Come Follow Me Teaching Resources and Ideas for November 20-26, 2023 {1 and 2 Peter}

 This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for November 20-26, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're geared for ages 8-14, but littler kids love the coloring pages and older kids/kids at heart often enjoy the activities.  They're perfect to use as attention getters or as reviews in your classes or families.  Our ward hands them out along with the sacrament program each week.



TRIALS CAN STRENGTHEN US OBJECT LESSON: 

To demonstrate how trials can actually make us stronger, hold up a flat piece of paper and try to make if "fly" through the air.  Point out how poorly the paper flies.  Now begin folding and creasing the paper into an airplane.  Explain as you fold the paper that each crease represents a trial (mention possible {or current} trials as you fold).  With each fold (trial) the paper becomes strong until eventually it can fly through the air gracefully.  Our lives are very similar.  Just like the folds make the paper stronger, trials make us stronger.  Some of our trials may seem at the time, but Heavenly Father is always mindful of us.  Each trial that we endure brings greater strength and experience into our lives. 

ACTIVITY:  Pass out paper to everyone and have fun making paper airplanes.  Have a contest to see whose plane flies the farthest, fastest, highest, etc. 

QUOTES:   

The attributes of the Savior, as we perceive them, are not a script to be followed or list to be checked off. They are interwoven characteristics, added one to another, which develop in us in interactive ways. In other words, we cannot obtain one Christlike characteristic without also obtaining and influencing others. As one characteristic becomes strong, so do many more."   "Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ," Robert D. Hales, April 2017

"We comprehend more fully the exceeding great and precious promises and begin to partake of the divine nature by responding affirmatively to the call from the Lord to glory and virtue. As described by Peter, this call is fulfilled by striving to escape the corruption that is in the world.

As we press forward submissively with faith in the Savior, then because of His Atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, “a mighty change [takes place] in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.”5 We are “born again; yea, born of God, changed from [our] carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God.”  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 

Such a comprehensive change in our nature typically does not occur quickly or all at once. Like the Savior, we also receive “not of the fulness at the first, but [receive] grace for grace.”  “For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom.""  "Exceeding Great and Precious Promises," David A. Bednar, October 2017

"This experience helped me realize that although our lives may at times be relatively smooth, the time will come for each of us when we will face unexpected challenges and storms that will push the limits of our ability to endure. Physical, mental, family, and employment challenges; natural disasters; and other matters of life or death are but some of the examples of the storms that we will face in this life.

When faced with these storms, we often experience feelings of despair or fear. President Russell M. Nelson said, “Faith is the antidote for fear”—faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (“Let Your Faith Show,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 29). As I have seen the storms that affect people’s lives, I have concluded that no matter what kind of storm is battering us—regardless of whether there is a solution to it or whether there is an end in sight—there is only one refuge, and it is the same for all types of storms. This single refuge provided by our Heavenly Father is our Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement."  "Finding Refuge from the Storms of Life," Ricardo Gimenez, April 2020

VIDEO: 

Latter-Day Kids:  A Story about Trials and Adversity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6C-UJVkICM

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

CFM Teaching Resources for November 13-19, 2023 {James}

 This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for November 13-19, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're geared for ages 8-14, but littler kids love the coloring pages and older kids/kids at heart often enjoy the activities.  They're perfect to use as attention getters or as reviews in your classes or families.  Our ward hands them out along with the sacrament program each week.



OUR WORDS MATTER OBJECT LESSON (James 3): 

Items needed:  tube of toothpaste, bowl, spoon

Start off the discussion by talking about how big things can be controlled by small things (James 3).  

Some examples: 
-Steering wheel helps the car go the right direction
-A small seed can grow into a big tree
-A tiny leak can be the start of a ship sinking
-Little babies grow up to be adults that can do many righteous or evil deeds
-Rudder of boat steers the ship (actual example from James 3)
-Tiny spark starts a big forest fire (actual example from James 3)

This doesn't need to take long; it's just a discussion starter that will lead you into reading James 3:4-6.

Springboarding off the first part of the conversation and the scriptures you just read, ask why our tongues can be so powerful.  

Now talk about how our words matter.   We may have heard that "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can never hurt us."   Ask if they think that's true.   Be careful here, as their parents may very well be teaching them this very message, but ask them how they feel when someone says something mean to them.   Does it help if they say they're sorry afterward?   Maybe, but those words can still hurt our feelings.  

Now pull out the toothpaste and ask for someone to come squeeze it out into the bowl. 

 

 Now ask for a volunteer to come put the toothpaste back into the tube using the spoon. 

Is this technically possible?  Perhaps, but it would take a long time and be pretty messy.   Tell the kids, that this is like when we say unkind things to another person.   We can say we're sorry and try to be nice to them afterward and those are great things to do to heal the relationship, but we can't take those words back.   Taking the time and going through the messiness is worth it, but it would have been much easier if we'd never said those unkind words in the first place.   

