lang=eng

FHE: Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

Discussion:
Read Exodus 20:8.  Keeping the Sabbath day (or Sunday) holy is a commandment.  To keep it holy means that we do things that remind us of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ--going to church, reading the scriptures, and other reverent things.  We should avoid working on the Sabbath or doing things that would keep us from thinking of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

That's why we do things differently on Sundays.  We do different things to help make it a special day, set apart from the rest of the week.  We stay in our Sunday clothes to help us remember to keep the Sabbath day holy.  (Obviously, this isn't a requirement--just something our family does so I thought it was appropriate to re-visit why we've chosen to do this.)

One of the most important things we can do on Sunday is to attend our church meetings and partake of the sacrament to renew our baptismal covenants.  We can worship Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and learn of Them.

Activity:
Draw slips of paper from a bucket or bowl and decide whether the activity listed is appropriate for the Sabbath.  (use thumbs up/down, stand up/sit down, or simple yes/no answers.)  (This list comes from the Primary 2 manual, lesson 37.)
 
-going to church
-visiting relatives
-cleaning the house
-going shopping
-going to a movie
-reading the scriptures or other good books
-praying
-watching or participating in a game of sports
-writing letters
-going for a walk
-playing scripture games
-visiting a sick person

Discussion:
Elder L. Tom Perry talked about "The Sabbath and the Sacrament" this last General Conference.  http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-sabbath-and-the-sacrament?lang=eng
He said, "Parents, now is the time to teach our children to be examples of the believers by attending sacrament meeting. When Sunday morning arrives, help them to be well rested, properly dressed, and spiritually prepared to partake of the emblems of the sacrament and receive the enlightening, edifying, ennobling power of the Holy Ghost. Let your family be filled with love as you honor the Sabbath all day long and experience its spiritual blessings throughout the week."

-What are some ways we can prepare for the Sabbath day? 
(clean house, wash clothes, etc. on Saturday; be ready spiritually for taking the sacrament--spending time thinking about what we want to improve on over the next week; etc.)

Activity:
Brainstorm things that our family can do to better keep the Sabbath day holy.  (You could make a Sunday box or jar to draw ideas from when you're not sure what to do.)

For example:
-scripture charades or pictionary
-flannel board stories
-write letters or make phone calls to family members
-read histories/stories about our ancestors
-write in your journal or draw pictures about your week
-take a walk as a family
-prepare for Family Home Evening
-play quiet games or do puzzles or coloring together while listening to church music
-work on Faith in God or (some) Cub Scout requirements
-hold a family testimony meeting
-read from the Friend magazine
-read the illustrated Scripture Stories books
-have one-on-one interviews with mom or dad
-look at family pictures
-watch Sunday-appropriate videos
-learn to play Primary songs or Hymns or sing songs together

Testimony:
-Keeping the Sabbath day holy will help us to draw closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  It helps us to show our love for Them and invites the Spirit to be with us.

Additional Activity:
Print the coloring book at the end of this lesson.  (Primary 2, Lesson 37)  You could cut out the following word strips and figure out which page they go with after coloring them.
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=a4c2767978c20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=637e1b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

• • On the Sabbath we go to church to honor Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and learn about them.
• • The Sabbath day is a good day to study the gospel with our families. We can read the scriptures and other good books.
• • The Sabbath day is a day of prayer. We pray at church, with our families, and by ourselves.
• • On the Sabbath day we can sing hymns and listen to good music.
• • On the Sabbath day we can write in our journals and write letters to or draw pictures for our relatives, friends, and the missionaries.
• • The Sabbath day is a good day to visit family members or people who are sick or lonely.

FHE: Ancestors

Sorry, not much to share this week...Brayden's Cub Scout den is working on the Heritage belt loop and he's supposed to learn about his family heritage: history, traditions, origins, and culture.  So that's what we'll be doing for FHE this week--sharing some info & favorite stories about our ancestors.