Now relate this back to the power of our tongues.   They can do a lot of good (ask the class for examples) when we bear our testimonies, speak kindly to others, and stand up for truth, but they have the power to do a lot of bad as well.  And that's why we should be  careful with how we use our tongues/words.  

QUOTES:   

"This pattern of dramatic change produced by small things is a pattern we see over and over again in the Book of Mormon. Please turn with me to Alma chapter 4 and look at verses 6-12. Here we find a description of a people descending into wickedness. It begins with small things, like the wearing of expensive clothes, and pride in “. . . all manner of precious things . . .” (verse 6), and gossip, and unkind words. Look at verse 8, “. . . the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another . . .” (emphasis added).

Later in verse 11 Mormon tells us that wickedness in the Church led “. . . unbelievers on from one piece of iniquity to another, thus bringing on the destruction of the people” (emphasis added). This great wickedness did not happen all at once. It began with small things, but these small things grew into great evil in the space of a single year.
We find this same pattern repeated many times. In the book of Helaman chapters 3 and 4, in Helaman chapter 6, in 3 Nephi chapter 6, we read of wonderful periods of prosperity and righteousness followed by a decline into wickedness that begins with small things. Describing the power of small things, Mormon writes that wickedness “. . . did grow upon them from day to day” (Helaman 3:36) until it hit a critical point and then, in just a few months, great evil almost exploded into the society.

The Book of Mormon also shows us how these epidemics of wickedness and evil may be stopped. Some are stopped by war and great destruction. But in some, intervention by the prophets of God works through small things to bring about great and dramatic repentance and righteousness, also in a very short time. (See, for example, Helaman 5:50-52.)"  " Out of Small Things Proceedeth That Which is Great," Kim Clark, BYU-Idaho Devotional, January 2006

"We observe vast, sweeping world events; however, we must remember that the purposes of the Lord in our personal lives generally are fulfilled through the small and simple things, and not the momentous and spectacular.

Alma, teaching his son Helaman about the importance of the record written on the plates of brass, said:
“Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
“And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.” (Alma 37:6–7.)"  "Small and Simple Things,"  M. Russell Ballard, April 1990

VIDEOS: 

James 1:  Doers of the Word   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD1YX8tsCiI

James 3:  The Tongue is of Fire  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXvLBKxRstA


TRUE CHRISTIANITY  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqjvG3E7moA


ASK OF GOD:  JOSEPH'S FIRST VISION   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBvk_6_dW6k&t=15s


ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

Come Follow Me Teaching Resources and Ideas for November 6-12, 2023 {Hebrews 7-13}

 This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for November 6-12, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're geared for ages 8-14, but littler kids love the coloring pages and older kids/kids at heart often enjoy the activities.  They're perfect to use as attention getters or as reviews in your classes or families.  Our ward hands them out along with the sacrament program each week.

GAME:  FAITH CHARADES AND RELATING IT TO OUR LIVES 

Have some strips of paper prepared with names  of several well known people who acted in faith.  Make sure they are names  that your class will be familiar with.  Some examples could include, Moses, Noah, Joseph Smith, your Mom, President Nelson, Nephi, your Bishop, Moroni, Mary, Alma, King Benjamin, David, etc.

Start off the lesson talking about what faith is (Hebrews 11:1) and the people of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 ( Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sara, Isaac, Jacob Joseph, Moses, etc). 

Introduce the game and tell them that you're going to talk a little bit more about some people of faith...some mentioned in Hebrews, some not.   Have the kids take turns picking a name and acting it out while the others try to guess who it is.   Give a little recap after each person is guessed on how that person acted in faith.  THEN ask what we can learn about faith in our modern day from that person.   This is the most important part of the lesson, so don't skip over this.  

What are some modern lessons we can learn from these people of faith?    

Noah:  live your life in a way that you can hear the warnings from God.  That might be a prompting to stop doing something or to start doing something you've been neglecting.  

Joseph Smith:  Make sure you're seeking truth in the right places.   There is a lot of false/misleading information out in the world (especially on the internet) and you want to make sure that you're looking for truth in places where God can inspire you.  

Moroni:   Don't be afraid to stand up for truth and righteousness, even when the world around you seems to be confused.   There are things that matter (our families, our testimonies, our faith, our covenants) and there are things that distract from the things that matter.  Those distractions are not necessarily bad things, though they can be, but anything that keeps us from doing what's right. 

David:   Sometimes the problems ahead of us look big and scary, but trust in God and He will help you through them.  

Mary:  Just because we aren't considered important in the eyes of the world, doesn't mean we don't have a great work to do.  Humble yourself and live so that God can help you reach your full potential. 

Moses:  We all have weaknesses. Don't let those weaknesses discourage you or get in the way of doing the right thing.

Plus a million more.  What did you come up with?  

QUOTES:   

"It matters not where we live or what our individual circumstances may be. Each day our righteous living can demonstrate a faith in Jesus Christ that sees beyond mortal heartaches, disappointments, and unfulfilled promises. It is a glorious thing to possess a faith that enables us to look forward to that day “when all that was promised the Saints will be given.”  "Seeing the Promises Afar Off," Anne Pingree, October 2003

"My declaration is that this is precisely what the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us, especially in times of need. There is help. There is happiness. There really is light at the end of the tunnel. It is the Light of the World, the Bright and Morning Star, the “light that is endless, that can never be darkened.”3 It is the very Son of God Himself. In loving praise far beyond Romeo’s reach, we say, “What light through yonder window breaks?” It is the return of hope, and Jesus is the Sun.4 To any who may be struggling to see that light and find that hope, I say: Hold on. Keep trying. God loves you. Things will improve. Christ comes to you in His “more excellent ministry” with a future of “better promises.” He is your “high priest of good things to come.”" "An High Priest of Good Things to Come," Jeffrey R. Holland, October 1999

"When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation, which President Thomas S. Monson just taught us, and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”9 And we can feel it all year round. For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!" "Joy and Spiritual Survival," Russell M. Nelson, October 2016

VIDEOS: 

Hebrews 11:  Substance of Faith:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbGhD-FcCS8

Latter-day Kids:  Faith is the Evidence of Things Not Seen  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT5Pmj-0oqo

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

CFM Teaching Ideas and Resources for October 30 - November 5, 2023 {Hebrews 1-6}

This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for October 30 - November 5, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're geared for ages 8-14, but littler kids love the coloring pages and older kids/kids at heart often enjoy the activities.  They're perfect to use as attention getters or as reviews in your classes or families.  Our ward hands them out along with the sacrament program each week.



OBJECT LESSON:  JESUS IS ABOVE ALL  

ITEMS NEEDED:  tall clear glass, honey, milk (almond milk works great too), liquid dish soap, vegetable oil

Start off with a little discussion of "What's Better?" 

You can anywhere with this....ice cream vs. cake, football vs. soccer, red vs. blue, winter vs. summer, Lucky Charms vs. Captain Crunch, pancakes vs. waffles, strawberries vs. pineapple, etc.

It doesn't really matter what you compare and how they answer.  The point is that everyone will have their own opinions and that's okay.  After doing that for a minute, ask them their answer for this comparison:

Jesus vs. anyone/anything else in the world

Use their answer (which "Jesus" is the only with a truly right answer) to launch your discussion about the book of Hebrews.   

Read Hebrews 1: 1-4  and talk about how Jesus is perfect and is "above all"...even the angels. 
 
Now onto the OBJECT LESSON to illustrate this point.   Here's a little video I created to illustrate it (don't laugh!)

Object Lesson by Lara   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YldN8t5n-pg



Set the tall clear glass at the front of the class and pour in a couple tablespoons (no need to measure, but enough to partially fill the glass) of each ingredient in any order (honey, milk, colored liquid dish soap, and vegetable oil).   The ingredients will separate into layers, with the vegetable oil at the top...no matter what order you add the ingredients. 

For fun, if you wish, you can even have a second glass to allow them to change the order of how you add the ingredients and show how the vegetable oil is always on top.  

Compare that vegetable oil to Jesus Christ and how His perfect life and love means that we should make Him the most important thing in our lives.  We need to make sure that we aren't letting distractions and other "good things" get in the way of making time to connect with God each day.   Jesus should always be on top! 

QUOTES:  

"True worship begins when our hearts are right before the Father and the Son. What is our heart condition today? Paradoxically, in order to have a healed and faithful heart, we must first allow it to break before the Lord. “Ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit,”7 the Lord declares. The result of sacrificing our heart, or our will, to the Lord is that we receive the spiritual guidance we need.

With a growing understanding of the Lord’s grace and mercy, we will find that our self-willed hearts begin to crack and break in gratitude. Then we reach for Him, yearning to yoke ourselves to the Only Begotten Son of God. In our brokenhearted reaching and yoking, we receive new hope and fresh guidance through the Holy Ghost.

I have struggled to banish the mortal desire to have things my way, eventually realizing that my way is oh so lacking, limited, and inferior to the way of Jesus Christ. “His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.”Can we love Jesus Christ and His way more than we love ourselves and our own agenda?"  "Yielding Our Hearts to God," Niell Marriott, October 2015

"For anyone today with pains so intense or so unique that you feel no one else could fully appreciate them, you may have a point. There may be no family member, friend, or priesthood leader—however sensitive and well-meaning each may be—who knows exactly what you are feeling or has the precise words to help you heal. But know this: there is One who understands perfectly what you are experiencing, who is “mightier than all the earth,” and who is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that [you] ask or think.” The process will unfold in His way and on His schedule, but Christ stands ready always to heal every ounce and aspect of your agony."  "The Exquisite Gift of the Son," Matthew Holland, October 2020

VIDEOS: 

Bible Project:  Book of Hebrews Summary:  A Complete Animated Overview (the first half is most applicable for this week) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fNWTZZwgbs&t=29s  (this video is not created for an LDS audience, but I found the doctrine sound and I found the summary very helpful for understanding a bit more about the Book of Hebrews)

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

Come Follow Me Teaching Ideas and Resources for October 23-29, 2023 {1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon}

This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for October 23-29, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're geared for ages 8-14, but littler kids love the coloring pages and older kids/kids at heart often enjoy the activities.  They're perfect to use as attention getters or as reviews in your classes or families.  Our ward hands them out along with the sacrament program each week.