For an activity, we'll try to make some thumbprint Mother's Day cards.  (Shh!  Don't tell!)  If they turn out, I'll post a picture. :)

FHE: The Atonement

Lesson:
Read this overview of the Atonement from the March 1995 Friend.
http://lds.org/friend/1995/03/the-atonement?lang=eng

Discussion:
What does the Atonement do for us?
-It allows us to be forgiven of our sins and be made clean again when we repent.
-As part of the Atonement, Jesus Christ also suffered for our pains and sicknesses (see Alma 7:11-12).  He understands our struggles, our sorrows, and our pains and He can comfort us in times of need.

How do we apply the Atonement in our lives?
-Repent when we make a mistake.
-Pray for help to overcome weakness and become better.
-Seek His comfort and help in times of difficulty.

Activity:
Use six eggs to spell EASTER--one for each letter.  Place a strip of paper in each egg with the word assigned to that letter.  Open the eggs and discuss how each word relates to Easter.
E - Everyone
A - Atonement
S - Savior
T - Tomb
E - (This egg is left EMPTY) meaning the tomb was empty. 
R - Resurrection

Video:
Watch this Easter message from President Monson: He Lives!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXrOG02NMB0

Testimony:
-Bear testimony of the power of the Atonement and the reality of the Resurrection--that He does live and because of Him, we can return to live with Heavenly Father again.

Additional Activites:
Use the flannel board figures to tell this story from the March 1989 Friend that helps to explain the Atonement.
http://lds.org/friend/1989/03/sharing-time-the-atonement?lang=eng

Countdown to Easter

Use page 24-25 of the April 2011 Friend "Easter week" and additional ideas to discuss the events that took place during the week before Jesus Christ's Crucifixion and Resurrection.  Start eight days before Easter and read the events and scripture verses listed for each day.  (Many of these events have pictures in the Gospel Art Kit that provide visuals and simple summaries for younger children.)  Hide a few eggs each day that have something representing the events to be discussed (and extra eggs with small candy to share so that each child can find an egg).  Once the eggs are found, talk about the events and read or choose parts of the scripture references.
http://lds.org/friend/2011/04/easter-week?lang=eng

Here is a link to a map of Jerusalem.  It is labeled with the places where the major events of this week took place.
http://lds.org/friend/1991/03/the-atonement-and-resurrection?lang=eng

Saturday: Passover, Mary annoints His feet with oil
John 12:1-3

Sunday: Palm Sunday
Egg #1--a small leaf to represent the palm leaves
Discuss how we can welcome the Savior into our lives.
Watch the movie "Finding Faith in Christ"
Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11

Monday: Cleansed the Temple, Healed lame and blind
Egg #2--penny to represent the moneychangers
In the scriptures we learn that our bodies are a temple.  Do we keep our thoughts and actions clean and pure?  How can we invite the Spirit into our lives through reverence and righteousness?
Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19

For Family Home Evening, read this picture story from the April 2000 Friend and discuss why we celebrate Easter.
http://lds.org/friend/2000/04/for-little-friends/the-first-easter?lang=eng

Tuesday:  Taught Parables, Judas agreed to betray Jesus
Egg #3--three dimes to represent the 30 pieces of silver Judas received for the betrayal
Discuss some of the things that Jesus taught (beatitudes from the sermon on the mount, favorite parables or miracles, etc.).
Matthew 25:31-46; 26:14-16

Wednesday:  Parable of the 10 Virgins
Egg #4--a marble to represent a drop of oil for the lamps of the 10 virgins

Discuss the parable of the ten virgins and how it applies to us (that we need to be prepared for the second coming by living righteously).  Read this quote by President Spencer W. Kimball that explains why it was impossible for the foolish virgins to borrow oil at the last minute:

"The foolish asked the others to share their oil, but spiritual preparedness cannot be shared in an instant... This was not selfishness or unkindness.  The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable.  How can one share obedience to the principles of tithing; a mind at peace from righteous living, an accumulation of knowledge?  How can one share faith or testimony?  How can one share attitudes or chastity, or the experience of a mission?  How can one share temple privileges?  Each must obtain that kind of oil for himself...  The oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living.  attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years.  Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures--each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store." (Faith Precedes the Miracle, pp.255-56)

Using a small glass jar and some marbles, talk about the things we can do on an every day basis to fill our lives with righteousness (put a marble in the jar for each thing mentioned and "fill" your lamp with oil).
Matthew 25:1-13

Thursday:  Last Supper, Wash disciples' feet, Gethsemane, Betrayal
Egg #5--small piece of saltine cracker to represent broken bread
Egg #6--small red beads to represent the Savior's blood that was shed for us
Discuss the love that the Savior has for us and how He suffered not only for our sins, but also experienced our trials and pains (Alma 7:11-12) and knows how to comfort and help us in times of need.  Through the power of the Atonment, we can overcome the effects of sin and we can change our nature to become better people.  The Sacrament reminds us of what our Savior did for us and helps us to apply the Atonement in our lives.
Matthew 26:17-29, 36-56

Friday:  Trials, Crucifixion, Laid in the tomb
Egg #7--a small piece of purple cloth to represent the robe the soldiers placed on Jesus
Egg #8--a clipping of thorns from a rosebush to represent the crown of thorns
Egg #9--a nail to represent the crucifixion
Discuss the trials and crucifixion and that Christ chose to suffer and die for us. Turn out the lights and talk about the darkness that fell upon the earth at His death.  Shine a flashlight on a picture of the Savior and discuss how He is the light of the world and will always be there to help us when things are difficult or uncertain.
Matthew 26:57-72; 27:1-2, 27-37; Luke 23:44-46, 50-56

Saturday:  Burial/Tomb, Guards
Egg #10--a rock to represent the stone rolled in front of the tomb
Egg #11--a small piece of white cloth to represent the burial clothes
Egg #12--bay leaf to represent the spices used in burial
Discuss how Jesus Christ's body lay in the tomb over Saturday, while His spirit was in the Spirit World.  This day was the Jewish Sabbath, so they were unable to finish the burial preparations.  Guards were placed outside the tomb to make sure no one tried to take the body and say He had been resurrected.
Matthew 27:57-66

Sunday:  Resurrection
Egg #13--empty to represent the empty tomb
Egg #14--a small picture of the Savior
On Sunday morning, the tomb was empty!  Jesus Christ was resurrected: His body and Spirit were reunited.  Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all who have lived on the earth will be resurrected.  Discuss the blessings and importance of the gift of the Atonement and the Resurrection.
Matthew 28

Read this summary of events to focus on why we celebrate Easter
http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=742855faa5cab010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Easter tomb dot-to-dot
http://lds.org/friend/2011/04/jesus-christ-is-my-savior-and-redeemer?lang=eng

Easter crossword
http://lds.org/friend/1990/04/funstuf/easter?lang=eng&query=Easter

FHE: To Do AND to Be

I really enjoyed Elder Lynn G. Robbins talk in April 2011 General Conference entitled "What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be?"

Discussion:
We often talk about things that we should do to try to be like Jesus.  List some of these things we "do".

Discuss the importance of "being" in addition to "doing" using examples from some of the things listed above.  (For example: reading scriptures daily is great, but if we don't learn and apply what we read, it doesn't help us become better.  Taking the sacrament is meaningful when we not only "do", but also "be" by applying the atonement in our lives.  If we go through the motions of saying our prayers without really thinking about what we're saying or who we're talking to, it isn't effective.)

What makes our actions (or the things we "do") meaningful and worthwhile is when we do it for the right reasons--when it is part of who we are (the "be").  When we help others because we care, when we go to church because we want to take the sacrament and learn about Jesus, etc. we aren't just "doing" good things, we are "becoming" more like Jesus Christ. "Do" and "be" go hand in hand.  As we "do" good things for the right reasons, we will "become" better people.