TEACHING IDEA:   SCRIPTURES ARE LIFE'S GPS: 

Ask your class/family what they do when they want to find somewhere they've never been before.   Allow them some time to answer and lead them (if they don't come up with it on their own) to how nice it is to use the  Maps or GPS app on your phone.   Talk a little about how nice it is that the GPS can tell you not only where you are right now, but the best route to get to a place you've never been before.   
  Then tell them that you're hoping to live with God again someday and you want to know the way to "heaven" or the "Celestial Kingdom"  (whatever terminology is best for your students).  Open up the GPS App on your phone and type in “Heaven” or "Celestial Kingdom" for the destination .  Show them your results and ask them if any of that looks like it will be helpful information to finding your way to live with God again.  

Ask them if they know of any better ways to learn the way to get back to God.   There are lots of right answers you can discuss here, including praying, listening to our leaders at General Conference, reading the scriptures, etc.   All these are great answers and worth discussing more.   

To finish up,  read, 2 Timothy 3:16:  "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."  

Bear testimony that the scriptures are a good GPS for our life and that by reading the scriptures we can learn more about Jesus and even get a better idea of how we're doing on our journey.   Jesus is the best example of all and if we do our best to follow Him, repent when we mess up, and make sure we take some quiet time each day to connect with God and make sure we are on the "covenant path," someday, through Christ's love and atonement, we will be able to live with God again.    

QUOTES:   

"Likewise, those who have faith and the word of God deep in their hearts will be able to absorb and overcome the fiery darts that the adversary will surely send to destroy us. Otherwise, our faith, hope, and conviction may not endure, and like the empty microwave oven, we could become a casualty.

I have learned that having the word of God deep in my soul, coupled with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement, allows me to draw upon the power of God to overcome the adversary and anything he may throw at me. As we face challenges, we can rely upon the promise of the Lord taught by Paul: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  "Enduring Power," Elder Kelly R. Johnson, October 2020

"Recently, as I have been reading and pondering the scriptures, two passages in particular have stayed with me. Both are familiar to us. The first is from the Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The second scripture is one which came to my mind as I pondered the meaning of the first. It is from the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to Timothy: “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
I believe the second scripture explains, in great part, how we can accomplish the first. We become examples of the believers by living the gospel of Jesus Christ in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. As we do so, our lights will shine for others to see.

Each of us came to earth having been given the Light of Christ. As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others." "Be An Example and a Light," Thomas S. Monson, October 2015


VIDEOS: 

2 Timothy 4:  I Have Kept the Faith/ The Apostle Paul Endures to the End   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjlyUNAi7Oc



2 Timothy 3:  A Prophecy of the Last Days  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWbWqN8Hm3A


Book of Philemon Summary:  A Complete Animated Overview (not a church produced video)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9Q3Jt6Yvk




ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

Come Follow Me Teaching Ideas and Resources for October 16-22, 2023 {1 and 2 Thessalonians}

 This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for October 16-22, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're geared for ages 8-14, but littler kids love the coloring pages and older kids/kids at heart often enjoy the activities.  They're perfect to use as attention getters or as reviews in your classes or families.  Our ward hands them out along with the sacrament program each week.



"STUDYING TO BE QUIET" TEACHING IDEA: 

I've included a couple personal pictures in this section, in case your family/class needs a visual cue to get the conversation started. 
 
Start by asking someone to tell about some time in their life when it was really loud (maybe a sporting event, a concert, or a party).   What was happening?  How did they feel?   There are no wrong answers...just listen to what they share.    

Now ask them about some time when it's been very quiet.   What was happening then?   How did they feel?  (it might be during a test at school, or late at night when everyone's sleeping, or whatever)    Again, just listen...

Now read,  1 Thessalonians 4:11:   "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;"

  Now share a quiet experience you've had where you've intentionally set aside distractions in your life and felt closer to God.  Perhaps in the temple, or during your gospel study.   

Now talk a bit more about how we know that the Spirit speaks to us in a still, small voice.   And it doesn't have to be loud to our ears to be too loud to hear the Spirit.   Phones, books, games, etc can all make our environment spiritually noisy, so that it's much harder to hear the Spirit. 

Focus on the first part of the scripture again and ask them what they think it means to "Study to be quiet."   Sometimes it takes practice to put aside the spiritual noise that distracts us and, just like we practice to get better at sports or music, we should be practicing every day (even if it's only for 5-10 minutes) to be better at communicating with God.  

QUOTES:   

“The most effective way to preach the gospel is through example. If we live according to our beliefs, people will notice. If the countenance of Jesus Christ shines in our lives, if we are joyful and at peace with the world, people will want to know why. One of the greatest sermons ever pronounced on missionary work is this simple thought attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi: ‘Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words’" “Waiting on the Road to Damascus,” Dieter Uchtdorf,  May 2011

“Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion. We should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel” “Converted unto the Lord,” David A Bednar, Nov. 2012. 

VIDEOS: 

2 Thessalonians 2 / A Prophecy of the Apostasy and Restoration  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsbNRs-yWvo

Book of 1 Thessalonians Summary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No7Nq6IX23c&t=29s

(NOTE:  This video is not written with an LDS audience in mind, but it is doctrinally sound and I do not hesitate to recommend it) 

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

CFM Teaching Ideas and Resources for October 9--15, 2023 {Philippians; Colossians}

 This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for October 9-15, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're geared for ages 8-14, but littler kids love the coloring pages and older kids/kids at heart often enjoy the activities.  They're perfect to use as attention getters or as reviews in your classes or families.  Our ward hands them out along with the sacrament program each week.


TEACHING IDEA: 

Start off by telling your family/class that Philippians is known as the "GOSPEL OF ________."   Then  play a quick game of hangman to guess the word that goes in the blank, which is JOY.    If you have enough people in your group, assign each person a block of scriptures with a marking pen (or instructions on how to mark electronically) and have them find all the instances of the words JOY or REJOICE in Philippians.  I counted 16, but maybe you'll find some I missed???

Ask them what Paul had to be so joyful about?  Remind them that he was in prison while he wrote this letter.   Have them guess a few things, then, in a different color marking pen, have them mark (or show your already marked scriptures) all the times the words JESUS or CHRIST are mentioned.  I counted 39 times.   

Then bring it all together and talk about Paul was joyful because of Jesus!  

QUOTES:   

"My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.  When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation, which President Thomas S. Monson just taught us, and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”9 And we can feel it all year round. For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!"  "Joy and Spiritual Survival," Russell M. Nelson, October 2016

"If we look to the world and follow its formulas for happiness, we will never know joy. The unrighteous may experience any number of emotions and sensations, but they will never experience joy! Joy is a gift for the faithful. It is the gift that comes from intentionally trying to live a righteous life, as taught by Jesus Christ.

He taught us how to have joy. When we choose Heavenly Father to be our God and when we can feel the Savior’s Atonement working in our lives, we will be filled with joy. Every time we nurture our spouse and guide our children, every time we forgive someone or ask for forgiveness, we can feel joy."
  "Joy and Spiritual Survival," Russell M. Nelson, October 2016

VIDEOS:  

I Can Do All Things Through Christ: 2023 Youth Theme:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7OqDMoSaak

Philippians 1-2:  Christ, My All in All  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJxgZVggfO8&t=29s

(Note:  This video was not created with an LDS audience in mind, however the content is great and I recommend just cutting it off about 30 seconds from the end when he starts asking for subscribers)

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

Come, Follow Me Teaching Ideas and Resources for October 2-8, 2023 {Ephesians}

 This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for October 2-8, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're geared for ages 8-14, but littler kids love the coloring pages and older kids/kids at heart often enjoy the activities.  They're perfect to use as attention getters or as reviews in your classes or families.  Our ward hands them out along with the sacrament program each week.


TEACHING IDEA:  WHO'S GOT YOUR BACK?:

The following  idea is taken from this Don't Miss This episode from around 45:00-49:00  into it.

 

I recommend listening to those few minutes at least as part of your teaching preparation.  

Read Ephesians 6:11-18 and have someone draw a man/woman  wearing the armor of God (with labels) as you read about the different parts of armor .  Art skills not required (as you can see above)!  haha!

After going through that and discussing a bit what each piece of protection might mean in their lives, then read at least the highlighted section of the quote by N. Eldon Tanner.  The full quote is listed in the quote section below (and is worth reading together if your audience has the attention span), but this part illustrates the point the most succinctly.

"Examine your armor. Is there an unguarded or unprotected place? Determine now to add whatever part is missing. No matter how antiquated or lacking in parts your armor may be, always remember that it is within your power to make the necessary adjustments to complete your armor.

Through the great principle of repentance you can turn your life about and begin now clothing yourself with the armor of God through study, prayer, and a determination to serve God and keep his commandments."

Look at that picture of the man/woman in armor again and ask,

"What's protecting their back?"

Listen to their answers and then read Isaiah 58:8

Then discuss what it means for the Lord to have our backs and also what we can do to fortify those parts of our armor that may need strengthening.  

QUOTES:   

 "We all have different weaknesses and temptations, and we should examine our lives to find out what those weaknesses are and where we should put on extra armor so we can do what is right and not submit to temptation....

Are we studying the scriptures so that we can increase our knowledge and faith and testimony regarding the gospel? Do we keep the commandments? Are we honest and truthful in our dealings? Do we keep the Sabbath day holy? Do we observe the Word of Wisdom? Do we pay an honest tithing? Do we attend our meetings and respond to the calls made of us by our authorities? Are we virtuous and clean and pure in heart and mind and deed?