Following Jesus Christ's example and "doing" what He asks (keeping the commandments) is important, but in addition to "doing", we need to focus on trying to "become" like Him. 

Scripture Story:
Review the story of the Stripling Warriors (GAK 313, Alma 53:20-21; 56:44-48; 57:21, 26-27; 58:40) and what kind of people they were.  What did they do?  What were they like?  What attributes did they have that you would want to have?

Goal:
Make a list of things that we want to be and discuss how we can practice "being" or applying these attributes.  Heavenly Father wants us to become like Him and will help us.  We can pray for help to develop Christlike attributes.

Have each person take a few minutes to write down one attribute they want to work on and how they will practice that attribute throughout the week. 

I want to be ______________.
Things I can do this week:
1.
2.
3.

Testimony:
-it is important to do good things, but we need to think about why we do them and focus on becoming like the Savior
-Christlike attributes are gifts from our Heavenly Father and we can pray for help to develop them

Activity:
Find a small picture of a bee and make enough copies for everyone to have a couple.  Work together to place the bees around the house in spots where they will be seen often to remind everyone to work on their goals.

FHE: General Conference

Discussion:
Discuss some of the things that were talked about during conference that apply to your family.

Activity:
Print out Conference Squares (one for each person) and make word strips for each item listed (any one card won't have all of the possible words, so make sure you take the words from all of the cards you'll be using).  Play bingo using marshmallows or small candy to cover the squares as you call them out.  If you remember anything about a word or topic that was mentioned in General Conference, you can share your thoughts when you come to that word.
http://lds.org/general-conference/children?lang=eng

(You could have each person use their conference squares card during conference and color each square as they hear that word/topic mentioned.  Then use the same cards to play bingo on Monday night for review.)

Testimony:
-Bear testimony of the principles that you discussed and of the reality of living prophets.

FHE: Follow the Prophet

Discussion:
Review what a prophet is by reading from this article in the March 2011 Ensign, p. 8.
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/03/god-reveals-truth-to-his-prophets-and-to-us?lang=eng

Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today.  Next week, we will have the opportunity to listen to the prophet's words in General Conference.  As we follow the prophet, we can gain and strengthen our testimonies that he is the Lord's prophet at this time.

One thing that our prophet talked about at the last General Conference was the importance of preparing to serve missions.  He said, "Every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission.  Such service is a priesthood duty--anobligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much.  Young men, I admonish you to perpare for service as a missionary.  Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to represent the Lord.  Maintain your health and strength.  Study the scriptures."  (January 2011 Ensign, p. 4)

We can follow the prophet today by preparing to serve a mission.

Activity:
What can you do now to prepare to serve a mission?  (List ideas.) 
have a positive attitude
be a good example
develop talents
attend church
eat healthy, exercise
watch/play good things that invite the Spirit
read scriptures
pray
prepare to make and keep baptismal covenants
serve others
learn to clean, cook, and do household chores
save money

Fill in the blanks to complete the "Preparing for a Mission" activity from the October 2007 Friend.
http://lds.org/friend/2007/10/for-little-friends?lang=eng

Goal:
Decide what you can do this week to prepare yourself to serve a mission.
Give each person a copy of this certificate from the March 2011 Friend, p. 11 to sign.
http://lds.org/friend/2011/03/i-will-prepare?lang=eng

Testimony:
-We have a living prophet today who tells us what the Lord wants us to know.
-As we follow the prophet, we will receive blessings and our testimonies will be strengthened.
-We can follow the prophet by preparing now to serve a mission.

Additional Activities/Resources:
-Cut out small squares of heavy paper to make missionary badges. Instead of writing your names, write one quality you would like to develop that would help you be a better missionary (for example, Elder Cheerful or Sister Humble). After family home evening, put the tags where they can remind you of your goals. http://lds.org/friend/2004/06/missionary-work?lang=eng

-Word Search
http://lds.org/friend/2005/11/funstuf?lang=eng

-Elder Cook's suggestions on how to be a missionary now.
http://lds.org/friend/2010/04/how-can-i-be-a-missionary-now?lang=eng

-Ideas for ways to be a missionary now.
http://lds.org/friend/2005/11/a-missionary-now?lang=eng

FHE: Prophets and Apostles

Discussion:
"If you needed to ask someone to give an important message to people you love, what kind of person would you ask?  You would probably choose someone who is honest, responsible, and trustworthy.
Heavenly Father gives His message to His children on the earth through prophets.  He knows His prophets are honest, responsible, trustworthy, and righteous.
...We are blessed to have a prophet today.  We can hear messages from Heavenly Father as we listen to the prophet."  (March 2011 Friend, p. 40)

Prophets help us learn about Heavenly Father's plan and what we need to do to return to live with Him.  We will be blessed and protected as we follow the prophet.

-Who is our prophet today? 
-Who else do we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators?  (The counselors in the First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles.)

How can we gain a testimony of the prophets and the things they teach?  (pray, listen to their words, and follow what they say: read John 7:17 and quickly review experimenting upon the word from Alma 32)

Testimony:
-President Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today.
-You can gain your own testimony that he is God's prophet and that the things he teaches are true.
-We are blessed to have the guidance of a living prophet.
-As we listen to the words of the prophet and apostles, we will know the things our Heavenly Father wants us to do.

Matching Game:
Remove page 41 from the March 2011 Friend and glue it to cardstock, then cut out the pictures of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  (or print it out from this link:) http://lds.org/friend/2011/03/heavenly-father-speaks-to-us-through-his-prophets?lang=eng

Write the names of these 15 men on strips of paper and play a matching game to match the names with the correct pictures.  Then put them in order of seniority.

Additional Activities:
-Apostles Memory Game
http://lds.about.com/od/familyhomeeveninggames/a/fhe_apostlecard.htm

-Use the info on p. 71 of the March 2011 Ensign to learn a little more about these men.

General Conference Activities

I love to find activities that help our kids prepare for and listen during General Conference.  Here's a few that we've used:

General Conference activities for children at lds.org
(coloring, conference squares, and a conference notebook to print, plus online memory games)
http://lds.org/general-conference/children?lang=eng

Conference Coloring Activity:
http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=916b925cf971c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

King Benjamin Hidden Pictures:
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=916b925cf971c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Apostles Memory Game
http://lds.about.com/od/familyhomeeveninggames/a/fhe_apostlecard.htm

Conference Notes Booklet
http://lds.about.com/od/visualmusicalaids/a/bk_generalconf.htm

FHE: Choosing Good Friends

Review:
What is a good friend?  What have you done this week to be a better friend?

Scripture Story:
Why is it important to choose good friends?

Review the story of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah.  (Gospel Art Kit 321, Mosiah 27)
Then review the story of Daniel and his friends who refused to eat the king's meat. (Gospel Art Kit 114, Daniel 1)

Compare the two stories and discuss how the friends that we choose can influence us for bad or good.

Discussion:
When we surround ourselves with good people who will set good examples for us and help us make good decisions, it is easier to choose the right.  Remember that if we want to have good friends, we have to be good friends.

What are some things you would want in a good friend?

Activity:
Coloring: what makes a good friend.  Using an outline of a person, create a good friend while talking about attributes you would want in a friend/how you can be a good friend.  (Here's the link to the outline we used.)
http://www.crayola.com/free-coloring-pages/print/what-i-look-like-coloring-page/

Make slips of paper with the following body parts written on them.  Draw slips out of a bowl and draw or color that part while talking about what makes a good friend.