Do we fight against the evils around us—pornography, abortion, tobacco, alcohol, drugs? Do we have the courage to stand up for our convictions? Can we truly say we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ? Do we live peaceably with our neighbors and avoid gossip and backbiting and spreading unfounded rumors? Do we truly love our neighbors as ourselves?

If we can answer yes to these questions, then we will have on the whole armor of God, which will protect us from harm and preserve us from our enemies. If we must answer no to these questions, then our armor is weak, there is an unshielded place which can be found, a vulnerable area for attack, and we will be subject to injury or destruction by Satan, who will search until he finds our weaknesses, if we have them.

Examine your armor. Is there an unguarded or unprotected place? Determine now to add whatever part is missing. No matter how antiquated or lacking in parts your armor may be, always remember that it is within your power to make the necessary adjustments to complete your armor.

Through the great principle of repentance you can turn your life about and begin now clothing yourself with the armor of God through study, prayer, and a determination to serve God and keep his commandments."    "Put on the Whole Armor of God," N. Eldon Tanner, April 1979


"..we all need to repent. We need to get up off the couch, put down the remote, and wake up from our spiritual slumber. It is time to put on the full armor of God so we can engage in the most important work on earth. It is time to “thrust in [our] sickles, and reap with all [our] might, mind, and strength.” The forces of evil have never raged more forcefully than they do today. As servants of the Lord, we cannot be asleep while this battle rages.

Your family needs your leadership and love. Your... ward or branch need your strength. And all who meet you need to know what a true disciple of the Lord looks like and acts like."  "We Can Do and Be Better," Russell M. Nelson, April 2019

VIDEOS: 

Ephesians 6:  The Armor of God  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mawX1wFJZN4

Ephesians 4:  Unity of the Faith  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67k0spz0gNE


Ephesians 2:  Ye Are No More Strangers  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIWuVYZQhsQ

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

CFM Teaching Resources and Ideas for Sept 25-Oct 1, 2023 {Galatians}

 This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for September 25 - October 1, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   


These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect to use as an introduction or review to a lesson in a primary or Sunday School class or in your family.  Our ward uses them as a handout along with the sacrament programs.  

 FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT OBJECT LESSON AND SNACK:  This link has a super fun idea for teaching about the fruits of the spirit {Galatians 5:22-23} and relating it to our daily lives.  I think this taste test and lesson would be a great attention getter in a classroom.    

QUOTES:   

"Enjoying the fruits of the gospel should not make us arrogant and aloof, but it should set us apart from the world in much of our conduct.

It is, perhaps, well in these times, when so many of the fundamental truths of the Restoration and the validity of the Lord’s work are being challenged, that we ask ourselves to what degree our conduct sets us apart and manifests the fruits of the gospel. In our homes and in our families, are we enjoying and qualifying for the love and support of family members? In our business dealings, are we fair and honest and prompt in meeting our obligations; is our word as good as our bond? Are our private and innermost thoughts free from the contaminations of the world? Do they reflect our absolute loyalty and fidelity to those with whom we have made eternal vows? Are we nourishing through prayer and a regular study of the Lord’s revealed truths the spiritual and moral strength which is required in today’s environment? In the entertainment and recreation we seek, are we keeping ourselves unspotted from the world and in harmony with the Lord’s holy Sabbath? Are we generous with our means and inclined to be serviceable to others? Do we acknowledge our faults and shortcomings and seek forgiveness from those whom we have wronged or offended?

Let me repeat again that those who do the Lord’s work demonstrate it by the fruits of their labors. Analyzing and criticizing others, either from a historical perspective or from what we may view of a contemporary life, will be of little consequence unless it balances with the Lord’s assessment." 
"By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them," Dean Larsen, October 1985

"Sometimes the divine witness comes in the burning of the bosom (see Luke 24:32). On other occasions, the doctrine we hear is “delicious” to us, meaning it tastes good spiritually (see Alma 32:28). In other words, we do not need external evidence to verify these truths or logic to prove them — we just “know.”  

Paul defined other fruits of the Spirit as “joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith” (Galatians 5:22). When any of these virtues or impressions envelop our hearts or minds, it is a witness from God that what we are listening to, what we are feeling, is from Him. " 
"How Can We Teach Our Children to Recognize the Spirit?," Ted Callister, Church News, January 2021

VIDEO: 

Fruit of the Spirit:  Latter Day Kids   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GZjFNTJUL4

FUN RESOURCE: 
Family Night Fun:  Fruits of the Spirit

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/friend/2019/09/family-night-fun?lang=eng#p4


ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

CFM Resources and Ideas for Teaching September 18-24, 2023 {2 Corinthians 8-13}

 This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for September 18-24, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   


These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect to hand out along with the sacrament programs, or as a review or attention getter in your families or classrooms.   They're designed for kids ages 8-14, but all ages can enjoy the coloring sheet and/or activities.