Draw eyes: good friends look for the good in others, have a positive outlook
Draw mouth: speak kindly, don't gossip or use bad language
Draw ears: listen
Draw hair (for head): thoughts and actions are clean and pure
Color shirt (heart): show love towards others
Color arms: serve others
Color pants: quick to run from evil and temptations
Color shoes: stand for truth, stand up for what they believe in

Testimony:
-importance of choosing good friends who will help you choose the right
-you can be a good influence, set a good example for others by being a good friend

Additional Activity:
Complete the scripture code activity to reveal some of the qualities of true friends.
http://lds.org/friend/2009/05/what-kind-of-friend-are-you?lang=eng

FHE: Being Good Friends

Discussion:
What does it mean to be a good friend?  What do you like about your friends?  What makes you want to be around them?

"Friendship is a loving relationship between two people. Friends respect each other, care about each other, remain true to each other, and overlook and forgive each other’s faults."  (Family Home Evening Resource Book, p. 187)

True friends will support you even if they don't share the same beliefs.  They won't try to persuade you to do something wrong.

Discuss the secret of friendship: that if we want to have good friends, we first have to be a good friend.

Scripture Story:Use these flannel board pictures to review the story of the Good Samaritan.

http://lds.org/friend/1999/05/the-good-samaritan?lang=eng

What did he do that made him a good friend?  (compassion, willing to help someone even when it wasn't easy, cared more about others than self, etc.)

Game: Fishing for Friends
List on slips of paper ways to make and keep friends and ways not to make and keep friends.
(See #2 under Friendship, Family Home Evening Resource Book, p.188)
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=4321a41f6cc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD

Attach each slip to a paper fish with a paper clip.  Make a simple fishing pole by tying a magnet to some string and attaching it to a dowel.  Take turns "fishing for friends".  With each fish caught, read the slip of paper and decide if this is a good way to make friends or not and put the fish in the correct pile.

Application:

Give everyone a copy of this quiz from the May 2009 Friend.

http://lds.org/friend/2009/05/what-kind-of-friend-are-you?lang=eng

Tally points (individually) and discuss ways to improve and be better friends. 
Set goals to work on over the next week.

Testimony:

-importance of being good friends and following the example of our Savior
-challenge to be a good friend at home, school, church, etc.

FHE: Speaking Kindly

Activity:
(Pull strips out of a bowl and read out loud.)

Set A
1. I don't want to clean up!  I'm not done playing!
2. You always want to be in charge!  I don't even want to play with you!
3.  That's not very good.  Why did you do it like that?
Discuss how these statements make you feel.  Unkind words make us feel bad.  The words that we choose to use are important.

Set B
1. (complain) These cookies are so good!
2. (angrily) I love you!
3. (meanly) It's fun to play with you!
Discuss how even though the words are kind, the way you say things can make a difference.  Speaking in a kind way is just as important as choosing kind words.  So is having a good attitude.

Set C
1. Would you like to play with me?
2. I'm having a hard time making this.  Could you help me?
3. I like spending time with you.
4. Can I finish this really quick before I clean up?
5.  That looks great!  I like the way you did this part.
6.  I love you!
Discuss how these statements make you feel.  When we speak kindly and use kind words, we feel happy and those around us feel happy too.

Story:
What we choose to focus on can change our view of situations or other people.  When we choose to look for the positive or what is good, we feel happier and it's easier to have a good attitude. 

Read or paraphrase this story about some jungle animals who discovered how what they chose to focus on changed their attitudes about each other.  ("Pass it on" by Annabelle Sumera, Friend, Apr 1978)
http://lds.org/friend/1978/04/pass-it-on?lang=eng

Scripture Story:
In the scriptures, we read about some brothers who reacted differently to the same situations.  Laman and Lemuel were quick to murmur and complain when things seemed difficult, but Nephi turned to the Lord for help and did his best to accomplish what was asked of him.  Discuss the different reactions these brothers had to situations like leaving their home in Jerusalem, returning to get the brass plates, Nephi's broken bow, and building a ship.  Laman and Lemuel murmured or complained while Nephi was determined to go and do.

Read this story about Nephi and his brothers from the May 2000 Friend Sharing Time: Keeping Promises. (Copy and paste pictures and text, have the kids color the pictures in advance, and make into a book.)
http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=e64194859a4bb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Just as the liahona didn't work when they were unkind or complaining, the Spirit can only guide us when we try our best to do what is right.  It's important to have a good attitude even when things are hard.  We can rely on the Lord's help when we do our best.

Discussion:
How can the words we choose, the way we say things, and our attitude affect our ability to have the Spirit in our home and to guide us personally?

Testimony:
-Importance of speaking kindly and having a good attitude in order to be happy and to be able to have the Spirit with us to guide us in our lives.

Additional Activities:
1.  Read "Gerald's Secret New Year's Resolutions" by Vicki H. Budge, Friend, Jan. 1978, and unscramble the words to discover what Gerald resolutions were.
http://lds.org/friend/1978/01/geralds-secret-new-years-resolutions?lang=eng

2.  Choose the Right Words (multiple choice scenarios from Jan. 2010 Friend)
http://lds.org/friend/2010/01/choose-the-right-words?lang=eng

3.  Read "Clean up Claire" from May 2008 Friend and discuss how to change our attitude and invite the Spirit after complaining.
http://lds.org/friend/2008/05/clean-up-claire?lang=eng

FHE: Prayer

Discusson:
Why is prayer important?
Imagine that your dad went on a long trip very far away and had to be gone for a long time.  You couldn't see him, but you could call him on the phone and talk to him.  What kinds of things would you talk about?  Would you complain about having to call him or be excited about the opportunity to talk?  Would you say the same thing every time you called him or would you take time to think about what you wanted to say?  Would you rush through your conversation as fast as possible or would you take time to listen to him too?

Just as your dad loves you and would want to hear from you, our Heavenly Father wants to hear from us too.  We can talk to our Heavenly Father through prayer.  Heavenly Father loves us.  We are His children and He wants us to talk to Him.  We can tell Him our problems and concerns, our goals and desires.  When we express our feelings and needs in prayer, our Heavenly Father can help us.

Review:
1. How do we pray?
To show our love for our Heavenly Father, we should pray with an attitude of respect and reverence.  We use the words thee, thy, and thou to show respect.

Show how you look when you're ready for prayer.
(eyes closed, arms folded, ears listening, etc.)

Review the four parts of prayer (open by addressing our Father in Heaven, thank Him for blessings, ask for things we need, close in the name of Jesus Christ).

SONG: 2nd verse of "I Pray in Faith" (Children's Songbook, 14)
I begin by saying "Dear Heavenly Father";
I thank him for blessings he sends;
Then humbly I ask him for things that I need,
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

2. When should we pray?
(personal prayers morning and night, family prayers morning and night, meals, and anytime we need help or want to express gratitude)

President Henry B. Eyring said, "When the Savior appeared among the people on [the American] continent, he taught them how to pray.  He used the words, "Pray always."  That doesn't mean now and then.  It doesn't mean to pray only when you feel like it."

3. What can we pray about?
(help, comfort, guidance, thanks, forgiveness, to gain a testimony, etc.)

We can pray to our Heavenly Father anytime about anything.  When we express our specific needs and desires, He will hear and answer our prayers.