TEACHING IDEA: 
OBJECT LESSON: 
Need paper towel, washable red marker (sharpies and art markers don't work), regular pen,  bowl of water

Make sure it's a washable marker.   My kids are grown up and I tried an art marker and a sharpie first, and neither of those worked.   Luckily I found this long lost Crayola marker that worked...

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 and start a discussion about sharing with those who have less than us.  It can be material things or it could be love.   Hold up a blank paper towel and talk about how there are people who feel like their hearts are empty.  They often come from difficult situations and even struggle to feel God's love for them.   Then, with the washable red marker (any kids' marker will do), draw and color in a small heart in the corner of the paper towel.  

While drawing and coloring the heart, remind them of what a blessing it is to know that God loves us so deeply.   Then talk about how those that may feel lost or forgotten (draw the outline of a small heart with pen an inch or so away from the colored heart). 

  Then dip the corner of the paper towel (the same one with the colored heart) into the water just a bit.  Hold it there for a minute or two and talk about ways that they can share God's love with others, then they can go on and share love with others, and it will spread.   And watch how the water and the red from the heart spreads through the paper towel!   The more love we share, the more it will spread! 

QUOTES:   

 "Thus, our greatest joy comes as we help our brothers and sisters, no matter where we live in this wonderful world.  Giving help to others—making a conscientious effort to care about others as much as or more than we care about ourselves—is our joy. Especially, I might add, when it is not convenient and when it takes us out of our comfort zone. Living that second great commandment is the key to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ."   "The Second Great Commandment," President Nelson,   October 2019

"Sometimes we feel discouraged because we are not “more” of something—more spiritual, respected, intelligent, healthy, rich, friendly, or capable. Naturally, there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve. God created us to grow and progress. But remember, our weaknesses can help us to be humble and turn us to Christ, who will “make weak things become strong.”⁴ Satan, on the other hand, uses our weaknesses to the point that we are discouraged from even trying.

I learned in my life that we don’t need to be “more” of anything to start to become the person God intended us to become.

God will take you as you are at this very moment and begin to work with you. All you need is a willing heart, a desire to believe, and trust in the Lord."  "It Works Wonderfully," Dieter Uchtdorf, October 2015

VIDEOS: 

Loving Your Neighbor:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EJ5J5C6Tbo

Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db-lE_f2U5I



ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

Come, Follow Me Teaching Ideas and Resources for Sept 11-17, 2023 {2 Corinthians 1-7}

This blogpost features some  resources and teaching ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for September 11-17, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   


These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect to hand out along with the sacrament programs, or as a review or attention getter in your families or classrooms.   They're designed for kids ages 8-14, but all ages can enjoy the coloring sheet and/or activities.  

TEACHING IDEA:  This video is a bit too long and rambly to watch together as a class/family, but the idea is great and not that difficult to implement for illustrating the concept of becoming new (as mentioned in the reading).  I'd start by talking about Paul's experience of becoming a changed man, then reading 2 Corinthians 5:17, then doing the object lesson with the penny.  

ITEMS NEEDED:  white vinegar, salt, shiny new penny, old "dirty" pennies (you may want to have enough for the whole class to try it themselves) 

Come Follow Me, Object Lesson: Jesus Christ Can Change Us     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UQV2KVKVKY


QUOTES:   

"Divine discontent comes when we compare “what we are [to] what we have the power to become.”3 Each of us, if we are honest, feels a gap between where and who we are, and where and who we want to become. We yearn for greater personal capacity. We have these feelings because we are daughters and sons of God, born with the Light of Christ yet living in a fallen world. These feelings are God given and create an urgency to act.

We should welcome feelings of divine discontent that call us to a higher way, while recognizing and avoiding Satan’s counterfeit—paralyzing discouragement. This is a precious space into which Satan is all too eager to jump. We can choose to walk the higher path that leads us to seek for God and His peace and grace, or we can listen to Satan, who bombards us with messages that we will never be enough: rich enough, smart enough, beautiful enough, anything enough. Our discontent can become divine—or destructive."   "Divine Discontent," Michelle Craig, October 2018


"When you wonder how much pain you can endure well, remember Him. He suffered what you suffer so that He would know how to lift you up. He may not remove the burden, but He will give you strength, comfort, and hope. He knows the way. He drank the bitter cup. He endured the suffering of all.

You are being nourished and comforted by a loving Savior, who knows how to succor you in whatever tests you face. Alma taught:

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. “And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” One way He will succor you will be to invite you always to remember Him and to come unto Him."  "Tested, Proved, and Polished," Henry B Eyring, October 2020

VIDEOS: 

Latter-day Kids:  Repentance   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFFAca1tZKY

2 Corinthians 7:  Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEySoMQkz08



2 Corinthians 5:  Reconciled to God through Jesus Christ  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XguR5tJgaCE


ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

CFM Teaching Ideas and Resources for September 4-10, 2023 {1 Corinthians 14-16}

 This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for September 4-10, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   
These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect to use as a review or attention getter in your families or in a primary or Sunday School class,  or as a handout along with the sacrament programs.   They're geared for kids ages 8-14, but kids of all ages will enjoy the coloring pages and many older kids/adults enjoy the activity as well! 