4. How can you make your prayers more meaningful?
(avoid repetition--really think about what you're saying and be sincere, express gratitude for blessings, take time to listen and think about your prayers)

Activity:
Complete the maze to help everyone in the family get ready for prayer.
http://lds.org/images/Magazines/Friend/Archive/fr08sep31_maze.jpg

Additional Activities:
1. Create an acrostic poem about the word Prayers.
(Here's one we came up with.)
P erfectly still
R espect
A sk for things you need
Y ou can pray anytime, for any reason
E ars open (listen)
R everence
S incere

2.  Play "The Power of Prayer" (July 2009 Friend, 24-25)

3.  Practice reverent prayer lanugage by doing the activity included here.
http://lds.org/friend/1991/04/sharing-time-prayer-language?lang=eng&query=language

Testimony:
-Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to help us.
-When we pray sincerely, He will hear and answer our prayers.

FHE: Faith

Discussion:
What does it mean to have faith? 
Read Alma 32:21
Alma teaches that, "faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things...if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true."  When we have faith, we believe and trust in something that is real and true even though we haven't seen it for ourselves.

SONG: "Faith" (Children's Songbook, 96)
Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day.
Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray.
Faith is like a little seed: if planted, it will grow.
Faith is a swelling within my heart.  When I do right, I know.

What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ?
To have faith in Jesus Christ means that although we have not seen Him, we believe that He lives and loves us and we trust in Him.  When we read the scriptures, we can learn about Him.  when we listen to the prophets, we can understand what we can do to follow Him.  When we pray in faith for help to choose the right, we can know that our prayers will be answered.  When we listen to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, we can feel Him close to us and know that He loves us.

SONG: (second verse of "Faith")
Faith is knowing I lived with God before my mortal birth.
Faith is knowing I can return when my life ends on earth.
Faith is trust in God above; In Christ, who showed the way.
Faith is strengthened; I feel it grow whenever I obey.

How does our faith in Jesus Christ grow?
Just like it said in that song, our faith is strengthened when we obey.  Alma tells us that the word of God is like a seed.  When you plant a seed in the ground, what do you need to do if you want it to grow?  (give it water, sunlight, etc.) 

When we plant a seed in the earth, we need to nurture it by keeping the weeds away, by giving it water and plant food, and by making sure that it has sunshine.  If it is a good seed, it will begin to swell and grow.

Our faith is like a seed.  When we believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, we plant the word of God in our hearts.  We nurture this kind of seed by praying, by listening to the prophets, by keeping the commandments, and by responding to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  As we do this, the seed of truth will grow within our hearts.  We will feel happy and know that the things that we are learning and doing are right.  If we continue to exercise our faith, it will grow strong and bring many blessings into our lives.

Being obedient is an important part of strengthening our faith.  If you plant a good seed, but don't water it or take care of it, it can't grow even though it is a good seed.  We have to do our part to strengthen our faith by diligently trying to keep the commandments and by following the example of Jesus Christ.  As we do this, we will be able to recognize the blessings that come from being obedient.  We can know that the things that we are doing are right.

Activity Verse:
Faith Is like a Seed by Chad E. Phares, Friend, Mar. 2009, 36
1. My faith is like a tiny seed  (hold thumb and index finger close together)
2. That is hard for me to see.  (make circles around eyes with thumbs and index fingers)
3. But when I read the scriptures  (open hands like a book)
4. Faith grows inside of me.  (put both hands on chest)
5. And when I say a prayer  (fold arms)
6. I feel it in my heart.  (put hand on heart)
7. My seed of faith becomes a tree (put arms up like branches)
8. When I do my part.  (point thumb at self)

Activity:
What are some ways that you can strengthen your faith?
(prayer, scripture study, being honest, going to Church, trying to be like Jesus, etc.)

Give everyone a few paper leaves.  Ask them to write or draw things that they can do to strengthen their faith.  Draw a trunk on a piece of paper and glue everyone's leaves on, creating a tree of faith.  This is the tree we made this week:

Testimony:

-When we obey the commandments and try to follow Jesus, our faith grows and becomes stronger.

-We can come to know that the things the Lord asks us to do are right because of the way they make us feel and the blessings that come into our lives as we keep the commandments.

-Our faith in Jesus Christ will help us to draw closer to Him and want to be like Him.