TEACHING IDEA:  Ballpoint Pen - Resurrection Analogy

*be prepared to read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (especially 22)
* need a ballpoint pen that can be taken apart and put back together again
*need a piece of paper

Show your class/family a ballpoint pen, talk about what it does / demonstrate,  then without saying anything, unscrew it and remove the ink.   Use this as a launching point to talk about resurrection and how our bodies are like the shell of the pen and our spirits are like the ink.  Talk about how at death our bodies (the shell of the pen) are laid in the ground, but our spirits (the ink) never die.    And that at resurrection, our spirits rejoin with our bodies.   No matter what condition the shell of the pen (or our bodies) are in, they will be perfected and restored.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 and testify of the resurrection and how Christ made it possible.

Idea from LDS Living website

QUOTES:   

 "Because of Him, we do not have to deal with our frailties, sins, and fears alone. Because of Him, death is not the end. Resurrection will come to all who have ever lived. Because of Him, families can be together forever. Because of Him, guilt becomes peace, regret becomes relief, and despair becomes hope. We are given second chances, clean slates, and new beginnings. Because of Jesus Christ, we celebrate Easter. And Easter is all about peace and hope."   "This Easter, Find Peace in Jesus Christ," Russell M Nelson, March 2021

“The assurance of resurrection gives us the strength and perspective to endure the mortal challenges faced by each of us and by those we love, such things as the physical, mental, or emotional deficiencies we bring with us at birth or acquire during mortal life. Because of the resurrection, we know that these mortal deficiencies are only temporary!”  "Resurrection," Dallin H Oaks, April 2000

VIDEOS: 

Death and Resurrection: Come Follow Me Lesson for Kids  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLP9VXI-9RY

What Happens to Our Bodies and Spirits After We Die?:  Now You Know  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_PAXkkQ6uY

Finding Hope Through the Resurrection of Christ  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEJuI-UMuBg

RESOURCES:

"He is Risen," Thomas S. Monson, April 2010

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

Come, Follow Me Teaching Resources and Ideas for August 28-September 3, 2023 {1 Corinthians 8-13}

This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for August 28-September 3, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   


These 1/2 page activity sheets are designed to be printed double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect to use as attention getters in a primary or Sunday School class, as a review in your family, or as a handout along with the sacrament programs.  

TEACHING IDEA:   (idea  from this website)

You will need 5-10 different containers with detachable lids ( for example: jars, sippy cups, empty food canisters, gift boxes, etc.) and a large bag or backpack.

Place all of the lids inside the backpack. Then set all the containers in a row where everyone can see them. Allow children to take turns drawing a lid from the bag, and placing the lid in front of the container that they think is the correct match for the lid (don’t put the lid on yet). Once all of the lids have been placed in front of a container, try placing all the lids on the containers to see if they guessed correctly!

After you complete the activity, discuss the following questions:

1) How many did you guess correctly? (Discuss.)

2) How did you know which container was the right one for each lid? (Discuss things like color, shape, size, type of lid, etc.)

3) How do you know what other people need? (Discuss things that can give you clues, like someone is shivering, something is out of place, etc.)

4) How do you know what other people are feeling? (Discuss things like body language, facial expressions, etc.)

Explain: Today our lesson is about the word “Charity.” Charity is the pure love of Christ. When we try to love other people the way that Jesus Christ loves all of us, that’s called charity.

QUOTES:   

“Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes.  Jesus, our Savior, was the epitome of kindness and compassion."  "The Virtue of Kindness", Joseph B Wirthlin, April 2005

"It is part of the gift of charity to be able to recognize the Lord’s hand and feel His love in all that surrounds us. At times it will not be easy to discover the Lord’s love for us in all that we experience, because He is a perfect, anonymous giver. You will search all your life to uncover His hand and the gifts He has bestowed upon you because of His intimate, modest, humble way of granting such wonderful gifts.

Ponder with me a moment the following majestic gifts: the glories of all creation,¹⁸ the earth, the heavens; your feelings of love and joy; His responses of mercy, forgiveness, and innumerable answers to prayer; the gift of loved ones; and finally the greatest gift of all—the Father’s gift of His atoning Son, the perfect one in charity, even the God of love."  "Charity: Perfect and Everlasting Love", Gene R. Cook, April 2002.

VIDEOS:  
The Busy Little Squirrel:  A Story About Charity  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J6EDnrakD4


Serving in the Savior's Way  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgEf1_bpyAQ


1 Corinthians 13:  Charity Never Faileth  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBIEYAfoEz0

1 Corinthians 13:  Ye Are the Temple of God  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_jWCoQGbfI

1 Corinthians 12:  Resurrection of the Dead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvG7UEvXDyc


ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!